A number of you have emailed us with questions regarding travel and Panama-specific information so we'll try and reply to the most common concerns here.

We'll be updating this section as more comments come in, but for now feel free to browse around some of the more frequently asked questions and please don't hesitate to contact us with any questions, concerns, tips, or comments.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

1. What is the best way to get around in Panama?
   
   
   • Rental car - Personally, I've heard mixed stories about rental cars in Panama - one RPCV has recently told us of a disastrous experience with Thrifty, while I have no feedback on National, Budget, or Avis.
     
     
   • Taxi - Perhaps the easiest way to get around.  Drivers do not use meters in Panama, but rather charge based on zones.  Anything within the city should cost under $5.00.  Traveling beyond the city to the Canal Zone or the Causeway will set you back a bit more - probably closer to $10.00 - $15.00.
     
     
   • Bus - Who could forget the Diablo Rojo?  Of course you could always take a bus from the Albrook terminal if you're headed to the interior.  Pricing and schedules can possibly be found via phone 011-507-232-5803.
     
     
   • Please note - transportation to and from the hotel to official reunion events is included in the price of the reunion!  Transportation to and from the airport is NOT.
     
     
2. How do I get from the airport to the hotel?
   
   
   • Assuming you're using public transportation, you can easily catch a taxi outside the airport terminal (cost per taxi should be around $25.00 + $5.00 tolls).
     
     
   • For the truly adventurous, bus-loving folk, you can wheel your luggage outside the terminal, walk through the parking lot, cross a couple of intersections to the outside bus terminal and jump on a public bus bound for the Albrook bus terminal.  As these public buses don't pass with any guaranteed frequency and can be quite a pain with significant baggage, it is not recommended.
     
     
3.  How can I get to my old site?  Is there a volunteer in the area?
   
   
   • Good question, and probably difficult for us to answer.  Albrook Terminal is the hub for all buses to and from Panama City.  You may call the terminal for bus fares and schedules 011-507-232-5803 and if you're really needing help then please feel free to contact us with questions.  In regard to current volunteer sites, that is an issue that would also need to be coordinated with the Peace Corps Panama office.  We will do what we can to help find that information.
     
     
4. How do I get to Kuna Yala?
   
   
   • Here is the link to what could be a helpful website in tracking down lodges on the archipelago.
     
     
5. How can I fly to Bocas or David?
   
   
   • AeroPerlas offers daily flights to both David and Bocas.  Schedule here.
      
6. Do I have to register for all of the events, or can I select a few to come to?

• We do not have a partial registration fee option (even the PCPF Directiva members are paying the fee if they're attending).  This is because of our limited manpower.  We are all volunteers in working on this, and keeping track of who paid for what , and who's coming to what is just not possible.  Equally so, all the days' events carry some costs because of room rentals, transportation, meals, etc.  Sorry to have to be the bad guy, but with so much going on and so many arrangements, we are just not capable of handling partial registrations.

    7.  If I have guests accompanying me (friends and family), do they have to         register too?

• If your guests are planning on participating in any of the reunion events, then yes, we ask that they register.  The registration fee includes meals, transportation and events, which are all open and of interest to RPCVs and guests alike.  Unfortunately, even if your guests would like to participate in just one of the events, with our limited capacity in organizing the reunion, we are unable to accommodate registration for single events.

    8.  Is there a discounted registration fee for children?

• Children five and under are free.

    9.  What is NOT included in the registration fee?

• With registration, you do not receive airfare or transportation to and from the airport.  However, please see our Hotels, Flight Tips and FAQs pages for information on flights, accommodations and additional transportation.  Breakfast is provided by the hotel, and most meals included in reunion events, however lunch is not provided on Friday or Saturday.

    9.  Do I have to register for an optional tour?

• No, the tours are completely optional.  We have left Saturday, June 28^th open for tourism!  We hope that one of our cross-section of options, from environmental to historical, will be what you’re looking for.  However, if these are not if interest, please feel free to take the day lounging by the pool!  We just ask that all are back in time for our Farewell Dinner in the evening.