Country of Panama Official Site for Accurate Info: Tips On Travel To Panama

As a technologist living and loving Panama, I am always looking for new and updated information to help those who are seeking it and those who want to visit
Panama. On this site, which is fairly ranked in Google. I found these contents which Google thinks are very important because it lists this contents on the
first page of Google. What bothers me is many of this information is outdated and the website owners just don't spend any time updating. So I am going to
update these comments in this post. Lets go through them and I will write my comments in RED...

Panama Travel Tips

For more information on specific topics click the links below

Currency

The currency in Panama is called the Balboa (PAB). One Balboa equals 100 centavos. There is no Panamanian paper currency. All local money is in coins, which come in denominations of PAB1 and 10, as well as 1, 5, 10, 25, and 50 centavos. US dollars were adopted as acceptable currency in 1904 and still exist today alongside the Balboa coins.

Currency Exchange

In Panama there’s really no need to change large amounts of money into local currency as long as you have plenty of US dollars, as they are accepted as readily as the local Balboa. All hotels can exchange money for you, as well as the banks and cambios. If you are coming from a country other than the United States, it’s probably a good idea to get US dollars or traveller’s cheques before arriving. If you have anything over 20 USD make sure to have you passport because everywhere you will be requested to fillout a form. Keep a copy of your passport with you at all times. Better yet use credit cards for everything. All major cards are accepted in most places except some open markets.

Banking Hours

Banks are open from 08:00 to 15:00 Monday through Friday, and 08:30 to 12:00 on Saturdays.

Currency Restrictions

There are no restrictions on the amount of money you can import or export in either Balboas or other foreign currencies. However, you must declare any amount you bring in over US$10,000 to immigration upon arrival.

Customs

Visitors can import up to 500 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 500g of tobacco, as well as three bottles of alcohol. Edible products from animals, flowers, fruits and vegetables are only permitted with a certificate issued by the Department of Agriculture from the country of origin.

Electricity

In Panama, they typically use 120V, 60Hz; although some places will also have outlets for either 110V or 220V, so it’s advisable to bring a universal adapter. If you are coming from USA, all your electric appliances will work. Current fluctuation is minimal in big cities and your equipment is safe staying plugged into the grid.

Health

Panama poses few serious health risks to visitors. The worst problem visitors are likely to experience is a case of traveller’s stomach from exposure to new micro organisms in the food. Being that I am a vegetarian and very sensitive to different foods. I am yet to feel any issues with food or water in the big cities. Definitely in the small towns you are better off boiling water or drinking bottled water. But I find the water better than most places in the world. Panama has the purest potable water in the world, and can be drunk directly from the tap. However, in the smaller towns it’s best to stick to bottled water, which is readily available. The food in the restaurants should be fine, but always check that any street food or seafood has been thoroughly cooked. The intense tropical sun is another thing to watch. Wear plenty of sunscreen and a hat to avoid getting cooked. If you go out for a hike or other activity, bring plenty of water and keep hydrated.

Hepatitis A, B and E occur in Panama, as well as Dengue Fever, filariasis and a handful of other nasty tropical diseases. Fortunately, there’s a low risk of malaria. Be sure you are up to date with your shots before travelling to Panama. If you get sick, Panama’s private hospitals and clinics are up to international standards. Most doctors in Panama speak English and Spanish and the country is required by law to offer healthcare to any foreign traveller who needs it. There are state health centres and hospitals in every part of the country, but Panama City has the most modern facilities. Visitors should make sure they have comprehensive medical insurance before leaving home.

We have very equiped emergency and hospitals in the main cities and they are relatively inexpensive.

Medical Emergency Number: 104

Safety

In general, Panama is a very safe country to visit. The capital of Panama City, while safer than most American capitals, offers a high risk of theft, and common sense should be used. Stick to the well-travelled parts of town and stay alert for pickpockets and thieves, especially in the pedestrian-only Central Avenue area. The city of Colon has a major reputation for crime, so visitors should not wander around the town alone at any hour of the day or night. Use a taxi for all of your travelling.

The biggest danger area in Panama is the Darien Province which makes up the southern border of the country with Colombia. This no-man’s land is rife with bandits, smugglers, Colombian guerrillas and paramilitary forces, so if you venture into the area make sure you are with a local guide. Fortunately, the Darien National Park is relatively safe and as long as you trek around with a guide you shouldn’t encounter any problems. I really don't see how any of this is relavant. I don't see any issues walking around Colon during the daylight and so, some of this is blown out of proportion but safy's sake, what is said here is mostly acceptable. If you are going to Colon most likely you are going to the Colon 2000 or you will spend time in the Zone shopping so definitely you will have no issues there. You are more safe there than any big city in the world.

Police: 104

Social Conventions

Panamanian culture is an interesting blend of American and Spanish lifestyles, so visitors will find that social conventions are similar to those in other Western countries. A handshake is the common way to greet someone in Panama, and dress is generally casual. The dominating cultural group are the Mestizos, which are mainly rural dwellers and share the same characteristics of other Mestizo groups throughout Central America. Only three indigenous tribes remain in Panama, primarily because they have retreated to virtually inaccessible parts of the country.

Tax and Tipping

There is a lodging tax in Panama, so guests should expect to be charged 10 per cent over the daily room rate. There is also an international airport departure tax of US$20 which must be paid in cash at the airport. Waiters at the more upscale restaurants in Panama City and the resort towns expect to receive a 10 per cent tip. In small cafés and more casual places, tipping is not necessary, but always appreciated. Porters should be given 50 cents per suitcase. Treat these service providers with more respect and be generous. No reason not to give a good tip if the service is great. Some restaurants do add the tip on the bill but is best to check your bill and make sure. A 10 to 15 percent tip is really not that much for good service. Give generously and let the great service be rewarded so it can continue.

Telephone

The country code for Panama is +507, and there are no area codes. The country has excellent telephone, satellite and international cable service. There is direct-dial telephone service to any country in the world, and Internet cafés exist in most urban areas. You can buy a prepaid cell phone and use it during your stay in Panama and toss it when you leave or give it away as a gift. You can find prepaid phones as low as 14.00USD.

Time

GMT-5

Visa and Passports

Citizens of America, UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and most other countries do not need to obtain a visa to enter the country. However, all visitors must get a tourist card in advance which is available from embassies and airlines serving Panama. It allows a stay of up to three months and the cost varies depending on your country of origin. Most visitors simply get their tourist card through their airline, as it’s a standard procedure. If you want to stay longer than three months, you simply need to apply at the local immigration office. This is more transparent than ever. I love all the new changes in the immigration but for security reasons I do not want to discuss this any further. Just know Panama is the easiest country to visit and get through Customs and Immigration.