Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Gay & Lesbian Travelers
Panamanians are more out than in recent years, though the trend is much more prevalent
in the capital than anywhere else. More than in other parts of Central America, you will
probably meet openly gay locals, though the culture generally follows an unspoken 'don't
ask, don't tell' policy.
Panama City has a few gay and lesbian clubs, advertised only online. Outside the capit-
al gay bars are hard to come by and discrimination is more prevalent. In most instances,
gays and lesbians just blend in with the straight crowd at the hipper places and avoid beer
halls and other conventional lairs of homophobia.
Panamanian website www.farraurbana.com lists upcoming gay and lesbian events and
parties, new club openings and political issues in Panama City. You'll need at least a little
Spanish to maneuver through the site.
Health
There are no required vaccines for Panama, but among those recommended are yellow
fever, typhoid, rabies and hepatitis A and B. See your doctor well ahead, since most vac-
cines don't produce immunity until at least two weeks after being given. Request an Inter-
national Certificate of Vaccination (aka the yellow booklet); it's mandatory for countries
that require proof of yellow-fever vaccination.
Tap water is generally drinkable in Panama, except for in Bocas del Toro and the Co-
marca de Kuna Yala. Visitors who have recently arrived may want to start with bottled wa-
ter and minimum amounts of tap water.
A superb book called International Travel and Health, revised annually and available
online at no cost, is published by the World Health Organization ( www.who.int/ith ).
Another website of general interest is MD Travel Health ( www.mdtravelhealth.com ), with
complete travel-health recommendations for every country, updated daily, also at no cost.
Good medical care is widely available in Panama City and also David, and even sought
after with a brisk business of medical tourism, though it's limited elsewhere. Most doctors
and hospitals expect cash payment, regardless of whether you have travel health insur-
ance.
Insurance
Prior to your trip, signing up for a travel insurance policy to cover theft, loss and medical
problems is a good idea. Be advised, however, that some policies specifically exclude
dangerous activities, which can include scuba diving, motorcycling, and even trekking.
You may prefer a policy that pays doctors or hospitals directly, rather than you having to
pay on the spot and claim later. If you have to claim later, ensure you keep all documenta-
tion.
 
Search WWH ::




Custom Search