Do I need to own a car in the Panama City, Panama area of San Francisco?

Most people own a car in San Francisco, Panama City, Panama. San Francisco is located at the heart of Panama City and encompasses a wide area, including the upscale Punta Pacifica (Trump Ocean Club) and Punta Paitilla neighborhoods. Taxis (yellow cabs with stripes, as they used to look like in Manhattan) are plentiful and rather cheap (around US$2.00, unless you dress like a tourist, hail them in front of a hotel, or both) although they are frequently shared with other...

Most people own a car in San Francisco, Panama City, Panama. San Francisco is located at the heart of Panama City and encompasses a wide area, including the upscale Punta Pacifica (Trump Ocean Club) and Punta Paitilla neighborhoods. Taxis (yellow cabs with stripes, as they used to look like in Manhattan) are plentiful and rather cheap (around US$2.00, unless you dress like a tourist, hail them in front of a hotel, or both) although they are frequently shared with other passengers. The drivers are under no obligation to transport you and if your proposed destination does not fit their fancy, they'll leave without a word. Buses are also available and modern Volvo white & orange units have mostly phased out the "diablos rojos" (red devils) recycled US school buses: flamboyant death traps, but so picturesque. The construction of the metro (subway) is well under way and accounts for the crazy traffic congestion, which is a necessary (hopefully temporary) evil. Biking is not a transportation option, but rather a sport you should practice in parks and designated areas.

 

For the truly adventurous, there's always walking, but the pedestrian crossings are almost as rare as the sidewalks, and it's important to assimilate pedestrian rules: since they are generally considered a nuisance, it's their duty to stay out of the cars' way. Now if you don't mind the heat (I don't), San Francisco is a residential section of town and you could perfectly walk to a  park such as Parque Omar, our own version of Manhattan's Central Park, restaurants and stores. In other words, you don't necessarily need to own a car in San Francisco... 

San Francisco is an interesting part of Panama City. It encompasses a very large portion of the city. I lived in San Francisco for a year and a half and worked in Obarrio. 

 

I personally did not have a car when I lived in San Francisco. I used taxi`s, MetroBus and rode with friends. The area is probably one of the best neighborhoods in Panama City to live regarding public transportation.

 

Sure a car would make getting around easier, but...

San Francisco is an interesting part of Panama City. It encompasses a very large portion of the city. I lived in San Francisco for a year and a half and worked in Obarrio. 

 

I personally did not have a car when I lived in San Francisco. I used taxi`s, MetroBus and rode with friends. The area is probably one of the best neighborhoods in Panama City to live regarding public transportation.

 

Sure a car would make getting around easier, but with all the traffic congestion it might be easier to walk. The great thing for me was that everything I needed was within a 10 minute walk. So no I do not recommend a car unless you plan on traveling long distances often.