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Driver's Ed For Expats

By Greg Geurin

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Driving in Panama City should only be attempted if you have mastered rush-hour Tokyo. Instead, take a taxi.

Few streets here have signs, so it's always helpful to have a guide. Plus, taxis are an inexpensive way to travel (with the exception of a government imposed tariff for transfers to and from the airport).

Here's a quick taxi-savvy guide:

* There are no meters and no initial charges; fares are determined on travel zones, but after three years, I still don't know how the zone system works&and I'd wager most of the drivers don't know either.

* Usually, the taxi will find you. Taxi drivers honk to indicate their availability and to attract potential fares' attention (and to indicate their appreciation of any remotely attractive female). But if you have to hail a taxi, lower your arm (yes, lower; not raise) and point to where you want the taxi to stop.

* Once the taxi has stopped, approach the passenger window and state your destination (a little prior practice with an accent helps). If you're male and the front passenger seat is available, take it; a female passenger should never sit in the front.

If you really want to drive&make sure Sunday is your first day--the streets are mostly empty.

After a while, you learn which signs and signals are respected and which are ignored; but if you see a transit police officer, be on your best behavior. (I smile and wave, hoping he'll think I'm with the embassy.)

Greg Geurin
For International Living in Panama E-mail: [email protected]

P.S. Not wearing your seat belt is against the law in Panama, as is talking on a cell phone while driving; both laws are enforced and carry a hefty fine.

About the Author

AS International Living Panama International Living's: Panama: The Owner's Manual

International Living's Panama: Owner's Manual is your guide to buying in Panama. Panama doesn't just have some of the cheapest beachfront in the Caribbean and the best retiree benefits in the world, but is also the most sophisticated offshore haven in the Americas. Here, your bank account secrecy is protected by law.

Click here for more details or to order Panama: Owner's Manual.

International Living also publishes a monthly newsletter detailing the best places in the world to live, retire, travel and invest overseas. Click here for details.


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Comments

jco1283
Sep 15, 2012 12:38

stay in touch...also want to move to Boquete area

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