Before I visited Panama, I did not know much about the country. I have a college friend who is from Panama, but you know you never really talk about history and culture when you are in college.
This year we booked a trip to Panama as my birthday celebration and decided to explore it without any pre-planned trips or itineraries. While we are glad we did that, I am certain not everyone travels on a whim. Should you require any tips on what to expect in Panama then this is the post for you.
Seven Logistics To Plan Your Panamanian Getaway:
You can also checkout my vlog, if you would rather watch than read.1. Expense + Currency Panamanian currency Balboa is US dollar equivalent, which I didn't know. Hence you do not lose any money in exchange and can use US dollars for all you purchases. Panama offered food and living at all price points, luxury and budget both. While you have options for street food as well as fast food, if you decided to go to a restaurant you could have a meal for two starting at $30 (one appetizer + two main courses). 2. Transportation Downtown area has a metro, but it does not connect the whole city or the Old Town. As a visitor you would be more interested in checking out the beaches, Panama canal, and such for which you would either require a tour bus, a taxi/cab or rent a car. We chose to rent a car. Finding street parking can be difficult but you can valet for $5 for the whole day.
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3. Language Everyone in Panama only speaks Spanish, and english is not widely spoken or understood, except for at hotels and restaurants. While we were able to get by with a few broken sentences, I would suggest if you can then brush up on some basic Spanish. 4. Food The Panamanian cuisine is mostly meat and seafood and since I am a vegetarian I did not eat any authentic food. Having said that, there were enough options from all cuisines around the city and I had no trouble finding delicious food. In fact, I had some of the best meals in that 3 day weekend. 5. Internet + Wifi I do not know if this was unique to us, but we were unable to find steading internet anywhere in the city. Not via hotel, our own mobile roaming, or even Skyroam which I use everywhere I travel. [ Related : Colors of Casco Viejosho ] 6. People Friendly people make the trip that much more memorable, isn't it? We found everyone in Panama to be helpful and kind even though we only communicated with actions (due to language barrier). 7. Safety I had heard about crime in Panama, which I am sure it exists but we did not have any bad experience. There was heavy Police patrolling in Casco Viejo but that only makes me feel safer. Pictures were taken around the Old Town
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