Thread: Hello

I am new and learning how to use this site. I plan on visiting friends in Panama soon. I am retired and am just "thinking" about Panama City as a good place to move to. I need all kinds of information -- such as how safe is the city for a woman living alone? Other than Skype, how does one communicate with the US -- are Panama cells pretty good. My son lives in the States and I worry about emergencies and how fast we would reach each other.

Other things I'd like to know about are: do most expats move their furnishings and cars to Panama?

Hi!
Do your due dilligency and also check out the various yahoo groups.

I use skype and others use MagicJack. There are plenty of daily flights out of the international airport.

Most people bring what they "must" have from their personal lifestyles. I would suggest deciding if you really need a car down here--especially if you are planning on living in the city. There are plenty of taxis and buses available.

I would suggest you come down and spend a minimum of 1 month in the city to see if you like it--PANAMA is not for everyone!! There will be culture shock down here, especially in the service industries.

Mary
www.whypanama.com

Thanks, Mary. I plan to go in February and spend about 3 weeks, but most of it will be in the Bocas area -- that's where my friends live. Unfortunately the Delta flight that goes directly to Panama from Atlanta doesn't get in till almost 10pm. How safe will it be for a woman alone getting a taxi or hotel shuttle at that time?

Hi!

When are you coming? Carnival is February 13-16 and it will be hard to find hotel rooms during that time.

I would contact www.panoramicpanama.com they do a shuttle service to hotels, plus they also have a bed and breakfast near Albrook Mall where you will take a national flight to go to Bocas. A taxi would run you into town for around $30, I don't know what they charge but it will probably be around $35 to go to their hotel.

I have used Tammy and Gustavo's service for over 8 years now. First when we were looking and still use them for when family members or friends come into PANAMA. We stay at their b & b when we want to spend the night in PC.

Mary
www.whypanama.com

Thanks. You mention a taxi for $30 or $35 to town -- from where? Are Tamy & Gustavo's service for taxi? or are they the bed & breakfast? My plan has been to arrive February 14th, but I may have to rethink that. Do you think it is safe to arrive at the airport via Delta around 10pm?

You are arriving right in the middle of carnival! Tammy and Gustavo (www.panoramicpanama.com) is both a bed and breakfast and shuttle service via a a/c small van or bus. The taxi to town and any of the hotels is $30 minimum from the airport. Taxi's by law now must be yellow.

It is safe and act like you know exactly where you are going always helps and that you have been to PANAMA before.

Originally Posted by whypanama

The taxi to town and any of the hotels is $30 minimum from the airport. Taxi's by law now must be yellow.

I paid $20 from the departure area a few days ago.

Best wishes, Ed
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Hi Ed:
That is because you went upstairs and used probably a cab that was dropping off someone that was charged $30+. The cabs aren't supposed to pick up anyone up there, but they do and it is a way of life. Cabs are supposed to circle and go to arrivals and wait their turn for a fare back into town.

I don't think at 10:00 that there will be anyone arriving at the airport --thus very few cabs upstairs.

I congratulate you on your way about getting back into town and for that price!! It won't be long before the cops will be upstairs and stopping that for the rest of us regulars (LOL)!!

Mary
www.whypanama.com