Panama

My son is in the Peace Corps in Panama. This book reflected fairly well what it is like to travel in Panama, especially outside of Panama City. However, the warnings concerning travel in the provience of Darien need to be a stronger. American citizens are forbidden to enter there. The section on Colon should also be stronger. It is a VERY dangerous city. The book stresses but to me not strong enough. It should also tell you that it is common for the public buses to be pack to the boundries of being very dangerous and bald tires are the norm. Pick up trucks with metal bench seating in the bed and a steel cage is consider a bus. Also being a woman who is fair skin please use caution when in Panama. The section on travelers checks was not quite right. No one even in Panama City would cash my travelers checks. The book also glosses over the bug and rodent problems. Panama is not a safe country for a single woman to travel in outside of Panama City. And it should have stressed the need to be fluent in Spanish. If you are not you are in deep trouble. The hotel it recommended in Chitre was a real dump and unsafe. However if you need a book on traveling in Panama this is the best one I have found. My son felt it was very good, except for the warnings of safety. He keep the book there to use while he travels through out the country. Also it did not tell you enough of being over charged by everyone in that country if you are white. From the grocery cashiers, to the bus drivers, to the resturants. Also it mentioned that tipping was 10% of the bill. It should have told you if you tip more it is considered an insult. Overall if you are going to Panama and will be visiting the interior take this book, you will need it.