LOCATION: Panama is located between Central and South America on the Isthmus of the same name. Its surface is of 75,517 square kilometers, slightly less than the surface of the State of South Carolina. The width of the Isthmus is between 80 km and 192 km.

CLIMATE: Panama has a tropical climate. Temperatures average between 25 to 30 degrees Celsius (77 to 86 Fahrenheit) and humidity is always high.

SEASON: There are only two seasons, the “dry” during the months of January to April and the “rainy” from May until end of the year.

LANGUAGE: Spanish is the language.

CURRENCY: The U.S. dollar. Panama’s own coins match U.S. coins in size and value. Although Panama uses U.S. currency you may want to contact your financial institution to let them know that you will be using your credit, debit or ATM card in another country.  ATM’s in Panama dispense U.S. currency.

TIPPING: Check with management if in doubt. 10% to 15% of the bill would be acceptable.

DRIVERS LICENSE: Visitors can drive up to 90 days with a foreign driving license.

HOSPITALS: Panama has a number of very up-to-date hospitals the principals being Clinica Paitilla Clinica San Fernando Hospital Nacional and Hospital Punta Pacífica

AMBULANCE SERVICE: Emi Panama 236-6060

ELECTRICITY: 110 volts; 60 cycles.

TIME ZONE: Eastern Standard time. Daylight Saving Time is not observed in Panama.

Special national holidays of Panama

Jan 9 – Martyr’s Day

Feb 12 – Carnival Tuesday

Nov 3 – Independence from Colombia

Nov 5 – First Cry of Independence (from Colombia) in Colon

Nov 10 – First Cry of Independence from Spain in Los Santos

Nov 28 – Independence from Spain

Dec 8 – Mothers´ Day

Contact Us at: info@panamatravelleisure.com