15 Things You Can Get Away With in Panama And Not At Home
Every country in the world has its advantages and disadvantages. These are some of my favourites in Panama.
1. Hire someone to do your errands for you
We all hate standing in line at the bank, post office, dry cleaners, etc. In Panama you can hire a messenger to do all of that for you. If you equate the time value of money, the small amount you will dole out to hire someone is well worth it.
2. Have someone clean your home every day
In Panama it is very affordable to hire a maid to clean your house daily. In most cases you can work out a deal so that she cooks your meals too!
3. Enjoy a great meal for $5
Panama has a huge array of restaurants, some very affordable and some are quite a bit more expensive. You can easily eat a meal for $5 in one of the mom and pop type restaurants anywhere in the country.
4. Buy a beer for 50 cents
Even if you are not a big beer drinker, you have to admit, 50 cents is VERY cheap for a frosty ale.
5. Eat the catch of the day - every day
The oceans surrounding Panama are full of delicious fish and the country is full of fisherman. Head to the fish market in Panama City or to the shoreline in a small town and buy a pound of fresh fish for a couple of dollars.
6. Take a taxi across town for $3
In smaller towns in Panama you can take a taxi for a dollar. In Panama City expect to pay between $2 and $3 to move around downtown Panama City.
7. Wear flip-flops every day
So maybe it’s not the best (or most professional) fashion statement to make, but sandals are comfortable. With year round warm weather you can certainly get away with letting your toes breathe as often as you want.
8. See the sunrise as you leave a nighttime hot spot
Many other countries have “last call” and force bar patrons out the door at a certain time. Panama is flirting with the idea of closing bars at a certain time, but until there’s a concrete law in place, you can pretty much stay at a bar as long as you’re willing to keep buying drinks.
9. Swim in two oceans in the same day
In North America you’d have to take a looong flight in order to reach the opposite coast but in Panama you can easily drive between the Atlantic and Pacific oceans.
10. Tell your friends you will call your driver to have him pull the car around
Like maids and messengers, it doesn’t cost a lot to hire a driver. Driving in Panama City can be a harrowing experience so if you have the money it might be worth it to hire someone to chauffeur you around town.
11. Take in a movie for less money than a gallon of gasoline
Panama has many very nice movie theaters showing the latest releases from Hollywood. $4 will get you a ticket at the nicest theater in town.
12. Buy a carton of cigarettes for less than the price of one pack in parts of North America
Though I’m not advocating taking up a smoking habit, if you already partake in this vice, you can certainly do it on the cheap in Panama
13. Get your teeth cleaned for $45
There are plenty of great dentists in Panama, and many of them speak English. Pretty much all medical and dental procedures are much cheaper in Panama than in many other countries.
14. Run in to international celebrities on the street
Panama has a number of famous citizens and most of them travel about without bodyguards. Most are very approachable and are happy to stop and have a conversation with you. It’s not uncommon to run in to famous folks involved in sports, music and film, on the streets of Panama.
15. Treat yourself to some inexpensive pampering
Panamanians take very good care of themselves and take pride in their looks. It’s not that expensive to treat yourself the same way. A manicure and pedicure cost around $8. Getting your hair styled for a big night out runs about $5 in most salons. Other spa treatments are just as reasonably priced.
What are some things that you love doing in Panama that you can’t do in your home country?
