If you’re looking to live and invest in Panama, or just simply enjoy the country as a tourist destination, you’ll want to get the most for your money. Luckily, in Panama, this is easier than you think. There are some great deals to be had on everything from hotels, dining, transportation, eco tours, and shopping. You just need to know how to look, and what to look for.
Panama is a small country with lots to do, so don’t let the size fool you. You’re going to want to see as much as you can, and get the best value while doing so. So whether you’re here for a week on vacation, or checking out places to live or retire in Panama, we’ve got a few quick tips to help you get more bang for your buck. Here are six:
1. Plan you Panama Trip During “Low Season” for Tourists
Because of a number of reasons (weather, winter up north, holidays), Panama has two distinct tourist seasons, locally known as “high season” and “low season”. High season runs from mid-November until about mid-April/May, and “low season” is considered the rest of the year, especially the summer and fall. But don’t let the title keep you away! There is still plenty to do during the “low season” and prices often drop by 30-40%. Everything from hotels, flights, tour groups, and fishing expeditions have reduced prices, less crowds, yet still maintain the same services as always.
2. Search Lodging Options & Book Online
Panama has an immense amount of lodging options for tourists and business travelers, and it runs the gamut as far as pricing and amenities. If you’re looking to retire or relocate to Panama and need to see a bunch of different cities and towns, you can often find great deals by searching each area on sites like Orbitz, Hotels.com, and Priceline. You can also find monthly rentals, should your visit require a longer stay, which will give you significant savings over a hotel.
3. Shop in local markets, and from local small businesses.
Shopping is a huge draw for Panama, for both tourists and locals, and nearly every big brand, and big box store is available in the cities and suburbs. Malls are widely popular for shopping, and have some great deals. However, if you really want to get a piece of authentic Panama, and at a great price, you’ll have to shop local. Check out the Tuesday market in Boquete, a popular tourist and retirement destination in the west. Perouse local handcrafted jewelry and art in Casco Viejo (Panama City’s “old town”) at the open market. And go window-shopping for electronics and clothes along Panama City’s bustling Via Espana, or Via Veneto. Remember to bring cash, and some comfy walking shoes, as there is a lot to see, and buy, in Panama’s local shops and markets.
4. Eat Local Cuisine
It seems self-explanatory, but with all of the international food options in Panama, it’s easy to overlook the great, fresh, local cuisine. Panamanians love fresh fish, rice, root vegetables, chicken, and plantains. It’s a very Caribbean-style diet, and local “platos tipicos” (traditional meals) are priced anywhere from $5-$10; and the portions are very generous. If you’re a seafood lover, check out the Fish Market for Central America’s best ceviche, at around $2.50 a cup. You can still get a great burger, steak, or sushi practically anywhere in Panama City, but this will be more adjusted for a tourist price, rather than authentic, local food.
5. Go All-Inclusive
Go all-inclusive if you’re heading to the beach for a night or two. Panama’s beaches, both Pacific and Caribbean, are huge tourist draws, and because of that, can be very cost effective if you know where to go. Many resorts in Panama offer rooms at an all-inclusive rate, which is charged per person, per night, and includes all of the food and drinks you desire. This is a great way to get the most out of your money in Panama. During the low season, you will find prices as low as $60-$75 per person, but you need to search for specific dates to get it. Generally, you can expect to pay around $100 per night during the low season for a mid-range hotel experience, which is a great deal when you factor in food and drink consumption. In the high season, prices will nearly double.
6. Use Taxi/Ride Share Apps
Use taxi/ride share apps to get around. If you’re in the city, you’ll notice that traffic can be a big deal in Panama. Therefor, we recommend only renting a car if you need to. Taxis are a great, and affordable way to see the city and get around, but can be much pricier if you go through your hotel. Hailing a cab on the street can also be risky, as pricing is negotiated by the driver, and many times tourists will pay much more than they should. By using taxi and ride sharing apps like Easy Tax and Uber, you can get a safe, on-time, and low cost ride, pretty much from anywhere in the city. An average Uber trip is around $6.00, with an Easy Taxi trip costing you about $4-$5 for the same distance. This not only saves you cash, but also the headache of driving or negotiating fares, which adds tremendous value to your transportation needs.
