Because tourism is just beginning, prices are still modest and you can really stretch your tourist dollar. Within Panama City, taxis and meals and hotel prices in all categories are particularly pleasing. Yet, even though it is economical, you will find that Panamanians know how to do things right. They want you to be happy and come back again.

In fact, Panama is one of the safest tourist destinations anywhere. Unlike some other places , you'll find honest taxi drivers and the crimes that plague foreigners in other countries like purse-snatching and pick pocketing are rare.

This may be Latin America, but you don't need Spanish. Most people here speak English as a second language. The currency of Panama is the American dollar! Panamanians have been working closely with foreigners - the Americans in the Panama Canal Zone - for nearly a hundred years. They are accustomed to us, understand us, like us and have a sense for what Americans appreciate.