We hope you find useful information here about Panama before your arrival. We'll strive to present relevant material for you, so you can have a clear idea of what to expect once you arrive. If you have any questions or interesting topics you would like us to address about Panama's culture, just email us.

Please check out the interesting articles below:

WEATHER

In Panama you’ll find only two seasons: the rainy season, which goes from July to January, and the dry season (during which you should expect some unannounced showers…), from late January until June.

Humidity is constant, about 80-88% during the whole year, with a maximum temperature of 38°.  But there are places where the temperature may drop to 0° at night.

With this in mind, you would be comfortable in shorts/bermudas (wearing a spandex-like short under it is always a good idea to prevent a walking rash), sandals or hiking boots (depending on the activity), cotton t-shirts (maybe a sweatshirt for the evenings), and tons of sunblock for the day (we don’t have bugs in the city, but when going off-road, anti-bug sprays are always a must).

FOOD

Tap water in Panama is one of the best in the entire continent and you can drink it safely, but bottled water is always the best choice since your body is probably not used to it.

Our diet is based on rice, meat and vegetables (high in carbohydrates). You can find a lot of accessible places where you can try our traditional food but, you can also count on the reliable McDonald’s (notice: the Big Mac is probably half the size of what you are used to), Burger King, KFC, Wendy’s and all major fast food chains.

We also offer excellent international cuisine. Prices will vary from place to place. Always try seafood while in Panama, since we have two oceans at less than an hour trip away, our fish is always fresh!

But if you're picky or like fresh home made meals, you'll find well stock supermarkets and delicatessens stores, including stores specialized in chinese, kosher and international food, for cooking at home.

ACCOMMODATIONS

We have many lodging options.  You’ll find good rooms starting at $20 per night in hotels with everything you need (including room service), up to 5-star hotels like Marriott, Caesar's Park, Sheraton, and Holiday Inn.

In the countryside (“Interior” for us Panamanians), we have hotels in all the major cities and motel rooms, cabins, hostels and lodges in smaller towns; in the beaches of the Pacific side we have international-class, all-inclusive resorts at very accessible prices.


USEFUL TIPS

Time zone is GMT -05:00.

The Balboa is the legal currency, but the US Dollar is legal tender; 1 Balboa = 1 US Dollar. As matter of fact, we don’t press paper bills, so the only currency you’ll find is US bills.
You can ask anyone in the street for an address or information because 70% of the population in the city speaks English (or make themselves understood; be prepared to hear directions such as “turn right at the McDonald’s …”).

A 10-15% tip is considered a good tip; we tip only in restaurants or hotels and when using tour services, but not cabs or other services (but they’ll sure appreciate any kindness of yours!).

You’ll find tons of cafés that offer Internet access for US$0.50 or US$1.00 an hour. Also phone calls to USA and Europe are as cheap as US$0.05 per minute with calling cards from many different providers, which are easy to find in any store.  You can also buy a cellular phone (for $20 or less sometimes) and stay in contact always, throughout the vast cellphone coverage, that both existant companies have.

Electricity (a/c) is 110/115 volts, make sure to have the right converter or change from 220 to 110 when charging or using any electronic device. Most  hotels are equipped with satellite dish or cable TV, so you’ll find English-spoken programs.

Very good medical attention, no terrorism (thank God!) and low crime rate (but keep in mind that there are unsafe places for tourists). Emergency phone numbers, just in case:

- Police: 104
- Fire Department: 103
- Disaster Control: *335
- Phone Book Assistance: 102
- Marcos A. Gelabert Airport
(Domestic Flights – Located in Albrook): 315-7555 (Aeroperlas)
and 315-0279 (Air Panama)
- Tocumen International Airport: 238-2703
- Albrook Bus Terminal: 303-3047


You can dial this number from wherever in Panama you may be and the call will go directly to the nearest assistance available. A 911 emergency line project is being developed at present in Panama, which will bring together all emergency services.

Panama’s banking system also offers a widespread ATM (automatic teller machine) network that accepts VISA or MasterCard credit cards (you need to know your PIN number).  If you run out of cash, there should be one nearby!