Background on Panama today

Panama City is noisy! I think new construction is evident on every street in every neighborhood.  The majority of the new buildings are highrise condos, except in Casco Viejo, which is being renovated and restored. 

Parking is difficult and we haven't seen any parking enforcement anywhere.  Private security moves would-be parkers away from many buildings, but we have yet to see any illegally parked car with a ticket.  About enforcement: um, stop signs and traffic lights appear to be mere suggestions to Panamanian drivers and I suspect all vehicle turn signals are disabled before a car is sold here.  Instead, drivers honk merrily before proceeding anywhere and everywhere.  On the plus side, I have become very fast when crossing a busy street on foot.

Nobody has what Americans consider a proper address here.  The city is divided into neighborhoods that everyone understands: Casco Viejo, Obario, San Francisco, Bella Vista, El Congrejo, Punto Paitella. If you take a taxi, first give the neighborhood destination and then a landmark near the place you want to go, unless you are going to a well-known building (like the Marriott). Give the street name if you know it.  Good city maps are hard to find.  Most do not show street names.

Buses are mostly retired US school buses, wildly decorated.  They will stop anywhere, I think.  Taxis are cheap, fares are "casual." If you make an appointment in the city, make sure you get directions and landmarks before you hang up!  Expect to pay $25 -$27 to go to Tocumen Airport from the city.  Otherwise, fares range from $1.25 - $5 to go just about anywhere.  Don't be surprised if an empty cab follows you, honking, if you walk down the street.  They are asking if you need a lift.  Wave them on if you want to walk.