Panama City Panama Travel Tips

Panama City Travel and Etiquette Tips

Panama City, the vibrant capital of Panama, offers a unique blend of Latin American culture with modern influences. Here are some key etiquette tips to help you navigate this diverse city respectfully:

Greetings:

  • Handshake: A firm handshake is common when meeting someone for the first time.
  • “Buenos días” (good morning), “buenas tardes” (good afternoon), or “buenas noches” (good evening) are the standard greetings in Panama City, depending on the time of day.

Culture and Customs:

  • Family Values: Family is important in Panamanian culture. Be respectful when asking about family members and greet them as well.
  • Time: Punctuality isn’t always strictly enforced in Panama City. While it’s polite to be on time for formal appointments (like tours), being slightly late for casual interactions is generally accepted.
  • “Hola” (hello) and “Adiós” (goodbye): These simple greetings are crucial for showing basic respect.

Key Etiquette Tips:

  • Respect the Language: While Spanish is the official language, many Panamanians speak English, especially in tourist areas. However, learning a few basic Spanish phrases like “Hola” (hello), “Por favor” (please), “Gracias” (thank you), and “Buen día” / “Buenas tardes” / “Buenas noches” (good morning/afternoon/evening) will go a long way in showing appreciation for their culture.
  • Dress: Dress modestly, especially when visiting churches or religious sites. This means avoiding clothing that is too revealing, short, or with offensive slogans.

Money Matters:

  • Currency: The official currency is the Panamanian Balboa (PAB), but the US dollar is widely accepted.

  • Bargaining: In non-tourist settings, bargaining is not a common practice.

  • Tipping:

    • Tipping is expected in Panama City for good service.
    • Restaurants: 10-15%
    • Taxi Drivers: Round up the fare to the nearest dollar.
    • Hotel Staff: A few dollars per bag for bellhops, and $5-10 per day for housekeeping (in cash)

Dining:

  • Meal Times: Lunch is typically the largest meal of the day in Panama City. It’s eaten later than in many Western cultures, often between 12 pm and 3 pm.

  • Dining Etiquette:

    • Punctuality:

      Panama City uses the US dollar for currency, so it’s acceptable to ask for a few minutes to “greet” (say hello) before you order, especially if you are dining with someone from Panama. The “good morning/afternoon/evening” greetings are appropriate when meeting in social settings.

  • Tipping:

    • In Panama City: 10-15% is the standard amount to tip at restaurants, bars and cafes.

    • For Taxi Drivers:

      In Panama City, it’s customary to tip taxi drivers, but the amount is usually left to their discretion.

    • For other services: Tipping for other services is generally not expected in the same way. You can ask locals about tipping practices for specific situations like hotel staff or tour guides.

Other Tips:

  • Learn a few basic Spanish phrases. While many people speak English in Panama City, especially those working in the tourism industry, knowing some Spanish will be helpful and appreciated.

  • Be aware of your surroundings and take precautions against theft. Like any city, Panama City has its share of petty crime. Be vigilant when carrying valuables, and avoid flashing cash or expensive jewelry.

  • Respect the local culture:

    • Dress appropriately: While casual dress is common in most places, it’s still a good idea to dress respectfully when visiting churches and religious sites. This means avoiding clothing with offensive slogans, and opting for more modest attire like pants and shirts with sleeves.

  • Dress modestly:

    • For formal occasions, it’s common practice to be respectful of the local culture by dressing in a similar fashion:**

Important Notes:

  • Panama City is generally hot and humid, so lightweight, breathable clothing is recommended.
  • Consider wearing clothing that covers your knees and shoulders when visiting religious sites.

Remember:

  • Respect for locals: Always be polite and respectful to the people you encounter, whether it’s on the street, in a restaurant, or at a shop.
  • Be patient with service times: Don’t expect lightning-fast service everywhere. In Panama City, it’s common for things to move at a slightly slower pace.

Enjoy your trip!

Panama City offers many opportunities to experience the local culture and interact with Panamanian people. Here are some tips for navigating these interactions:

  • Be polite: Use “por favor” (please) and “gracias” (thank you) often.

  • Learn about local customs:

    • “Buenos días” (Good morning), “buenas tardes” (Good afternoon/evening), or “buenos dias/tardes” (Good morning/afternoon) are used in different contexts depending on the time of day.

  • Respect personal space: Panamanians generally appreciate a bit more distance in conversations than people from some other cultures.

  • Ask before taking pictures:

    • It’s important to ask permission before taking photographs of people, especially indigenous individuals.

  • Learn a few basic phrases: “Hola” (Hello), “Por favor” (Please), “Gracias” (Thank you) are always helpful. Knowing how to say “Buenos días” (Good morning) and “Buenas tardes” (Good afternoon/evening) will show the locals that you respect their language and culture.

Important Cultural Considerations:

  • Panama City’s History:

    Learn a few things about Panama’s history and culture.

  • Spanish Language: Panama has a rich indigenous heritage, with many people speaking Spanish as their first language. Knowing some basic phrases will help you connect better.

  • Panama City Culture:

    • Respect for Family: Panamanian families are often close-knit. It’s common courtesy to say “hola” and acknowledge the family members when entering a home or visiting someone.

  • Family Etiquette:

    • Introduce yourself to everyone in the family**: This is important as it shows respect and consideration for their relationships.

  • Family Values: Respecting family is a fundamental aspect of Panamanian culture, and it’s crucial to acknowledge them when meeting.

  • Personal Connections: Panama City’s culture is heavily influenced by personal connections.

Remember:

  • “Hola” can be used for anyone, but using “buenos días/tardes/noches” in a social setting is considered a sign of respect.**

Have fun and enjoy the vibrant culture of Panama City!