PANAMA
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To give advice
Local resident coordinator.

  • Guatemala Coordinator Mr. Matsumoto

    Japanese

    Local travel license

    Hiromi Matsumoto

    Japanese

    Local travel license available

    For eight years, I acquired expertise in planning, sales, and tour guiding at a Japanese travel company specializing in hidden gems. After being captivated by Guatemala during a one-day tour, I moved there alone. In Guatemala, I worked for ten years as a cultural and public relations officer at the Japanese Embassy.
    I built a network in Guatemala and, aiming to share its charm with more people in Japan, established a government-approved travel agency with my husband, Shingo Matsumoto, in January 2004. I hold qualifications as a travel operations manager and a guide approved by the Guatemala Tourism Board, with over 30 years in the travel industry. I am eager to fully convey the allure of Guatemala and Central America!

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  • Japanese

    Local travel license

    Nobuhito Sasaki

    Japanese

    Local travel license available

    In my previous job at a major travel company, I took care of Japanese expatriates and companies in South America.
    With the cooperation of many people from the Japanese community, I learned the unique business customs of South America and realized how challenging the country was, which inspired me to start a business that could provide the speed, quality, and meticulous service demanded by Japanese people.
    With nearly 10 years of experience in the travel industry in Brazil, we aim to be the only local operator who can thoroughly propose and explain the often confusing local details of a place very far from Japan. We study daily to achieve this.

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  • Japanese

    Local travel license

    Sayaka Katagai

    Japanese

    Local travel license available

    Since childhood, I have been interested in other countries, and during my university days when I started earning money and even after entering society, I would think about where I wanted to go whenever I had free time. (I couldn't easily leave Japan because the money didn't follow, though...) There were times when I would only have a rough plan, clutching just a plane ticket, and set off alone from Narita.
    Currently, I am living in South America, something I never imagined. These days, I think, "You never know what life will bring."
    However, as I began living in Ecuador, I encountered Ecuador's wonderful tourism resources and crafts, and I wanted more people around the world to know about them, hoping it would contribute even a little to the country's development, so I knocked on the door of a local travel company.
    A place you think of as 'far away' on the other side of the world might feel much closer once you visit. Let's forget the everyday and share new encounters and experiences together. We await you on the other side of the world.

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What kind of country is Panama?

Panama, located between the North and South American continents, is bordered by the Caribbean Sea to the north and the Pacific Ocean to the south, with the 80-kilometer-long Panama Canal constructed in its central region.
During the Age of Exploration, people came from Europe, and during the canal construction, many workers came from abroad. However, in the Kuna Yala region and the San Blas Islands, stretching from the eastern Caribbean side to the border with neighboring Colombia, indigenous peoples live preserving their traditional crafts and culture.
The fortresses of Portobelo and San Lorenzo, as well as the historic district of Panama City, are World Cultural Heritage sites, and Panama, home to various species of animals, birds, and flowers, also has numerous World Natural Heritage sites registered.

Various things to consider when traveling to Panama.

Cash, cards and currency exchange
Currency exchange directly from Japanese yen is difficult, so it is advisable to obtain US dollars in Japan beforehand and exchange them for local currency on-site.
In Panama, only coins are used in the local currency, the Balboa, while banknotes are exclusively in US dollars. Therefore, there may not be much need for currency exchange.
Credit cards are becoming more widespread, so it is advisable to use them for payments wherever possible, except at stalls and small shops where cards are not accepted, to minimize currency exchange and avoid losing money on fees.
Tips
Tipping is not a common practice. However, due to the large number of Western tourists, there are situations where it might be appropriate to tip.
Taxi: Generally unnecessary
Restaurant: Only if the service charge is not included, about 10% of the bill; unnecessary in casual eateries.
Hotel: When a porter carries your luggage or you order room service, about US$1-2.
Public Safety
Panama's safety cannot be considered secure compared to Japan. Additionally, the area around the Darien National Park, a World Heritage site, is classified as a Level 2 danger zone, with unexpected dangers lurking. It is recommended to join a reliable tour when sightseeing.
There are also issues with drug-related crimes and taxi driver scams, and the hygiene standards are not considered good.
Clothing
The temperature is high throughout the year, so you can generally wear summer clothes from Japan. However, air conditioning is often too strong in buses and restaurants, so having a light cardigan or shawl is convenient.
In the mountainous areas of the west, it gets very cold in the mornings and evenings, so visitors to this region will need warm clothing like sweaters or hoodies. Also, the sunlight is quite strong, so don't forget sun protection items.
Things you should bring with you
Stomach medicine, cold medicine, mobile battery, insect repellent items, sun protection items, etc.
Visa availability and arrangements
For Japanese nationals visiting for tourism or language study and staying for less than 180 days, a visa is not required. However, your passport must have at least six months of validity remaining upon entry.
Required vaccinations
There are no mandatory requirements for travel. However, vaccinations for hepatitis A, typhoid, tetanus, and yellow fever are recommended.
Panama is designated by the WHO as a country at risk for yellow fever, and vaccination is recommended for travelers over nine months old going to the continental region east of the Panama Canal.
 

Learn more about Panama.

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Other areas of interest besides Panama.

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