Panama Travel FAQ | VISTACANAS.COM

Welcome to Vista Cañas’ frequently asked questions about Panama travel and the Azuero Peninsula!

Learn how to get here, what money you’ll need, how to get mobile phone service, and much more. If your question is not there, use the contact form below to personally message us and we’ll get it answered!

all panamá:

If your mobile phone is unlocked, the best way to get mobile phone service for tourists in Panama is to buy a SIM card from a local service provider. Tigo will give you the best coverage in our area.

Even though they charge a huge premium for SIM cards at the airport (it’ll run you $30 for one week and 1.5GB data), if you don’t speak Spanish and aren’t familiar with the city, I suggest you bite the bullet and get it there. You do NOT want to drive in Panama City without GPS! Just consider the extra $25 you’re paying as an investment in your sanity. The clerks at the airport kiosk will install and set up your SIM card (NOT an easy task if you don’t read Spanish!).

If you’re good with driving blind for a bit and know some Spanish, you can find them at kiosks or mobile phone carriers in the mall or at one of the many small electronic stores throughout the country.

Before you come, setting up Whatsapp is a MUST as this is what people and businesses use to communicate here. It will enable you to make local and international calls using data or wifi.

Before 2016, tipping in Panama was included in the bill—but, not any more. Today, tipping is not only appreciated, it’s necessary for workers to earn a decent wage.

Here are guidelines for tipping in Panama:

  • Restaurants & bars—10-15%
  • Take out—None
  •  Airport & hotel porters—$1 per bag
  • Grocery baggers—25 cents to $2, depending on services rendered (putting parcels in your car, home delivery, etc.)
  • Barbers & shoe-shiners—10%
  • Aestheticians & Stylists—10%
  • Maids & other service workers—None
  • Taxi drivers—I highly recommend you use Uber, rather than taxis. Independent taxis are not metered and you’re very likely to get charged an exorbitant price. If you tip on that, you’ve just made a dishonest driver extra happy.
  • Uber drivers—10-20%

Now, that being said, good service is not one of the things Panamá can boast about. No matter where I am in the world, I don’t tip on bad service, so if you don’t feel like your service provider has earned it, don’t feel pressured to tip!

Panama uses the same power plugs and has the same voltage as the United States. The standard voltage is 120V and the power sockets will look like one of the following:

Many areas, including some areas of the U.S., have water problems. Latin America is particularly challenged in this area, so questioning the water in Panama is reasonable.

The short answer to this question is:

Yes, it is generally safe to drink water straight from the tap in most areas of Panama. Panama’s water treatment system is pretty state-of-the-art, making it one of the only Latin American countries where it’s safe to drink the tap water.

But, just like everything in life, it’s just not that simple. I highly suggest you read my blog post on this topic for the full scoop—Can You Drink the Water in Panama?

cañas & playa venao:

Cañas and Playa Venao are two small communities in the middle of the Azuero Peninsula on the southern Pacific coast of Panamá. They are an approximate six-hour drive from Panama City.

The closest town is Pedasi, which is approximately 30 kilometers to the east; the closest cities are Las Tablas and Chitré, about 1-1/2-2 hours by car.

Here’s a detailed blog post on all of the ways you can get here: 5 Ways to Get to Playa Venao, Pedasí and Cañas

And, definitely check out my Playa Venao Guide to learn more about this local surf community!

In theory, there are several options for getting to Playa Venao and Cañas from Panama City. However, when you take into consideration time, effort, cost AND mobility once you’re there, renting a car and driving the 5-6 hours there is the best way to do it.

You’ll understand why—and find specific suggestions on how to get to Pedasí, Playa Venao and Cañas in this post: 5 Ways to Get From Panama City to Pedasí, Playa Venao & Cañas

Unless you’re a competition surfer, it’s not really worth it to bring a surfboard to Playa Venao.

If you’re considering it, here’s where you can find out what the airline will charge you—Airline Baggage Fees. The last time I checked, Copa Airlines, Panama’s airline, charged $75 each way for surfboards; other airlines may charge as much as $150 each way.

You’ll also have to consider how you’re getting to Playa Venao—do you really want the hassle of making sure your rental car or other transportation can fit your board or, worse, lug it on a bus or shuttle?

Renting a surfboard in Playa Venao is easy and very affordable and there are several places to rent from in central Venao.

still have a question about panama travel, playa venao or something else? ask us!


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