Panama City Travel Don'ts: Avoid These Mistakes for a Better Trip

Transportation and Navigation

• 🚕 Don't rely on traditional taxis; locals and expats strongly recommend using Uber for reliable transportation throughout Panama City.
• 🚗 Be aware that Casco Viejo can experience heavy traffic, making it slow to navigate by car. Consider walking or using public transport like the metro for exploring.
• 🚶 Pedestrians do not have the right of way when crossing streets; be cautious and aware of traffic, and don't be surprised if police assist with crossing.

Exploring Panama City

• 🏙️ Don't be alarmed by the numerous high-rises; Panama City has more skyscrapers than Miami and boasts many of Latin America's tallest buildings.
• 🏛️ Don't miss Casco Viejo, the historic old town, with its beautiful cathedral, numerous museums (like the Panama Canal Museum and Museum de la Mola), plazas, shops, and restaurants.
• 🏨 Look for rooftop restaurants and bars in hotels within Casco Viejo and the high-rise areas for great city views.
• 🚽 Be prepared to put toilet paper in the bin, not down the toilet, as plumbing systems may not handle it everywhere, especially on excursions.
• 💧 You can safely drink tap water and brush your teeth with it in Panama City, thanks to good water treatment.

Day Trips and Excursions

• 🏝️ Don't skip the day trips; options include visiting Monkey Island on Gatun Lake, hiking in rainforests, exploring Taboga Island, or the famous San Blas Islands.
• ⏰ Be aware that day trips, especially to San Blas Islands, often start very early (around 5 AM) due to travel time.
• 💰 Always bring cash for day trips, as ATMs may not be available, and you'll need it for guides, tips, and potential extra fees not included in the tour price.
• 🎒 Read tour details carefully to know what to bring (e.g., swimwear, sunscreen, towels) and what might be an extra cost, like boat rides.
• 🚗 Don't expect tours to vary significantly; most operators offer similar itineraries for popular destinations.

Costs and Service Expectations

• 💰 Don't expect Panama City to be a cheap Central American destination; it's one of the more expensive cities in the region, with higher prices for hotels and restaurants.
• ⏳ Don't expect fast or stellar service; be patient, proactive in ordering, and understand that things move at a more relaxed pace.
• 팁 Tipping is customary: a minimum of 10% is expected at restaurants, and guides and drivers should also be tipped.

Practical Tips and Culture

• 💵 You don't need to exchange money; Panama uses the US dollar as its official currency, though local coins (balboas) exist and are useful for the metro.
• ☀️ Don't underestimate the heat, humidity, and bugs; pack sunscreen, bug spray, and after-bite treatments.
• 👔 Dress respectfully: avoid beachwear in town and consider dressing slightly nicer than in other Latin American cities, with collared shirts being a good choice.
• 🚇 Recharge your Metro card (Real Your Pass) at machines for easy travel on the metro system; one card can be used for multiple people.
• 🚧 Be mindful of uneven pavements and high curbs when walking around the city, as it may not be fully accessible.
• 🗣️ Brush up on your Spanish, though English is spoken in tourist areas, knowing basic phrases is appreciated.
• 🥘 Look for authentic Panamanian restaurants as international cuisine is prevalent, especially in the high-rise areas.
• 🌊 Don't think dry season means no rain; occasional downpours can occur, so a poncho is advisable.
• 🐟 Visit the Mercado de Mariscos (seafood market) for fresh fish and excellent ceviche, and consider it for cooking at home or dining out.
• 🚩 Don't underestimate Panamanian pride; flags are flown everywhere and are a significant part of the national identity.