GeekZ

Is it possible to rent a car in Panama and is my US Drivers Licence Valid in panama?

soltero

Yes and yes (for up to 30 days, with extensions of up to 60 days).
Cars are cheap, insurance is expensive. I use the American Express extended coverage program, which costs me $19.95 per car rental, but I can then decline ALL local insurance; Amex takes first position for liability, collision, and medical.

twocents

I did not know that about AE, Soltero, thanks for mentioning it.

If you were to stay in Panama for longer than the 90 days with the extension what do you do for a drivers license then?

soltero

I'm not exactly sure how you get the extension beyond 30 days; I know it involves going to the police station and paying a very small fee, but that's all I know. Most people don't do it -- if they stay longer and do get stopped, they plead ignorance. (I'm not recommending that, necessarily -- just describing reality.)

If you stay longer than 90 days, you definitely should get a Panama driver's license --it's the law. If you already have a valid license from another country, you don't have to take Panama's written or driving test -- they only test your vision and hearing.

But, the process is a bit convulouted: You first have to get your foreign license "certified" (notarized) by the US consulate in Panama -- they charge $30. Then you have to register that certification with some Panama agency whose name I've forgotten. Then you have to get a blood test from a certified lab, in order to type your blood. Then with all of that paperwork, and your US license and passport and $40, you go to the agency in Albrook to get your license.

If you plan to stay in Panama for more than 30 days, you definitely need to make friends with an attorney, imho. S/he can help you navigate all of this stuff far better than a chat board is going to do. Plus, you want someone "on the ground" to turn to should any sort of caca hit the fan, god forbid.

soltero

PS: You have to sign up for that Amex extended insurance I told you about; it doesn't just happen automatically. https://www152.americanexpress.com/f...al/coverage.do

whypanama

Hi!
There is only 1 place to get the Panama Driver's License for the first time is in Pedregal.

You don't need to take any tests, but you do need to get a blood test for diabetes. If your blood surgar is over 110 you need to see a doctor and have them right a letter stating that your diabetes is under control.

I have recently heard that you need to have you U.S./Canada driver's license "apostled" at the embassy. I haven't been able to confirm that.

You will also need several color copies of your passport and home country driver's license.

There is no test required.

I would confirm with many of the travel companies in Panama (i.e. Move to Panama, Panama All In One, etc.) just remove the spaces for their websites).

Mary Strociek
whypanama com

soltero

Sorry, but the above is not correct. If you have a valid (not expired) license from the US, you do *not* need to go to Pedregal; you need to go through the steps I outlined in my post. Yes, as I said, the US Consulate must apostille (notarize) your US license. Also, the diabetes (glucose) test is no longer required. Things changed at the end of 2007; I got my Panama license in February 2008, following the steps I gave. (I did have my glucose test -- it's only $5 -- but it was not required.)

whypanama

Thanks for the update. I had just talked to some people from Canada that had to get their license and that is what they had to go through.

I have lived her for 3 years, but we did everything before we moved her permanently. We did our pensionado 3 years before moving here and our drivers licenses 1 year. It just made it easier to get everything out of the way on our many trips to Panama.

Mary

twocents

Geez, that sounds like a headache. If I can start getting it done now though, I think I will. I find it nicer to get frustrated at home rather than in a foreign country while standing in a line with a bunch of strangers.

BTW, nice use of the word caca, Soltero.

soltero

There is no way to begin the process outside of Panama.

too222muchcoffee

I am flying to Panama in December, and plan to rent a car and drive to Boquete area. I have several spots to see along the way. I would prefer to leave the rental and fly back to Panama City. Does anyone have knowledge of a company that will allow this ( or can you recommend a travel agency to help on this?)

santiva

We did this 2 years ago on our first trip to Panama. It is an expensive convenience. The car rental is double for a one way rental. I think we used Budget as the others were not interested. When returning the car at David check the hours of the agency. Some close for a 2 hour lunch and make up for opening late by leaving early. Also know that the flight from David to Panama City is to the local airport at Albrook and the taxi is about $40 to the main airort. Add on the airfare and you will quickly realise that the 6 hour drive back to Panama is a lot cheaper and more convenient. If you have a morning flight to the US then you will have to stay in Panama City anyway.

too222muchcoffee

Hi santiva -- this is what I was afraid of -- oh well... i ll just drive back. Many thanks!