Pearl Islands of Panama. Pearl Islands Panama Visa and Border Crossing

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I came to Panama having already traveled through Argentina, Brazil, and Mexico, but she found something to surprise me with. And if you are used to traveling through comfortable and cozy European countries, and then you want something exotic, then feel free to start exploring America del sur from Panama! Here the Latin American character with its eternal "I'll do it all later" and sunny smiles meets polished civilization. From this union an Americanized version of America del Sur is born - no longer, but not yet.

Imagine a state in which, as in neighboring countries, mainly developed Agriculture: Indian villages, spanish cities and numerous farms scattered among the hills and rivers. Life here flowed smoothly and quietly, and the life of the local residents was no different from how they lived in Colombia and other regions of Central America... Everything changed overnight with the construction of the Panama Canal, which connected the waters of the Atlantic and Pacific oceans. Skyscrapers began to grow in the capital, and roads snaked between cities.

Today Panama is thriving: offshore companies flow here and ships sail from all over the world. High incomes made it possible to create a wonderful tourism infrastructure - and we, travelers, were not long in coming!

Visa and border crossing

February 2015 was a happy month, because the authorities of the Republic of Panama decided to allow Russians to visit this fertile land without visas. You can stay in the country unhindered for up to 90 days. If you want to extend your stay, go to neighboring Costa Rica, Belize and Guatemala (besides, there is something to see there!) and return after another 3 months. The second option is to try to change your migration category and get a visa for work or study, for which you need to submit an appropriate application (as well as a passport, air tickets, housing reservations, photos and invitations to work/study) to the Panamanian authorities. Consular fee – $75. You can arrange for a half-day job at a hostel or bar and stay in Panama for as long as you wish.

At the border, in addition to your international passport (which must be valid for another 3 months from the date of entry), you may be asked for return tickets (it is better to have them printed or a screenshot on your phone, since Wi-Fi does not always work at the checkpoint).

Allegedly, the list of required documents for entry also includes proof of financial solvency (a bank statement or, at worst, a certificate from work). I crossed the border with Panama several times - they did not ask for such documents (apparently, I look quite presentable). But just in case, it’s better to have it with you. When preparing your statement, be guided by standard rules– your account balance must be at least $50 for each day of your stay.

Are you planning to import excisable goods into Panama? 2 blocks of cigarettes and 5 liters of strong alcohol will not raise questions from customs services. As well as $10,000 in cash.

Animals and plants will enter the country only with a special permit or a certificate from a veterinarian, but it will not be possible to export delicious fruits or rubber tree seedlings - they will be taken away.

How to get there

The narrow isthmus of land between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans is bordered on the south by the jungles of Colombia, and on the north by the hills and forests of Costa Rica.

Most often tourists come here regular flights, ocean liners or land transport from other Mesoamerican countries.

By plane

Panama City is located 10 thousand kilometers from Moscow, so direct flight one can only dream. In practice, we get one (or more) transfer and the opportunity to look at other countries along the way.

Via USA

Flights from cities in the United States of America to Panama:

• American Airlines from New York (John Kennedy Airport, JFK), Los Angeles (airport of the same name, LAX), Houston (airport named after George Bush, IAH), Dallas (Fort Worth, DFW), (airport of the same name, MIA) and others cities, the ticket price will be from $150 one way. For a ticket from Moscow you will have to pay at least $1300.
• United Airlines from New York (JFK) and Houston (IAH). Prices start from $250 one way, and from Moscow with a transfer in one of these cities - from $1500/
• Aeromexico from $100 one way from (Benito Juarez Airport, MEX), from $150 from (MIA) or from $500 round trip from Madrid (Barajas, MAD). A flight from Moscow will cost at least $1000.

However, you need to remember that you need an American visa to connect to Russia. I didn’t have one, so when I compared prices for tickets through America and through Europe, I mentally added at least $130 for the consular fee to obtain a visa.

Through Europe

There are many more options available European airlines:

• Iberia flies daily from Madrid (MAD) - a one-way ticket will cost from 300 euros, and for a flight from Moscow and back you will have to pay from 700 euros. At the same time, the airline often organizes sales.
• Lufthansa offers flights in a higher price range - the price for a flight from Frankfurt am Main (Rhine-Main Airport, FRA) starts from 400 euros, and a return flight from Moscow will cost about 900 euros.
• KLM also operates daily flights from Amsterdam (Schiphol, AMS): from 500 euros per round trip. A ticket from Moscow will cost an inhumane sum of 1000 euros.
• Air France, flying via (Charles de Gaulle, CDG), offers similar prices to KLM.

All flights arrive at international Airport Tocument (PTY) in Panama. Local airlines fly from the capital's Marcos A. Gelabert Airport. Tourists usually use the airports in Bocas del Toro (BOC), San Blas (NBL), Contadora (OTD) and David (Enrique Malec Airport, DAV).

You can compare flight options to Panama and choose the best one for yourself using this link.

By train

In Panama, like in any self-respecting country, there is a railway connection. Unfortunately for travelers, it is only cargo and connects the ports of two coasts. Therefore, it is impossible to use it to get into the country, and moving around it is utopian.

By bus

But the bus service is doing great! The bus fleet is in quite good condition, night buses are equipped with air conditioning (stock up on warm clothes), a toilet and a TV.

In addition to several museums, travelers are invited to entertain themselves by exploring the old city and the Panama Canal (those who have seen how hydroelectric power plants work will not be particularly interested), where ships usually pass through the locks at 9 am and in the afternoon. The restored quarters of Panama Vieja impressed me more like a museum under open air than parts of the city. In each house there is a hotel or restaurant, and rare local residents quickly walk through the block, hurrying about their business. But, apart from the promenade along the fragrant lagoon, this is the only place in the capital that is pleasant to walk along. The center, lined with high-rise buildings, looks inviting from a distance, but upon inspection it turns out to be a labyrinth of narrow, littered streets, which I would strongly recommend getting around by metro, bus or taxi.

Colon

This is a fairly young city, dating back to the 1800s, so don't expect much architectural flourishes (except perhaps the charming Episcopal Church). But travelers come here not for the ancient houses and monuments, but for the free trade zone and a huge number of wonderful restaurants, bars, yacht clubs and other entertainment. This is a big one sea ​​port, in which huge bulk carriers and no less impressive ocean liners. The city is always full of life and people; representatives of all nationalities and professions come ashore here. In the bar you will see all shades of skin, eyes and hair, and hear hundreds of languages ​​and dialects spoken. As you look around, don't forget to check your wallet and valuables.

Portobelo

A cozy and ancient colonial city, founded by the Spaniards in 1502 to transport gold from the colony to the dominion. For many centuries, the peace of its inhabitants was protected by four forts, designed to repel the encroachments of the French, British and pirates. Today, all that remains of them are dilapidated picturesque walls, from which a stunning view of the lagoon, full of slender white silhouettes of ships, opens.

The second reason to go to Portobelo is diving and snorkeling. Imagine the best coral reef in Panama and a graveyard of lost ships, and you will understand what attracts explorers of the deep here. Add to this the low prices for food and accommodation and you will want to anchor here for a long time.

David

One of the most major cities Panama City is located on the Pan-American Highway near the border with Costa Rica. This is the most important transport hub through which all bus and car routes pass. It itself is unremarkable - an ordinary hectic and slightly sloppy Latin American city where you can find excellent street food(and an equal chance to dine on something completely disgusting) and observe the real life of Panamanians. From here, forced marches are usually made to Costa Rica, Panama City or Bocas del Toro.

Bocas del Toro

A small town on the largest island of the archipelago seems to be obsessed with pirates. When you go ashore at the boat station, you will see barkers walking around in characteristic costumes, and numerous signs for restaurants and shops will mercilessly exploit the pirate theme. Otherwise, this is a completely ordinary cute tourist town, one part of which never sleeps, and the other part is trying to live a normal life. Be sure to visit the second part, farthest from the water. For example, I attended a drum orchestra training local school and bought a wonderful painting by a Panamanian artist. There are offices of all the world's car rental companies in the country; their offers can be viewed on their official websites. On average, a small car with manual transmission gears can be rented from $20, a city SUV – from $60, and an SUV – from $100 per day. When planning your budget, you need to take into account the cost of gasoline ($1.5 per liter), toll roads(about $1 for a 30 km section) and parking (they are only available in cities and cost from $0.5 to $1 per hour).

Islands

Top attractions

What amazes and delights you most about Panama? Everyone will have their own answer to this question. I was in awe and untouched beauty national reserves, and the noise of the capital, and the comfort of colonial ports, and a scattering of magnificent islands. Among these natural beauties it is very difficult to name one thing that is most outstanding. After all, the Pearl Islands are no less beautiful than Bocas del Toro or San Blas, and virgin forests in the east of the country are in no way inferior to those in the west. But still there is something unique and unique in Panama.

Volcano Baru

The most high point Panama is a dormant volcano almost 3,500 meters above sea level. It is picturesque in itself, rising proudly among evergreen rainforests. But what makes it special and undoubtedly worth a visit, so this is an amazing view. On a clear day, the summit of the volcano, located near the southern border with Costa Rica, offers views of both the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea.

Climbing to the top of Baru is very popular among travelers. There are several tourist routes from nearby cities and towns of varying length and complexity. The shortest (but also the most difficult, with frequent army ascents and descents) lasts about 13 km. A less scenic, but easier 22-kilometer trek leads from the city of Boquete. You can go with organized group, such tours are sold both in the capital and in David, the price for them starts from $50.

Panama Canal

Perhaps even more than its appearance, what is striking about this building is its significance for the global economy. A sort of huge monument to unimaginable human efforts for the sake of profit. Connecting (or, in this case, it would be more correct to say “separating”) the two Americas, the canal passes through dozens of ships and many tons of cargo every day. It is best to watch the huge colossus move from lock to lock in the morning or afternoon. But even if you don’t manage to see how the ship gets from the Atlantic to the Pacific Ocean, you can always visit the museum at the canal and learn the history of its construction.

Star Beach

On one of the islands of Bocas del Toro, starfish bask on the golden sand under the gentle and transparent waves. Thanks to them, the beach got its name Playa de estrella. You can admire the red stars on the yellow sand framed by the turquoise sea and soak up the gentle sun by renting a boat in Colon or taking a tour there.

Bridge of the Americas and Centennial Bridge

Two colossal buildings connecting the Northern and South America, spilled over the Panama Canal. The first one was built back in the 1960s and for a long time remained the only road bridge continuing the famous Pan-American Highway, until a second bridge was built in 2004, even more elegant and wide. Both of them are especially beautiful at night with the many lights reflected in the dark water.

Weather

Happy Panamanians know only two seasons: dry and wet. All year round the temperature hovers around +30 degrees and both coasts are open for swimming.

From November to April the weather is dry and sunny, all the resorts are full of tourists (mostly Americans) and prices for accommodation and food rise.

In the second half of the year - from May to October - rain reigns. They often bring heavy downpours over the coast and leave behind heavy humidity. Despite the cloudy sky, the tan turns out wonderful. This weather also discourages many tourists, so you can enjoy a cheaper and more secluded holiday. The exception, perhaps, is Valle de Anton, where, thanks to the elevation, the weather is generally excellent even during the rainy season.

The ideal time to visit Panama, in my opinion, is the off-season months - May and October. The main flow of vacationers has already subsided, and rare rains do not interfere with enjoying the trip at all.

Moving around the country

Panama is a fairly compact country: 800 kilometers from Costa Rica to Colombia and 100-300 kilometers between the two coasts.

Airplane

The fastest way to get around Panama is definitely by plane. Airpanama flies to David, Bocas Del Toro and other islands several times a day. One-way tickets start at $100.

Getting from the airport to the point you need in the city will not be difficult: a taxi to the center in Panama City will cost from $20, in other cities from $5, and a bus in the capital will cost $2.5 per person (however, it only runs during the day time and you can pay for travel only with a special card with a deposit), in the provinces - from $0.5.

Bus

Most cheap way transportation - bus. Bus service in Panama is excellently developed: there are several competing companies (the largest TicaBus and ExpresoPanama), which monitor quality in the fight for consumers bus depot and try not to raise prices.

Many flights depart daily from the Albrook Bus Terminal in Panama City to the west and east. Daytime flights make quite a few stops, which is why they move slowly. More expensive night buses (a ticket for the Panama - David flight costs about $25) stop only on request and are considered express trains.

Night buses have a toilet and a TV, as is customary in Latin America, the air conditioner works mercilessly (put on all your warm clothes).
Tickets cannot be purchased online, only at the ticket office at the station. They are divided not by companies, but by directions of movement. The schedule can be found right there at the station or at the hotel. When purchasing a ticket you must present your passport. But when I forgot mine at the hotel, the ticket taker did not persist and simply asked me to write all my passport details on a piece of paper so that it would be convenient for him to enter them into the system. They also ask for your passport when boarding the bus.

The waiting rooms are also equipped with powerful air conditioners; sometimes, while waiting for the bus, I had to go outside to warm up. Toilets at train stations charge $1.

Car

Panama has excellent roads and polite drivers, and the serpentine roads central regions The country is just right to make the route scenic without straining the driver. Therefore, a rented car is great option allowing you to comfortably inspect picturesque landscapes and admire the sights.

All branches of large rental companies operate in the country: Hertz, Alamo, Dollar and others. You can find out about car rental prices in Panama. When renting, you will need a driver's license and a credit card to block a deposit, the size of which depends on the class of the car. They will most likely not ask for international licenses, but it is better to have them with you. Drivers under 21 years of age and over 72 years of age will receive an increased insurance rate when renting a car.

You can also rent a small car, since there are not many really bad roads in Panama. Rent will cost from $30 per day. The cost of gasoline is $0.9 per liter.
Toll roads are mainly found at the exit from cities; to travel along them you will have to pay about $1.5 per section.

Parking in cities is free, but there are special places reserved for them. It is prohibited to stop in other places and you may be fined $50.

Connection

There are two main operators in Panama: Cable & Wireless Panama and BellSouth. Their prices are practically the same. The cheapest tariff includes 1 GB of Internet, 200 minutes of calls to numbers within the country and 300 SMS. It will cost about $8 per month. Calls to Russia cost approximately $1.2-$1.8 per minute.

In tourist regions, the connection is excellent; when moving around the country it may fail, but overall it is also not bad.

Wi-Fi is available in all hostels and hotels (at least in the reception area), as well as in most shopping centers and train stations in the capital. It's quite slow, but it's enough to check email or read a message.

Language and communication

Like most Latin American countries, the official language in Panama is Spanish, which is heavily influenced by the linguistic characteristics and traditions of the indigenous people. Modern Panamanians speak quickly, swallowing endings, which makes understanding very difficult. Native American tribes still speak their native languages.

But unlike many other countries in the region, English is widely spoken in Panama (it is still the recognized language of the financial market), so there is no fear of being misunderstood, especially in tourist areas.
But everyone likes to hear their native speech, so it’s worth learning a few phrases.

10 phrases that will come in handy while traveling

1. Since you are in Panama, then necessary phrase will be “quiero registrar una empresa en la zone de liber comercio” (Quero registrar una empresa en la zone de liber comercio) – I want to register a company in your offshore :)
2. But seriously, first of all, of course, remember a couple of traditional greetings:
   1. Buenas noches (Buenas nights) - good evening.
   2. Buenos tardes (Buenos Tardes) - good afternoon.
   3. Buenos dias (Buenos Dias) - good morning.
   4. Hola (ola) - hello.
3. Panamanians are polite and friendly, so in their communication the phrase “Que tal” is inseparable from their greeting - how are you?
4. The most popular word is “buen” - good - it is used both as an answer to the question “how are you?”, and as a result of some discussion, and simply as filling a pause in a conversation.
5. Even if you don’t remember a single word of Spanish, learn “gracias” (gracias) - thank you - and don’t hesitate to say it to Panamanians all the time, then you will be guaranteed their goodwill!
6. There are several ways to say goodbye, as well as to say hello:
   1. Adios (adios) - bye.
   2. Chao (ciao) - bye.
   3. Hasty mañana (hasta mañana) - see you tomorrow.
   4. Hasta lluego (hasta luego) - see you soon.
7. Any journey involves moving through unfamiliar terrain. No matter how well we are equipped with modern navigation aids, sometimes we have to turn to help local residents. To do this, just ask “where is...?” – donde esta...(donde esta...), substituting the place you need at the end of the question.
8. The question “Cuanto es” (cuanto es) is not less common - how much does it cost?
9. In many situations: in a store, in a restaurant, at a train station, knowing the numbers from one to ten will be useful:
   1. Uno (uno) - one.
   2. Dos (dos) – two.
   3. Tres (tres) – three.
   4. Cuadro (cuadro) - four.
   5. Cinco (cinco) - five.
   6. Seis (seis) – six.
   7. Siete (sieta) - seven.
   8. Ocho (ocho) - eight.
   9. Nueve (nueve) - nine.
   10. Diez (diez) - ten.
10. In a restaurant, even if you say everything else in English or point your finger at a picture, you can please the waiter by asking him to bring the bill in his native language: “la cuenta por favor” (la cuenta por favor).

Features of mentality

Panamanians, like many of their counterparts living in Latin America, are distinguished by their openness and friendliness, laziness and optionality. Their habit of being at least an hour late and not fulfilling promises seriously affects the way business is done in this country.

And the love to embellish or even lie (especially if they asked something that a Panamanian does not know, which he will never admit to anyone), as well as to deceive white dupes can deliver several not the most pleasant minutes of your vacation.

But in general, these people are good-natured and smiling, ready to help.

Food and drink

Panamanians share their neighbors' love of rice, corn and beans. Here, as in Costa Rica, bananas are popular in all forms from chips to mashed potatoes. And, of course, not a single lunch is complete without meat with fresh vegetables and spices: onions, garlic, lemon juice, pepper, coconut milk.

Local residents mainly eat chicken and beef, much less often pork and fish, and almost never seafood, which only tourists can afford.

5 dishes worth trying

• The most important dish, without which not a single meal is complete, is tortillas. They can be sweet or unsweetened, in the form of tubes or buns, with or without beginning.

• Traditional sancocho soup - chicken broth with rice and spices - is loved by all Panamanians. Every cook has his own secrets and his favorite seasonings.

• Tourists are mainly treated to gaucho de marisco seafood soup, the ingredients of which may vary, but the thickness and aroma remain the same on any coast.

• The Spanish dessert bienmesabe has undergone significant changes in Panama and is made from rice, milk and sugar. This very sweet, jelly-like spread is best eaten with pancakes or flatbreads.

• Panamanians prefer coconut water as a drink - on every corner merchants are ready to cut a green coconut with a sharp machete, throw a handful of ice inside and arm it with a straw.

Shopping

Panama great country for shopping! Souvenir lovers and fashionistas have plenty of places to roam.

What you need to know about shopping in this country

Firstly, in major cities and tourist regions, English is easily understood, which makes the shopping process easier.

Secondly, the popularity of Panama among American tourists stimulates the opening of new stores, so Panama has a full variety of fashion industry: from Prada and Versace boutiques to fashion brands of surfer and beachwear. And most importantly, the country has duty-free trade zones.

Prices for food and souvenirs in Panama are quite high, even compared to Costa Rica and Colombia. At the same time, if the quality of food is about the same level, then many souvenirs can only be found here.

Best cities for shopping

It is precisely because of tax-free that Colon is especially loved by shoppers. This international port, where ships from all over the world dock, looks like a consumer paradise. Here you can find Indian fabrics, Moroccan oils, Taiwanese electronics and much, much more at reasonable prices.

Sophisticated shoppers will love the capital with its numerous centers with boutiques of famous world brands in different price categories (Multiplaza Pacific Mall, Albrook Mall, Multicentro, AltaPlaza Mall and others).

In the centers beach holiday Mostly beachwear and numerous souvenir shops are presented. Moreover, each archipelago of islands has its own “specialization”:

• Bocas del Toro has firmly established himself as a leader in the pirate theme.
• The Pearl Islands, as you might guess, offer pearl products to everyone.
• San Blas is one of the few places where handmade Indian products are sold.

What to bring from this country

As in all other countries, Panama has restrictions on the export of rare animals and plants. The list can be found at the airport or asked at the hotel reception. But it’s better to play it safe and not export any seeds, cuttings, fruits, insects or other animals.

As for tax-free and its registration, Panama is a country in which you don’t have to worry about it. It imposes taxes only on certain types of services, and not on goods. Therefore, tourists can make purchases without paying tax to the local budget and without having to register anything.

Vacation with children

The mild climate, magnificent beaches, fresh seafood and a variety of fruits create the conditions for a wonderful holiday with children. On the coasts Pacific Ocean And Caribbean Sea there are special family hotels, whose infrastructure is focused on the stay of the younger generation. And the Panama Canal, ancient buildings and natural beauty will not leave them indifferent.

Safety

Panama is enough safe country. With the exception of the eastern province of Darien, where the standard of living is quite low and armed groups can be found in the forests on the border with Colombia, the rest of the country is designed to enjoy tranquility. Street thefts and more serious crimes are rare here; a tourist can only suffer from being cheated out of change. However, this does not mean that you should neglect reasonable safety rules.

Popular types of scams

Due to their optionality and laziness, as well as their tendency to embellish reality, Panamanians may promise you something that they will not fulfill. Be prepared for the fact that with the promised private tour they will want to put a couple more passengers on your boat, that instead of 5 islands they will try to show you only 3, and the departure time may be shifted back and forth indefinitely.

5 things you definitely shouldn't do

• Do not go to the forests in Darien without an accompanying person, and also without a yellow fever vaccination! If you like thrills, jump with a parachute.

• The outskirts of the city at night are not a suitable place for walking in any country in the world. At night it is better to take a taxi.
• You should not leave valuables in plain sight in your hotel room. No matter how honest the maids and administrators are, why tempt their virtue.
• There is no need to insult law enforcement officers and migration officials. Yes, they may be lazy, slow, or slow-witted, but a fine or other administrative penalty will in no way make your vacation any more enjoyable.
• Don't be gullible travel companies and, especially, with private guides. Check everything that is written in the contract, repeat several times all the details of what you agreed on. And then be philosophical about the fact that these agreements will not be fulfilled, and play it safe: take a supply of water and sandwiches with you on the excursion, even if you promised to feed them; a towel and a mask, although they promised to provide it.

5 things you must do in this country

For many years now, paper Balboa has been occasionally found in circulation - banknotes with American presidents are in circulation. Therefore, you don’t have to think about exchanging money at all, because dollars will be accepted with pleasure anywhere, from shops, restaurants to street stalls. As change, you can receive coins with the proud profile of the conquistodor, in honor of whom the Panamanian currency got its name - Vasco Nunez de Balboa.

In many places you can pay by card (when making a large purchase it is better to have your passport with you): shops, restaurants, transport companies, hotels, museums and national parks.

It is advisable to have cash with you (for example, to be able to quench your thirst with coconut water, which is sold here on every corner). ATMs are located in all major shopping centers and branches of local banks, of which there are a great many in the offshore country.