Question 1

When is the best time to visit Panama?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 2

In what time zone is Panama located?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 3

How do I get to the city from the airport?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 4

Are the car rental prices advertised accurate?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 5

Are there hotels near the Jewish neighborhoods?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 6

Are there daily minyanim at the synagogues?

Accepted Answer

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.(http://www.dsipanama.org/visit)    Make sure to select Go Kosher Panama as the "Kosher Tour" in the form.

Question 7

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

Accepted Answer

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).

Question 8

Do the dairy restaurants offer Cholov Yisroel?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 9

Are there any Kosher establishments near the beach resorts?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 10

Do any hotels offer Shabbat meals?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 11

Can I use my cell phone?

Accepted Answer

• 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.

Question 12

How far is the Panama Canal from the city?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 13

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

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 14

Can I go to the beach just for the day?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 15

How far are the beach resorts from Panama City?

Accepted Answer

The resorts are approximately 1.5 to 2 hours by car.

Question 16

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

Accepted Answer

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

Question 17

How many days should we spend in Panama City?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 18

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

Accepted Answer

• 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.

Question 19

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

Accepted Answer

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

Question 20

Do we need to change currencies to use in Panama?

Accepted Answer

• 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.

Question 21

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

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 22

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

Accepted Answer

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

Question 23

Who can I contact in event of a medical emergency?

Accepted Answer

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/

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