Panama is a tropical paradise that everyone should visit at least once. There’s history and natural beauty everywhere you look. Where else in the world can you watch the sun rise over the Pacific Ocean and set over the Atlantic? Nowhere, as Panama is the only place in the world to view such a phenomenon. Yet another reason to visit is the Panama big game fishing you’ll experience—it’s among the best in the world. Blue marlin, yellowfin tuna, and roosterfish are just a few of the game fish that prefer the warm waters off the coast of Panama. Before you book your trip, there are a few travel tips to keep in mind.
Watch the Currency Conversion Rate
Keep an eye on the conversion rate before you travel because it fluctuates. You want to get the best rate when you convert your money. The national currency in Panama is the Panamanian Balboa, but the U.S. dollar is also considered legal tender. If you’re traveling from the U.S.A., you won’t necessarily have to convert your money. If you’re traveling from anywhere else, you will have to convert to dollars or balboas. All restaurants, stores, and hotels typically accept major credit cards in highly populated areas, but it’s always a good idea to have cash on hand for tipping and taxi rides. In the more remote areas, credit cards may not be accepted everywhere you go, so be prepared.
Brush up on Your Spanish
The primary language spoken in Panama is Spanish. A basic understanding of the language will aid you on your trip. Before you visit Panama, grab a pocket translator or Spanish language guide book if you haven’t spoken Spanish since high school. Like many places in the world, Panama teaches their young people English, so there are those that speak it in metropolitan areas, but outside the major cities and resorts, you shouldn’t count on it.
Don’t be Afraid, be Aware
Panama is one of the safest countries in the world, and it ranks better than the U.S. The majority of the population lives in Panama City, and like any other major city, there are areas that should be avoided by tourists and locals alike because they can be dangerous. Tourism is a large part of the economy, so there’s a police presence in the tourist areas to make sure everyone has a good time. No matter where you travel, it’s always a good idea to be aware of your surroundings and what’s going on around you.
