Tips when visiting Panama / Datos al visitar Panama

[magamaga]

Esta liga es para dar datos e informacion de que hacer y visitar y como comportarse al ir a Panama.

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This thread is to provide bits on information on what to do, visit , and how to behave when visiting Panama.

[magamaga]

When visiting restaurants around the city, if you are a US citizen, know that you are not in the US and don't expect the same things you expect as when you are in a restaurant in the US. Go to the restaurant with time to spare. Service takes time and be ready to wait a little more than what you would expect in the US. If in doubt, ask for what is in the plate you get. Tipping is not included and it's not 15% to 20% . You can safely tip 10% and that will be fine. If you want faster service, do your tipping at the beginning of the experience and make it clear to the waiter that you want great service.
If you are from Europe or any other country, the same goes but remember that the tip is NOT included in the service, unless stated in the menu. Remember that this people are working to support themselves. TIP!



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Al visitar los restaurantes alrededor de la ciudad de Panama, recuerde no esta en su ciudad de origen aunque las culturas se parezcan. Hay diferencias en el tiempo que se toman los restaurantes en servir asi que tome tiempo extra para su experiencia. La propina no esta incluida , a menos que asi lo diga el menu. Si desea mejor y mas rapido servicio adelante la propina al principio de la comida y comuniquele a su mesero que desea servicio mas rapido y pregunte si es posible.
La cantidad correcta de dar propina es el 10% del costo de la comidad incluyendo el impuesto.

[magamaga]

Panama uses the Dollar as its currency. The "official" currency is the Balboa but it is only coins for change. The are no Balboa bills so the dollar is what you will use.
I would suggest using credit cards for everything you and avoid using a debit card from your bank. Credit cards are much easier to work with and I personally feel better using a card that doesn't have my pay check in it.
If you need to withdraw money from your checking account, your debit card will work just fine. I suggest that if you withdraw money, to just take with you as much as you will need for that day. There's no need to keep your money on you wherever you go. Most Hotels have safes you can use.
I try to ask around for prices of everything especially before getting into a taxi. Don't ask the driver for how much after you get to your destination. Ask as you get in the taxi. You will find that for the most part things are cheaper in Panama but beware that once you buy things most places will not return your money if you decide to return the product. The will probably give you a store credit instead.

More to come.