Tips & Tricks Panama
The best tips & tricks for a trip to Panama
When travelling to Panama, it is useful to know a few things in advance, such as the currency, costs, transport and what type of clothing to wear. The country has so much to offer; from the most beautiful nature reserves, mysterious jungle, great parties and a helpful population. It is therefore useful to prepare well for a wonderful trip through Panama. Have a look at my tips & tricks Panama preparation guide!
Online Prep Guide
Safety
My boyfriend and I never felt really unsafe, of course you should not go out and walk in areas that are less safe at night, same for some areas during the day. In Boquete, the atmosphere is good and relaxed, here you can even walk around in the night (if you are going to climb the volcano Barú for example).
Currency
In Panama, the present currency is the American dollar, in most cases you can pay with your credit card (Mastercard or VISA). You can withdraw money at local banks or ATMs, but be aware that ATMs often charge higher transaction fees. In case you pay with cash and get some coins back, do not be surprised if there are Balboa’s between your dollars (this is the original currency).
What are the costs?
Of course the costs differ per person, but to give an average view I have listed most of the costs. In these tips & tricks Panama prep guide, you will learn that this country is not cheap, there are many tourists, which probably made it more expensive over the years. Other than that, it is certainly possible to travel here on a budget. All prices mentioned are per person.
Cost of transport by bus
Travelling through Panama by bus is the cheapest way to travel. However, the travel times are longer. A single ticket from Panama City to David (approximately on the other side of the country) will cost you ≈ $16,-. Make sure you have a small 10-cent coin (Balboa) with you, otherwise you will not pass the gates at the Albrook station in Panama City (this is the main station). Further costs are:
- The bus from David to Boquete ≈ $1.75 – $2,-
- The bus from David to Valle de la Mina ≈ $5,-
- The bus from Valle de la Mina to Almirante (Bocas del Toro) ≈ $7.50 – $10.-
- The bus from David to Almirante ≈ $15,-
- The bus from Almirante to Panamá City ≈ $28,-
Other types of transportation in Panama
Taxi
In Panama City you can travel very cheaply by Uber, for example you can travel from the district Miraflores to Albrook station for about $4,-. If you share this cost with other travellers, it is almost nothing. The yellow taxis are a bit more expensive and will also try to offer you the craziest prices, try to negotiate well and if it is not possible, wait for the next taxi. The yellow taxis in other areas, such as Boquete (where Uber is not well known) are more reasonable. In any case, always try to agree on a price in advance so that there are no surprises.
Colectivo
You could also take the local bus, which is called ‘colectivo’. You can find these almost everywhere in Central and South America. Furthermore, you share a van with other travellers, and they usually only start driving when the van is quite full. Prices are on average around $2.50 per one-way trip. The pick-up points are usually indicated on a map, such as maps.me.
Boat taxis
The boat taxis at Bocas del Toro are expensive and negotiating is almost pointless. They work with fixed prices that are around $4,- to $8,- per ride. Even if you are with a whole group, they still charge the fixed price per person. You can try to negotiate, but most of the time you will not succeed, or you will negotiate for very small amounts.
Domestic flights?
A domestic flight from Bocas del Toro to Panama City will cost around $100 per one-way flight.
Cost of accommodation?
The average price per night for a double room is between $35,- and $50,-. Dorms are a bit cheaper, and often you will pay an average of ≈ $15,- per person for one night.
List of excursions costs in these tips & tricks Panama guide
You can make the excursions as expensive as you want, in my opinion you can do a lot yourself without a tour. In Boquete, for example, you can easily climb the Barú volcano yourself if you are fit enough. This will save you another tour of about $100,- p.p. The ‘three lost Waterfalls’ in Boquete have an entrance fee of ≈ $10,- p.p. Other (starting prices) prices are:
- Full day tour including lunch to the Emberá population ≈ $110,- p.p.
- Panama Viejo ≈ $10,- p.p.
- Panama Canal ≈ $10,- p.p.
- Volcano Barú in a 4×4 ≈ $100,- p.p.
- Excursion to Cayo Zapatilla (Bocas del Toro) for one day without lunch ≈ $35,- p.p.
- Canoe rental in Bocas del Toro ≈ $10,- p.p.
- Bicycle rental in Bocas del Toro ≈ $10,- p.p.
- Filthy Friday on Bocas del Toro ≈ between $40,- and $45,- p.p.
- Pirate Boat on Bocas del Toro ≈ $35,- p.p.
Travel times?
Flying is the most expensive option, but by far the fastest. The flight from Bocas del Toro to Panama City takes about an hour, and the night bus from Almirante to the city takes 8 to 9 hours. We thought that the night bus, was the ideal option, because it does not cost you an extra night (in principle) and you also do not have to travel during the day for a short journey of 2 weeks. Afterwards, we had to stay in a hostel after the night bus arrived earlier than planned.
Other travel times
- Panama City to David: 7 – 8 hours including break
- David to Boquete: 1 hour
- David to Valle de La Mina: 1 hour
- Valle de La Mina to Almirante: 3.5 hours
- David to Almirante: 4.5 hours
- Almirante to Bocas del Toro: 30 minutes
Stuff to bring with you
It depends on each person what he or she wants to do, but if you like an adventurous trip with some nice hikes here and there, the list below is a must:
- High and sturdy hiking boots
- Water shoes
- Windproof/rainproof jacket
- Fleece jumper/vest
- Leggings or trekking trousers
- Layering clothes
- Headlamp
- Lots of DEET
- First aid kit
Best travel time in these tips & tricks Panama guide
Panama can generally be visited all year round, but if you want to avoid the rainy season, it is best to visit between January and April. In contrast, the rainy season is the time when nature is at its most beautiful and all the plants and flowers are in bloom. Moreover, during the dry season, you can also just have days when there are only tropical rainstorms, it is an average over the years. Similarly, you can have only sunny days during the rainy season.
Things to take into account
- The power sockets are American and type A or B
- Tap water is not drinkable, but most hostels offer free drinking water
- The country code is: +507
- Panamanians are very helpful and will help you, especially if you speak Spanish to them
- Learning a bit of Spanish is not a bad idea, as you will be able to communicate more with the locals and indigenous people once you speak Spanish
Last update: 07-02-2024 © Doris Leone
