18 issues to know earlier than going to Panama

When you’re in search of idyllic islands, rolling surf, untamed nature and showstopping wildlife, Panama is a perfect vacation spot. It sits on the crossroads of the Americas, connecting two oceans, and past its cosmopolitan capital and legendary canal, Panama is a biodiversity hotspot. Did you additionally realize it produces a few of the world’s  most interesting – and most costly – espresso?

Right here is the highest issues to know earlier than you go to Panama.

1. E-book forward if you wish to be a part of a fiesta

Panamanians like to celebration, and barely per week goes by with out a fiesta, from La Feria de las Flores y del Café in Boquete to the countrywide Carnaval, whose largest and loudest celebrations are in Las Tablas on the Península de Azuero.

There’s additionally Easter, Christmas and New Yr’s. November’s quite a few independence-related festivals see retailers and workplaces closed and locals flocking to the seashore. Resort costs typically double round public holidays and may be booked out weeks prematurely.

2. Pack for the season: dry or moist

The nation’s tropical local weather means two seasons – sizzling and dry from December to April and sizzling and moist the remainder of the 12 months. Though the quantity of rain depends upon what coast you’re on, downpours normally come in brief, sharp afternoon bursts earlier than the solar forces you to place your Panama hat again on.

Pack high-factor sunscreen and hot-weather garments, however carry one thing for the icy air-conditioning and excessive altitudes. Pack sturdy boots should you’re planning any hardcore hikes.

3. Carry the correct quantity of forex

The Panamanian Balboa often is the nation’s official forex, however the payments in use are US {dollars}. Costs are listed in $ or B/, however each currencies have the identical worth.

Carry small payments for tipping, markets and rural areas, and sufficient money in case the ATM doesn’t work (or there aren’t any ATMs in any respect like within the Archipiélago de San Blas of the Comarca de Guna Yala). 

4. You’ll be able to’t attain Colombia by highway

When you’re considering of road-tripping south to Colombia, assume once more. The notorious Darién Gap – the land hyperlink between Central and South America – is a mash-up of impenetrable jungle, primordial swamps, toxic snakes and doubtful characters, and there’s no highway crossing.  

However should you plan to move north to Costa Rica and past, a number of long-distance bus traces, corresponding to Tica Bus, cowl Central America.

5. Know a number of keys phrases (and what to not say)

English is extensively spoken, particularly in Panama Metropolis and Boquete, however mastering a few basic Spanish phrases will endear you to the locals and assist should you journey away from the vacationer hotspots.

Panama could also be laid again, but it surely’s vital to be well mannered. All the time greet individuals – buenas is a catch-all time period for howdy – and don’t overlook to say please (por favor) and thanks (gracias). Pay attention out for one-of-a-kind Panamanian phrases, corresponding to que sopa? (what’s up?), buco (loads), and pinta fria (chilly beer).

It is best to keep away from topics involving politics, faith, the Panama Canal and the Panama Papers out of respect to Panamanian residents.   

6. Study to be extra tranquil

Panama strikes at a relaxed tempo, together with within the metropolis, so don’t anticipate lightning-fast responses to requests. As in most of Central America, punctuality is a unfastened idea, and repair in eating places may be leisurely – meals are supposed to be loved and might stretch over a number of hours – so it is smart to regulate to the light circulation of life right here. Decelerate and loosen up if you arrive in Panama.

7. The capital has its personal gown code

Panamanians gown casually as a rule however are typically a bit formal within the capital. You don’t must put on fits or excessive heels, however the light T-shirts, brief shorts and flip-flops that have been positive in Bocas del Toro will look misplaced within the metropolis. Additionally: shirtless males are an absolute no-no.

8. Verify the fare earlier than taking a cab

Panama’s yellow licensed taxis could be a wallet-friendly approach to get round however don’t overlook to barter a fare earlier than you set off. Taxis aren’t metered, official charges are normally ignored, and vacationers are sometimes overcharged. Ask a neighborhood for an thought of a taxi fare value prematurely.

Uber and Lyft are additionally out there in Panama Metropolis (though drivers are sometimes keen to go cross-country), together with UberEnglish for non-Spanish audio system and UberAssist for individuals with mobility points. 

9. When do you have to tip, and the way a lot?

Suggestions aren’t obligatory, however they’re welcome. In pricier eating places, if it’s not already been added onto your invoice, go away a ten% gratuity. Taxi drivers don’t anticipate a tip, however you may spherical up a fare, and if somebody helps you together with your baggage, give them round $1 to $2.

10. Respect smoke-free zones

Smoking is prohibited in all indoor public areas, resort rooms, workplaces, public transport, outside eating areas and sports activities venues. You’ll be able to face a positive should you’re caught smoking in a non-designated space. The identical goes for vaping. It’s unlawful to import and promote e-cigarettes.

11. Deliver repellent to keep away from mosquito bites 

Not solely are mosquito bites itchy, however they’ll additionally unfold illnesses corresponding to dengue fever, so use a heavyweight bug spray, particularly should you’re heading to the jungle.

12. Can I drink the water?

With a combo of warmth and humidity, it’s vital to maintain hydrated, significantly should you plan to get energetic. Faucet water is generally protected to drink, particularly in cities, however should you’re going off the crushed observe, keep away from plastic air pollution and put money into a water-filter bottle, which you’ll be able to replenish from any water supply.

13. Keep protected within the metropolis

Panama is among the most secure nations in Central America, but it surely all the time pays to take a number of precautions. Pickpocketing is widespread in crowded areas of Panama Metropolis, together with bus stations, markets and buying areas, so preserve your valuables protected.

As in any massive metropolis, avoid poorly lit streets or wandering round new neighborhoods alone after darkish. Keep away from carrying all of your bank cards without delay – or wads of money – and should you want an ATM, attempt to use one inside a financial institution in the course of the day.

Report against the law by dialing 511 9260 (the Vacationer Police in Panama Metropolis) or 104 (Nationwide Police), and preserve the variety of your embassy useful.

14. In case of a medical emergency

When you want emergency medical help, dial 911 for an ambulance. Panama Metropolis has good hospitals and clinics, however services are extra restricted exterior the capital.

Ensure you have enough journey insurance coverage and skim the positive print earlier than you depart.

15. Regulate the climate  

Earlier than you make the leap on Panama’s two coastlines, test for robust currents or riptides. Inland, heavy rains could cause flash flooding and landslides – October and November are normally the wettest months – so test the climate forecast and observe native recommendation earlier than hitting the mountain climbing trails, particularly should you’re going with out a native information.

16. Be cautious when interacting with wildlife

Whereas the danger is low, preserve your eye out for venomous snakes, such because the fearsome fer-de-lance, whereas trekking alongside jungle trails, and keep away from swimming in rivers except you realize they’re crocodile-free.

17. All the time carry a duplicate of your ID

Overseas guests are requested to hold their passports always, and the police typically test, but it surely’s safer to hold a photocopy or picture of the opening pages and entry stamp and go away the actual factor someplace safe.

18. Avoid medicine

Panama takes its drug legal guidelines very critically. Getting caught with a small quantity of unlawful medicine, and even being with somebody who’s utilizing medicine or has them of their possession, is grounds for arrest and might result in a heavy positive or a harsh jail sentence.