General Information

This section of the Shelter Bay Marina web site has been designed for cruisers and yachts owner’s who visit Panama City to take in some site seeing, buy boat related parts or provision for the long journey to the south pacific. This information is a general overview.  If you require more comprehensive information about Panama City, ask at the marina office where we have an extensive list of service providers and medical specialists.

People

If you spend enough time in Panama you will notice that the pace of life is slower here.  Panamanians are less hurried, smile easily and enjoy conversation.  Slow down and relish life.

With a population of three million and a land mass of 74,000 square kilometers (about the size of Portugal) Panama is very much a Caribbean country in many ways similar to Venezuela, Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic.   People of different nations and color have come together in a melting pot that has produced the Panamanians of today. 

Panamanians are friendly and good natured.  They like to hear us give Spanish a try but never laugh at our "spanglish."  They dress smartly, whether to go out or work and the only time a Panamanian may dress down is on Sunday, when you could possibly see men wearing shorts.  Panamanians are slow to anger, even in heavy traffic, and take pride in being polite and courteous.

Being an international crossroads because of the Panama Canal, Panamanians have been outward-looking and accustomed to receiving foreigners for more than 150 years. 

Dress

Panama is informal but not casual.  This means it is best to wear long pants and a shirt or skirt and blouse instead of shorts, flip flops and a t-shirt when away from the marina.  Government offices including the Port Captain and Immigration office require long pants, shirts and shoes.  Jeans are appropriate and allowed almost anywhere.

Language

A large number of Panamanians are bilingual (Spanish and English) especially in the capital city of Panama with a population of over a million and in Colon. Many Panamanians that are encountered by visitors have at least a working knowledge of English.

Security 

Panama was given the highest ranking (along with the United States) for tourist safety from the Pinkerton Intelligence Agency. With any foreign destination, however, it is not advisable to walk around the streets flashing your money or valuable belongings. Use common sense and your intuition to protect yourself. Remember that the less attention you draw to yourself, the less likely you are to have an unpleasant experience.

U.S. Embassy in Panama City

If you need to visit the U.S. Embassy in Panama City it is located in the town of Clayton past the train station.  They have recently moved to a new building.  The phone number is (507) 207-7030.  When calling there is an option for talking to a representative.  The hours are M-F 8:00 a.m. to 12 noon.  They are closed the last Wednesday of every month and are also closed all U.S. and Panamanian holidays.  For the latest information on services look them up on the web at panamausembassy.gov.

Currency

The US dollar is the currency used in Panama. Sometimes you will hear it referred to as the “Balboa.” You will find your purchasing power is greater in Panama than in the US and Canada.

Medical Care

Medical care is of high quality and at one third the cost than in the United States. Most doctors are US or European trained and speak English. Panama is an excellent place to take care of yearly medical and dental exams and tests.

Hospital San Fernando                        San Francisco District on Via Espana
Punta Pacifica (Johns Hopkins)         Punta Paitilla District

The marina office has a list of doctors in specific medical fields that clients have recommended.

A very informative travel medical site that addresses travelers immunizations and concerns is at www.mdtravelhealth.com

Transportation

Taxi cabs are plentiful and cheap. $1.50 – 2.00 will get you anywhere in Panama City. Always ask the price before getting into a taxi.

Communications

For international calls the cheapest method of calling is to purchase a ClaroCom international calling card from the grocery store or any place that sells cellular phone cards.  You can make an international call for roughly .5 cents a minute at any public pay phone.

Internet cafe's are abundant and most hotels have internet service for their guests.

Along the walking street in Central area there are 3 internet cafe's/phone service businesses where you can sit in a booth and make calls.

Food and Drink

The “comida typico” (traditional food) here in Panama is rice accompanied by chicken, beef, pork or fish. Lentils, plantains and yucca (a starchy root similar to the potato) are also offered as side dishes. Sancocho soup is the national dish of Panama. It is a rich chicken soup that is packed with native herbs and vegetables and is often served with a bowl of white rice.  This is a meal in itself.

All of Panama enjoys potable water from the tap with the exception being the Bocas Del Toro province.