Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
information counters at the ruins of Panamá Viejo, in Casco Viejo, and in both the Tocu-
men International Airport and the Albrook domestic airport.
ATP has a few useful maps and brochures, but often has a problem keeping enough in
stock for distribution to tourists. Most offices are staffed with people who speak only Span-
ish, and the helpfulness of any particular office depends on the person at the counter.
Some employees really try to help, but others are just passing the time. As a general rule,
you will get more useful information if you have specific questions.
Travelers With Disabilities
Instituto Panameño de Habilitación Especial
(IPHE, Panamanian Institute for Special
Rehabilitation; 261-0500;
www.iphe.gob.pa
; Camino Real, Betania, Panama City;
7am-4pm) was created by the government to assist people with disabilities in Panama, in-
cluding foreign tourists. However, the law does not require - and Panamanian businesses
do not provide - discounts to foreign tourists with disabilities.
Panama is not wheelchair-friendly; with the exception of wheelchair ramps outside a
few upscale hotels, parking spaces for people with disabilities and perhaps a few dozen
oversized bathroom stalls, accommodations for people with physical disabilities do not ex-
ist in Panama. Even at the best hotels, you won't find railings in showers or beside toilets.
If you have a disability and want to communicate with a person with disabilities who
might have been to Panama recently, consider becoming a member of
Travelin' Talk Net-
work
(TTN; in USA 303-232-2979;
www.travelintalk.net
; membership US$20) . This
organization offers a worldwide directory of members with various disabilities who com-
municate among themselves about travel.
Visas & Documents
Onward Tickets
Travelers officially need onward tickets before they are allowed to enter Panama. This re-
quirement is not often checked at Tocumen International Airport, but travelers arriving by
land should anticipate a need to show an onward ticket.
If you're heading to Colombia, Venezuela or another South American country from
Panama, you may need an onward or round-trip ticket before you will be allowed entry in-
to that country or even allowed to board the plane if you're flying. A quick check with the
appropriate embassy - easy to do via the internet - will tell you whether the country that
you're heading to has an onward-ticket requirement.