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LIC.
ROBERTO I. GUARDIA R.
ORILLAC, CARLES & GUARDIA,
Abogados-Attorneys at Law
Ave Samuel Lewis y
Calle 58
P.H. Torre ADR
Technologies, Piso 7, Office 7-A
Apartado 0816-04373
Panama 3, Republica
de Panama
Office:
507.263.3917
Cell:
507.612.5429
Fax:
507.263.3924
RIG@ORIGUA.COMPANAMA CITY TRAVEL TIP #1:
If you're planning to stay in Panama
City, then forget about a rental car. The traffic here is tough
and wacky.
Taxis are aggressive and a good percentage of the cars on the road
have dings and dents. Renting a car means you give the car
agency a BLANK authorization for the value of the car. If this
makes you nervous, think twice about renting that car. If you're
driving an hour from the city to the beach, or the Panama canal, then
renting a car for one day may be worth it. As for the optional
insurance... they throw in so many exceptions to the additional
coverage, that's they really don't cover any of it at all. For
example, you must get a police report and the other driver's ID to
trigger the coverage. So, if it's a hit-and-run, then you're
screwed. You also bite the bullet if you bump into something, or
if you failed to get ay police report at all, or if it's partially
your fault, or if the car rolls over. If you can get the
American Express coverage, that's a good thing. The optional coverage from
the rental company is BS all the way. And when you check out the
car, make certain you look at the car from a distance and up close.
Try to get as many dents written on the check out sheet, as possible.
YOU'RE BETTER OFF WITH A TAXI THAN A RENTAL CAR EVERY TIME.
- PANAMA CITY TRAVEL TIP #2: Taxis are cheap. You get almost
anywhere in the city for about $2. Take the cab. They are
plentiful, convenient, respectful and responsive. I suggest you
bring the address of you hotel with you. Not all taxis know the
hotels by name. So, bring the address of the hotel with you.
- Expect to pay $25
to and fro the airport and the hotel.
- The taxi service
assigned by the hotel is usually $5.00, but they are insured
against things you left in the car and prescreened for integrity
and cleanliness.
- All other taxis
are $1.50 or $2.00 to get across town. But many of the
cheaper taxis are hit or miss with the insurance coverage and the
air conditioning. If the taxi driver has his windows down
when he pulls up, get another taxi. That air conditioning is
important in Panama. Unless you want to be in a sweat when
you get to your destination, pick a taxi with air conditioning.
- The fumes in the
city is another story. An air conditioned car that blocks
out the outside air, particularly in a traffic jam, is very
important. Toyotas and Nissans offer this feature. The
American taxis and the Hundyai's may not.
- Ask the taxi
driver if he knows of your destination BEFORE you get in the car.
Some taxi drivers located to Panama from the interior of the
countryside. Make sure he knows where to take you.
There's a difference between the MultiPlex, MultCentro and others.
They sound alike and you don't want to be wandering around in a
taxi.
- PANAMA CITY TRAVEL TIP #3: Bring PLENTY of $1 bills; about 300 of
them if you're staying for a week. US
currency is standard here. Ok to bring traveler's checks as long
as you have those singles ready for a cab, coffee, a beer or others
items.
- PANAMA CITY TRAVEL TIP #4: Don't think that Panama offers name
brands for less. On the contrary, they actually cost more. Florsheim men's shoes cost more, as other name brands,
and are abut 10 to
20% more expensive.
- PANAMA CITY TRAVEL TIP #5: If you're headed to the beach, make
certain that the beach is accessible. Beach front land is
selling like it's going out of style. It's increasingly
expensive and a good investment. But this also means that the
beach front properties are increasingly restricted to outsiders.
If that beach is restricted, you're plans are out the window.
Make sure with the hotel that the beach is accessible.
- PANAMA CITY TRAVEL TIP #6: You'll be surprised by how friendly,
open and warm the locals are when you talk to them, treat them with
respect, and tip a little. They will look after you and you
won't have any problems.
- PANAMA CITY TRAVEL TIP #7: The "Area Bancaria" The "c" is
pronounced like a "k." This area is where all the banks, high
quality restaurants, and cafes are located. You won't be
disappointed by the variety and the relative cost. Thai, French,
Italian and other international dishes abound.
- PANAMA CITY TRAVEL TIP #8: ATM Machines are everywhere.
Don't worry about quick access to cash. For those carrying USD,
keep them. The Balboa and the USD are accepted everywhere.
- PANAMA CITY TRAVEL TIP #9: Learn how to say Please (Por Favor),
Thank You (Gracias), and Excuse Me (Perdon).
- PANAMA CITY TRAVEL TIP #10: PB is the acronym for the Lobby.
- PANAMA CITY TRAVEL TIP #11: The staff at hotels know which
restaurants to visit. In advance, consider this list:
Seafood: La Casa de Marisco (Order the Langostino Creole), Siete Mares
Pasta: Trattoria D' America, Tre Scalini,
Asian: Madam Chang (Chinese), Royal Thai
Steak: Goucho's, Martin Infierno
French: 1985, Le Bristot
IMPORTANT REFERRALS FOR RELIABLE TRAVEL & EVENT PLANNING:
PANAMA FORMAL EVENTS &
CLIENT LIAISON
Jill De Prosper
Gerente General
Condominio Digna N 251,
Ave 7ma Central
Tel: 227-5066
Cell: 691-8063
PROFESSIONAL TAXI AND PERSONAL TRANSPORTATION/GUIDE
Joel Gordon
Apartado: Entrega
General
Zona 3 Panama
Cell: 647-1797
- PANAMA CITY TRAVEL TIP #12: Tipping gets you far in Panama.
A smile, hello and a tip will get you much farther than criticizing.
- PANAMA CITY TRAVEL TIP #13: If the locals trust you enough
to share their concerns, they'll complain how the politicos favor the
rich and how corrupt they are. Don't argue with them.
Just say, "Yeah, that's how it is where I live, too."
Besides, you wouldn't be telling a lie, right?
- PANAMA CITY TRAVEL TIP #14: Don't leave valuables
unattended. Tourists are rarely robbed of their belongings by
force. If there's theft, it's a passive form and when someone's
not looking.
- PANAMA CITY TRAVEL TIP #15: You can buy an umbrella almost
anywhere for about $2.
- PANAMA CITY TRAVEL TIP #16: When in doubt, take a taxi.
If you walk, you may be sweating like a pig within a few blocks.
- PANAMA CITY TRAVEL TIP #17: Consider the Courtyard Marriott
next to the Pacific Muliplex Mall. Lots of shopping with brand
names next door, if you need something. Rooms include reliable
internet access and there's a competent business center. Say
hello to Ruben who man's the door during regular business hours and
Marcon at the bar on the second floor. For dinner reservations,
talk to Mr. Bautista at the front desk. He'll get a taxi pronto
and answer your questions.
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PANAMA CITY TRAVEL TIP #18: The "Area Banc(k)aria" is
the business district, where the best restaurants, hotels and the
banks are found. Everything you'll need is within a $1 or $2
taxi ride away. This is the security section of the city.
There are police and cameras everywhere. They are very helpful,
polite, courteous and genuinely interested in your safety. Don't
be put off by their paramilitary appearance. Don't hesitate to
ask for directions or for advice.
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PANAMA CITY TRAVEL TIP #19:
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