Money
by malianrob
Panama uses the US dollar as its currency. The official name for it is the balboa, but it's exactly the same bill. Panamanian coins are of the same value, size and metal as US coins; both are used. In most of Central America, US dollars are the only currency exchanged. In Panama City, however, you can exchange currencies from almost anywhere in the world at a casa de cambio, due to the city's large international offshore banking industry.
This is what I liked because I didnt have to change any money.
The SALSA bus
by schlumpf
I gave the nick of "SALSA BUS" to this crazy bus, and as you could immage, because of there is a bloody loud salsa on it!
When you caught the bus, you cannot even explain to the driver where he has to drop you off (because there are no stops, you gotta ask'em to drop you!!!!) becasue the music is sooooooo loud...but com'on this is the country of the Salsa, and is so cool to stand listening some music on the way, isn't it?!
Then, this kind of transport is extremely cheap (around the city for less the nhald dollar)
...where the locals eat on the Causeway
by bpwarne about Mi Ranchito
This restaurant is located on the Amador Causeway, I believe it is the first restaurant on the right hand side as you drive out onto the causeway. This restaurant was highly recommended by our Panamaian friends, Lourdes and Freddie, and did not disappoint. It is more reasonably priced than most on the causeway and this was reflected by the clientel...fewer tourists, more locals. The atmosphere was quite festive, the food was excellent (Patty had a shrimp dish, I had some type of fish), the service was friendly but a bit slow, however the place was packed, it was a Friday night. Afterward we took a long stroll to the end of the Causeway, enjoying the night air and music from the various discos and restaurants we passed, a great Panama City experience.
Isla Taboga - it's all about the ride
by April_M
Isla Taboga is about 1 - 1.5 hour ferry ride (aboard the lovely Calypso Queen) from the docks in Panama City. It's a great place to go to relax and stroll around a place that's a lot less bustling and modern than Panama City.
While the beaches were not that great, the small, hilly streets of the Island are a great place to get lost for a couple of hours and the Island boasts what’s reputed to the second oldest church in the Western hemisphere. And the best part of Isla Taboga is the ride to and from the City. Breathtaking views of the Puente de las Americas, the city, the island and the evening sunset.
AMADOR CAUSEWAY
by mtncorg
Built from fill dug up for the Canal, a causeway extends out from the southern entrance to the Canal to link four small islands to the mainland - Naos, Culebra, Perico and Flamenco. A grand promenade exists - next to a two lane road - 4 kilometers in length from the Country Inn at the base of the Bridge of the Americas to the center on Flamenco, providing superb views of the city skyline, the Bridge of the Americas, the ships waiting offshore for their turn at the Canal and at those who are approaching or leaving the southern entrance. Built originally as Fort Grant, the whole complex was one of the greatest fortifications in the World, set up to defend the Canal from all comers. Today, you find many restaurants, discos, yachties, joggers, walkers, bikers and roller bladers, as well as a branch of the Smithsonian Tropical Institute. It is a great place to escape the bustle of the city.
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Art Deco building in the Casco Antiguo
Nave of the Church
Atop Las Bóvedas, roof of the National Theatre
Canal House in Casco Viejo Panama
