FAQ

When is the best time to visit Panama?

Panama has a dry and a rainy season. The dry season typically runs from end of December thru March. Temperatures all year round hover in the high 80s to low 90’s. When it does rain from April through December, it may rain for a short period of time, a couple of hours or maybe somewhere else in Panama and you will only see sun and clouds. downpour. It will always be 85 – 90 degrees, hot and humid.

In what time zone is Panama located?

Geographically, it is in the Eastern Time zone. However, since Panama does not change their clocks for Daylight Savings Time, they are 1 hour behind or on Central time from March thru November.

How do I get to the city from the airport?

There are plenty of choices to choose from when you are ready to leave the airport. You can choose to use Uber, take a taxi or you can arrange for a driver prior to your arrival. You can also rent a car from one of the many companies operating in Panama. See our Transportation page for more options.

Are the car rental prices advertised accurate?

The daily rates are accurate however there are mandatory third party insurances that can range from $18 – $25 per day. Be sure to check with the rental agencies when making reservations.

Are there hotels near the Jewish neighborhoods?

Yes, there are many hotels within a short walking distance to the synagogues and kosher restaurants in Paitilla, Punta Pacifica, Marbella & Bella Vista. See the Hotels page for the ones that are listed in Panama City.

Are there daily minyanim at the synagogues?

There are regular services throughout the week and Shabbat. Davening times are posted on each of the shuls on the website. You will need to pre-arrange your security clearance in order to enter a number of the synagogues. Please complete the following form prior to arriving in Panama: Visitors Registration Form. Make sure to select Go Kosher Panama as the “Kosher Tour” in the form.

What are the Kashrut symbols to look for on products in Panama?

The symbol is a K with a crown on top. The color of the symbol indicates whether it is Dairy (BLUE), Meat (RED), Green (PAREVE).

Do the dairy restaurants offer Cholov Yisroel?

There are several restaurants on gokosherpanama.com/food that offer Cholov Yisroel. It is suggested that you ask the pertinent questions to ensure that the establishment’s standards meet your own. The supermarkets carry a full line of Cholov Yisroel products as well.

Are there any Kosher establishments near the beach resorts?

There are currently no restaurants outside of Panama City. There is a supermarket in Coronado that carries a wide selection of kosher packaged items. Many of the restaurants and caterers in Panama City have also begun to deliver to the beach areas on a limited and scheduled basis.

Do any hotels offer Shabbat meals?

Not yet! We are working with several hotels and caterers to provide for arranged meals. At this time, many of the restaurants will be able to provide take out orders for Shabbat meals.

Can I use my cell phone?

You can either subscribe to your US carriers travel plan or purchase a SIM card at the airport from one of several local carriers.
You can purchase a SIM card at the airport or save a lot of money and purchase one in the city. If you purchase a Tigo SIM card, you can use the attached instruction to download the Mi Tigo app and load funds onto your SIM card.Download Tiga SIM Card Instructions

How far is the Panama Canal from the city?

The Miraflores Locks is less than a half hour ride by car from the center of Panama City.

What is the best time to see boats coming through the canal?

The schedule changes each day. The morning schedule is usually completed between 8:00AM – 9:00AM. The boats start arriving again in the afternoon as early as 12:30PM and as late as 3:00PM. If you are not going with a guided tour you can check the Go Kosher Panama Travel & Tips Facebook group each morning for the schedule of that day.

Can I go to the beach just for the day?

Yes – there are a number of islands you can visit. See the Things To Do and Transportation pages for destination and ferry travel times to and from the islands.

How far are the beach resorts from Panama City?

The resorts are approximately 1.5 to 2 hours by car.

What is the best way to get to the beach resorts?

You can arrange with one of the drivers listed on the Transportation page.

How many days should we spend in Panama City?

You can plan for 2 or 3 days to see the sites in and around Panama City.

How do we get to Bocas Del Toro? Boquete? Can we get kosher food there?

Bocas del Toro and Boquete are a 1 hour flight from the city
Both destinations have a Chabad so that you don’t need to bring food with you. In Bocas del Toro, the Chabad is on the main island called Isla Colon. They will deliver to many of the hotels and resorts on that island as well as the surrounding islands. There is a delivery charge.
In Boquete you can get breakfast and/or lunches at Morton’s Bakehouse. You can order dinners to be prepared for delivery or pick up from the Chabad.

Do we need to get shots before we travel to Panama?

No shots are required at this time. (Consult with you medical professional).

Do we need to change currencies to use in Panama?

Panama’s local currency is the Balboa, but the dollar is an accepted currency all through the country.
When you do pay with dollar bills, it is likely you will receive coin change in Balboas.

Do I need to bring Cash and/or Credit Cards when traveling out of the city?

The Beach resorts and the larger supermarkets will accept credit cards. When travelling to any of the islands make sure to have cash as the hotels, tour operators and local merchants may not accept credit cards.

Are the electric outlets the same as the US, or do we need adapters?

Yes, they are the same (110 v) and no adapters are needed.

Who can I contact in event of a medical emergency?

There are several hospitals in the immediate Panama City vicinity.

Pacífica Salud Hospital Punta Pacífica:
Boulevard Pacífica y Vía Punta Darién
https://www.pacificasalud.com
Affiliated with Johns Hopkins Medical Center

Centro Medico Paitilla:
Avenida Balboa con calle 53
https://hospitalpaitilla.com/