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 Whether is snorkeling or tank diving, the diving enthusiast
is bound to find his appeal in any of the various waters of Panama. Panama offers both, the lively and colorful
clarity of Caribbean style Atlantic; the vast and mysterious Pacific Ocean full of large marine species, exactly
where  Balboa
discovered it; and the jungle encircled Gatun Lake, bed of the Panama Canal.
The isthmus of Panama, running on an east-west axis, finds the Atlantic Ocean on its northern shores. Starting
from the west, the first dive site is Bocas del Toro. The scuba diving in and around Bocas can be enjoyed throughout
the year, with most of the dive spots no more than one hour boat ride from Bocas town. The water temperatures is
very tropical and constant, so full or even short wetsuits are not required. Water visability varies from one dive
spot to another, and is always dependent on weather conditions. The months of September and October are traditionally
the better months, due primarilly to more suitable climatic conditions. During this period there is less rain and
wind, allowing for clearer water conditions.
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International Airlines serving Panama with regularly scheduled flights:
American Airlines
Avianca
Copa
Airlines
Cubana
Delta
Airlines
Iberia
Lloyd
Aero Boliviano
Grupo
Taca
Mexicana
West
Caribbean
Local Air Services
A variety of national airlines operate from the International Airport Marcos A. Gelabert, in Albrook. They offer
routine and charter flights to more than 150 airfields in the Republic.
Aeroperlas
www.aeroperlas.com
Bahía Piña, Contadora, David, Free Zone
of Colón, Bocas del Toro, Changuinola, Chitré, La Palma, El Real, Jaqué, Garachiné,
Sambú, Special Flights.
Aeromapiex
www.aero.com.pa
David, Bocas del Toro (Island), Changuinola and Panamá
City.
Aerotaxi
iflyap@aeroperlas.com
San Blas
ANSA
iflyap@aeroperlas.com
San Blas
Aviatur
aviatur@sinfo.net
San Blas, Darién, Sambú, Garachiné,
La Palma, Jaqué, Piña, Contadora, San Miguel. Special Flights.
Helipan
www.helipan.com
Helicopter Rental & Tours.
Helix
www.aero.com.pa
Helicopter Charters Flights.
VISA Requirements
Depending on your nationality, you may be required to have a valid passport and a visa or a $5.00 tourist card.
Tourist cards may be bought at the airline counter at the time of departure.
Customs
United States and Canadian citizens need only a valid passport and tourist card to visit Panama. Tourist cards
cost about five dollars and are available both on your arrival in Panama from the immigration authorities and through
most airlines. A tourist card gives you an automatic 30-day stay, and is extendable for another 60 days. Travelers
from other countries should consult with the Panamanian consulate or embassy in that country to obtain the latest
information on entry requirements. 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.
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.
Getting Around
If your stay is confined to Panama City, don't bother with buses or rental cars. Taxis are available for reasonable
fares. Choose a relatively new car that is in good condition. The slightly higher fare is more than worth it for
reliability and cold air conditioning. For longer trips or journeys to remote areas, plan to get a vehicle with
four-wheel drive capability, as you may be driving on rugged terrain. These vehicles are popular and run out fast,
so plan ahead. Most major towns have car rental agencies, so renting a car is a relatively easy process. It's important
to bring the rental reservation document that states the agreed upon rate. Remember, you must be at least 23 years
old to rent a car. All major rental car agencies are represented in Panama.
The Pan American Highway, also known as Interamerican Highway, joins Panamanian cities with Costa Rica. At this
time, the Darién jungle continues to be impenetrable, preventing access by land to Colombia. A tour by car
along the Transisthmic Highway joins Panama City with Colón. Even the most remote areas of Panama are accessible
by paved secondary roads. The bus service is good and covers the entire country as well as the other countries
in Central America and Mexico.
Religion
Most Panamanians are Roman Catholic. However, due to the great diversity in the country, there are numerous churches,
temples and synagogues all over the country. There is freedom of religion in Panama.
Language
Although the official language in Panama is Spanish, English is widely spoken and understood in the major cities.
Climate
The country enjoys an agreeable tropical climate and an average daytime temperature of 80 degrees Fahrenheit, with
cooling in the evenings. The average humidity is 70%. The rainy season goes from May to December. Throughout the
dry season, trade winds keep the air continuously cool. In the mountains, the average temperature is between 50
and 60 degrees Fahrenheit.
Clothing
Light clothes are recommended. Business clothing is formal. A light jacket for men and a tailored suit or a two-piece
pants suit for women is recommended. A wide-brim hat and sun glasses are necessary if you go to the shore or inland.
Time Zone
Panama time is the same as the United States Eastern Standard Time (GMT -5).
Electricity and Public Services
The current is 110w - 60hz and 220w. Telephone and international cable services in Panama are excellent. There
is a direct-dial system to locations inland and all over the world. Our country code is 507.
Money
Since 1904, the United States dollar has been the legal currency in Panama. The Balboa, the Panamanian monetary
unit, is par valued with the dollar. Prices can be expressed in Balboas (B/.) or in Dollars ($). Traveler cheques
and credit cards are widely accepted. The International departure duty is US$20.00, payable in the airport. The
hotel tax is 10%. The added tax value to products and services, with the exception of food and medicines is 5%.
Business Services
More than 150 international banks and their branches operate in Panama. The United States, Brazil, Colombia, Venezuela,
Taiwan, Argentina, South Korea, Japan, Germany, the Netherlands, Switzerland, Canada, China, Spain, France and
others are represented here. The banking hours vary, but most of them are open from Monday to Friday from 8:00
a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Some banks offer services on Saturday.
Health/Water
No vaccines or pills are necessary prior to visiting our country. Remember, the tropical sun can be strong; so
it’s wise to take protective sunglasses and sunscreen with you. Although Panama is indeed a tropical country, mosquito
control is effective. Exceptions would include hiking and over-nighting in the jungle, in which case you should
use protective insect repellant. Panama is the only country in Latin America where you can drink water straight
from the tap.
Dangers
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 pickpocketed 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. |
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