7 Things to Know Before Visiting Panama City Panama

Summary

This video offers essential tips for planning a visit to Panama City, Panama. It highlights the ideal travel time as mid-December to April during the dry season, explains the dual currency system with the US dollar and Balboa, and emphasizes the city's safety. The narrator compares Panama City's living costs to average US prices, with a 30% discount, and mentions the convenience of not needing converters for electronics. Additionally, it advises against purchasing a phone plan at the airport and showcases Panama as a unique capital with a rainforest within city limits, perfect for nature enthusiasts.

Takeaways

• 🗓️ The ideal time to visit Panama City is from mid-December to April due to the dry season, avoiding heavy rainfall common in the region.
• 💵 Panama uses both the US Dollar and its own currency, the Balboa, which holds the same value as the US Dollar.
• 🛍️ Prices in Panama City are similar to average US prices, with a 30% discount, which may be higher than what some travelers expect from a Latin American country.
• 🚶‍♂️ Panama City is considered safe, with residents and visitors feeling comfortable walking around with personal belongings visible.
• 🔌 US visitors do not need a converter or adapter for electronics, as voltages in Panama are similar to those in the US.
• 📱 For short stays, local phone service can be obtained in Panama City, but it's advised to avoid purchasing it at the airport for better rates.
• 🌳 Panama City is unique as it is the only capital with a rainforest within city limits, offering opportunities to see wildlife like monkeys and sloths.
• ⚠️ Research is important before traveling to avoid being caught off guard by local events such as elections or extreme weather conditions.
• 🌐 A universal travel adapter is recommended for travelers to ensure they can charge their devices in different countries with varying outlets.
• 🏞️ Visiting the Metropolitan Park (Parque Metropolitano) in Panama City offers a chance to experience the rainforest and observe local wildlife.
• 📝 The video script serves as a guide for those planning a visit to Panama City, providing insights on when to go, currency, cost of living, safety, electronics, phone plans, and local attractions.

Q & A

What is the main purpose of the video?

The main purpose of the video is to provide information and tips for those planning to visit Panama City, Panama, to avoid being caught off guard or encountering unpleasant situations.

What are the two distinct seasons in Panama City mentioned in the video?

The two distinct seasons in Panama City are the dry season and the wet season.

When is the best time to visit Panama City according to the video?

The best time to visit Panama City is from mid-December to April, which is during the dry season.

What currency does Panama use, and is there another currency that holds the same value as the US dollar in Panama?

Panama uses the US dollar as its currency. Additionally, Panama has its own currency called the Balboa, which holds the same value as the US dollar.

What is the significance of the Balboa as mentioned in the video?

The Balboa is significant because it is Panama's own currency, and it is used alongside the US dollar, with both having the same value.

How does the video describe the cost of living in Panama City compared to the US?

The video describes the cost of living in Panama City as similar to average US prices, but with a 30 percent discount, especially during the Black Friday sales period.

What is the video's perspective on safety in Panama City compared to other Latin cities?

The video suggests that Panama City feels safer compared to other Latin cities the speaker has lived in, based on personal experience and conversations with others.

Why might a traveler from the US not need a converter or adapter for their electronics in Panama City?

A traveler from the US might not need a converter or adapter in Panama City because the voltages are similar, and the outlets are compatible with US electronics.

What advice does the video give regarding getting a local phone plan in Panama City?

The video advises against getting a local phone plan at the airport due to higher costs. Instead, it suggests getting a SIM card in the city for around two dollars with internet for one week for five dollars.

What unique feature of Panama City is highlighted in the video?

The video highlights that Panama City is the only capital with a rainforest within city limits, which offers opportunities to see wildlife like monkeys, sloths, and birds.

What is the recommended place to visit for nature lovers in Panama City?

For nature lovers, the video recommends visiting the Metropolitan Park (Parque Metropolitano) in Panama City to see wildlife and enjoy the rainforest.

Outlines

00:00

🗓 Best Time to Visit Panama City

This paragraph discusses the ideal time to visit Panama City, Panama, to avoid unpleasant surprises like extreme weather or political unrest. The video suggests mid-December to April as the best period due to the dry season, contrasting it with the wetter rest of the year. It emphasizes the importance of research before traveling to ensure a comfortable experience.

05:02

💵 Panama's Currency and Cost of Living

The speaker elaborates on Panama's unique currency situation, where both the Balboa and the US Dollar are used interchangeably at a 1:1 value. They clarify that while the Balboa is used for coins, US banknotes are standard, simplifying the currency exchange for visitors. The paragraph also addresses the cost of living in Panama City, comparing it to average US prices but with a 30% discount, particularly noting the higher costs for tourists unfamiliar with local deals.

🔌 Electronics and Connectivity in Panama

This section provides practical advice for travelers, highlighting that US electronics do not require adapters due to similar voltages in Panama. It also warns against purchasing phone plans at the airport due to higher costs, recommending instead that visitors buy a SIM card in the city for more affordable internet access. The paragraph concludes with a unique selling point of Panama City: being the only capital with a rainforest within its limits, offering a unique urban-nature experience.

Keywords

💡Panama City

Panama City is the capital of the country of Panama and is the main subject of the video. It is a tropical destination with a unique blend of urban and natural attractions. The video provides insights into the best times to visit, local currency, and other travel tips specific to this city, making it central to the video's theme of travel preparation and awareness.

💡Tropical Climate

The term 'tropical climate' refers to a climate typically found in regions near the equator, characterized by high temperatures and high humidity. In the video, it is mentioned that Panama City has a tropical climate with two distinct seasons, dry and wet, which is crucial for planning the ideal visit time and understanding the weather conditions one might expect.

💡Dry Season

The 'dry season' is a period during which a region experiences little to no rainfall. The video suggests that the best time to visit Panama City is from mid-December to April, which coincides with the dry season, making it an optimal time for tourism due to more predictable and favorable weather.

💡Currency

Understanding the local currency is essential for any traveler to avoid financial misunderstandings. The video explains that Panama uses both the US Dollar and its own currency, the Balboa, which are equivalent in value. This information is vital for visitors planning their budget and transactions while in Panama City.

💡Balboa

The 'Balboa' is Panama's national currency, named after Vasco Núñez de Balboa, and it is equivalent to the US Dollar. The video mentions that while the Balboa is used in Panama, US Dollars are also accepted, and the Balboa is primarily found in coin form, which is a key detail for travelers to be aware of regarding local currency.

💡Cost of Living

The 'cost of living' refers to the amount of money needed to sustain a certain level of living, including expenses such as housing, food, and taxes. The video compares the cost of living in Panama City to that of the average US city, suggesting a 30% discount, which gives viewers an idea of what to expect financially while visiting.

💡Safety

Safety is a critical consideration for travelers, referring to the level of personal security and freedom from danger in a location. The video emphasizes that Panama City feels safe, based on the narrator's experience and that of another resident, which is an important factor for potential visitors to consider.

💡Voltage

Voltage is the electric potential difference between two points. The video mentions that the voltage in Panama City is similar to that in the US, meaning that travelers from the US do not need a converter or adapter for their electronic devices, which simplifies travel preparations.

💡Travel Adapter

A 'travel adapter' is a device used to allow electronic devices with different plug types to be charged in foreign countries with different electrical outlets. The video advises having a universal travel adapter, despite Panama's compatibility with US electronics, as a precaution for traveling to countries with different outlets.

💡Phone Plan

A 'phone plan' refers to a service agreement with a mobile network provider, including voice, text, and data services. The video provides a tip about obtaining a local phone plan in Panama City, warning against the high costs at the airport and suggesting that a SIM card in the city can be much more affordable.

💡Rainforest

A 'rainforest' is a dense, warm, and wet forest characterized by high levels of biodiversity. The video highlights that Panama is unique in that it is the only capital with a rainforest within city limits, which is a significant attraction for nature lovers and a key selling point for the city's tourism.

Highlights

The ideal time to visit Panama City is from mid-December to April due to the dry season.

Panama has a tropical climate with two distinct seasons: dry and wet.

Panama uses the US dollar and its own currency, the Balboa, which holds the same value.

Balboas are primarily in coin form, and one Balboa equals one US dollar.

Prices in Panama City are similar to average US prices, with a 30% discount.

Panama City is considered safe compared to other Latin American cities.

No need for a converter or adapter for electronics from the US due to similar voltage.

A universal travel adapter is recommended for traveling to different countries.

Avoid getting a phone plan at the airport in Panama City for better rates.

A SIM card in the city costs around two dollars with affordable internet plans.

Panama is the only capital with a rainforest within city limits.

The Metropolitan Park offers a chance to see wildlife like monkeys and sloths.

Panama City's cost of living is higher than other Latin American countries but offers safety and convenience.

Research is essential before visiting a new country to avoid unpleasant surprises.

When it rains in Panama, it pours, affecting nearby countries like Costa Rica.

For first-time foreign visitors, Panama City offers a blend of urban and natural experiences.

The video provides practical tips for visitors planning a trip to Panama City.

Transcripts

in this video i'm just going to touch on

a few things you should know a few

things to keep in mind for those who

plan on visiting panama city panama okay

not panama city florida and i'm making

this video because it's always good to

do research and know a little something

about the country you plan on visiting

so you're not cut off guard or you're

not caught in an unpleasant situation

when you arrive there the first thing to

keep in mind when traveling to a new

country and traveling here to panama

city specifically is when is the ideal

time to visit because you don't want to

get somewhere and let's say they're

having their presidential election and

and now there's protest and writing or

you touch down somewhere and it's

freezing cold or vice versa it's blazing

hot so it's good to know when's the best

time to visit now this city has a

tropical climate with two distinct

seasons dry and wet and from my research

the best time to visit is around

mid-december to april because that's

during the dry season whereas the rest

of the year it can rain a little bit

more and i've heard that when it rains

in this region it pours not just here in

panama but also costa rica and some

other countries nearby so basically in

essence the first half of the year is

considered the dry season and the ideal

time to visit next up on the list is the

currency money this is always good to

know because when you're going to a

foreign country you need to understand

their currency so you reduce the risk of

getting taken advantage of and also so

you don't pay more than you have to now

for this section i could keep it simple

and just say that panama uses the us

dollar however you guys know i like to

get detailed i like to break things down

so to explain this part panama has its

own currency called the balboa with the

b you may notice this whenever you walk

into a supermarket and the prices have a

b next to them now in panama the balboa

and the us dollar hold the same value so

one balboa equals one dollar us dollar

two balboas two us dollars and so on for

some people who've never been here this

may seem a little confusing like oh man

i have to keep track of two currencies

but no it's pretty simple because

all the bills are in us dollars in u.s

currency you'll only see balboas and

coins and here's a picture of a few of

them the only one in my opinion you

really need to be familiar with is the

coin all the way to the left the silver

and gold coin

because this is one balboa aka one us

dollar but to sum everything up in

panama they're pretty much used everyone

uses the us dollar and since we're on

the topic of money let's get into the

prices here because that seems to be a

be an interesting topic especially in my

comment section i'm guessing it's due to

you know i was traveling south america

for a little bit and people were so

accustomed to the the cheap prices the

three dollar lunches etc etc and now i'm

here in panama man

prices are a little different but i want

to point out that here in panama city

don't be fooled because they you know

it's considered a latin country they

speak spanish here and maybe you've been

to other countries where the cost of

living was pretty low that's not here i

would say the prices to compare it are

similar to like average u.s prices i

know each city is different but just

take the average the average price in

the u.s

and then take 30 off like the prices

here are

u.s during black friday and look i know

if you're from panama you may disagree

because you grew up here you know the

the spots to get you know four dollar

three dollar meals you have an auntie's

uncle's cousin's brother that that can

get you things for super cheap but this

section is more for like the average

foreigner who's coming down here no

first time and maybe you don't really

speak the language you want to eat at

some of the nicer restaurants some of

the nicer neighborhoods and areas you

know maybe a rooftop bar some italian

food some caribbean food so that's how i

would describe the cost of living or

some of the prices that i'm paying here

in panama city it's the u.s cost with

around a 30 percent discount this brings

me to my next point and i would say this

is probably factored into the price of

living here and that would be the safety

from all the latin cities that i've

lived in so far i would say panama has

felt the safest keep in mind i have no

statistics or anything i'm just going

off living here traveling around filming

talking to people and i've met another

person

who felt the same shout out to carl if

you're watching he's been living here

since he's been he's been living here

for a while and he's traveled around

south america to some of the hot spot

countries and he said that's one thing

he enjoys about living in panama city is

that for him he feels safe walking

around with his watch his cell phone out

not saying nothing can happen here but

just in the areas that he resides he

feels comfortable next on the list is

the fact that if you're coming from the

us you will not need a converter

or an adapter for your electronics

because the voltages here are similar so

using the outlets here will be just fine

however i will say that if you love

traveling you're always in a new country

or you plan on traveling one thing you

should always have with you is a

universal travel adapter because some

countries have different outlets and you

don't want to be stuck somewhere you

know your phone's dead because you can't

charge it next up is the phone plan if

you're staying in panama city for only a

week or two and you want local service

so you can have internet to move around

the city and maybe you don't want to use

your service provider from your home

country due to prices and roaming

charges etc etc you can easily get

service here one tip i would say though

is don't get it from the airport they

got me i spent thirty dollars for one

week of service one week of internet

when i thought it was one month that's

what i asked for but in the city a sim

card will cost around two dollars and

then you can have internet for one week

for five five dollars last but not least

i want to point out that i forgot how it

was worded but i think this is i think

this is the correct way of saying it

panama is the only capital with a

rainforest within city limits so if

you're into nature you want to see

monkeys and sloths and birds things of

that nature you can head to the

metropolitan park parque metropolitano

take a hike take a stroll and hopefully

you'll come across you know some monkeys

birds and that chirp and holler and

hopefully don't growl but that's also

one of the interesting things of living

here is sort of like being in the jungle

with all that being said these are just

a few things to keep in mind if you're

visiting panama city soon i hope this

video has helped you hope you found some

value in it and i'll catch you guys at

the next one deuces