Panama Travel Guide

Social Conventions

Handshaking is the normal form of greeting and dress is generally casual. The culture is a vibrant mixture of American and Spanish lifestyles. The Mestizo majority, which is largely rural, shares many of the characteristics of Mestizo culture found throughout Central America. Only three indigenous tribes have retained their individuality and traditional lifestyles as a result of withdrawing into virtually inaccessible areas.

International Travel

Getting There By Air

The national airline is Compañía Panameña de Aviación (COPA - CM) (website: www.copaair.com).

Departure Tax

US$20. Children under two years of age and passengers in transit to another country not leaving the airport and remaining for under nine hours are exempt.

Main Airports

Panamá City (PTY) (Tocumén) (website: www.tocumenpanama.aero) is 27km (17 miles) northeast of the city. To/from the airport: Buses and taxis go to the city (journey time - 30 to 60 minutes). Facilities: Bank, car hire, chemist, restaurant and full duty-free.

Getting There By Water

Main port: Panama (Balboa), a port of call for both passenger and freight vessels. The Panama Canal is the major route from the Atlantic to the Pacific Ocean.

Getting There By Rail

There is currently no rail link between Panama and other international destinations.

Getting There By Road

The principal route to Panama is the Pan-American Highway from Costa Rica to Yaviza in Darién Province. Visitors are strongly advised not to use the route to Colombia via Darién Gap for personal safety reasons.

Duty Free

Overview

The following items may be imported into Panama without incurring customs duty:

• 500 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 500g tobacco.
• Three bottles of alcoholic beverage.
• Perfume and eau de cologne in opened bottles for personal use.
• Gifts up to the value of B/.50.

Prohibited Imports

Fruit, vegetable and meat animal products including shrimp larvas, post larvas and normal shrimp.

Internal Travel

Getting Around By Air

Smaller airports for internal flights are: Aeropuerto Marcos A Gelabert in Albrook and Enrique Malek in David, Chiriquí. Internal air services are operated by Aeroperlas (website: www.aeroperlas.com) and other domestic companies.

Getting Around By Rail

The Panamá Canal Railway Company (PCRC) (tel: (507) 317 6070; website: www.panarail.com) runs a scenic 76km (47-mile) passenger route from Panama City to Colón as well as cargo services.

Getting Around By Road

Traffic drives on the right. There is a reasonably good road system throughout Panama. The Trans-Isthman Highway links Panama City and Colón. The Corredor Norte toll road has reduced the journey time to Colón by 30 minutes.

Bus: There are services between most large towns, but they can be very slow.

Taxi: Not metered, and fares, though varying considerably, are generally very low. Fares should be agreed in advance. Drivers do not expect tips.

Car hire: Available in city centers and airport; you must be at least 23 years old to hire a car. You can hire a 4-wheel drive vehicle, but plan ahead as they are popular.

Regulations: Seat belts must be worn by drivers and front seat passengers at all times. Children under five years must travel in the back in a fitted child seat. Motor insurance, even third party, is not a legal requirement in Panama; therefore, many Panamanians drive without it. If you are involved in an accident, the law stipulates that you should wait with your vehicle until the traffic police (transito) arrive.

Documentation: A national driving license is sufficient.

Getting Around Towns and Cities

Extensive bus and minibus services run in Panama City. There is a flat fare with coin-operated turnstiles at the entrances of most buses.

Journey Times

The following chart gives approximate journey times (in hours and minutes) from Panama City to other major cities in Panama.

	Air	Road
Chiriquí	0.45	6.00
Santiago	0.30	3.00
Chitre	0.30	3.10