The Don'ts of Visiting Panama

Thinking about visiting Panama? 🇵🇦 Before you book that trip, here are the biggest don’ts tourists need to know when traveling to Panama!

Panama is an incredible country — from the Panama Canal and Panama City skyline to the Caribbean beaches of San Blas and Bocas del Toro. But there are a few things travelers should NOT do if they want to avoid awkward situations, overspending, scams, or cultural misunderstandings.

In this video, I cover:

Why Panama is NOT “cheap Central America”

What to know about using U.S. dollars and tipping

Taxi and Uber advice (and avoiding scams)

Why you shouldn’t compare Panama to Costa Rica or Colombia

Service expectations and greeting etiquette (¡Buenos días!)

Tap water safety in Panama City

Toilet paper rules 🚽

Caribbean vs. Pacific beaches differences

San Blas travel tips (and why day trips are LONG)

Heat, humidity, bugs, and sunscreen warnings

Why you should carry ID

Domestic flight booking advice

Food you absolutely shouldn’t miss (ceviche, sancocho, carimañolas, coconut rice & more)

Panama is modern, proud, beautiful, and full of eco-adventures — but knowing these travel tips will help you have a smoother, safer, and more enjoyable trip.

If you’re planning a visit to Panama City, San Blas Islands, or Bocas del Toro — this video is for you.

What would YOU add to the list? Let fellow travelers know in the comments!

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#TravelTips
Filmed in Panama

Copyright Mark Wolters 2025


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