Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
First Time Panama
For more information, see
Survival Guide
Top Tips for Your Trip
Checklist
»
Don't flag a taxi in front of a high-end hotel if you
don't want to be charged tourist rates off the bat; tax-
is aren't metered so walk a block - it pays!
»
Check the validity of your
passport.
»
Check the visa situation and
government travel advisories.
»
Organize travel insurance.
»
Outside the cities, many perfectly good lodgings
don't have a handle on email and websites. Don't get
frustrated if no one sees your reservation - the hotel
email might have been created by a precocious neph-
ew who never checks it. If you have even basic
Spanish, call ahead.
»
Panamanians are used to foreigners dissing local
idiosyncrasies - such as drivers not using signals or
crowds that can't form lines. Instead, ask
why
it is
the way it is and you'll have a lively conversation.
»
Check flight restrictions on
luggage and camping or out-
doors equipment.
»
Check your immunization his-
tory.
»
Contact your credit card pro-
vider to see if it includes car
rental insurance.
What to Wear
Locals rarely wear shorts if not at the beach. Bring
lightweight pants or skirts and short sleeves. Dining
and nightlife can be formal in the capital. Bring
proper dress shoes or sandals, a skirt or dress for wo-
men, and pants and a dress shirt for men. Pack a light
sweater for over air- conditioned restaurants and bus
rides. A fleece and lightweight shell are necessary
for highlands. For hiking, long sleeves and quick-
drying pants help keep the bugs away.
What to Pack
»
Passport
»
Phrasebook
»
Swimsuit
»
Digital camera and charger
»
Flip-flops
»
Sun protection
»
Poncho or rain jacket
»
Binoculars
Sleeping
Book lodgings two to six months ahead during high
peak times such as the week preceding Easter, the
»
Strong insect repellent
(30%-50% DEET)
