(The Panama Gringo) When a gringo hops on public transportation in Panama, most people take a good long look. That’s because you will not be a common sight; most tourists and even a lot of expats would prefer to take a taxi or some other form of private transportation. Why? Speed, comfort, safety, and many times, just personal preference.
You might be wondering – why should I take public transportation? Isn’t it slow and uncomfortable?
The truth is that, yes, there will be days when the public transportation in Panama isn’t so great. But there are some great reasons to be brave and take the bus.
- Culture. If you want to experience the true native culture of Panama, you need to take public transportation. You will hear colorful conversation, see people from all walks of life, and get a more intimate view of the city. None of those benefits are available in any taxi.
- Language. It is amazing how much Spanish you can learn just from riding public transportation in Panama. You can learn simple phrases for getting on and off the bus, slang that you will only hear from natives, and other linguistic tidbits that are worth the ride.
- Cost. For expats who are planning on staying in Panama permanently, the cost of public transportation makes it a must. After all, a bus ride will only cost you a fraction of what a private taxi would charge.
Of course, public transportation is not perfect either. You need to be smart and remember that there are some potential dangers.
- Getting lost. At some point or another, you will probably get lost on public transportation; it happens to everyone. Don’t panic. Ask the bus driver or another passenger where you are, tell them where you are headed, and see if they can help you. Call a friend and ask for directions. And if you really can’t figure out how to get to your destination, you can always take a taxi.
- The Language Barrier. Language learning was one benefit of bus travel, but it can also be a problem if you are not comfortable speaking Spanish. If you are traveling alone, be sure to write down your destination before you leave and jot down some basic phrases you can use while on the bus.
Taking public transportation in Panama can be a fun and cultural rewarding experience. Not to mention you will get where you need to go for cheap! So don’t be afraid to take the bus as you travel around Panama.