Panama

Accommodation costs can  add up in Panama . However there is good selection across all budgets. With some research you can find gems in all most price points.  I tend to stick to the coast and close to the beach which can still be found for a decent price but will cost you more than staying inland. If you are staying longer, seek out an apartment to rent by the week or month. I tend to book my first few nights and then scour the area for the best fit and price for a longer stay !

HOSTELS – Hostel dorms cost between 18-35 CAD per night, depending on location, conveniences. There are usually private rooms also available. These are a great choice for those that want to be social and still have their own space.  Most hostels offer free wifi and lockers. Private rooms can be had for $37 CAD  Breakfast is offered in some packages  It’s important to check inclusions and policies found on the booking sites.

AIR- BNB – A great option to stay in local neighborhoods and save some cash verses hotels! I’ve stayed in some great places and gotten a bit pampered. Be forewarned that peoples private homes are comfortable and have amenities according to the local way. For those like myself that love being immersed in all things local and developing longer term routines…this is the way to go.  Even for short stays it broadens your location options and gives your experience more depth. Private rooms in shared homes start at $20 CAD and whole apartments can be found for $80 CAD.

COUCH SURFING – Couch surfing is an online community resource where you can post your trip. There are people who HOST, offer their private or usually shared spaces to other travelers for no cost.  The travelers can either message the hosts or the hosts can message the traveller with an offer to stay. Many people both host and couch surf and have found it to be a great enrgy exchange and opportunity to meet other cool people. I tried it myself this recent 2020 trip with….interesting and not exactly positive results.

The trick to keep your budget on track is to avoid private car rentals if at all possible. You pay a premium, are subject to possible scams AND the car sits most of the time as you explore the areas. Buses are definitely the cheapest for $1- 8 US per ride. Most of my 5- 6 hour bus rides were $7-9 US.   In Central America it’s also quite acceptable to hitchhike and I’ve grabbed a few rides from kind strangers in my time. Always use common sense before accepting offers. Fellow travelers are eager to share expenses and generally a safe bet.

If you need to rent a car, it will cost you $80 for 48 hours with insurance coverage. More if you drop off to a different location. Ouch.

Good food can be found on a budget in Panama and it’s a bit less than it’s neighbor too!   I would recommend sticking to small road side mom & pop shops where you can find local specialties. Sticking to these for a day’s meal will cost you $12-20 US /day. Better yet, go to one of the local markets and buy things to throw together like local fruits, bread and juice!  This will equal big savings and help you to really sample the true flavours of the country. Eat like the locals and avoid “Western” food as you will pay 3x the price. A great Panamanian meal will be under $10 us. Some spots offer street food and most have weekly trucks that come around with fresh fruit, veggies & more. They offer big savings usually.

There are so many cool activities and experiences to be had in Panama! Even better, the tours tend to be priced really well and are easy on a travelers budget!  I recommend not booking anything in advance and negotiating a price directly with the vendors. The only exception being speciality tours like the El Camino trail that you should book well in advance.  A full day excursion excluding lunch will run you $25-40 US .  In this country, I find it cheaper and easier to join the excursions than trying to do it yourself.

Prices vary in establishments and are in line with Canadian pricing. Beers are $2.50 US and mixed cocktails  are $4- $8 US  Of course beach side locations will add a surcharge so expect to pay a few dollars more. The grocery stores usually have a full stock of alchol so you can easily save some cash by buying ahead.

In Bocas town, they have rotating happy hours among the different establishments. Drinking there is a main past time and quite affordable.