FAQ
The Balboa Inn
Your home in Panama
Frequently asked questions
Are there any services/stores near your inn
Within walking distance (5 minutes) you will find a small supermarket, a post office, 3 banks, 4 restaurants (one Niko's Café = lots of variety, low price, breakfast, lunch, dinner), a mini-mart, a navigation chart store, a diving school, a souvenir store, the police station and the busstop (1 minute walk from our Inn).
What kind of Internet service to you offer?
We have 2 computers available for guests + a wireless network. If you bring your laptob and it has a WiFI card in it, you'll be able to surf right away. Maybe not in your room (concrete walls, weak signal) but in our common area and garden patio, yes. This service is free.
Can we bring our kids?
Absolutely. Our yard is ideal for them and we can provide nanny service if you have to run an errand or just want to spend a part of the day alone.
Which one-day tours to you recommend in and around Panama city?
Panama Canal's Miraflores locks, Embera Indian village, Toboga Island tour, Casco Viejo guided tour, Panama City day tour including shopping at Albrook Mall, helicopter tour, Cerro Ancon and 'Mi Pueblito' (open air museum).
How safe is Panama
As safe as any big city: there are well defined places you want to avoid but all the popular places are very safe. Panama's tourism board is taking the safety of traveler's seriously. Compared to other nearby countries, you'll see a lot less bars, barbed wire and similar sign of citizen's lack of trust in law enforcement effectiveness.
Should I drive a car in Panama?
It's not for the faint hearted but actually, statistically, our traffic safety record is better than that of the US. Hard to believe? No. We have less highways (where most fatalities take place), no 18-wheelers (that kill basically anything that comes in their way) and kids can't drive cars here until they are 18 and even then, very few have money to buy one. Having said that, keep in mind that pedestrians in the busy city center are generally seen big game and the bus drivers are totally crazy. Never assume a bus will stop for you. So, to answer the question: yes, you can rent a car in Panama.
I want to buy real estate in Panama: what do you recommend?
Uhh, we're not in the real estate business but the newspapers are full of ads and we can give you some advice on what represents value and what is an over-hyped project.
I want to retire in Panama
Great! Good idea. But first, stay here for a month or 2-4 to get a taste of it. It's not paradise (which place is) and it is a developing country. There are many pluses but also stuff you have to put up with. Not everybody can handle 3rd world annoyances.
What about health(care) in Panama
Excellent. First class service is available and cheap. When our twins where born, all cost, including hospital expenses, specialist care, the whole chebang, the bill was under $ 5000. When our daughter had a problem with dihydration once, we took her to a well known private clinic on Sunday. The was taken care of over a 3 hour period, including infuse. Total bill: $ 128. A check of our son who had a nasty caugh at a nearby (private) clinic? $ 20. Pharmacies (open 24/7) sell almost anything over the counter and it's a lot cheaper here and in the US.
So, are there any reason I should not go to Panama?
Absolutely! There's the pain and sense of loss when you have to go home again, mostly related to the getting used to warm weather and sunny skies. We should also warn you of the risk of minor strokes when you just had a first class steak, drinks and coffee at a fine restaurante and the bill is still under $ 15. The same risk exists when you just took a taxi, got stuck in traffic and when you arrive after 30 minutes, the charge is still $ 2. Right now, we can't think of anything else but maybe you want to help us out?
Ask your question or write us for more information and booking at: balboa@ilisa.com
___________________________________________________________________________