Getting Around
What kind of car is best? Should I import my car?
The best cars for Panama’s roads are Asian. We don’t know why but Asian cars just take the heat, wet climate and potholes of Panama City far better. It’s also easier to get car parts and servicing for major Asian car brands.
For safety, the best kind of everyday car is an SUV. Due to the chaos of the city there are many fender benders and an SUV also gives versatility on rougher roads outside Panama City.
If you don’t have an Asian SUV, we recommend you buy one in Panama rather than import one because it’s quite expense and a hassle to import your car--a hassle with legal paperwork and expensive with shipping, import and other taxes. If you have a retirement visa, you’re exempt from the import tax, but other taxes apply.
The most popular SUV in Panama is a Toyota Land Prado and that speaks for itself. There are other excellent, less expensive options like Hyundai's Santa Fe SUV.
Getting Around Panama City Initially: Take Taxis or a Hire a Personal Driver
Until you know your way around, we recommend taxis or hiring a personal driver. You can rent a car, but driving around the city is very difficult if you are a newcomer- chaotic streets, unpredictable drivers, few street signs or direction signs and lots of fender benders.
Taxis are cheap, safe and can be hailed from almost anywhere. You can also call a radio taxi to your home or office. If you speak Spanish you can negotiate a price for the taxi to take you around for several hours or all day. If you don’t speak Spanish, have someone write a note in Spanish to the driver about where you need to go.
Another really pleasant choice is to forego these hassles and hire a personal driver- not expensive by US standards. Call Judy Tovar of Easy Travel for this heavenly service.
Driving in Panama City
This takes getting used to. In a word, it's chaotic. You’ll see at least one fender bender a day! It takes time and patience to learn your way around. Few streets are clearly marked, traffic signs are confusing and often basic traffic laws aren’t followed.
Driving Outside Panama City
Most of the Panamerican Highway is four lanes , easy to navigate and the feeder roads to major cities and destinations are fine. Still, the unexpected comes up and so we don’t recommend driving at night.
Buses-In Panama City and Around Panama
Buses in the city are not recommended- they are uncomfortable, crowded and worn. But they are a great bargain: 25 cents is a usual fare.
Buses to places outside Panama City are a good option. You can get air-conditioned comfortable buses to major cities like David or to Costa Rica. Fares within Panama are between $4 and $15 one way. Fares to Costa Rica are around $60 round trip. All buses leave from Panama’s modern new Albrook Bus Terminal adjacent to Albrook Mall.