PANAMA
When Panama is referenced, the first thing that likely comes to mind is the Panama Canal. And although the canal is undoubtedly a very important piece of world history, this country is not a one-trick pony. When it comes to biodiversity and nature, there aren’t many countries that can compete with this Central American nation. From rainforests to mountains and from islands to volcanoes, Panama is a tropical country that needs to be on your bucket list if it isn’t already!
Updated COVID-19 Travel Information:
Currency:
Panama’s functioning currency is the U.S. Dollar. They do have another currency though, the Panamanian Balboa (PAB), which is pegged 1:1 to the USD. This currency is rarely used, but coins are often kept by tourists as souvenirs.
$1 USD = 1 PAB
Pricing for Leisure Travelers:
Average Hotel Expenses = 70-85 PAB/Night ($70-$85 USD/Night)
Average Food/Drink Expenses = 20-35 PAB/Day ($20-$35 USD/Day)
Pricing for Backpackers:
Average Hostel Expenses = 7-17 PAB/Night ($7-$17 USD/Night)
Average Food/Drink Expenses = 7-17 PAB/Day ($7-$17 USD/Day)
Communication:
Spanish is the national language of Panama. If you stick to the touristy areas, English will likely be spoken by locals. The more you get into the countryside, the less English you will encounter. Having conversational fluency in Spanish would certainly go a long way.
Transportation:
Direct Shuttle Bus: For those who do not prefer public transportation, this is a great option! You can book private vans or share them with passengers (most have a max capacity of 12). Book through Hello Travel Panama. Please note that they do not service Panama City yet.
Bus: Since Panama is not a large country, bus travel is very popular. The two bus companies I recommend are Tica Bus and Expreso Panama. Tickets are more easily purchased at bus stations versus online.
Airplane: Flying between Panamanian cities is not as popular as bus travel but it is definitely possible. The two most popular airports outside of Panama City are David and Bocas del Toro. Both are serviced by Copa Airlines and Air Panama. You can track prices on Skyscanner.
Taxi/Uber: Taxis are easy to find all throughout Panama; they are a popular mode of transportation to travel short distances. Uber is only available in Panama City.
Miscellaneous:
If you cross into Panama on land (at the Costa Rican border), there are strict requirements to enter. You must:
Show your passport (valid at least six months past when you cross the border)
Show two printed copies of your passport (the border officer will take 1 of them)
Pay $3 USD to enter the country
Show proof of exit (either a bus or plane ticket showing that you will leave Panama within 180 days)
Show proof of financial stability (a bank account screenshot showing that you have at least $500 USD)
Show a visa (if necessary; check this website to see if your home nation requires a visa to visit Panama)
United States, Canadian, Australian, and most European residents do not need a visa
In addition to the $3 USD fee to enter Panama, there is a $3 USD fee to leave the country.
Below are recommended vaccinations and prescriptions to obtain before travel to Central America. None of them are required, but a travel doctor I spoke with advised getting these shots and prescriptions to be safe:
Hepatitis A (shot)
Hepatitis B (shot)
Malaria (prescription for Mefloquine pills)
Traveler’s Diarrhea (Imodium pills to use just in case)
Typhoid (shot)
Panama was the first Latin American country to adopt the U.S. Dollar as their currency (in 1904).
