Please select one of the following questions:

Is Panama safe?
When is the best time to visit?
I don't speak Spanish. Will that be a problem in Panama?
Do I need a visa to visit Panama?
What’s the Government Like?
What is the currency?
What's the best way to get to Panama?
Which Airlines fly to Panama from which US and Europe and from which cities?
How do I get from the airport to my Panama City hotel?
How are the prices in Panama?
Can I drink the water? Are there any health concerns?
What’s the Weather Like?
Where Do I Take Domestic Flights?
What sort of souvenirs and gifts can I find?
What Type of Wildlife can I see in Panama?
Where are the Best Places to See Wildlife?
What is the electrical voltage? Can I use my electrical appliances?
In case of an emergency, what are the medical facilities like?
What about mosquitos?
Is it safe to drive in Panama? Can I take a "fly and drive" vacation?
How Much Should I Tip?
What Time Zone is Panama in?
Why choose Panama over other Latin American and Caribbean destinations?
What kind of clothes and other items should I bring?
Is Panama a typical Latin American country? What’s the Ethnic makeup?
What’s the basis for the Panama’s economy?
I would like to travel on to South America from Panama. Are there any roads, ferries or boats?
Is there any anti-Americanism?
Is Panama a good place for business?
Is Panama Canal running well?

Is Panama safe?
Yes - Panama is one of the safest countries in the world. Info from the Pinkerton Intelligence Agency published in Newsweek magazine, in which countries all over the world were rated for tourist safety, Panama merited the most desirable category for tourist safety - the same category as the United States. Panama is much safer than Costa Rica. The purse snatchings and pick-pocketing common in other places are almost unheard of.

When is the best time to visit?
Tourism in Panama is a year-around activity. However, there are two "seasons" in Panama and some people prefer to come in the "dry season" from mid-December through May when it doesn't rain.
In the so called "rainy season" or "green season" from June until December, most days there is a one to two hour tropical rain storm in the late afternoon. Before and after the sun is out and most activities can be planned around it. Many hotels offer special "green season" rates.
A few recreational activities are better in the dry season, for example Caribbean diving and particular kinds of sport fishing and bird watching.

I don't speak Spanish. Will that be a problem in Panama?
This will not be a problem.  ManyPanamanians speak some English and some speak it fluently, especially those that cater to tourists. For 85 years there was a large English speaking community of 50,000 Americans living right in the middle of Panama in the Canal Zone. Panama has also always been an international business crossroads.

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 the USA, Canada and EU 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 90 day stay in Panama and can be extended for another 60 days.
If your children are traveling with one parent only, Panama, like many countries requires a notarized letter of permission from the other parent.
The following countries need to purchase a tourist card from their airline or upon arrival (it costs $5 and is valid for 90 days): United States, Canada, EF countries, Antigua & Barbuda, Aruba, Australia, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Bermuda, Bolivia, Brazil, Canada, Colombia, Curacao, Ecuador, Granada, Greece, Guyana, Jamaica, Japan, Malta, Mexico, Monaco, New Zealand, Norway, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent & Grenadines, Samoa Occidental, San Cristobal & Nevis, San Marino, San Tome & Principe, South Korea, Surinam, Sweden, Taiwan, Tobago, Trinidad and Venezuela.

What’s the Government Like?
Panama is one of the most stable democracies in the Americas. Since 1989, Panama’s presidents have been democratically elected. The current president Martin Torrijos began his five year term in September 2004. His government is investor friendly and is taking a number of effective measures to reduce corruption.

What is the currency?
The US dollar is the currency. Yes - that’s right-no currency exchange hassles! Indeed, the US dollar is one of Panama’s great tourist conveniences. This is one country where you don't have to be a mathematical genius to figure out what that meal just cost.

What's the best way to get to Panama?
Panama is a 2.5 hour flight from Miami. There are direct flights to Panama from ten US cities: Newark, New York, Miami, Los Angeles, Houston, Dallas, Atlanta, Washington D.C., Orlando and Ft. Lauderdale.

Which Airlines fly to Panama from which US and Europe and from which cities?
There are direct flights to Panama from ten US cities: New York (Copa and Delta) Newark (Continental) Miami (American and Copa), Los Angeles, (Copa) Houston (Continental) Atlanta (Delta) Orlando (Copa) Washington D.C. (Copa) and Ft. Lauderdale (Spirit)
KLM flies direct from Amsterdam.
Copa, a partner with Continental Airlines is Panama's international airline. Flight times from US cities range 4-5 hours.

How do I get from the airport to my Panama City hotel?
Tocumen International Airport is just 15 minutes by a super highway from downtown Panama City. There is a taxi booth as you come out from customs. Taxi drivers are both safe and reliable. The fare is around $25. If you ask to share a taxi, it is less. No bus service is available.

How are the prices in Panama?
Panama is not the place for "bargain basement" mass beach vacation offerings like Cancun. Panama is the "affordable exotic destination", meaning it offers exotic, unique and off-the-beaten-path kind of experiences with no tourist hordes and plenty of priceless pristine nature.
It is also a backpackers paradise-for a backpacker on a shoe-string budget

Can I drink the water? Are there any health concerns?
Panama is the only country in Latin America where you can drink the tap water. The "Montezumas Revenge" that is so common in the rest of Latin America is almost unheard of in Panama. Sanitary conditions are excellent. There are no special other health concerns and no shots or special pills are necessary unless you are going to hike in the Darien jungles or other remote areas.

What’s the Weather Like?
Panama has two climates-the lowlands including Panama City which are tropical and humid and the highlands which have spring-like temperatures year round.
In the lowlands, temperatures during the day range between 80 F and 90 degrees Fareinheit (25-30 degrees Celsius). It cools off in the evenings which are invariably pleasant. In the Highlands the day range is between 45F and 85F.

Where Do I Take Domestic Flights?
Panama’s domestic airport is in Albrook about 15 minutes from downtown Panama City and 45 minutes from Panama’s Tocumen International Airport.
What are the Transfer times between Panama City and the most Popular Destinations?
Panama City-Costa Blanca: 1 ½ hours by ground.
Panama City-Gamboa Rainforest Resort or Canopy Tower: 45 minutes by ground
Panama City-Panama Canal Miraflores Lock and Visitor Center: 20 minutes by ground
Panama City-Contadora Island: 15 minutes by plane.
Panama City-San Blas Islands: 30-34 minsutes by plane.
Panama City-Isla Grande: 2 hours by ground.
Panama City-Bocas del Toro: 1 hour by plane.
Panama City-Boquete: 1 hour flight to David, then a 45 minutes by ground.
Panama City-Anton Valley (El Valle): 2 hours by ground

What sort of souvenirs and gifts can I find?
Panama has the greatest variety of indigenous-made souvenirs. Panamanians have an innate sense of beauty that shows in their handicrafts. ‘Molas", intricate hand-sewn tapestries of the Kuna indians are the most popular souvenirs. Panama hats, fine woven baskets from the rainforest palms and natural dyes, tropical wood carvings and pre-Colombian and Spanish Colonial style jewelry are some of the other most popular items.

What Type of Wildlife can I see in Panama?
Panama’s position as a narrow land bridge connecting two continents has endowed it with some of the world’s most pristine and bio-diverse rainforests. It’s national parks cover five million acres. One key indicator of its biodiversity: Panama (the size of North Carolina) has 944 recorded bird species, more than the US and Canada combined.
One of the most exciting aspects of nature hiking in Panama is the many kinds of animals that can be readily seen: monkeys, sloths, Agouti, Northern Tamandua and an unparalled variety of birds. One American travel writer told us that she saw more nature in one afternoon in Panama’s Soberania National Park just 45 minutes from downtown Panama City, than she saw in two weeks in Brazil's Amazon.

Panama is also home for ninety years to the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute (STRI), an ecological treasure and the world's top tropical scientific research institute. No country outside the developed world has a flor and fauna that has been as studied and cataloged as Panama, thanks to STRI.

Where are the Best Places to See Wildlife?
In Panama's national parks-Soberania National Park ,Barro Colorado Island, Monkey Island, Pipeline Road, (there first four are just outside Panama City, Plantation Road, Achiote Road, Bocas del Toro, Amistad National Park in Chiriqui (on the border with Costa Rica), Pearl Islands, Darien National Park, Coiba National Park.
Hotels and ecolodges in these areas include Gamboa Rainforest Resort and Canopy Tower (Panama Canal Rainforest/Soberania National Park, Hacienda del Mar (Pearl Islands), Punta Caracol and Al Natural (Bocas del Toro) and Los Quetzales in Chiriqui’s Amistad National Park.
 
What is the electrical voltage? Can I use my electrical appliances?
Yes - all your appliances will work here. The voltage is the same as the United States and Canada: 110V.

In case of an emergency, what are the medical facilities like?
As a by-product of its long association with the United States, many Panamanian doctors are U. S. trained and the standards of the top hospitals compare favorably to US standards. For medical treatment we recommend the Hospital Nacional in Panama City which has a special department for tourists with a multilingual staff. They accept most insurance policies. Their medical staff is mostly US trained and English speaking and the facilities and service are excellent.

What about mosquitos?
Believe it or not,you are unlikely to see a mosquito your whole trip! Panama may be a tropical country but mosquito control is effective. Exceptions would be if you are in the rainforest after dusk or hiking or overnight in the jungle, in which case insect repellant is advised.

Is it safe to drive in Panama? Can I take a "fly and drive" vacation?
Outside Panama City, Panama has one of the best road infrastructures in Latin America. The Panamerican Highway, the main highway across Panama is in excellent condition - 50% of it is a modern new four lane highway. Feeder roads off this main highway to the various top destinations are also excellent. American style gas stations and fast food restaurants are all along the way. As with driving in any unfamiliar country, we strongly recommend you plan to drive only during the day.
For Panama City, you won’t need to rent a car. Getting around city by car is confusing to the newcomer. Better to go by taxi - they are plentiful, safe and inexpensive, or hire personal driver.

How Much Should I Tip?
10% is normal. Some tips are included in the bill, so check. You don’t have to tip taxi drivers-but it would be deeply appreciated if you did.

What Time Zone is Panama in?
 Panama is on EST from October to April and CST from April to October when daylight savings goes into effect in the States.

Why choose Panama over other Latin American and Caribbean destinations?
Panama has the most accessible exotic nature in the world.  Beautiful beaches along 1000 miles on coast on both oceans and on fifteen hundred islands with hardly a soul in sight. Seven living native cultures with their own unique legends and traditions. Forty-eight fascinating historical monuments. 954 bird species in vast National Parks A fun, sophisticated and safe capital city. An exciting night life with casinos, discotheques, superb restaurants.

What kind of clothes and other items should I bring?
In general, for the tropical climate, light colored, loose fitting cotton clothes are the most comfortable. Do bring neat clothes. Panamanians don’t appreciate grunge. Panamanians themselves, especially the women of Panama City are beautifully groomed. Panama City is a dress-up city , but as a tourist you’ll be excused from the dress code provided you are dressed neatly. The highlands can be cold in the night so a warm sweater or light jacket is necessary. If you plan to hike, bring long pants, boots , a hat and insect repelant. For everyone else a good sunscreen, sunglasses and binoculars.

Is Panama a typical Latin American country? What’s the Ethnic makeup?
Panama is not typical at all. Don’t expect to see mainly the typical mestizo (descendants of a combination of Spanish and Indian) population like in the rest of Latin America. There is a saying that Panama was "born globalized." The population of about 3 million people has diverse origins: Spanish descendants, blacks (brought in from the Caribbean to build the Canal), seven indigenous cultures, important immigrant populations from North America, Europe, China, India and the Middle East.

What’s the basis for the Panama’s economy?
Panama is a primarily service-based economy. The major services include the Panama Canal and related maritime and transport services, tourism, residential tourism, a large international banking center, the largest free trade zone in the Americas.  Because of the quality of life many major American companies are making their Latin American corporate headquarters in Panama. Bananas, shrimp and coffee are the major agricultural exports.

I would like to travel on to South America from Panama. Are there any roads, ferries or boats?
Panama is the literally the end of the road. No roads cut through the dense jungle of Panama's Darien province to South America. Nor are there any ferries or boat service. The only way to go is to South America is to fly.

Is there any anti-Americanism?
Panamanians are some of the most pro-American peoples anywhere. Yes they are proud and relieved to finally have complete sovereignty over their country but are delighted to see Americans back as tourists and investors. Due to their long historical association with the United States, Panamanians understand and appreciate Americans as few other peoples.

Is Panama a good place for business?
Panama has Latin America's second freest market economy (after Chile), a first-world communications and road infrastructure, the dollar as its currency, a major international banking center, the largest Free Zone in the Americas and an unmatched geographic position. Panama City in one of Latin Americas safest and most sophisticated capitals

Is Panama Canal running well ?
As acknowledged in a February 2003 article in the Wall Street Journal, and the Smithsonian Magazine 2005, Panama runs the Canal as well, if not better than the Americans.
The Canal is being more efficiently run under Panamanian control because for the first time it is running on a for-profit basis. The country has a stake in its success since profits go to Panama's treasury. Technological developments are also dramatically increasing efficiency.
What is the easiest and cheapest way to make and receive phone calls in Panama for a visitor?
The cheapest way to make phone calls is to buy a phone card at major grocery store like El Rey or Super 99. You just put in the "code" and call from any phone. If you want to receive phone calls, you can buy a cheap cell phone at the mall. You just activate it by buying a phone card.