Taking a Taxi in Panama City
Panama City, Panama Taxis
New York taxis have a contender in Panama City; hailing a taxi in Panama City can be as tough as in the Big Apple, particularly if you choose traveling during traffic peak hours. Find out how to use this means of public transportation without overpaying and arrive to your destination in one piece and still with money in your hand!
Panama City Taxi Fare and the “Tarjeta de Zona”
A taxi ride in Panama City can cost just about the same as a subway ticket in the U.S. Yet, unlike taxis in other major cities, taxis in Panama City do not have a meter but use a Taxi Zone Chart divided into zones and sub-zones. Your fare depends on how many zones you travel through and if you travel within the same zone, your fare according to this chart shouldn’t be over $1-$1.50 USD. Yet in reality there are basically two ways to find out what your taxi fare in Panama will be: one is to ask the taxi driver before hopping in, but that could show you’re a “newbie” to using taxis in the city and increase your end cost. The second is to hop right in and make them believe you “know” your way around and if the taxi driver attempts to overcharge you, fight back and ask for their taxi zone chart to settle the argument and pay the fair fare. In reality, the typical taxi fare is going to be about a minimum of $3 if they are even going to pick you up. They are the ones who decide if they want to take you along or not and there are plenty of other people waiting for your spot.
But what’s the fair fare? If you have the opportunity to check online before leaving your hotel and/or before taking the cab, you can calculate your taxi fare online. If you have no internet access, no worries; in short, taxi fares in Panama shouldn’t go overboard if you’re travelling within the city and in relatively short distances, for instance: a 15-minute taxi ride i.e. from Albrook Mall to MultiPlaza Mall shouldn’t be more than $3 bucks if you are in a shared taxi. However something to note; shared taxi´s are not readily available inside the mall parking lot. It is more than likely you will encounter a private taxi service there that will increase the fair from $5-$10 depending the hotel and the time of the day.
Panama City Taxis : Shared vs. Private vs. From Your Hotel
Taking a taxi in Panama City can be like a sport, and as a sport there are rules that can make your life easier!
If you’re in a hurry or prefer to take a taxi on your own it will definitely be more expensive, particularly if the circumstances show the driver you have no other choice, for example: if it’s raining, if there’s a lot of traffic, etc. It will drive the prices up. Taxi drivers can offer you a private fare for about $5 USD, yet if they see you’re a “gringo” the price can go all the way up to $10! Or even more if you allow them.
Sharing a taxi can be more convenient for your pocket, which should never cost more than about $2-$3 USD a piece to get across town, but you have to share your ride with a few strangers and make a few stops. If you don’t mind the additional driving around, which could end up more like a “free” city tour, then taxi sharing could be a good option to get around Panama City. Who knows? You might end up making new friends in Panama during your cab ride!
Taking a taxi from your hotel can be less complicated than hailing one on the street. Yet, they will charge you way more for a cab ride that would cost a few bucks from a shared taxi. For instance, taking a taxi from the Hard Rock Hotel would cost about $15 USD, when you could find a shared one in front of the Multi-Centro Mall on the other side. Scout the street before taking the taxi from your resort and leave it as your last option if you want to save a few bucks. Uber is a growing transportation option all over the world and now it is growing in Panama too which will be cheaper than a private taxi option but more expensive than a regular shared taxi in Panama City.
Travelling to and from Tocumen Airport by Taxi
Last but not least, travelling to and from Tocumen Airport in Panama City shouldn’t be a nightmare. Keep in mind that whenever a taxi driver sees suitcases it means MONEY! Tourists tend to overpay because people didn’t use to research more before traveling, but with the internet nowadays it’s easier to find the information you need prior to your trip. Taking a taxi to Tocumen from the city should cost about $25 USD, although according to the Taxi Zone Chart it shouldn’t be more than $10.25 but oh well try to convince the driver of that! A ride FROM the airport can be as high as $45 USD, but you can book your Airport Transfer prior to your arrival through an online booking service and save quite a bit!
Hailing a Taxi in Panama City… Or Not
With a little guidance you can get the extra mile… without being overcharged! Hailing a taxi in Panama City is not always an easy task. As said before, New York taxi drivers have found their match in Panama City. For a first-timer in this cosmopolitan metropolis it can be quite frustrating, particularly during rush hour when all taxis seem oblivious, yet don’t despair. There are some taxi dispatch services that may come handy and only charge about .45 cents extra (phone numbers 269-1601, 269-7575), just be patient as many times they will say there are no taxis available in your area, but you can keep on calling till you are assigned one.
All this information may seem a little contradicting and overwhelming, however with a little patience and perseverance taking a Taxi in Panama City can be mastered in just a few days. Panamanians are friendly and helpful. If you get stuck or frustrated; just ask a local and they will do their best to help get you on your way. In not time at all you will master the sport of taking a taxi in Panama.