I was taking public transportation for most of it, expect when I arrived at the airport late I got a cab and then from Santa Catalina to Boquete I treated myself with a shuttle, as I didnt feel like changing busses three times. Some of the links on this website are sponsored or affiliate links which help to financially support this site. A really funky hostel during our time in Playa Venao. While the risk is low, keep your eye out for venomous snakes, such as the fearsome fer-de-lance, while trekking along jungle trails, and avoid swimming in rivers unless you know theyre crocodile-free. With English being a common language, it is easy to communicate and navigate through this country. Panama is best known for the Panama Canal, which is 82 km of (partly) artificial waterways connecting the Pacific Ocean to the Atlantic Ocean. Costa Rica is expensive. In Panama, travelers can explore rainforests, relax on beaches, and participate in eco-tourism activities at a lower cost. Avoid run-down or poorly lit streets. Also more save at night time. 15 Things you Should know Before Traveling to Two Weeks in Panama The Perfect Panama 25 Differences Between American and German High Schools, 25 Things you Should know Before Travelling to South Korea, Moving to the Netherlands as an EU citizen, Two Weeks in Panama The Perfect Panama Itinerary. The ostentatious displays of fashion on display in Obarrio include stiletto heels that somehow survive the assault course of the citys pavements. Novembers numerous independence-related festivals see shops and offices closed and locals flocking to the beach. Panamanians dress casually as a rule but tend to be a bit formal in the capital. Yes. Additionally, Panama has a more diverse range of activities and experiences to offer, from exploring the Panama Canal to visiting indigenous communities. Prices are listed in $ or B/, but both currencies have the same value. Do I need a visa to visit or work in Panama? As with visiting any country, there is always an element of risk, however, we felt very safe in Panama, even more so outside of the city. Find the best hotel for your travel style. When socializing, casual attire is fine, but avoid wearing shorts and sandals to nice restaurants or social functions. Is Panama City, Panama Expensive To Visit? 2023 Guide Are you heading to Panama in the near future and are wondering how much money to save up in advance? If youre interested in exploring the city, you can hire a private tour guide or take a guided tour, which will give you a more personalized experience. Panama City has many luxury hotels that offer world-class amenities such as spas, rooftop pools, and private balconies with stunning views. In this article, well explore the various aspects of travel costs to Panama, from flights to accommodations to daily expenses, to help you plan your budget and make the most of your trip. In 17 days I spent $186,5 which is a total of around $11 a day. And for a sweet treat, try the tres leches cake, a sponge cake soaked in three types of milk and topped with whipped cream. By following these tips and planning ahead, you can make the most of your trip and create memories that will last a lifetime. At $45 USD a day, you'll be staying in hostel dorms ($10-30 USD per night), eating at small, local restaurants and food stalls ($4-10 USD per meal), taking public transportation, drinking very little ($2.50 USD), and sticking to mostly free or cheap activities like free walking tours, museum visits, and enjoying the beach. There are so many national parks surrounded by villages and towns in the mountains which make for incredible bases to hike around. Panama City, Panama: Retirement & Cost of Living Info | Things To Do - IL The cost of flights will vary greatly depending on your departure point, travel dates, and airline choice. On average, you can expect to pay around $500-$700 for round-trip flights to Panama from major U.S. cities. A lover of adventure, she enjoys nothing more than finding new and exciting ways to explore the world. I'm Becky and my blog focuses on budget travel and solo female travel. For international travelers, flights may be more expensive, with prices ranging from $700 to $1,000 or more depending on your origin city. Its very clean and green with sweeping views, misty rainforests, tropical beaches, history, culture and lots of wildlife. One of the best things that make Panama worth visiting is the surf. El Cangrejo is an entertainment zone with a casino, good Metro train links on Va Espaa and a parade of restaurants on Va Argentina. It gives a good idea of how much one should expect for Panama. The roads are generally paved and in good condition as well. It just so happens that 1 Balboa = 1 US $. Conclusion: Is Panama Worth Visiting In 2023? Sailing The San Blas Islands Of Panama 2023 Is It Worth It. English is widely spoken in the business community, but not much outside of it, and mastering a few basic phrases of Spanish will help you get around. How much money will you need for your trip to Panama? If you havent already heard of Wise, youre going to love this. , Hello everyone & welcome to Becksplore! But food in Panama is not just about affordability, its also about quality. One thing that was affordable was the transport, especially Uber and local taxis. There are many hostels and guesthouses in Panama that offer comfortable and clean accommodation at a reasonable price. If you love adventure and outdoor sports then you will love visiting Panama. That summed up to$7,86 a day. Legislation introduced in 2008 banned smoking in public places. Entrance fees are only $5 per person. There is not a lot of difference in prices between them either.Not Western Europe level,but more expensive than countries like Guatemala for sure. Its a great way to travel hassle-free, with low exchange rates and easy-to-get money from ATMs you can also transfer between each other really easily! Panama is also well known for the Panama Hats, which surprisingly originate from Ecuador. In pricier restaurants, if its not already been snuck onto your bill, leave a 10% gratuity. Glossy showrooms, high-rise condos and luxury shopping malls illuminate Panama Citys banking district. You can pick up cheap street food during the day when kitchens open for local hospital staff and civil servants. The Seline hostels are a group of hostels located throughout Central America and are generally trendy and busy hostels. Getting around Panama is relatively cheap and easy. I also included surf boat rentals in this category. This article was first published May 2022 and updated May 2023. The Panama Canal is a must-see attraction, and entrance fees are $20 for adults and $12 for children. Your email address will not be published. Panama vs Costa Rica: The Honest Comparison You Need! - Wandering our World Leave us your email to receive new posts, tips, and the latest travel news! From fresh seafood to hearty stews and soups, Panamas food is a reflection of its diverse cultural influences. For a unique experience, you can take a boat tour through the mangroves of the Chagres River, where you can see crocodiles, monkeys, and exotic birds. Panama City suffers from flash floods during heavy downpours. The public water in Panama is considered safe to drink. It is a country which is a paradise for any nature and animal lover, like us. All rights reserved. For short distances, taxis typically cost around $2-$3 per ride. As you can tell, Jack and I really enjoyed Panama. And shirtless men are an absolute no-no. The Best Hostels for Backpackers, Students, and Budget Travellers in Panama. The currency is pegged to the USD and a good deal of English is spoken in the popular cities, yet the food and culture remain solidly Panamanian. How much does a trip to Panama cost? Food in a supermarket is actually quite expensive at times so sometimes it is indeed more convenient to get food somewhere else. Like many countries in Central America, (especially San Gil in Colombia) Panama is great for adventure sports such as kite surfing, ziplining through Panamas tree-tops, waterfall trekking and white water rafting! Alternatively, you can take a regular bus or shuttle that runs between major cities, which cost around $15-$20 for a one-way ticket. Head to Independence Square and the two museums which are there: History of Panama and Panama Canal Museum. You can find unique and beautiful pieces at jewelry stores and markets throughout the country. You will have no problems if you stay alert and follow big city rules. Scams are quite common in Panama and so its crucial you keep your wits about you, always double-check your change and never pay anything upfront. Panama City is a buzzing metropolis full of culture and innovation. Hostel rooms are typically the cheapest option, but hostels can be more social than hotels. With careful planning and smart travel choices, you can enjoy a fantastic trip to Panama without breaking the bank. 12 top tips for visiting Panama on a budget. Prices range from 70 to 200 dollars. From safety to sizzling temperatures, plan your trip to Panama City with this insider's guide to the essential info. Travel Guide to Panama - How, Where & Frequently Asked Questions If you are drinking in the evening then stick to well-known areas such as the old town. Visitors will also be wowed by lush rainforests, idyllic beaches, rich indigenous culture and a unique colonial history. Guide to Traveling in Panama - TripSavvy We knew it was more expensive than other countries such as Colombia and Indonesia, although we didnt expect it to be as expensive as it was. There are a few bays tucked away which are great for beginner surfers but also more exposed spots for advanced surfing. We will talk about things to do in Panama and places to stay and provide more information on Panama as a country. The buses are usually of a high quality and the prices for intercity trips are quite low. The same goes for vaping, and its illegal to import and sell e-cigarettes. Generally, it has a warm climate throughout the year with high levels of humidity during the rainy season. Stick to local and budget eateries (you can find lunches for $3-$5 pretty easily! 4,708 This data comes from the travel budgets of real travelers - How it works. 1. Hotels won't be a problem. The district of Santa Ana, north of Casco Antiguo, is bisected by the pedestrianized peatonal, a lively shopping street that is safe to walk during the day; stay alert in the crowds. Nomadic Matts Travel Site. Natural beauty. Empanadas, tamales, and fried plantains are popular street food items that cost only a few dollars. solo female and budget travel Central America Panama How expensive is Panama? Price wise it is still cheaper than Europe, especially public transportation is really cheap but it is not comparable with any prices in South East Asia. So, a trip to Panama for two people for one week costs on average B/.1,099 ($1,105). Adding up all my daily expenses it summed up to a total daily budget of $60,71. From the cobbled streets of Casco Viejo to the sleek skyscrapers of downtown, there is a neighborhood in Panama City to suit you no matter what you want. Thank you very much for sharing! If you want to visit both countries I would suggest spending two weeks in each. Panama, as well as Costa Rica which borders it to the north, are expensive countries to visit. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all airlines. However, it's the holiday season, so cruise fares and other costs, like hotels for pre- and post-cruise stays, will be more expensive if you travel this month. 01 of 18. Im sure it is possible to spend a lot more money on nights out. Whether youre looking to bask on idyllic beaches, sail to remote atolls or spy ferocious predators, here are our picks of where to go in March. Is Panama worth visiting? This cost is from the reported spending of actual travelers. If you plan to visit Playa Venao you will be quite limited on budget options as the bay is still relatively undeveloped. It is very difficult to cross from Panama into Columbia because of the presence of the Darien Gap. There are a lot of highly-rated tours on offer; some include visits to other popular sites too.