Things to know before traveling to Panama!

It's been a month since I returned from my trip to Panama. To refresh your memory, I'm one of the bloggers who won two trips with Voyages à Rabais. Among other things, I run the blog JessicaPrdnc.com and the Instagram accounts @JessicaPrdnc and @TouteDansMesFesses . Last March, I had to make a sacrifice and spend a dream week in Panama to come back with tons of information to write articles about this beautiful destination.

The best of both worlds

As explained in my first article on Panama , this country is the perfect travel destination for experiencing two trips in one. Indeed, Panama offers the best of both worlds: on one hand, beaches, swimming in the ocean, endless waters, and palm trees; on the other, the historic district of Panama City, tourist attractions, skyscrapers, nightlife , and numerous shops. But beyond the beaches and skyscrapers, there are several national parks and incredible mountain ranges for nature lovers as well as thrill-seekers. This is what makes Panama the perfect destination for those who enjoy both adventure tourism and the comfort of an all-inclusive resort.

Lots of things to see

Once there, you absolutely must take advantage of the natural beauty that surrounds you. As Panama is a tropical country , its vegetation is breathtaking. There are stunning national parks where you can hike through the jungle and observe incredibly diverse flora and fauna (there are over 100 animal species found only in Panama!). You can see monkeys, reptiles, all kinds of tropical birds, as well as magnificent butterflies. You can also take a boat trip through the mangroves of the Panamanian jungle... and go in search of crocodiles!

When to go?

Since the rainy season in Panama is generally between June and November, I recommend visiting the country outside of these months. For a complete immersion (colorful festivals, religious processions, etc.), visit during Holy Week. If you have the chance to be in Panama during Carnival, make the most of it!

Cash

Although the official currency of the country is the balboa (PAB), US dollars are the most commonly used. Therefore, I advise you to use your small US dollar bills for your purchases!

Language

Of course, Spanish is spoken in Panama . If you can't say anything other than " una cerveza, por favor ," you'll be relieved to know that many people there speak English quite well, especially in the capital and surrounding areas. Otherwise, Spanish-French dictionaries and translation apps on your phone are always useful!

Logistics

Don't worry about all your electronic gadgets: the electrical outlets in Panama are the same as those used in Canada! No need to bother with an adapter. Although some areas are more developed than others (like the capital, Panama City), Panama is still a developing country. So, it's possible that air conditioning or hot water might not be available in some places, or that the electricity (or internet connection) might be unreliable from time to time. But hey... there are worse things in life, right?

P.S.: Panamanians LOVE to party! Get ready to have fun!

PS 2: I'm just giving you some info like this, but... beer is really cheap (you can find cans for as little as 80 cents!).

PS 3: Did you know that the popular "Panama Hats" are actually made... in Ecuador? However, if you want a genuine Panama hat, you'll be spoiled for choice! They can start at around US$15 and can cost several thousand dollars! The finest (and most expensive) hats can take up to 5 months to hand-weave.

For more information about Panama, I invite you to consult this descriptive sheet on the Voyages à Rabais website!