Quote:
Originally Posted by Jiggy
Heading to Panama city, Panama in a month. I've been digging for information on the internet but I'd love to get some thoughts from CPers who've been there.
-Is it easy to get from Tocumen airport to the city? What's the average cost?
-While in Panama, did you use US dollars, or Balboa?
-Is it easy to get around in the city with public transportation?
-Which areas would you recommend to stay in? I'd love to stay in a spot with good restaurants and decent nightlife.
-Which tours would you suggest?
-Any other information that is good to know?
|
I live in Panama and most of the advice you have been given is quite accurate. A month is a long time if you are looking to keep busy with site seeing. If you want to get in some beach time, take the ferry on Amador Causeway to Taboga Island. It's easier and better than the beach communities in the Coronado area.
Car rentals are expensive because of the mandatory insurance they tack on.
Don't bring 50's or 100's. Most places won't take them and if they do it's a huge deal to get them approved. Take your passport EVERYWHERE. You will be amazed at how often you will need to present it.
Use Waze as your GPS. Nothing else works there as well.
There are way more bad restaurants than good ones. Service in most industries is not great or friendly. Tipping is 10% everywhere.
It's rainy season there right now so at about 2pm you get a real good downpour for a couple of hours then the sun comes out. Rinse repeat.
It's up to you but adult men wear long pants in public all the time. Kids wear shorts. I adapted and got used to it. Depends if you want to look like a tourist or not.
If money is no object, a side trip to Medellin Colombia is a good idea. It's one of the more reasonable places to fly to and you will easily see everything in Panama in about a week or so.
Any other questions, ask away.