Languages
Spanish.
Because Panama caters to western tourists, many hotels, restaurants, and tourist sites speak English, but it’s not ubiquitous in the country. Brushing up on your high school Spanish is a very good idea.
Currency
American dollar.
The official currency of Panama is the Balboa, however except for single dollar Balboa coins (which you might get as change), everyone uses American cash. You can withdraw American cash from Panama’s ATMs while there. 1 balboa = 1 USD. Credit cards were widely accepted at hotels and restaurants.
International Airports
- Tocumen International Airport (PTY)
- Albrook “Marcos A. Gelabert” International Airport (PAC)
- Enrique Malek International Airport (DAV)
- Bocas del Toro “Isla Colón” International Airport (BOC)
Do I need a Visa?
If you’re coming from the US or Canada you do not need a visa to enter the country if you’re just going for vacation up to 90 days.
Do I need Vaccines?
We don’t provide medical advice. Short answer, probably. Check the CDC website for most up to date information. No matter where you go in Panama you’ll need Hepatitis A and Typhoid, along with standard childhood vaccines and boosters (MMR and tetanus). Depending where you go you’ll need Hepatitis B, Rabies, Yellow Fever, and medications for malaria. Check with your physician and consult the CDC. You should also use mosquito repellent with either DEET or picaridin to prevent diseases like Zika, Dengue, and Chikungunya. Look at https://www.cdc.gov/
Tipping
In Latin America, it’s customary to tip service providers.
Waiters – 10-15% of the cost of the meal
Porters – $2 per bag
Housekeepers and Maids – $1.50 – 4.00 per room per night
Taxis – Do not normally get tipped
Private drivers – $1 – 2 per person/day. For extended drives consider giving more.
Guides – $5 – 10 per person/day.
Not-to-miss Local Food, Beer, Drink
Food
Panamanian cuisine blends a few different cultures including Afro-Carribbean, French, Spanish, and indigenous.
- Ceviche (visit a cevicherie)
- Plantains or Patacones (like plantain fries)
- Any and all fresh seafood
- Arroz con pollo
- Sancocho (traditional panamanian soup)
- Raspao (Panamanian shaved ice)
Drinks
Water
The tap water is ok to drink in larger cities including Panama City. However, you should avoid tap water in the provinces of Bocas del Toro and the Comarca de Guna Yala. To be on the safe side, drink filtered water outside of Panama City. You should also be wary of fresh vegetables washed with water in certain provinces. Most eco lodges and nicer hotels wash their veggies in filtered water so you should be ok eating food at your lodging.
Coffee
Panama is known for it’s coffee. Coffee tends to be more floral, citrus, and acidic (vs strong European blends). The most famous coffee in the area of Boquete is the Geisha varietal. It’s one of the most expensive coffees in the world (a pound can go for over $600)- go seek it out, but it’s pricey at about $9/cup. If you do a coffee tour you can skip this price tag and taste it included in the tour. Also make an effort to try the difference between washed and unwashed coffee; they have shockingly different taste.
Local Beer and alcohol
Panama’s national alcoholic drink is seco, made from sugar cane. It’s typically mixed with tropical juices.
Panama also produces rum, and we highly recommend trying the craft rum from Mandinga Rum Bar in Casco Viejo.
Panama enjoys beer. While it has some large national brands, it also has a growing micro brewery movement. Some great options include:
– La Rana Dorada
– Balboa
– Panama Lager
– Atlas
– Casa Bruja
Not-to-miss Sites:
- Panama Canal
- Boquete Coffee Region
- Bocas del Toro Archipelago
Recommended Guide Books
- Frommers
- Lonely Planet
Don’t Forget to Pack
Find the recommended Panama packing list here.