Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
If you feel a rip current while you are wading, try to come back in sideways, thus offer-
ing less body surface to the current. If you cannot make headway, walk parallel to the
beach so that you can get out of the rip current.
Thefts & Muggings
Tourist-oriented crime is uncommon in Panama, but it does happen. Be smart - avoid car-
rying all your money in one place and avoid entering areas that appear unsafe.
If you go out at night, leave your watch, jewelry and expensive clothing at the hotel.
Take only the amount of money you think you'll need, and then a little extra tucked away
in a shoe. If you look like you don't have anything of value on you, you're less likely to in-
terest a mugger.
If you are robbed, you should get a police report as soon as possible. This is a require-
ment for any insurance claims, although it is unlikely that the police will be able to recover
the property. If you don't speak Spanish and are having a hard time making a police re-
port, your embassy can often advise and help.
Panama has a long history of business-related crimes, particularly with regard to real
estate. If you want to sink money into any kind of Panamanian business, make sure you
check it out
thoroughly
. As a general rule: if a deal seems too good to be true, it probably
is.
Telephone
Panama's country code is 507. To call Panama from abroad, use the country code be-
fore the seven-digit Panamanian telephone number. There are no local area codes in
Panama.
Telephone calls to anywhere within Panama can be made from pay phones. Local calls
cost US$0.10 for the first three minutes, then US$0.05 per minute. You can buy phone
cards at pharmacies, shops and Cable & Wireless offices (the national phone company)
in denominations of US$3, US$5, US$10 and US$20. You then plug this into the phone
and dial the local number. Some public phones accept both cards and coins, but many ac-
cept only cards. Note that calling cell phones (which typically begin with a '6') is much pri-
cier (US$0.25 per minute).
If you are traveling for an extended period, it may be useful to get a SIM card if you
have an unlocked cell phone. Otherwise, kiosks in malls sell pay-per-use phones for as
cheap as US$20, and many come with minutes loaded. Having a phone can be invaluable
for last-minute reservations or directions.
International Calls
Travelers wishing to make international calls can do so with a phone card or via an inter-
net cafe. A phone card has a scratch-off code and can be used from any phone. They
