General Information and Tips for Travelers

Panama is the ideal destination for nature lovers, history enthusiasts and cultural explorers. Panama is renowned for its abundance of centrally located rainforest and extensive flora and fauna. The Isthmus offers some of the finest snorkeling, birding, deep-sea fishing, diving and adventure opportunities in the world. Panama honors its seven Indian tribes and its rich Spanish legacy.

Panama is always being considered the "cross-road of the world", in addittion to this fact, Panama is the connecting door between North and South America which means it has a very strategic position regarding the international commerce. Bordered at both sides of the Atlantic and the Pacific Oceans, Panama has about 2.800 kilometers of coast line. The small country is crossed by a mountain chain almost in its entire length and has more than 450 rivers and lots of beautiful islands. Nature-lovers are truly having a great time in this paradise land: tropical rain- and even dry forests give home to more than 5 % of the entire flora and fauna of the world.

Due to its position as a crossroads and transport center, Panama's people and culture reflect it's international connections. Panama is a microcosm of the Americas with a mixture of Latin, European, black and Indian populations. 65% of Panamanians are mestizo (European-Indian mixed) and the other 35% are a combination of traditional Indians, Caribbean blacks, European and Chinese. Small but dynamic, Jewish, Arab and Hindu communities play important roles in Panama's business community.

Ciudad de Panama, the country's capital, is a modern metropolis whose old part reveals many important aspects of past epochs. In the "Casco Antiguo", beautiful colonial buildings can be found as well as many buildings with European styles from the 19th century. Founded in 1519, Panama la Vieja was the first city founded in the American Continent's pacific coast. It also was victim of numerous pirate attacks. Following a long period of economical stagnation, Panama and its capital flourished during the Californian gold rush of the 1840's and 1850's. After having declared independence in 1903, Panama blossomed economically during the construction of the Canal.

Ecology, with its huge expanses of tropical rainforest, the isthmus of Panama is one of the most biologically diverse areas in the world. Its unique ecology stems in part from its connection to two continents.
Birds are a primary indicator of biodiversity and Panama takes a grand prize: it has 936 species of birds, more than the United States and Canada combined. There are 125 animal species found only in Panama. Panama is also privileged to be home to the Smithsonian Institute of Tropical Research, the world's primary tropical scientific investigation center, which for XX years has been cataloging and monitoring this vast ecological heritage.

Beach Locations, From the balmy, secluded beaches of the Caribbean coast, the beautiful islands at San Blas and Bocas del Toro Archipelago, a to the dynamic beach resorts of the pacific coast, Panama's beaches and islands are world-class. Our beaches are also world-known for their excellent surfing and other water sports, and new resorts offering the latest conveniences are popping up constantly. Where else in the world can you bathe in the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans in the course of one day?

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Tips for Travelers

IMMIGRATION POLICIES

US and Canadian citizens need a valid passport and a tourist card. The tourist card costs $5 and is usually sold to you by your airline when you check in. If they forget to sell this to you, you can purchase your card on your arrival in Panama from the immigration authorities. Citizens of other countries should consult with the Panamanian consulate or embassy in their home country to obtain the latest information on entry requirements. In some cases, no tourist card is necessary. The tourism card will give you 90 days in Panama. If you want to extend your stay beyond 90 days, you should go to Immigracion and Naturalization a few days before the 90 days is up. ( See below on extending your visa).

WEATHER/TOURIST SEASONS

The temperature is about the same year round: in the middle to high 80's during the day and cooling off in the evenings to the perfect 70's. However, during the dry season, there are days in the that hit the 90's. In the highlands, it gets cool at night and you will need a sweater or sweatshirt. During the rainy season, June through mid-December, there are afternoon torrential rains almost daily which usually last no more than an hour. Humidity is high in Panama City and the lowlands during the rainy season.

PUBLIC SERVICES

Electricity is 120V / 60 Hz, and North American electrical items can be used with no adapter necessary. The potable water is fresh and drinkable across the country. Panama boasts a private telecommunications system (Cable & Wireless), the most advanced in Latin America. It is inexpensive and convenient; direct-dial calls can be made to nearly any country in the world. Post offices can be found in almost all cities and towns, and public telephones are nearly always accessible.

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TAXES AND TIPS

The hotels, in accordance with the law, charge a 10% consumer tax on the price of the room. In restaurants a a 10% service charge; if the service is excellent, you are welcome to leave an additional tip. Tourists must pay an airport tax, about US $20.00 at the airport upon leaving the country and 5% for commercial tax.

HEALTH

No vaccinations are required in order to enter Panama. Cholera and malaria do not represent a danger in the country. For those who are planning trips into the jungle and are concerned about the risk of disease, preventive measures are recommended. Public health services in Panama are very good; excellent medical care is available in hospitals and clinics in all the larger population centers in the country.

BANKS, CURRENCY EXCHANGE AND CREDIT CARDS

The Panamanian currency is the US dollar. Amazing but true. American coins are used (as well as Panamanian coins which look exactly like American coins except for the imprint.) Credit cards are well accepted at hotels, major stores and better restaurants in Panama City. Outside Panama City, in general, cash will be necessary. You can get a cash advance on your credit card at most major Panamanian banks; make sure you have your passport for ID. You can access your American bank account in Panama City at the ATM machines that have "Cirrus" or "Plus" sign on them, provided that you have a personal ID number

TRANSPORTATION

Panama's bus system is extensive, and regular routes run between cities; taxis are also easy to find in most cities. Likewise, car rental agencies have offices in convenient locations across the country. Flights within the country are also available and relatively inexpensive on Aeroperlas and Aerotaxi.

COMMUNICATION MEDIA

Panama has over six television stations which broadcast in Spanish. Satellite television service is also available in most places and offers a worldwide programing (U.S., European, Asian and other channels). Internet is wide-spread and e-mail service offered free of charge for costarrican citizens. More than 100 radio stations broadcast in Panama. Seven daily newspapers are published in Spanish and three weekly are published in English. There are also several monthly magazines and newspapers published in the country. Foreign publications can be purchased at most bookstores.