Patty's Casitas FAQ

Patty’s Casitas is located in Panama City (Capital of Panama), in the Panama Canal Area, next to all the major tourist attractions and 20 min. from Panama’s main International Airport Tocumen. The B&B (Arcos de Bella Vista) is located in a residential and exclusive green area in the heart of Panama city, called Bella Vista, where you will find restaurants, bars, night clubs and waterfront promenade all within few minutes walk. The apartment rentals (Amador Rentals)is located in the hottest new destination in Panama city called Amador, which has plenty of fun things to do day and night.

What are the prices?

For our B&B (Arcos de Bella Vista) prices click here.

For our Apartment Rental (Amador Rentals) prices click here.

For our Tours (Rudy’s Tours) prices click here.

All prices include 10% government tax!!! And for the B&B the prices also include Breakfasts.

There are no hidden costs.

How can I make a Booking?

We have a simple, two-stage booking system.

1. Enquiry: Contact us by phone or e-mail (bienvenidos@pattyscasitas.com), with your proposed holiday dates. We will confirm whether we have availability within 12 hours (if we are on-line, which is very often, then it will be almost instantly!)…if you don’t receive a response within these 12 hours (we respond to all e-mails) then please re-send the mail as it might have been lost.

2. Confirmed reservation: Upon acceptation of the reservation, we will then send you your chosen payment method for you to send us the 30% deposit or the total amount of your stay - depending on your choice of accommodation. As soon as we receive the amount required, you will receive the confirmation of your booking. Form of payments: Bank transfer, personal checks (6 weeks before arrival), Western Union (with Western Union, U.S, Canada and UK residents can pay with Visa or Master Card) or MoneyGram.

What clothes do I need to bring?

Shorts, short sleeve shirts, sundresses and sandals are commonly worn. An extra swimming suit is always useful, as is sunscreen. Insect repellent is recommended for horseback riding, jungle and plantation tours. We suggest bringing sun hats and sunglasses although straw hats and various caps from our local markets make nice souvenirs. In general, for the tropical climate, light colored, loose fitting cotton clothes are the most comfortable. Do bring neat clothes. Panamanians themselves, especially the women of Panama City are beautifully groomed. Panama City is a dress-up city, but as a tourist you’ll be excused from the dress code provided you are dressed neatly (especially in some restaurants). The highlands can be cold in the night so a warm sweater or light jacket is necessary.

When is the best time to visit?

Any time of the year is a good time to visit. The climate is pleasantly warm, with cooling sea breezes, which means that it is rarely uncomfortably hot. Panama largely avoids the Pacific rim’s earthquakes and its “ring of fire,” and escapes the Caribbean’s devastating tropical storms and hurricanes…this is why it was decided to build the canal in Panama. Tourism in Panama is a year-around activity. The temperature never varies, 25°C to 30°C (77°F - 86°F) and the sun shines everyday, all year long. However, there are two "seasons": the "dry season" from December through May and the "green season" from June until November where you will get sudden short downpours that freshen the air and are followed by sunshine…but most activities and tours can be planned around it.

How many days do you recommend staying?

Panama is a rather small country (77,381 sq. km. / 29,762 sq. mi.) and the major attractions are all in Panama City and its surroundings. You have beaches, mountains, lakes, tropical rainforests, the Panama Canal, tax free shopping, history, ruins, bird watching, jungle trekking, golfing, deep-sea fishing, diving, snorkeling, marine and biodiversity exhibition centers, excellent restaurants and night life... all at your finger tipsJ This is the reason why we decided to have our B&B and apartment rental in this part of the country. Normally one tends to jump from one place to another within the country with a rental car trying to see as much as possible, wasting a lot of time and accumulating stress instead of…relaxing and enjoying the scenery with our guided tours;-)

Our recommendation is to stay at least 5 days (a week would be better as some of you will need time to get ride of the jet-lag!) in Panama City and take day tours to the places of your interest. This will save you a lot of time and money and at the same time will let you enjoy Panama's night life enjoying one of Amador’s restaurants with the canal view and ocean breeze, or in Bella Vista neighborhood where you will find the widest selection of restaurants and bars of the city with its casinos and night clubs or just dance away to the salsa and merengue music;-)

Do you have airport transfer service?

Yes, we offer airport transfer service to our guests for $20-$30 depending on the number of passengers. For details click here.

Do I need to speak Spanish?

For your convenience, your hosts, Patty & Rudy speak English, Spanish, German, French and Italian fluently. The native tongue in Panama is Spanish although most Panamanians speak some English and many speak it fluently. Remember, for 85 years up to 50,000 Americans lived in the Canal Zone. Furthermore, Panama is traditionally an international business crossroads. Panamanians are accustomed to working side by side with foreigners and English has become a second language.

In case of an emergency, what are the medical facilities like?

As a by-product of its long association with the United States, many Panamanian doctors are U.S. trained and the standards of the top hospitals compare favorably to US standards. For medical treatment we recommend the Hospital Nacional in Panama City (Tel: 204-8100) which has a special department for tourists with a multilingual staff. They accept most insurance policies. Their medical staff is mostly US trained and English speaking and the facilities and service are excellent.

What health precautions should I take?

No vaccines or pills are necessary prior to visiting our country. Panama is the only country in Latin America where you can drink water straight from the tap. The “Montezumas Revenge” that is so common in the rest of Latin America is almost unheard of in Panama. Sanitary conditions are just very good. There are no special other health concerns and no shots or special pills are necessary unless you are going to hike in the Darien jungles or other remote areas- something few tourists will do.

Is crime a problem?

According to the prestigious Pinkerton Intelligence Agency, Panama was rated amongst the top countries for tourist safety. Panama has no army and uses the U.S. dollar as currency, therefore political stability and a peaceful place to relax and enjoy your vacations. More incidents of violent crime occur in cities like Rome, Paris or Washington D.C in 24 hours than they occur in the whole of Panama in an entire year! Panama is one of the most stable democracies in the Americas. Since 1989, when dictator Noriega was deposed ( now languishing in a Miami prison), Panama’s presidents have been democratically elected. The current president Martin Torrijos began his five year term in September 2004.

Is there any anti-Americanism?

To the contrary- Panamanians are some of the most pro-American peoples anywhere. They are proud and relieved to finally have complete sovereignty over their country but absolutely are delighted to see Americans back as tourists and investors. Due to their long historical association with the United States, Panamanians understand and appreciate Americans as few other peoples.

They say Panama is like Miami "Panama is safer than Miami, more people speak English in Panama than in Miami, there are no hurricanes in Panama and Americans are more popular in Panama".

What is the electric voltage and telephone system?

All your appliances will work hereJ The voltage is the same as the United States and Canada: 110V - 60HZ. Telephone and international cable services in Panama are excellent. We have a direct-dial system to locations inland and all over the world. Our country code is 507.

What is the time Zone?

Panama's time is the same as the United States Eastern Standard Time (GMT -5)

How to get to Panama City?

There is a new company who has just opened: www.spiritair.com which sells tickets at low cost...the lucky cities where it will be departing from are: New York, Fort Lauderdale & Atlanta (but check their web site as they might be adding new routes!)

There are direct flights to Panama from 7 US cities: New York (www.copaair.com), Newark (www.continental.com), Miami (www.aa.com and Copa), Los Angeles (Copa), Houston (Continental), Atlanta (www.delta.com) and Orlando (Copa). Copa, a partner with Continental Airlines is Panama's international airline company. Duration of flight from US cities range 3-5 hours.

Other airlines serving Panama: www.avianca.com , www.cubana.cu , www.iberia.com , www.labairlines.com , www.taca.com , www.mexicana.com , www.wca.com.co , www.alitalia.it , www.britishairways.com , www.airfrance.fr , www.japanairlines.com , www.klm.com , www.lufthansa.com , www.sabena.com , www.sas.com , www.varig.com , www.airmadrid.com , www.lauda.it

What are the visa requirements and documents needed?

Citizens of most countries including the USA and Western Europe do not need a visa but a valid passport. Travellers should consult with the Panamanian consulate or embassy to obtain the latest information on entry requirements.

The following countries need to purchase a tourist card (It cost $5 and gives you an automatic 30 day stay in Panama – keep the other half of the ticket as you will have to show it on departure) from their airline or upon arrival: U.S.A., Antigua & Barbuda, Aruba, Australia, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Bermuda, Bolivia, Brazil, Canada, Colombia, Curacao, Ecuador, Granada, Greece, Guyana, Jamaica, Japan, Malta, Mexico, Monaco, New Zealand, Norway, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent & Grenadines, Samoa Occidental, San Cristobal & Nevis, San Marino, San Tome & Principe South Korea, Surinam, Taiwan, Tobago, Trinidad and United States of Vatican City, Venezuela.

The following countries can enter Panama without a visa nor a tourist card:
Argentina, Austria, Belgium, Chile, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Finland, France, Germany, Great Britain, Guatemala, Honduras, Hungary, Israel, Italy, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Nicaragua, Paraguay, Poland, Portugal, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, The Netherlands and Uruguay.

If your children are travelling with one parent only, Panama, like many countries requires a notarised letter of permission from the other parent.

Panamanian law requires all persons to carry official identification documents at all times. This law applies to both Panamanian citizens and people visiting the country.

What is the local currency?

The local currency is the Balboa (equal to the US$) but you will only see coins as the currency used in Panama is the US Dollar. ATM machines are available all over the country. Yes- that’s right-no currency exchange hassles! Indeed, the US dollar is one of Panama’s great tourist conveniences. This is one country where you don't have to be a mathematical genius to figure out what that meal just cost.

How do we get around in the city?

Getting around in the city is easy…just grab a taxiJ The cost is $1.50 per ride for one person $2 for 2.

What sort of souvenirs and gifts can I find?

Panama has the greatest variety of indigenous-made souvenirs of any country outside Mexico. Panamanians have an innate sense of beauty that shows in their handicrafts. “Molas”, intricate hand-sewn tapestries of the Kuna Indians are the most popular souvenirs- you can buy little girls dresses, women’s clothes and handbags decorated with Molas. Native jewelry, Panama hats, fine woven baskets from the rainforest palms and natural dyes, tropical wood carvings and pre-Colombian and Spanish Colonial style jewelry are some of the other most popular items.

How much does a meal cost?

Meals in Panama are generally cheap. From a $0.25 empanada to a $19.00 lobster dinner (16onz) you will surely find a decent meal to suit your budget.
Lunch could cost you from $1.50 to around $7.00 or more if you are into the good things in life. The basic pattern in Panamanian lunches is: a serving of meat (any kind), rice, beans (or lentils, porotos, or any kind of grain), plantain, and salad. This is the lunch that most workers eat for about $1.50 to $2.00 a serving. You can also go to most local restaurants and get a chicken meal for around $3.00 to $5.00. A beef meal would cost you around $3.00 - $7.00 depending on the quality and the cut of the beef. Pork is also very popular for around $3.00 - $5.00.

If you want to treat yourself to a nice restaurant the price for a full course meal with wine (don't choose a $30 bottle!) can range from $25 to $40.

How much should I tip?

10% is normal. Some tips are included in the bill, so you’ll have to check it. You don’t have to tip taxi drivers-but they'll be happy if you do!

What is Panama’s economy like?

Panama has a primarily service-based economy. The major services include the Panama Canal and related maritime services, tourism, residential tourism, a large international banking centre, the largest free trade zone in the Americas, and the growing tourism industry. Bananas, shrimps and coffee are the major agricultural exports.