Essential Things to Know Before Traveling to Panama

 

CAPITAL

Panama City

 

PANAMA LOCAL TIME

Local Time: GMT +3

International Dialing Code: +974

 

LANGUAGE

The official language is Spanish, but English is widely spoken.

 

Religion: 

Almost all Christian; 90% Roman Catholic (FCO figures). Other representations include Protestants, Jews and Muslims.

 

PASSPORT AND VISA

To enter Panama, a passport valid for a minimum of six months is required by all nationals. Visas are not required by nationals of Canada/USA/Australia/Great Britain/EU for stays of up to 180 days, unless arriving by sea. If arriving by sea (except via cruise ship), there is a US$105 charge per person for passengers and crew members. If travelling overland, get an exit visa and Panama entry visa stamped in your passport. Difficulties can arise further down the line when leaving Panama if the requisite stamps are absent.

All Passengers are responsible for securing proper documentation prior to joining the tour.  Passports are required; in addition travelers are advised to check with local consulates for full details regarding Visa requirements. Please note securing a valid visa for entry is sole responsibility of the traveler.

 

CURRENCY AND MONEY

Balboa (PAB; symbol B/.) = 100 centésimos. There is no Panamanian paper currency; coins exist in denominations of B/.10 and 1, and 50, 25, 10, 5 and 1 centésimos. US currency was adopted in 1904 and exists alongside the Balboa coinage: B/.1 = US$1.

US Dollar (US$) = 100 cents. Notes are in denominations of US$100, 50, 20, 10, 5, 2 and 1. Coins are in denominations of US$1, and 50, 25, 10, 5 and 1 cents.

Credit cards: 

MasterCard and Visa are the most commonly used, but American Express and Diners Club are also accepted. While you will be able to use credit cards in higher end hotels and restaurants, anywhere smaller or more local will not have the facilities, and it is wise to always have some cash to tide you over. Many of the islands, including Isla de Coiba and Isla Contadora, have no banks and no cash machines, so carrying cash is essential.

ATM: 

ATM machines can be found throughout the country, especially in the cities. ATMs are found in or next to banks, or in the streets marked by the red sistema clave sign. Banks usually charge a fee to draw out funds in Panama, but it still usually works out better than changing money. You can usually only draw up to US$500 in cash at any one time, but this amount varies between banks. ATMs can run out of cash, so try and always have some on you, in case you are unable to withdraw any immediately.

Traveller’s cheques: 

You can still cash traveller’s cheques at some banks, especially the larger ones in the cities, but not everywhere, and you can spend them almost nowhere. This being the case, they are not really a recommended form of currency to rely on. If you must carry traveller’s cheques, they should certainly be in US dollars as they won’t be accepted in any other form; American Express traveller’s cheques are best. You will also be charged a fee to change traveller’s cheques, usually about 1% of the transaction price.

Banking hours: 

Mon-Fri 0800-1500, Sat 0830-1200.

 

FOOD AND DRINK

Being such a mix of cultures, it is only right that Panama should have a huge variety of cuisines on offer for visitors. You can find everything here, from extremely high-end international restaurants to American fast-food in major chains to tiny cafes with lots of hearty local food. Higher-end hotels in major cities almost always provide a very Western, good quality dining experience, completely sheltered from the local life of the city. Alternatively, the Panamanian canteen style of eating can be practically all you can stuff into your stomach while sitting with the elderly chess-playing locals. You can budget your meals from a few Panamanian Balboas to hundreds of US dollars. American, French and Spanish food is available in all restaurants and hotels in Panama City and Colón. There is a huge selection of excellent restaurants in Panama City, as well as other main cities. There are also several Oriental restaurants. Native cooking is reminiscent of creole cuisine, sometimes hot and spicy and always filling and hearty. And if you’re craving a burger, the food courts in the shopping malls will provide.

Seafood is excellent and in abundance, especially in the restaurants of the island towns where it is completely fresh; caught and cooked before your eyes. Expect fish and shellfish of all kinds and in large portions, for a fraction of what you would pay in North America.

The choice and availability of wines, spirits and beers in hotels, restaurants and bars is unlimited. Local beers and spirits are typically cheaper than imported brands, and are usually what are on offer in smaller towns or local bars. Be careful of the Panamanian spirit Seco Herrerano – expect a headache the next day if you don’t take it easy.

Specialities: 

• Ceviche (fish marinated in lime juice, onions and peppers).
• Patacones de plátano (fried plantain, served with most meals).
• Sancocho (Panamanian stew with chicken, meat and vegetables).
• Tamales (seasoned pie wrapped in banana leaves).
• Empanadas (turnovers filled with meat, chicken or cheese).
• Gallo pinto (rice and beans, often mixed with pork in Panama).
• Yuca Frita (fried yucca, served on the side of most meals).
• Raspados (like snow cones, but topped with condensed milk and syrup, eaten for dessert).

Regional drinks: 

• Fresh fruit juices (pineapple, papaya, mango, and passion fruit – all you can think of, either blended with ice or condensed milk).
• Chicha fuerte (a highly alcoholic maize-based spirit).
• Chicha (usually refers to all fruit drinks, but properly speaking is a soft drink made from maize).
• Resbaladera (technically Costa Rican, but drunk widely in Panama, a non-alcoholic chilled grain and milk drink, similar to chicheme).
• Ron Ponche (milk and vanilla rum-based cocktail).
• Panama produces the following beers: Panama, Atlas, Soberana and Balboa (this is more like stout).
• Seco Herrerano (Panama’s national spirit, triple-distilled from sugarcane and very strong).

 

WEATHER AND CLIMATE

Temperatures are high across the whole country throughout the year, though cooler at high altitudes. The rainy season lasts from May to November, but even at this time of year rain rarely lasts all day – just take an umbrella for the downpours; the sun will be out again soon. Rainfall is twice as heavy on the Pacific coast as it is on the lowlands of the Caribbean coast.

Panama City: (approx)

 

Clothing: 

Lightweight cottons and linens are worn, with rainwear advisable, particularly in the rainy season. However, keep it light: just because it rains doesn’t mean it gets cold. Warmer clothes are needed in the highlands, especially in the dry season.

 

SUGGESTED TIPPING SCALE

It is a way of showing your appreciation and will be welcomed by the recipient, although if you decide not to tip in a particular circumstance, this doesn’t mean you’ll receive a lower level of service. Ultimately, tipping is discretionary and should be done at a level that feels comfortable.

Here are some guidelines that you may find helpful:

 

HEALTH

Modern and reliable private medical services are available. According to current legislation covering sanitary matters, Panama offers healthcare facilities to all nationals and foreign travellers who may require them, independent of any reciprocal agreement with a particular country. International travellers are, however, advised to take out medical insurance.

As a general recommendation, it is advisable to check with your family doctor or travel clinic for latest health information.

 

TRAVEL INSURANCE

It is highly recommended that you purchase travel insurance. Your home country health plan may only provide limited coverage while traveling outside of the country. Indus Travels can offer you a complete travel insurance package. Some credit cards do offer travel insurance, however they do not always provide adequate coverage. Review and understand the terms of your credit card insurance policy. Extra travel insurance can be purchased. Most insurance companies do have exclusions in their coverage. Pre-existing medical conditions are not insurable.