📜 Guide to Tips and Precautions for Tocumen Airport

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🛫 Tips for Departing from Tocumen

1. Arrive with a generous amount of time

The recommendation to arrive 3 hours early for international flights is not an exaggeration. The long walking distances within the airport, the sometimes slow security lines, and frequent last-minute gate changes can quickly eat up your time. Arriving with this buffer will protect you from stress.

2. Be prepared for the double security check

If you are flying to the United States, you will face a second, thorough security inspection directly at the boarding gate. The golden rule is: do not buy drinks after the first security check. You will be forced to discard them, which is one of the biggest frustrations for travelers.

3. Check your boarding gate constantly

Gate changes are common and often announced with little notice. Do not rely solely on your boarding pass. The flight information screens are your only source of truth. Check them constantly, especially before heading to your gate.

4. Have a connectivity plan

The airport's free WiFi is limited to only one hour. After that, the paid rates are considered expensive. If you have a long wait, make sure you have downloaded boarding passes, maps, or entertainment beforehand.

5. For short connections, prioritize speed

If your connection is less than 90 minutes, move with purpose. Walks between terminals can take 15 to 25 minutes. Don't stop at the shops and head directly to your next boarding gate to avoid surprises.

🛬 Tips for Arriving at Tocumen

1. Be patient at immigration and customs

The waiting time at passport control is unpredictable; it can be very fast or take over an hour. The general perception is of a sometimes slow process with unproactive staff. Have your documents ready and be prepared for a possible wait.

2. Be smart when choosing your transportation

Here you can save a lot of money and stress. The Panama Metro is the most economical and efficient option (less than $1), although you'll have to walk a bit to find the station. Apps like Uber or DiDi are cheaper than official taxis and offer a fixed price. If you choose an official taxi, confirm the total price before they load your luggage to avoid overcharges.

3. Beware of prices in shops and restaurants

Avoid impulse purchases. The prices of almost everything, from a bottle of water to souvenirs and food, are considerably higher than in the city. If you're hungry, restaurants like Olive Garden tend to have more consistent reviews, but if you're looking to save money, it's better to wait until you leave the airport.

4. If you're renting a car, prepare for a battle

This is one of the most contentious points. The price of your online reservation will almost never be the final one. You will be required to purchase a local third-party liability insurance that can double or triple the cost. Read everything carefully, document the car's condition with photos and videos, and be wary of deals that sound too good to be true.

⚠️ General Precautions Throughout the Airport

• 🔌 Device Charging: The lack of functional outlets is a critical problem. Don't count on finding them. The unanimous recommendation is to bring a fully charged power bank.
• 💧 Hydration: Water fountains are often out of service. It's a constant complaint that forces you to buy water at high prices.
• 🚻 Restrooms: Cleanliness is inconsistent. It's a good idea to carry hand sanitizer and be prepared for a possible lack of paper or soap in some restrooms.
• 👤 Airport Staff: While some employees are friendly and helpful, a recurring complaint is the apathetic or unprofessional attitude of some staff, from both the airport and the airlines. Be self-sufficient and patient.
• 🛍️ Shopping: Don't be fooled by the "Duty Free" appearance. Compare prices if you can and be very careful with electronics and souvenirs due to poor quality and no-return policies.