Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Avianca
( 238-4096;
www.avianca.com
) ,
Continental Airlines
( 238-4979;
www.continental.com
) ,
Delta Air Lines
( 238-4793;
www.delta.com
)
,
Grupo Taca
(
238-4116;
www.taca.com
)
and
Iberia
( 227-3966;
www.iberia.com
)
.
Grupo Taca provides services between all the Central American capitals and Panama
City. In addition, Copa also serves Costa Rica, Cuba, the Dominican Republic, El Sal-
vador, Guatemala, Haiti, Jamaica and Mexico.
DEPARTURE TAX
Panama levies a US$40 departure tax for outbound passengers on international
flights, which is included in the cost of the ticket.
Land
Many travelers arrive in Panama by bus from Costa Rica. It's recommended that you get
to the border early in order to ensure that you don't miss onward transportation on the
other side. There are no roads into Colombia, and travelers are strongly discouraged from
crossing overland due to the instability of the border region.
Border Crossings
There are three border crossings between Costa Rica and Panama. Most travelers cross
at Paso Canoas. Note that Panama is always one hour ahead of Costa Rica.
To enter Panama from Costa Rica, you'll need a passport, an onward ticket and proof of
solvency - US$500 or a credit card. At the border you'll fill out a US$5 tourist card (some
nationalities are exempt, while others need a visa to enter).
PASO CANOAS
On the Interamericana, this chaotic and heavily used border sits between Panama City
and San José (Costa Rica). Border hours here change frequently; at last check the border
was open 7am to 11pm daily.
Ensure that you have both entry and exit stamps put in your passport. If you don't have
an onward ticket and are asked to show one, you can buy a bus ticket from either Pan-
aline or Tica Bus at the border.
Just beyond the immigration window, Banco Nacional de Panamá has an ATM but does
not change Costa Rican colones to US dollars. Ask moneychangers on the street for their
exchange rate
before
reaching for your cash.
In Panama, taxis and buses are stationed just past the border. It's best to sleep in the
nearest Panamanian hub of David. Buses for David (US$2.75, 1½ hours, 5am to 9:45pm)
