Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Tipping
The standard tipping rate in Panama is around 10% of the bill, though in small cafes and
more casual places, tipping is not necessary. Taxi drivers do not expect tips but tour
guides definitely do.
Traveler's Checks
Although they can be cashed at a few banks, traveler's checks are rarely accepted by
businesses, and traveler's checks in currencies other than US dollars are not accepted
anywhere in Panama. In addition, some banks will only accept American Express travel-
er's checks. The banks that do accept traveler's checks typically charge an exchange fee
equal to 1% of the amount of the check.
Opening Hours
Banks
8:30am to 1pm or 3pm weekdays; some have Saturday hours as well.
Bars
Open from around noon to 10pm, later on Friday and Saturday nights (typically
2am).
Government offices
8am to 4pm weekdays; they don't close for lunch.
Grocery stores
8am to around 8pm or 9pm; the El Rey chain stays open 24 hours.
Nightclubs
Open around 10pm or 11pm and close at 3am or 4am in Panama City.
Post offices
7am to 6pm weekdays, and to 4:30pm Saturday.
Restaurants
Lunch from noon to 3pm and dinner from 6pm to 10pm. Those that offer
breakfast open from 7am to 10am. On Sunday many restaurants close. In Panama City
and David restaurants open later on Friday and Saturday nights, until about 11pm or mid-
night.
Shops & pharmacies
Around 9am or 10am to 6pm or 7pm, Monday to Saturday.
Travel agencies & tour operators
8am to noon and 1:30pm to 5pm weekdays, and from
8am to noon Saturday.
Photography
Panamanians may be low-key about having their photo taken but it is always best to ask
before doing so. General landscape scenes that include locals are usually fine.
In general, indigenous people should not be photographed without their permission. In
addition, it may ruin any chance of interaction you have with locals. In the Comarca de
Kuna Yala, photographing locals is considered rude. Those who will pose attach a price
tag - usually US$1 per photo.
