Panama City

How do I get from the airport to hotel and back. Do they have taxis outside the airport and are they all cool to use. And when returning to the airport from the hotel do I have call a cab to pick me up from the hotel? If so where would I find their phone number? I'm staying at the Hyatt.

Also I heard uber was cool to use to get around. Anyone know if this is true? Or is it best to stick with a taxi?

Also is there anything special I have to do when I get to the airport from the USA and also when I leave to go back to the USA?

Is there anything special I should bring with me in general?

Also how much money should I bring for a 3 week trip?

Also where is the best place to withdraw money from an ATM if I need more?

And what denominations of money is best to have?

I have T-Mobile and it works in a lot of countries including Panama. Would bringing and using my phone there be the best option?

And if there is anything else that you think a first timer should know about anything please let me know.

Thanks in advance.

[QUOTE=NonStopParty;1922060]How do I get from the airport to hotel and back. Do they have taxis outside the airport and are they all cool to use. And when returning to the airport from the hotel do I have call a cab to pick me up from the hotel? If so where would I find their phone number? I'm staying at the Hyatt.
[/QUOTE]Taxis are outside the airport. Only go with the official ones. There are dispatchers there to help you. $25 to $30 is about right. The official prices are posted on a board.

[QUOTE]
Also I heard uber was cool to use to get around. Anyone know if this is true? Or is it best to stick with a taxi?
[/QUOTE]I have not used Uber but others have said it is good in Panama.

[QUOTE]
Also is there anything special I have to do when I get to the airport from the USA and also when I leave to go back to the USA?

Is there anything special I should bring with me in general?
[/QUOTE]No just the usual.

[QUOTE]
Also how much money should I bring for a 3 week trip?
[/QUOTE]That's up to you. 3 weeks is a long time to stay in Panama City. You'll be bored silly unless you like gambling.

[QUOTE]
Also where is the best place to withdraw money from an ATM if I need more?

And what denominations of money is best to have?
[/QUOTE]ATMs are plentiful but with additional charges. I would bring lots of 1 dollar bills for the taxis.

[QUOTE]
I have T-Mobile and it works in a lot of countries including Panama. Would bringing and using my phone there be the best option?

And if there is anything else that you think a first timer should know about anything please let me know.

Thanks in advance.[/QUOTE]I usually either buy a local sim or I rely on wifi + whatsapp to communicate.

[QUOTE=NonStopParty;1922060]How do I get from the airport to hotel and back. Do they have taxis outside the airport and are they all cool to use. And when returning to the airport from the hotel do I have call a cab to pick me up from the hotel?[/QUOTE]I would rather rip my tonsils out with a fish hook than spend three full weeks in PTY, but when you get in, go to the departures level and negotiate with a cab who is dropping someone off. Ignore all the people trying to "help" you. $15 is what I paid last year doing that. And if your return flight is very early in the morning, you may wish to arrange a cab through your hotel. Otherwise you can get one on the street but you have to negotiate then, and they could pick up someone else, which wastes time and invades your space. There has been a lot of discussion about Uber and cabs if you go back a ways.

[QUOTE=YippieKayay;1922202]Taxis are outside the airport. Only go with the official ones. There are dispatchers there to help you. $25 to $30 is about right. The official prices are posted on a board.

I have not used Uber but others have said it is good in Panama.

No just the usual.

That's up to you. 3 weeks is a long time to stay in Panama City. You'll be bored silly unless you like gambling.

ATMs are plentiful but with additional charges. I would bring lots of 1 dollar bills for the taxis.

I usually either buy a local sim or I rely on wifi + whatsapp to communicate.[/QUOTE]If you can pay the membership here, it will be well worth it and when you do PM me!

I'll be staying at the Hyatt. What banks and ATM's should I use in Panama City, Panama to withdraw and change money to different denominations? I was looking on a map and I saw that HSBC seems to be right across the street. Is this true and are they good to use? If not what are my other options?

Thanks

[QUOTE=NonStopParty;1923264]I'll be staying at the Hyatt. What banks and ATM's should I use in Panama City, Panama to withdraw and change money to different denominations? I was looking on a map and I saw that HSBC seems to be right across the street. Is this true and are they good to use? If not what are my other options?

Thanks[/QUOTE]There is no need to exchange money as the currency is the US dollar. There are plenty of ATM all over the place. No worries. Enjoy your trip.

[QUOTE=Hobbiest1;1923291]There is no need to exchange money as the currency is the US dollar. There are plenty of ATM all over the place. No worries. Enjoy your trip.[/QUOTE]Thanks. But what if I need to exchange $20 bills for $1 bills what do I do? Also where are the safer ATM's located?

The last time I was there (last May), I was able to withdraw money from a bank's ATM, typically receiving all 20's, walk into the bank, show the ATM receipt, and get whatever denomination of bills I wanted. Carrying around $500 in twenties is kind of a drag. Also be aware that although Panamá does not print currency, they do mint their own coins. So, you want to make sure you spend the coins, because you can't change them in. Your change will be a mix of US and panamanian coins.

[QUOTE=NonStopParty;1922060]How do I get from the airport to hotel and back. Do they have taxis outside the airport and are they all cool to use. And when returning to the airport from the hotel do I have call a cab to pick me up from the hotel? If so where would I find their phone number? I'm staying at the Hyatt.

Also I heard uber was cool to use to get around. Anyone know if this is true? Or is it best to stick with a taxi?

Also is there anything special I have to do when I get to the airport from the USA and also when I leave to go back to the USA?

Is there anything special I should bring with me in general?

Also how much money should I bring for a 3 week trip?

Also where is the best place to withdraw money from an ATM if I need more?

And what denominations of money is best to have?

I have T-Mobile and it works in a lot of countries including Panama. Would bringing and using my phone there be the best option?

And if there is anything else that you think a first timer should know about anything please let me know.

Thanks in advance.[/QUOTE]PM me. Have some info and contact # 's I can share.

[QUOTE=NonStopParty;1923294]Thanks. But what if I need to exchange $20 bills for $1 bills what do I do? Also where are the safer ATM's located?[/QUOTE]As far as that goes. Do what I do. I bring $100 in $1 bills and $100 in $5's. Trust me. You will thank me as the Panamanians arent real quick to make change. Especially at Veneto.

As far as your other questions:

How do I get from the airport to hotel and back.

Go to the departures. Upstairs and get a taxi. Much cheaper. You should pay $15-$20 MAX.

Also I heard uber was cool to use to get around. Anyone know if this is true? Or is it best to stick with a taxi?

Stick with taxi in PTY. Prices are marginal. PTY has cheap taxis - 1 tip. NEVER ask how much. Just give $3 and you will be good when goin within the city.

Also is there anything special I have to do when I get to the airport from the USA and also when I leave to go back to the USA?

NOPE. Departure taxes are now paid in 99% of all airfares.

Is there anything special I should bring with me in general?

Generally. I always bring my own condoms and I bring a wireless speaker and of course a minimal change of clothes. Shorts and Tees. Leave the dinner jacket and trousers at home.

Also how much money should I bring for a 3 week trip?

That depends. I always figure $200/ day including drinks, chicas, food, etc. REMEMBER. You aren't going to bang 3 girls everyday. Average it out and $250/ day should be plenty.

Also where is the best place to withdraw money from an ATM if I need more?

Plenty of ATMs so best place may be in a well guarded casino but I never feel threatened in PTY. Use your spidey senses.

And what denominations of money is best to have?

See first response. Bring $1's and $5's.

I have T-Mobile and it works in a lot of countries including Panama. Would bringing and using my phone there be the best option?

Dunno. I always buy a sim card at a local store once I get settled. Usually around $50 for 1 month.

And if there is anything else that you think a first timer should know about anything please let me know.

Just enjoy. Go fuck the hot Columbians and Cubans. Eat at Beruit and Gaucho's. I hate the Hard Rock as I think they are assholes but just my personal opinion. The canal is a must do but don't feel like you have to watch the ship pass thru. Go and immerse in the culture of PTY.

If you need a private driver / tour guide I have a great one. PM me.

H1.

[QUOTE=NonStopParty;1923264]I'll be staying at the Hyatt. What banks and ATM's should I use in Panama City, Panama to withdraw and change money to different denominations? I was looking on a map and I saw that HSBC seems to be right across the street. Is this true and are they good to use? If not what are my other options?

Thanks[/QUOTE]I prefer to use the ATMs inside the Veneto Casino. And the cashier cage is right there if you want to break down the bills further. While you're there order a bowl of sancocho, it's awesome.

The hottest chicas at Habanos right now are from Venezuela. Not as many Cubanas anymore because the Costa Rica travel visa policy has changed.

Regarding telephone I'd recommend getting a local SIM card for $3. Then buying data there is cheap too. Phone stores are across and down the street in front of Veneto.

I usually go to Panama City for 3 nights instead of 3 weeks. You better start thinking about side trips already.

Good choice on Hyatt Place. Have fun!

Quick question. Last time there we booked for two at the Hyatt Place just to make sure we had no hassles. They do charge an extra $10-$15 for the second person so I was wondering if anyone has booked for just one and whether it was any issue at all.

Just booked next trip and don't want to waste $50 if there is no need. Thanks.

[QUOTE=TeeTime;1925920]Quick question. Last time there we booked for two at the Hyatt Place just to make sure we had no hassles. They do charge an extra $10-$15 for the second person so I was wondering if anyone has booked for just one and whether it was any issue at all

Jusat booked next trip and don't want to waste $50 if there is no need. Thanks.[/QUOTE]My advise is just book for one and pay the $15 chica fee if they ask for it. I haven't been in a year to this hotel but the last time I was there they never asked even registered the chicas. They literally didn't care.

Have fun!

[QUOTE=TeeTime;1925920]Quick question. Last time there we booked for two at the Hyatt Place just to make sure we had no hassles. They do charge an extra $10-$15 for the second person so I was wondering if anyone has booked for just one and whether it was any issue at all.

Just booked next trip and don't want to waste $50 if there is no need. Thanks.[/QUOTE]I'm currently at Hyatt. I brought a chica to my room 2 days ago. No fee was charged. It's my first time here so I really didn't know what to do but I guess the chica did. As soon as we walked in the door chica immediately went to the front desk and handed the lady at the front desk her passport. I think the lady at the front desk made a copy, then asked me for my room number. Then me and the chica went to my room. When we left we left without even stopping at front desk. By the way I only booked the room for 1 person (myself).

Thanks guys. Yes, there was no hassle last time, girls just gave ID and we went up. Just wasn't sure it would be same thing if you only booked for one. Appreciate the feedback.