Frequently Asked Questions:
Is
Panama safe?
How’s
the weather?
What clothes should I bring?
What documents do I need to enter Panama?
What is the electrical system?
What are health risks and precautions?
What language is spoken?
What is the local currency?
What is the telephone system?
What is the time zone?
What amount should I tip?
Which governmental agencies may be useful to me?
CLIMATE
Panama has a tropical climate, with a dry season (December through
April) and a wet “green” season (May through November).
The rains are often afternoon tropical showers. Humidity is high.
Top
Temperature fluctuations
within the country generally result from differences in altitude
and distance from the oceans. In the lowlands,
temperatures during the day range between 80 F and 90 F. Night times
are cooler. The areas of El Valle de Anton and the Highlands of Chiriqui
have a much cooler climate and a unique climatic pattern. In the Highlands
the day range is between 45 F and 85 F. Top
Panama is outside of the Hurricane belt, and is generally not affected
by the storms.
CLOTHING
Light colored, loose fitting cotton clothes are recommended for the
tropics. Bring along a hat, sun glasses, insect repellent, sunscreen
and rain gear.
The highlands can be chilly at night and in the morning, so a sweater
or light jacket would be useful. If you plan to hike, bring long pants
and comfortable shoes.
Business clothing is formal.
A light jacket for men and a tailored suit or a two-piece pants suit
for women is recommended. Top
DOCUMENT REQUIREMENTS
United States citizens are required to have a valid passport, and a
tourist card ($5.00, subject to change), and proof of onward passage,
such as a return airline ticket, for entry into Panama as a tourist.
Tourist cards should be purchased from the international airline
carrier, yet are also available upon arrival in Panama from the immigration
authorities. A tourist card gives you an automatic 30-day stay, and
is extendable for another 60 days.
When entering the country, you may only bring up to one carton of cigarettes
and 3 bottles of liquor. Like other countries, you may be fined and
charged for leaving Panama with products made from endangered species.
U.S. Citizens should refer
to the Embassy of Panama http://www.embassyofpanama.org/. Travelers
from other countries should consult with the Panamanian consulate
or embassy in that country to obtain the latest information on entry
requirements. Top
All tourists must pay an exit tax of US$20.00, payable in cash at
departing airport.
ELECTRICITY
The voltage is 110V or 120V and 60hz. Any electric items you use
in the US should be fine in Panama. Top
HEALTH
Currently, no vaccines are required for entry into Panama. We recommend
you consult with your doctor prior to traveling.
Information on vaccinations
and other health precautions, such as safe food and water precautions
and insect bite protection, may be
obtained from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s
hotline for international travelers at 1-877-FYI-TRIP (1-877-394-8747)
or via the CDC’s internet site at http://www.cdc.gov/travel.
For information about outbreaks of infectious diseases abroad consult
the World Health Organization’s (WHO) website at http://www.who.int/en.
Further health information for travelers is available at http://www.who.int/ith.
Remember, the tropical sun
can be strong; so it’s wise to take
protective sunglasses and sunscreen with you. You should use protective
insect repellant to guard against bites and insect-transmitted diseases.
The water quality in Panama
City is excellent and can be consumed from the tap. Outside the city,
water quality is generally very good;
however, travelers should drink bottled water to avoid any possible
illness. Top
LANGUAGE
Although the official language in Panama is Spanish, English is widely
spoken and understood. There are seven living Indian cultures each
with their own language: Kunas in the San Blas Islands on the Caribbean;
Embera and Wounaanin the province of Darien; Ngobe Bugle in the provinces
of Chiriqui, Bocas del Toro & Veraguas; and Teribes & Bokotas
in Bocas del Toro province. Top
MONEY
The balboa is the official currency of Panama.
The balboa has been tied
to the U.S. dollar (which is legal tender in Panama) at an exchange
rate of 1:1 since its introduction. Currently
the only banknotes circulated are U.S. bills. Panama does not print
banknotes, but does mint coins. The balboa is divided into 100 centésimos;
coins are 1, 5, 10, 25 and 50 centésimos. US currency is used
throughout the country
Visa American Express, Master
Card and Diners Club credit cards are accepted in most hotels, restaurants
and commercial establishments. Top
SAFETY
Panama was given the highest ranking (along with the United States)
for tourist safety from the Pinkerton Intelligence Agency. But as with
any foreign destination, it is not advisable to walk around the streets
flashing your money or valuable belongings. Reports of people being
pick-pocketed in Panama are rare, but it’s best to assume that
pickpockets are around. Just use common sense and your intuition to
protect yourself. Remember that the less attention you draw to yourself,
the less likely you are to have an unpleasant experience.
U.S. Citizens should refer
to the U.S. Department of State Consular Information Sheet on Panama.
http://travel.state.gov Top
TELEPHONE
Telephone and international cable services in Panama are excellent.
The country code is 507. If you wish to use your cell phone while traveling,
make sure you have a phone with international capabilities and contact
your service provider before traveling to set up service. Inexpensive
cell phones are available for sale at many stores. Top
TIME ZONE
Panama is on Eastern Standard Time (EST), five hours behind GMT. Panama
does not use Daylight Savings. Top
TIPPING
Suggested 10% Top
TOURIST OFFICES/EMBASSIES
The national tourist agency Instituto Panameño de Turismo (IPAT)
has its headquarters in the Centro Atlapa on Via Israel in Panama City.
IPAT also has an information counter located at the airport. In addition,
there are many tourist centers dispersed throughout the country. The
IPAT offices found throughout Panama are there to answer questions
and help visitors explore the country.
More than 50 foreign embassies
and consulates are located in Panama City. The Consular Section of
the U.S. Embassy is located in The Clayton
Building (formerly Fort Clayton Building 520) in the Clayton section
of Panama City. The international mailing address is: Apartado 0816-02561,
Zona 5, Panama, Republic of Panama. The telephone numbers for the Embassy
are 507-207-7000, after hour emergencies, 507-207-7200; Consular Section
507-207-7030 and fax 507-207-7278. Top
