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10 Things to Know In Preparation for Visiting Panama City
Planning a trip to Panama City from the Caribbean? This comprehensive Panama City travel guide covers everything Caribbean nationals need to know for an amazing Central American adventure. Panama has quickly become one of the best underrated destinations in Central America that more Caribbean travellers need to discover. As a Trinidad and Tobago citizen and frequent Panama visitor, I highly recommend it for first-time travellers, solo adventurers (especially women), and anyone seeking an authentic Latin American experience close to home. Here are the essential things to know before your Panama City trip.
1. Visa-Free Access for Many Caribbean Nationals
For most Caribbean nationals, entry to Panama as a tourist for 90 days is completely Visa-Free. This means you can avoid having to pay for a visa and go through an arduous process to do so. For countries like Trinidad and Tobago, Barbados, Jamaica, Guyana and many others, visa-free access is the status quo. While I believe this extends to many other CARICOM nationals, you should check your country’s specific requirements via the Panamanian embassy or verify via trusted sites like Sherpa, for example.
Casco Viejo (Old Town) – A Must-Visit in Panama City
2. Currency Situation: USD is King
Although Panama has its own currency called the Balboa, the US dollar is used as the primary currency for most transactions and is pegged at 1:1 to the Balboa. In layman’s terms, ‘Walk with yuh US cash!’ No need to exchange for any pesos, euros, or other currencies. Once you have USD, you’re good to go. Credit and International Debit Cards are also widely accepted, so you probably won’t need to bring too much cash with you either way.
For some Caribbean Travellers with limited USD access, however, you’d need to get creative in how you access (legally, ofc!) and budget it.
3. Panama City is Like the Miami of Central America
While I’m neither here nor there on the Miami comparison, I’m using it as a reference point to illustrate what you can expect as a traveller. Like Miami, Panama City (specifically) gives you that vibe of a breathtaking skyline, eclectic shopping scene and vibrant nightlife. If you’re looking for that city girl/boy aesthetic, this is your destination! Beware though. If you’re a shopaholic, you just might max out your card after hitting up all the top-tier malls and shopping centres in the city (I’ve been there! LMAO)
Canoes on the Chagres River heading to the Embera Villages
4. Nature Lovers and History Buffs Will Be Fed
Looking for historical sites, monuments, natural landscapes and all that good jazz? Sayless! Panama City and the surrounding areas are ideal for these kinds of experiences and attractions. I’ll highly recommend the Panama Canal (a must!), Casco Viejo (cannot miss!) and the Biomuseo (great for kids!) as some solid sites. If you’re also on the more cultural side like me, I’d recommend you schedule a tour to visit the Embera people in the Chagres National Park. It’s one of my TOP highlights and a definite must-do when in Panama City.
Looking for solid Panama Tours and Excursions to make the most of your time there? Check out my best recommendations here >> Top Panama Tours
5. Transport is Never Going to be an Issue in the City
Once you’re based in Panama City, you’re never gonna have many issues where transportation, especially public transit, is concerned. Ubers are a dime a dozen (and super affordable!), vehicle rentals are game changers, and when it comes to public transits, take your pick amongst the registered taxis, buses and the METRO! I highly recommend picking up a Metro Pass and using it at least once during your visit, especially if you’ve never taken a train before.
I did an entire TikTok Video here detailing the experience >> Metro Hopping Tips In Panama City
6. Shopping is ELITE (and really affordable!)
I mentioned this point earlier, but I have to double down here. If you’re looking to get great bargains on shopping from budget finds to luxury items, Panama City is your best bet, especially if you don’t possess a US visa. TBH, most of the stuff that’s being retailed in your country might have actually been imported via Panama and for good reason. In terms of malls, you want to ensure you visit Albrook Mall, Multiplaza and Metro Mall. If you’re looking for wholesale finds, make your way down to the free zone in Colon!
The Famous Albrook Mall in Panama City
7. Spanish is Essential – But English Can Get You Along
When it comes to the language barrier, know that a few words and phrases in the mother tongue, Spanish, will go a long way. Given Panama’s ethnic composition and Caribbean heritage, many locals can manage at least a basic level of English to facilitate communication with tourists. In my opinion, you’re not going to be badly off, but you want to ensure that you memorise key words and phrases surrounding ordering at restaurants, shopping, at the airport and basic greetings to get by in the streets. When in doubt, Google Translate and other apps are your best bet!
8. Cultural Diversity That Feels Familiar
As I mentioned before, the Caribbean cultural influence is undeniable and visible! The Afro-Panamanian community is alive and well. You will not feel like an outsider at all. In fact, you might actually be mistaken for a local in many instances. The diversity of Panama is very comparable with countries like Guyana, Trinidad and Tobago and Suriname in terms of the vast ethnic communities and mixtures that you’d observe. Prepare to see so many ethnicities and mixtures of people all interacting with each other and sharing this rich melting pot of cultures.
9. Accommodation is Budget-Friendly and Varied
Panama is one of the most affordable destinations where accommodation is concerned. From hostels to Airbnb’s to luxury hotels, there’s something for every type of traveller and every taste. Prices per night at some of the city’s best hotels can start at USD$80 and sometimes even lower, while hostel and Airbnb rates can start at USD$15 and surge up depending on your preferences and included amenities. Panama City is not exactly an all-inclusive accommodation destination, but extra add-ons are usually quite affordable. Some of the best neighbourhoods are El Cangrejo, Obarrio, Avenida Balboa, Casco Viejo and a couple of others for safety, proximity and ease of access to everything and anything.
All Smiles at the Belisario Porras Statue
10. Panama is a Regional Travel Hub
If you want to travel to the Americas (North, Central and South America), Tocumen International Airport is your go-to hub and gateway. I love that airport so much! No shade, it’s one of my absolute favourites. As a resident LATAM travel guru, transit to and through Panama is the way to go for many Caribbean travellers. COPA Airlines has great regional reach and already connects directly to so many Caribbean islands and territories, making the Americas even more accessible for us. Pro Tip: Check out the COPA Airlines Stopover Programme, where you can get two trips for the price of one! Spend some time in Panama and elsewhere in the Americas. You won’t regret it.
Bonus Tip:
Panama is no fun without a data connection! Picture trying to explore this gem for the first time, and your data plan fails, no Google Maps, no Uber, Radio Silence. Get an e-SIM to avoid that.
Get USD $3.00 off your first eSIM package from Airalo. Use code OKERA2660 when you sign up or check out the link here >> Airalo e-SIM Sign Up
Overall, if you’re looking for an affordable and entry-level travel destination, Panama is the number one option I recommend to everyone. It’s a place that I frequent a lot and for good reason. Whether you’re looking for vibrant Latin nightlife, bomb food, superb shopping and electrifying culture, Panama is your premium choice! If you’ve been to Panama before, drop your tips and recommendations in the comments. If you’re considering it, drop your questions below and I’ll try to answer as many as possible.
