I am 26 years old and due to health reasons I have never driven a car in my life. I live in Panama City and I get around by taxi most of the time. When I moved here, I sort of auditioned drivers and chose a driver who had a decent car with working seatbelts in the back seat (many dont even in the nice cars) and I chose two drivers I liked and got their numbers so I just call any time I want to go somewhere. If one is busy, I call the other one. This is very easy to do, as there are more taxis in Panama than anything.

However, that is my situation, just to point out that getting around in Panama is very easy. I would not reccomend taking the bus as it takes a very long time, is often crowded and unpleasant.

If you are going to David, you can fly there for about $30 each way if I remember correctly. The most expensive flight within Panama is San Blas, which is $50 each way. Flying to Contadora is $24 each way. You can rent a car fairly inexpensively here. If you do, simply be careful of the huge potholes in the Panamerican Highway and other roads. If you drive in the countryside, have your paperwork easily on hand as you may be stopped several times to show your paperwork. Don't worry about this, just be polite and show them your papers.

As for hotels in the city, I don't have much experience with them but I can say the Executive is nice (a little expensive for Panama at $65 a night.) Costa Del Sol is my favorite but it is currently closed for renovations.

I have only recently moved here but I am loving it and cannot imagine living anywhere else. Good luck to you on your visit and if you need any help you may email me at maralily@maralily.com

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If you have just flown into Panama City and wanted to go to Bocas I would suggest a plane. The drive is very long and drivers in Panama have, well, their own style of driving. It takes getting used to. While in the city I recommend using taxis. Reasonable rates and they know how to get around. If your next stop from Panama City is to David you could fly, take the bus, or drive. There is an express bus from Panama City to David and it would be much cheaper that way. If you wanted to rent a car, which would give you more independence in your travels, you could rent a car in David. Boquete is not a long drive from David and the road is very good. The Panamerican highway is being worked on and most of the worst places have been repaired but to drive from the city is about 7 hours without the traffic delays. Arriving to your destination which you aren't familiar with may not be a good idea. You can also fly to Bocas Town from David.
Hotels are plentiful in Bocas Town. There are plenty in David and Boquete also. You can always ask rates and ask to see the rooms once you get there. I have done that many times when going to a place I haven't been before in Panama. Many times I tell them that the room is not what I want or I need something less expensive.
Hope this helps.

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