Panama

Since Panama and USA have same currency and just the name being different , it's suggested to bring enough cash as you might end up withdrawing same currency in ATM s with additional transaction fee.

Panama offers various nightlife options to choose from. There are three major sectors which are known for nightclubs and vibrant ambience. They are -  Calle Uruguay, Business District, Amador Causeway - known for hosting sea side lounges and clubs, Casco Viejo - the most popular area which is usually crowded because of the abundance of night clubs. It is advisable to use a taxi or walk on foot as the parking lots are full most of the time.

Panama offers plenty of choices for shopping. The prices of electronic items and clothes that are sold are considerably cheaper than that of USA though they may be outdated when it comes to fashion. There are various shopping malls, boutiques and department stores. Among all the shopping malls, Albrook Mall provides better prices. Artisanal goods can be bought at YMCA in Balboa and the market in Panama Viejo. Reprosa is a famous store for handicrafts in PanamaÊCity.ÊEl Valle is a village which specialises in soap carvings and art works. Molas ( intricate handwork ) and traditional palm fiber baskets are very popular craft items.

The dates of the annual events vary every year and the festivals are known for their vibrancy and extravaganza. The most popular festivals are - Feria de las Flores y del CafŽ ( flower festival), Jazz Festival, Festival Corpus Christi ( religious festival for two weeks ), Festival Patronales de La Virgen de Santa Librada, Mejorana ( folklore festival ) and Independence day on November 3.

Mosquito-transmitted diseases occur every now and then. The best way to prevent it is to use DEET (active insect repellant). If you wish, you can also get yourself vaccinated before you arrive. Carry first aid kit. Check with locals or your hotel for medical assistance as it is hard to locate clinics in the outskirts of the city. Carry prescription if you intend to buy any medicines here. Public toilets are generally very clean even in remote places.

Tipping is not compulsory. No tipping is required for taxi drivers. However, tipping servers in restaurants is appreciated. If you feel that the service was excellent, you can tip generously. Avoid wearing shorts if you aren't spending time at the beach as the conservative dressing is liked by locals. You might be refused entry into public places, banks and stores if you don't wear modest clothes.

Chorrillo and Santa Ana are infamous areas for travellers. The crime rate is very high and it is generally advisable for travellers not to visit any dim lit areas after dusk. Beware of some policemen as they may stop you for passport and license and refuse to let you move further if you don't bribe them.Carry passport and ID wherever you go.

Panamanian food scene is diverse and the influence of American, Spanish and African cuisine is profound. Panama abounds with fresh fruits, vegetables and herbs. Beef and fresh sea food are popular because of cattle farming and fresh water sources. The flavours are mild and not over powering. Most of the dishes are served with rice, meat and vegetables. Other common ingredients used for cooking are wheat, carrot, potato, greens, pork and chicken. Famous dishes are Sancocho (beef and chicken soup), tostones ( fried green plantations), carimanolas (pie stuffed with ground beef ), chicheme (almond and vanilla drink), Panamanian Corn tortilla, hojaldras (fried bread with sprinkled sugar), tamales ( Boiled chicken wrapped in plantain leaves).

There are no direct flights and all the flights that fly from major Indian cities have a stop over and the journey time ranges from 20-25 hours depending on the airlines . The airlines that fly to / from Panama from India are : Emirates , United airlines , Lufthansa and Air Canada . Booking in advance will provide better rates.