Panama Travel: The Don'ts Every Tourist Needs to Know

Panama's Cost and Currency

• 💰 Panama is not a cheap Central American country; it's one of the more expensive destinations in the region.
• 💵 The official currency is the Balboa, but US dollars are used for all transactions; get small bills from an ATM inside a bank before you need them for tipping and small purchases.

Understanding the Panama Canal and Local Culture

• 🚢 Do not underestimate the importance of the Panama Canal; it's vital to the country's economy and a significant attraction, not the sole focus of Panama.
• 👋 Always greet locals with a simple "Hola" or "Buenos días"; this is crucial for positive interactions.
• ⏳ Don't expect fast service; Panama's service culture is more relaxed than in some other Central American countries.
• 🇨🇴🇵🇦 Avoid comparing Panama to Colombia or Costa Rica, as locals have a strong sense of national pride and a rivalry with their neighbors.

Practical Travel Tips

• 🚰 Tap water in Panama City is safe to drink and use for brushing teeth; consider bottled water for rural areas.
• 🚽 Do not throw toilet paper in the toilet; in many places, especially rural areas, it goes in the bin next to the toilet.
• 🧻 Bring your own tissues and toilet paper for public restrooms and eco-tourism adventures, as they are often not provided.
• ☀️ Protect yourself from the sun with high SPF sunscreen, hats, and protective clothing due to proximity to the equator.
• 🦟 Don't complain about bugs; they are a fact of life in Panama, so be prepared with repellent.
• 🚶‍♀️ Do morning hikes to avoid the intense heat and humidity, as temperatures can be significantly cooler.
• 🏝️ Be aware of the differences between Pacific and Caribbean beaches; the Caribbean side offers white sand and clear blue water, while the Pacific side has darker sand and is better for surfing and fishing.
• 🔌 Don't expect amenities like Wi-Fi or consistent electricity on remote islands like the San Blas Islands.
• ✈️ Book domestic flights within Panama in advance to secure better prices, as last-minute bookings can be significantly more expensive.
• 🚕 Use ride-sharing apps like Uber in Panama City; if using taxis, negotiate the fare before getting in to avoid potential scams.
• 🆔 Always carry identification; photocopies of your passport and your driver's license are recommended, as police can ask for ID without cause.
• 🚩 Pay attention to beach signs and flags to ensure it's safe to swim.
• ☔ Don't assume dry season means no rain; occasional downpours can occur, so a light poncho is useful.

Food and Dining Etiquette

• 🍲 Try local dishes like sancocho (chicken soup), ropa vieja (shredded beef), and ceviche (marinated seafood).
• 🥥 Seek out coconut rice on the coast for a delicious treat.
• 🥟 Don't miss street food, especially carimanolas (fried yuca fritters stuffed with cheese and meat).
• 🍽️ When dining at restaurants, check if service charges (propina/servicio) are already included before tipping, as it's typically around 10%.
• 🤏 Leave a little food on your plate when eating at someone's home to signal you are satisfied and full.

Exploring Panama

• 🏞️ Don't forget about ecotourism; explore the rainforests, go ziplining, and visit Monkey Island.
• 🏙️ In Panama City, dress more formally than on the coasts, as locals tend to dress well; be prepared for a city with many high-rises.
• 🏛️ Visit Casco Viejo, the historic old town of Panama City.
• 🚗 Consider domestic flights for longer distances due to the terrain and potential for motion sickness on road trips.