Travel tips for Panama - what to prepare in advance and what to obey

1. Tourists in Panama should be aware of the high level of crime in the country. It is better to generally avoid deserted places. Most importantly you should refrain from going out after dark. Even in the daytime, you should not expose your phone and camera unnecessarily. You also need to keep track of your wallets, bags and pockets in public places, where there are always many pickpockets.

2. The jungles of Panama attract tropical freshness, and it is often difficult for tourists to avoid the temptation to dive into the thick of the forest. Walking through the coppice is very dangerous, as it is easy to get lost in the forest. In addition, you can meet aggressive gorillas or even drug dealers here. Therefore, travelers who decide to unravel the mysteries of a dense thicket need to hire the service of a guide from among the locals. Such a guide not only knows how to navigate the jungle, but also tells you about exotic plants and animals living there.

3. Before you go to Panama, it is very important to put aside as much money as possible for your stay in the country, because the prices here are very high. Decent hotels and restaurants are usually expensive, and in cheaper alternatives there will always be problems with cleanliness, so you should not even go into them. Tourists who are not ready to pay for safe food and a clean room which unfortunately cost more in Panama when compared with other countries are better advised to choose another place as a holiday destination.

4. During a conversation with the Panamanians, you need to look them in the eye, but do not hold their gaze for a long time. Touching your interlocutor is also not acceptable.

5. Drinking water from the tap in Panama is totally unadvisable, as you can get dysentery from this act.

6. In big cities, many people understand English, but Panamanians mostly speak the Spanish language. It would therefore not be out of place to learn the simplest Spanish phrases before your trip. This will not only help you to better navigate and not get into difficult situations, but will also flatter the locals.

7. Before traveling to Panama, you need to make a photocopy of your passport, which you can carry with you, as police often check documents in public places. The original passport should be left in the safe of your room or in a more secure place. Theft or loss of a passport will inevitably lead to great difficulties and problems, so it is not worth the risk. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

8. No matter how hot the weather may be, residents in the cities of Panama invariably wear trousers, jeans, closed shoes, and even suits. Many Panamanians mock tourists from North America and Europe, who are wearing shorts and sandals. Residents of Panama love to dress up and always go out only fully dressed up. Sandals, shorts and T-shirts are not accepted here. Such clothes and shoes are suitable only for beaches, which are the only places where men can show their bare torso. Women should find out whether it is possible to sunbathe topless on a particular beach. To be in any other place with an uncovered upper part of the body is prohibited by law. This rule is applicable to both sexes.

9. Panama is a hot country; there are therefore a lot of insects, especially mosquitoes. They are not only annoying, but also dangerous because they can carry diseases. As a result, it is advised that every tourist take insect repellent along with them on their trip here.

10. All guests of Panama should use sunscreen, because the sun scorches mercilessly here. Those who are going to be spending several hours in the open air should take water with them and cover their heads to avoid sunstroke and overheating.

11. Upon hearing close shots, do not immediately rush to the ground. In most cases, these are just fireworks that Panamanians like to launch during any celebrations – and they can find just about any reason to celebrate.

12. During conversations with Panamanians, it is not necessary to touch on politics and racial problems, as these are very sensitive topics for many locals. It is better to talk about sports and hobbies.

13. Electricity in Panama shuts down often and for a long time, so you should not panic. This can happen at any time of the day, and locals are used to the fact that sometimes they have to wait for the return of electricity for about an hour.

14. If you encounter wild animals, even friendly ones, you should never feed or pick them up. Many of them are very dangerous, and almost all snakes living here are poisonous. It is also not advisable to deliberately frighten animals, try to carry them away, as well as harm them. Walking among the Panamanian nature, you need to look under your feet and if possible, refrain from loud conversations.

15. It is better for women not to go to clubs and bars alone. But even women in the company of men, may calmly be approached by other men and solicited for a dance. On the streets, men often whistle after women and can comment rudely on their appearance. It is better not to react at all to such manifestations of attention, since a sharp response may provoke aggression.