Gus K. Says:
Do you have any advice for driving in Panama City?
IL Panama Editor Jessica Ramesch Says:
Hi Gus,
Use caution in Panama City traffic, whether driving or crossing streets. Driving in Panama City is not for the faint hearted and requires a perfect balance of aggressive and defensive driving skills.
You may have witnessed motor mayhem in many cities across the globe—such as Rome or Rio—and Panama is very similar.
If you plan to drive in the city, learn your way around at night or on weekends before venturing into rush hour traffic.
Then practice keeping your cool. The drivers that cut you off or pass you on the shoulder are not trying to anger you. It’s not personal, and you have nothing to gain by engaging in the mayhem.
I’ve seen many a driver endanger themselves… almost rear-ending the car in front of them to keep someone in the next lane from cutting in line, for example. It’s not worth it. So keep calm, let the traffic flow around you, and set the example.
Finding routes into and out of the city isn’t too difficult. Most rental companies offer GPS… though with a bit of Spanish, the “stop and ask” method works fine, too.
If you’re driving yourself from Tocumen International Airport, you can get into the city quickly via the Corredor Sur, a toll road. Your rental car should come with a “Panapass” sticker on the windshield that allows you to zip past the toll booths; make sure to ask your car rental rep and check the windshield.
And hey, if you’re planning to be in Panama City in February, you should come join us in the Hilton Hotel for the Fast Track Panama Conference taking place February 16-18.
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