(Panama Gringo) Navigating public transportation can be a challenge wherever you are. Add to that the language and cultural barriers sometimes present, and figuring out taxi services in Panama can be a real pain. The key to figuring out taxis in Panama is understanding the basic rules of the transportation system and expecting the unexpected. This Panama taxi guide will help you do just that. In this post we’ll talk about taxi rates, and in posts to come we’ll look at other idiosyncrasies of the taxi system.
First off, there are no meters in Panama taxis. Fares from the same point A to point B can vary depending on the taxi, the time of day, the number of people, what you look like and how your driver feels.
That being said, there are regulated rates and rate maps that have been established by the Panamanian Ground Transport and Transit Authority. The city is divided into seven zones and there are set minimum rates from one city zone to another. Additional charges come into play when you cross zones, add a passenger, or when it is after dark or a weekend. If you want to see the official zone chart, ask the driver – he should have it in the cab.
The best way to not be caught off-guard by your fare is by deciding on it before you even get into the cab. Once you are on your way, price negotiating can be difficult, so settle it before you take off. The more like a tourist you look, the higher the price will be. Bring small bills and quarters, as many drivers don’t carry change, or simply aren’t willing to part with all their small bills.
Here is a basic fare guide (prices are subject to change):
$1.00 Base fare
25-to 35-cents extra Same or nearby zone in the city, Monday thru Saturday
25-cents extra Per additional zone crossed
25-cents extra Per additional person
25-cents extra Sundays and holidays
25-cents to $1.00 After dark, between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m.
$4.00 to $8.00 City center (banking district) to Amador Causeway
$5.00 to $25.00 City center (banking district) to Miraflores Locks, depending whether you are asking your driver to pick you up
$25.00 to $30.00 Airport drop-off
Hailing a taxi in Panama might seem easy, but just because one stops for you doesn’t mean it will take you to where you are going. In all honestly, you will likely have to ask a couple of drivers before finding one willing. This happens to both foreigners and nationals, and here’s why.
If you are heading into a high-traffic area during a high-traffic time, chances are you aren’t going to be able to find a driver to easily. If your driver sits in traffic for half an hour, remember, he is losing money. That is part of the issue of having fares paid by zone and not metered. It makes sense that many drivers want to avoid passengers whose travels are not far, but are likely going to be time intensive.
So how can you better your chances of being picked up by a cab? Make sure you are on the side of the street with traffic heading in the direction you want to go. This may mean you have to cross a street, walk over an avenue, or grab a map and figure out exactly which way you want to go. If you are willing to pay more for immediate service, be ready to yell it out as the driver rolls down his window to try and figure out your route.
If you are catching a cab in front of a shopping mall or hotel you should expect to pay more. You can try and negotiate, but usually you are paying more for the added service value and convenience. If it really bugs you, walk a couple block and then hail your cab.
Once you are in the car, don’t let the addition of other passengers catch you off guard. It is common in Panama City to pool passengers. The standard advice to all is not to get in a cab with male passengers when you are only, whether you are a guy or a girl. If you are the first passenger, the driver should ask your permission before picking up other passengers, and he should drop you off first. Your rate will not change because of the other passengers, and you should always sit in the back seat.