dege

We spent a few months in Panama earlier this year. I found that many hotels/businesses/taxis seemed to use WhatsApp for communication. I downloaded the app and was able to call them (via the app) from the US. When we arrived in Panama, I purchased a TIGO sim card at the airport ($30 for 30 days) for data services and dropped it into my unlocked phone. I was able to call hotels/taxis/restaurants directly. Look at the hotel websites to see if they have an English version or mention that the staff speaks English. We really didn't have any problem finding English speaking people where ever we went. We used the Crowne Plaza's free shuttle service to pick us up from the airport.If you find a hotel near the airport they might have a shuttle service for guests. We found taxi drivers to be honest & polite throughout the country, but didn't have the need for a taxi in Panama City.