[M 001 / Panama] has a tropical climate with little variation in temperature between seasons. In the coastal region the average temperature ranges between 70-90 degrees Fahrenheit. The rainy season usually begins in April and ends in December, with October/ November experiencing the heaviest falls. January to April are the driest months.
HEALTH:
Although one of the healthiest areas in [G 07 / Latin America], it is still advisable to have the following vaccinations before traveling to Panama: cholera, polio, typhoid and yellow fever. Anti-malaria prophylactics are also recommended. For travelers who have been in infected areas outside Panama, you will be asked to show relevant vaccination certificates before being allowed entry into the country. These regulations are very strict and immigration officials take them very seriously.
If possible, tap water should not be drunk, particularly in the outlying rural areas. Bottled water is available in various stores and hotels.
CURRENCY:
There is no paper money in Panama. The currency, known as the Balboa, is all coinage. Denominations are as follows: one Balboa (PAB), 100; Centesimos 1, 5, 10, 25, 50.
There is no import/ export restrictions in Panama, however, travelers must be in possession of US$300 or more when entering the country. The US dollar is commonly used and credit cards are also accepted in most built-up areas of Panama.
VISAS:
British citizens do not require a visa for entry into Panama. Holders of a Panamanian tourist card (which is valid for 30 days) from the following countries are also exempt: Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Iceland, Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and the USA.
A return ticket or official details for an onward destination is necessary.
ELECTRICITY:
Panama uses 120V AC.
COMMUNICATIONS:
The telephone system is well-organized in Panama City and both direct local dialing and international dialing (through the Pan-American Earth Satellite station) are available. The international dialing code for Panama is 507.
Post office's are open in Panama City from Mon - Fri, 8am - 4pm; Sat, 8am - 1pm.
International publications are widely available in Panama and the US-run Canal Area.
LANGUAGE:
Spanish is the first language of Panama, however, English is widely spoken as well. Only in the outlying areas could tourists encounter communication difficulties without a knowledge of Spanish.
PUBLIC HOLIDAYS:
January 1 New Year
January 9 Martyr Day
*February 12 Carnival
*April 17..... Good Friday
May 1........ . Labor Day
August 15..... Foundation of Panama City
October 12.... Columbus Day
November 3.... Independence from Colombia Day
November 28... Independence from Spain Day
December 8.... Mother's Day
December 25... Christmas Day
* Dates vary.
TRANSPORT:
Panama City:
AIR:
The international airport in Panama City is 16 miles away from the city center. Public transport such as buses and taxis are available at the airport and the journey usually takes between 30 minutes to an hour depending on traffic conditions. Taxis are run on a fixed rate depending on their size and the number of zones it passes through on the journey. A price should be negotiated beforehand and a 10 percent tip is expected.
An airport tax of $20 must be paid on departure from Panama. Only those in transit for less than nine hours are exempt from paying the tax.
Panama's national airline is Air Panama Internacional. The following international airlines fly into Panama City:
AEROLINEAS ARGENTINA
AERONICA
AMERICAN
AVENSA
AVIANCA
CONTINENTAL
IBERIA
KLM
LACSA
SAHSA
TACA INTERNATIONAL
VARIG
ROAD:
Travel by road is the most accessible and easy way to move around Panama. Both the Pan-American Highway and the Trans-Isthmian Highway links Panama with Costa Rica and Colon respectively. The roads are generally in good condition and are regarded as the safest way to travel around.
Cars can be rented from the following companies:
ALFA 384-248
AVIS 384-037
BUDGET 384-069
DISCOUNT 384-322 ext 336
DOLLAR 384-032
HERTZ 384-081
INTERNATIONAL 384-404
NATIONAL 384-144
HOTELS:
BELLA VISTA: Via Espana 31, Panama City (tel 644-4029 / 23-1785).
Rates on request.
CARIBE: Avenida Peru y Calle 28, Panama City (tel 25-0404; fax 27-3115).
Rates: US$40 - 45.
EL EJECUTIVO: Calle 52 Aquilino de la Guardia, Panama City (tel 643-333/ 643-464; fax 691-944).
Rates: US$65, $75, $130.
GRAN SOLOY: Avenida Peru, P O Box 3385, Panama City (tel 271-133; telex 2509).
GRANADA: Avenida Eusebio A Morales, P O Box 8457, Panama City (tel 644-900; fax 640-930).
HOLIDAY INN: Punta Paitilla, P O Box 1807, Panama City (tel 691-122; fax 691-645).
INTERNACIONAL: Plaza 5 de Mayo, Panama City (62-1000).
Rates on request.
MARRIOTT: Caesar Park, Via Israel, P O Box 64248, Panama City (tel 264-077; fax 264-262).
Rates: US$125 - 143
PANAMA CITY: Via Italia & Winston Churchill, Panama City (tel 69-1122; fax 69-1645).
Rates: US$99 - 107.
PANAMA HILTON INTERNATIONAL: Via Espana 111, Panama City (tel 69-5000; telex 2676).
