This is a favorite of most restaurants in Central America and seems to be practiced to an art in Panama City in some places.

Here is how the gringo-abuse takes place:

1. You eat a fine meal. For this example, lets use Benihana as an example – it just opened in the mall and the meal was great.

2. You get the bill but ONLY in summary format (basically just the charge to sign with a space for leaving a tip).

3. At this moment, STOP EVERYTHING. Get your waiter to bring you the full detailed bill. In the case of Benihanas and many other restaurants in Panama City, it will likely have the 10% service charge already added to Read more

The two biggest cell phone providers in Panama are Movistar and Cable and Wireless. They both offer “cards” (more commonly known as pay as you go wireless) in multiple denominations. Here is what they look like:

Ok so you are going to Panama and want to be able to stay connected to the world (plus if you want to survive in Panama – you need a cell phone – they are everywhere). Here is the process:

1. Have your cab driver or better yet call CARLOS (driver of Panama Gringo 001-507-6645-7075) take you to a store and buy the cheapest phone you can find. It is usually about $20 or so. (In the case of Carlos, call him Read more