Difference between revisions of "Panama"
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{{metadata_country}} [[Category:Country]] {{pricecontrol_country}} | {{metadata_country}} [[Category:Country]] {{pricecontrol_country}} | ||
| − | = | + | =Entering {{PAGENAME}} with a Car or Motorbike= |
| − | Correct as of: March 2010 | + | '''Correct as of: <span style="color:red">March 2010</span>''' |
==Required Paperwork== | ==Required Paperwork== | ||
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==Process at border== | ==Process at border== | ||
| + | <!-- Do not alter the following line. Include it as is. --> | ||
| + | {{visa_country}} | ||
* The owner of the vehicle gains entry at immigration (''migración''), including a stamp in their Passport. | * The owner of the vehicle gains entry at immigration (''migración''), including a stamp in their Passport. | ||
* Insurance for the vehicle must be purchased. ([[#Vehicle_Insurance|see below]]) | * Insurance for the vehicle must be purchased. ([[#Vehicle_Insurance|see below]]) | ||
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See [[Pan_American_Highway#Crossing_The_Darien_Gap|Crossing The Darien Gap]] for details. | See [[Pan_American_Highway#Crossing_The_Darien_Gap|Crossing The Darien Gap]] for details. | ||
| − | = | + | =Driving in {{PAGENAME}}= |
| − | + | ==Insurance requirements== | |
| − | + | ||
Insurance is mandatory in Panama and you will be forced to buy it at the border before you are allowed to enter. There are always agents at the border to buy from. | Insurance is mandatory in Panama and you will be forced to buy it at the border before you are allowed to enter. There are always agents at the border to buy from. | ||
| − | + | ==Cost of insurance== | |
<price cost="15" currency="USD" /> for 3 months for a 4x4. | <price cost="15" currency="USD" /> for 3 months for a 4x4. | ||
| − | + | ==Where to purchase insurance== | |
Right at the border. The customs guys will tell you exactly where to go. | Right at the border. The customs guys will tell you exactly where to go. | ||
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The major highway from Panama City to Colón is tolled. | The major highway from Panama City to Colón is tolled. | ||
| − | ==Bribery== | + | ==Bribery in {{PAGENAME}}== |
Police bribery is not common in Panama, but it certainly does happen.<br /> | Police bribery is not common in Panama, but it certainly does happen.<br /> | ||
See the [[bribery tips]] page for advice. | See the [[bribery tips]] page for advice. | ||
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''List the entry requirements and anything else required to travel with a pet.'' | ''List the entry requirements and anything else required to travel with a pet.'' | ||
| − | = | + | =Gas and Diesel price in {{PAGENAME}}= |
| − | Last updated: April 2010 | + | '''Last updated: <span style="color:red">April 2010</span>'''<br /> |
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| − | < | + | |
| − | + | ||
{| class="wikitable" border="1" | {| class="wikitable" border="1" | ||
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|- | |- | ||
|} | |} | ||
| + | * Price Information: [http://gasoline-germany.com/international.phtml?land=159 gasoline-germany.com - International Gas / Petrol / Diesel prices - Panama] | ||
| − | == | + | ==Gas and Diesel / Frequency== |
Gasoline shortages in Panama are not a problem.<br /> | Gasoline shortages in Panama are not a problem.<br /> | ||
Typically gas stations are not more than 100 - 200km apart. | Typically gas stations are not more than 100 - 200km apart. | ||
| − | == | + | ==Gas and Diesel Quality== |
Accepted to be good quality.<br /> | Accepted to be good quality.<br /> | ||
Sulfur content of diesel is unknown. | Sulfur content of diesel is unknown. | ||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | |||
=Safety and Security Considerations= | =Safety and Security Considerations= | ||
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{{Security_advisories_country}} | {{Security_advisories_country}} | ||
| − | =Camping= | + | =Camping in {{PAGENAME}}= |
Camping is becoming more popular with local Panamanians and hostels in touristy areas have camping to cater for backpackers.<br /> | Camping is becoming more popular with local Panamanians and hostels in touristy areas have camping to cater for backpackers.<br /> | ||
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Purchase maps before arriving in Panama. | Purchase maps before arriving in Panama. | ||
| − | ==GPS== | + | ==GPS Maps of {{PAGENAME}}== |
* Open Street Map: Appears to have good coverage.<ref>[http://www.openstreetmap.org/?lat=8.88&lon=-79.62&zoom=8&layers=M OpenStreetMap Panama]</ref> | * Open Street Map: Appears to have good coverage.<ref>[http://www.openstreetmap.org/?lat=8.88&lon=-79.62&zoom=8&layers=M OpenStreetMap Panama]</ref> | ||
* Garmin: Apparently no map of Panama. | * Garmin: Apparently no map of Panama. | ||
* TomTom: No map of Panama. <ref>[http://uk.support.tomtom.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/9885/ TomTom Map availability]</ref> | * TomTom: No map of Panama. <ref>[http://uk.support.tomtom.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/9885/ TomTom Map availability]</ref> | ||
| − | == | + | ==GPS co-ordinates for camping, propane, gas, repairs, etc. in {{PAGENAME}}== |
*[http://www.dare2go.com/campingCA.html#Panama Camping Sites: Panama] - Detailed list of campsites and propane filling with description, directions and GPS co-ordinates. Some at hotels (lists facilities and price), some roadside and free. | *[http://www.dare2go.com/campingCA.html#Panama Camping Sites: Panama] - Detailed list of campsites and propane filling with description, directions and GPS co-ordinates. Some at hotels (lists facilities and price), some roadside and free. | ||
*[http://www.questconnect.org/ca_camping.htm Central America Camping Locations] - List of campsites, with basic directions and GPS co-ordinates. Mostly free sites. | *[http://www.questconnect.org/ca_camping.htm Central America Camping Locations] - List of campsites, with basic directions and GPS co-ordinates. Mostly free sites. | ||
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* [http://www.whiteacorn.com/theamericas/camping/camping.php#log White Acorn camping log page] - GPS co-ordinates and excellent description of campsites] | * [http://www.whiteacorn.com/theamericas/camping/camping.php#log White Acorn camping log page] - GPS co-ordinates and excellent description of campsites] | ||
| − | =Overland Travel | + | =Special Overland Travel interests= |
| − | + | ||
* See [[Shipping across the Darien Gap]] for those details. | * See [[Shipping across the Darien Gap]] for those details. | ||
| − | ==Guide Books== | + | ==Travel Guide Books== |
<!-- Do not alter the following line. Include it as is. --> | <!-- Do not alter the following line. Include it as is. --> | ||
{{guide_books_country}} | {{guide_books_country}} | ||
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''Add known good mechanics here.'' | ''Add known good mechanics here.'' | ||
| − | = | + | =Buy or sell a car or motorbike in {{PAGENAME}}= |
| − | + | '''Buy'''<br/> | |
Unknown.<br/> | Unknown.<br/> | ||
''Describe how a foreigner can buy a vehicle.'' | ''Describe how a foreigner can buy a vehicle.'' | ||
''List any difficulties or limitations on where the vehicle can be driven.'' | ''List any difficulties or limitations on where the vehicle can be driven.'' | ||
| − | + | '''Sell'''<br/> | |
Unknown.<br/> | Unknown.<br/> | ||
''Describe how a foreigner can sell a foreign-plated vehicle, or list not possible.' | ''Describe how a foreigner can sell a foreign-plated vehicle, or list not possible.' | ||
Revision as of 18:49, 22 January 2012
Currency to display:
Contents
- 1 Entering Panama with a Car or Motorbike
- 2 Driving in Panama
- 3 Gas and Diesel price in Panama
- 4 Safety and Security Considerations
- 5 Camping in Panama
- 6 Navigation
- 7 Special Overland Travel interests
- 8 Vehicle Maintenance
- 9 Buy or sell a car or motorbike in Panama
- 10 References
- 11 Helpful External links
Entering Panama with a Car or Motorbike
Correct as of: March 2010
Required Paperwork
- Passport of registered owner (original and 1 copy).
- Drivers license of registered owner (original and 1 copy).
- Vehicle registration (original and 1 copy).
Process at border
(To check if you need a travel Visa for Panama, application instructions and fees see: Panama Visa online application at VisaHQ.com)
- The owner of the vehicle gains entry at immigration (migración), including a stamp in their Passport.
- Insurance for the vehicle must be purchased. (see below)
- The owner must show the new passport stamp, drivers license, the original vehicle registration and vehicle insurance to customs (aduana).
- The owner is issued a temporary import permit for the vehicle.
VERY IMPORTANT NOTE: If you plan to ship your vehicle out of Panama, make absolutely certain that everything written on your temporary import permit is correct. A single digit wrong in your VIN number or date of vehicle manufacture will be a problem later when you try to ship the vehicle. DO NOT let the customs people convince you it will be OK. It won't.
NOTE: You may encounter locals offering to help you with paperwork to get across the border. See Border Crossing Helpers for advice.
Cost of entry
Free.
Permitted length of stay
90 days.
Extension of stay
Unknown.
Describe the process to extend the permitted length of entry for the vehicle, if possible.
Storing a vehicle and temporarily leaving the country
(unknown)
Describe if/how a vehicle can be stored, and for how long.
Also mention if the owner / temporary importer can leave the country while the vehicle is in storage.
Exiting with a vehicle
By land to Costa Rica
- The registered owner is stamped out of Panama at immigration.
- The registered owner presents the temporary import paper to customs, where it is cancelled.
By Ship, probably to Colombia
See Crossing The Darien Gap for details.
Driving in Panama
Insurance requirements
Insurance is mandatory in Panama and you will be forced to buy it at the border before you are allowed to enter. There are always agents at the border to buy from.
Cost of insurance
$15.00 USD for 3 months for a 4x4.
Where to purchase insurance
Right at the border. The customs guys will tell you exactly where to go.
Driving license
Technically an International Driving Permit is required.
In reality, showing a license from anywhere in the world seems to be good enough.
Driving side of road
Right.
Right hand drive vehicles are permitted without problem.
Mandatory items in vehicle
None.
Roads
General Road quality
Roads in Panama are generally of good quality, except in some of the smaller towns where the pavement is cracked and broken. Lesser roads are gravel and can be mud pits in the rainy season.
Road signs
Road signs are mostly common and clear.
Toll roads
The major highway from Panama City to Colón is tolled.
Bribery in Panama
Police bribery is not common in Panama, but it certainly does happen.
See the bribery tips page for advice.
Checkpoints
Police checkpoints are not common in Panama, though you may encounter them. You'll be asked to show your Passport, Vehicle registration, drivers license, vehicle insurance and the temporary import permit you were issued at the border.
Traveling with pets
Unknown.
List the entry requirements and anything else required to travel with a pet.
Gas and Diesel price in Panama
Last updated: April 2010
| Gasoline Grade | Price |
|---|---|
| Regular | €0.80 EUR per Liter [1] |
| Super (90) | ?? |
| Premium (95) | ?? |
| Ultra (97) | ?? |
| Normal Diesel | $0.72 USD per Liter[2] |
| Diesel (low sulfur) | ?? |
- Price Information: gasoline-germany.com - International Gas / Petrol / Diesel prices - Panama
Gas and Diesel / Frequency
Gasoline shortages in Panama are not a problem.
Typically gas stations are not more than 100 - 200km apart.
Gas and Diesel Quality
Accepted to be good quality.
Sulfur content of diesel is unknown.
Safety and Security Considerations
Driving at night
Driving at night is not considered a huge problem in Panama, though it's not recommended due to road hazards that can not be seen in the dark.
Vehicle parking
Parking vehicles on the street in smaller towns during the day is typically OK. Find a secure parking lot in big cities and at night.
Special driving considerations
None.
Security advisories and information
- Country Specific Information - U.S. Department of State
- Travel Reports and Warnings - Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada
- Travel advice by country - Foreign and Commonwealth office (U.K.)
- Travel Advice for Panama - Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade
Camping in Panama
Camping is becoming more popular with local Panamanians and hostels in touristy areas have camping to cater for backpackers.
Being far away from major roads is preferable for wild camping.
Camping guide books
No specific book exists, though the usual backpacker guide books mention when a hostel has camping facilities.
Drinking water
Tap water in most of Panama is not safe to drink, though many hotels and hostels in Panama City advertise that it is safe. Every corner store sells 1 and 2 liter bottles, and 20 liter bottles can be bought at most large grocery stores.
Paper maps
Purchase maps before arriving in Panama.
GPS Maps of Panama
- Open Street Map: Appears to have good coverage.[3]
- Garmin: Apparently no map of Panama.
- TomTom: No map of Panama. [4]
GPS co-ordinates for camping, propane, gas, repairs, etc. in Panama
- Camping Sites: Panama - Detailed list of campsites and propane filling with description, directions and GPS co-ordinates. Some at hotels (lists facilities and price), some roadside and free.
- Central America Camping Locations - List of campsites, with basic directions and GPS co-ordinates. Mostly free sites.
- Camping Log 1: Central America - List of campsites, shopping, fuel, propane and border crossings with excellent descriptions and GPS co-ordinates.
- White Acorn camping log page - GPS co-ordinates and excellent description of campsites]
Special Overland Travel interests
- See Shipping across the Darien Gap for those details.
Travel Guide Books
Vehicle Maintenance
Dealers
4x4s / Trucks
- Toyota Global Dealer Locator
- Land Rover International Dealer Locator
- Mercedes Benz International (select country on bottom right)
- Jeep International site locator
Motorbikes
Local Garages
Add known good mechanics here.
Buy or sell a car or motorbike in Panama
Buy
Unknown.
Describe how a foreigner can buy a vehicle.
List any difficulties or limitations on where the vehicle can be driven.
Sell
Unknown.
Describe how a foreigner can sell a foreign-plated vehicle, or list not possible.'
References
- ↑ gasoline-germany.com - International Gas / Petrol / Diesel prices - Panama
- ↑ fuel price - anybody ? - The HUBB
- ↑ OpenStreetMap Panama
- ↑ TomTom Map availability
Helpful External links
- Panama: Visa and Passport requirements | World Travel Guide
- Health Information for Travelers to Panama - Center for Disease Control and Prevention
- Panama travel guides at wikivoyage
- Panama - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
