General Information

LOCATION: Panama is located in the center of the Western Hemisphere. It covers 29,157 miles and is bordered by the Caribbean Sea on the North, the Pacific Ocean on the South, Colombia on the east and Costa Rica to the west. It is the connecting link between Central and South America and a true crossroads of the world. The Panama Canal, considered the eighth wonder of the world, allows vessels to transit from one ocean to the other.

Panama's topography varies from mountains toward the Caribbean coast to small hills and vast savannas toward the Pacific side. Panama is in the Eastern Standard Time Zone.

CLIMATE: The sea-level temperature is generally 80-85 degrees Fahrenhei most of the year, somewhat cooler in the evenings. Panama has a dry season from December to May, with higher rainfall the rest of the year though it never rains for an entire day. Temperatures are cooler in the higher regions.

LANGUAGE: Spanish is Panama's official language. But english is widely spoken among the business, banking, retail and international communities. Hotels, restaurants and tourist-oriented activities have English speaking personnel.

CURRENCY: The currency is the Balboa, which has the same value as the U.S.Dollar. The U.S. Dollar has been legal tender in Panama since a 1904 agreement between the two countries. Panama doesn't print bank notes, except for collector or commemorative purposes, but it does mint its own coins. The government owned Banco Nacional acts as the nation's central bank and clearing house for the banking system. Prices can be written in Balboa (B/.) or Dollar ($).

RESTAURANTS: Panama City offers a variety of restaurants serving virtually every international cuisine: French, Chinese, Peruvian, Mexican, Italian, Japanese, Indian, American and dozens more. Be sure to try native dished like ceviche and sancocho, as well as Panama's lusty beer.

ELECTRICITY: 110 W, 60 HZ and 220 W

CREDIT CARDS: Mayor Credit Cards are accepted in most hotels, restaurants and department stores and most of the businesses (Visa, Mastercards, American Express, etc.).

DEPARTURE TAX: A passenger service tax of $ 40.00 must be paid at the airport before leaving.

RELIGIONS: Although the Majority of Panamanians are Roman Catholics, there is a complete freedom of worship for all religions. There exist temples, churches and synagogues with daily service.

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