World Youth Day 2019 USA Leader Guides International Leader Guide | Page 44

of writing, nor guaranteed). Travelers may of their travel plans so that the bank does not
consider supplemental health insurance. think the card has been stolen. This is usually
easy to do online. Pilgrims should not use
Pilgrims should keep a copy of their current travelers’ checks. Pilgrims should note that
prescriptions with them, in case their banks and currency exchanges will not convert
medication gets lost or needs to be refilled balboa back to U.S. currency, so coins should
unexpectedly. This also helps if there is an be spent or kept for a future trip to Panamá.
emergency, letting medical professionals know
what medications are regularly taken by the Food and Meals
patient. There will be medical personnel at all The local water is safe to drink, and most
the major World Youth Day event locations, Americans should have no trouble with
with first aid tents clearly marked. traditional Panamian food, which features
Caribbean influences. Panamian food often
Money in Panamá revolves around maize, rice, products made
Panamá’s currency is called balboa (named after with wheat flour, plantains, and yucca, as well
the Spanish explorer Vasco Núñez de Balboa). as beef, chicken, pork, and seafood (especially
One Balboa equals one U.S. dollar, and the U.S. seafood, since Panama is bordered by the ocean
dollar is legally circulated in Panamá, so to the north and south). There are American
pilgrims do not need to convert their money; restaurant chains in Panama City if pilgrims are
they should simply bring U.S. cash. The balboa seeking something more familiar, but encourage
is only available as a coin, and U.S. dollars are your group to be more adventurous. During
the only paper money. WYD, registered pilgrims who choose the meal
option will receive food vouchers as part of
Currency may also be obtained in Panamá registration. If using a travel company, be sure
through ATMs or a major bank. Credit cards to review what meals will be provided and
and debit cards are handy, but not all are which meals are on your own. If your group is
accepted and many street vendors or small using the WYD-provided simple housing, there
shops only take cash. ATMs and banks may will be breakfast available near your housing or
charge a transaction fee for each transaction. If catechetical sites. Hotels may offer a breakfast
taking a card, pilgrims should inform their bank option as part of their package as well.
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