Traveling to Panama

Take a tour of Panama seeing its beautiful weather, night life, beaches and hear the Trumps talking about Panama's vibrancy, low cost of living and great healthcare system.

Travel & Safety

The Pinkerton Global Intelligence categorized Panama with the highest rating for tourist safety. This comfortable, relaxed, low crime, stable and people friendly nation makes this ideal place a great center for tourists.

Roads

Panama’s road infrastructure is one of the best in Central America with highways bordering the northern and southern part of the city and the PanAmerican highway bordering the Pacific ocean connecting the capital with its northern neighbor, Costa-Rica. Just as in North America, traffic moves to the right and seat belts are required.

Continual high-density real-estate developments have increased traffic and it can be difficult at times to maneuver in the city with its many one-way streets. Make sure to study the city map before driving. The flip side is that although mass transit is not at the level of developed countries, it is very affordable with a trip crossing the city costing as little as $0.25. Taxis are abundant in the city and are economical as well with the average trip around the main city costing approximately $1.25-$1.50. Seniors and retirees enjoy additional discounts fro public transportation.

Climate

Panama has been truly blessed from any natural disaster. It is out of the hurricane path, it doesn’t experience any earthquakes and it doesn’t have active volcanoes as the rest of Central America. Because of its humid and rainy season (May to November) it is safe from wild fires; however flooding can occur during the rainy season especially in the Caribbean coast. Being a tropical country it is warm and humid, nonetheless you can experience the cool breezy weather in the mountains that are very close to the coast.

Health Care

Panama has excellent health care facilities including private clinics in the capital. Facilities are equipped with modern apparatuses, doctors degreed in North America and Europe, and very low prices when compared to developed countries. A new type of tourism is emerging as more and more people are coming to Panama looking for high quality and affordable health care. Recently, a new John Hopkins affiliate hospital has opened its door in the city offering its one of a kind service.

Panama City

As with any major city in the world, normal precautions and common sense are always a must. Always keep an eye on your belongings especially in public places. Don’t walk alone in the dark and reserve any signs of affluence. Stay in well-known areas of the city and avoid the less desirable neighborhoods. A curfew for people under 18 years of age is in effect and should not be traveling unaccompanied by an adult late at night otherwise they can be detained by police and pay a fine.

Food and Water

Tap water in the capital and other cities is safe; in rural areas visitor may consider bottled water. Local foods, dairy products, vegetables and meats are considered safe to eat as well.

Immunization and Vaccination

If you are planning to do an excursion in the tropical rain forest and rural areas of the country it is recommended you wear mosquito repellent to prevent dengue fever. The World Health Organization also recommends yellow fever vaccination if you plan to go into the dense, uninhabited forest and areas of Darien and Chepo.

Water Safety

Panama has a wide range of beautiful natural landscapes featuring coral reefs, white, sandy beaches, clear blue water and islands. As always, take precautions in the ocean. Avoid rocks, don’t swim alone and be observant of currents and tides.