Visiting Panama         List of Categories        

  1. Is Panama safe?

  2. Do I need a visa to visit Panama?

  3. Can I drink the water? Do I need vaccinations?

  4. Is it Politically stable?

  5. How are the prices in Panama?

  6. How cheap is cheap?

  7. Can I use credit cards and travelers checks?

  8. What is the national currency?

  9. I don't speak Spanish. Will that be a problem in Panama?

  10. What do I need to bring?




  1. Is Panama safe?

    Panama was recently reported by Pinkerton Intelligence Agency to be one of the safest countries anywhere in the world. There is very little violent crime. Of course, as in any city in the US or Europe, there are certain neighborhoods to be avoided and you should take sensible precautions. Don’t go out late at night, alone, into areas you don’t know. Don’t flash a lot of cash or wear obvious jewelry. Don’t leave your laptop or camera unattended, etc. Use common sense. I have traveled extensively and can say without qualification that the Panamanian people are the friendliest, most helpful, most generous people I have met anywhere in the world.

    Top


  2. Do I need a visa to visit Panama?

    Citizens of most countries including the USA and Western Europe do not need a visa. Tourists from some countries including the US, need only purchase a $5 tourist card from their airlines, at the ticket counter on the day of departure for Panama. A tourist card gives you an automatic 30 day stay in Panama and is extendible for another 60 days. Citizens of most other countries need only their passport. If your children are traveling with one parent only, Panama, like many countries requires a notarized letter of permission from the other parent.

    Top


  3. Can I drink the water? Do I need vaccinations?

    Unless you are traveling into the Darien Province, it is not necessary to get any shots. The US CDC website recommends protection against malaria, yellow fever, typhoid and hepatitis A. But, again, unless you are going to be spending time deep in the jungle, these are not necessary. It is safe to drink the tap water almost anywhere in Panama. If you have any concerns, bottled water is readily available and cheap.

    Top


  4. Is it Politically stable?

    Since Noriega’s removal from power in the late 1980’s (he now resides in Homestead, Florida, courtesy of the US government) Panama has flourished democratically. In May 2004 a new president was elected (along with new representatives, mayors, etc.) in a very orderly transition. A high percentage of Panamanians vote and the political scene prior to the election was very high spirited, with lots of street rallies, speakers, music and dancing, fireworks, etc. There is no military, only various police branches (i.e. for traffic, for highways, for crime, for border crossings, etc.).

    Top


  5. How are the prices in Panama?

    The tourism industry in Panama is just developing and so prices are low and some of the most inexpensive anywhere.

    Top


  6. How cheap is cheap?

    It depends on what you want. In Panama City you can spend $100 or more a night for a really nice upscale hotel room or you can spend $30 for a sparkling clean but modest hotel room. You can eat well with wine or beer for under $10 or you can spend a lot more. Tipping is 10%. In Boquete, you can spend $10-$20 for a room at a hostel, $50-$100 at a nice B&B, and there are lots of other desirable options in between. An excellent filet mignon dinner at Boquete Bistro (a favorite expat hangout in Boquete) costs $10; flautas with all the trimmings at one the Mexican restaurant are $2.50. A bottle of very decent Chilean cabernet is under $5 at the grocery and produce is so cheap it’s unbelievable: large, ripe avocados are 5 for a $1; mangos are 20 cents, ripe tomatoes are 30 cents a pound. Utilities such as basic phone, electric, gas, and broadband internet service are a similar to US costs (though cell phone service is pricey). Gasoline and diesel fuel are comparable to current prices in the US.

    Top


  7. Can I use credit cards and travelers checks?

    Credit cards are widely accepted and there are ATM’s everywhere. Travelers checks are not as easy to use.

    Top


  8. What is the national currency?

    The US dollar freely circulates in Panama. This is one country where you don't have to be a mathematical genius to figure out how much things cost!

    Top


  9. I don't speak Spanish. Will that be a problem in Panama?

    Most Panamanians speak some English and many speak it fluently, especially those that cater to tourists. Remember, for 85 years Americans were present in the former Canal Zone. Furthermore, Panama is traditionally an international crossroads. Panamanians are accustomed to working side by side with foreigners and English has truly become a second language.

    Top


  10. What do I need to bring?

    Well, there’s that pocket dictionary I mentioned in the beginning, a current copy of the Lonely Planet Guide to Panama, sun screen (we are only 8 degrees north of the equator), rain jacket and/or umbrella, long sleeve sweater or jacket for evenings in the mountains (about 65 degrees), binoculars (for the birds and vistas), a relaxed attitude and a sense of adventure.

    Panama will supply all the rest.

    Top


Was this page helpful?