Panama
Location Central America (bordering Costa Rica and Colombia)
Capital Panama City
Surface 75.517 km2
Language Spanish
Population 3.292.693 (July 2008)
Religion Roman Catholic
Form of government Republic
Weather and climate Tropical climate
Dry season from January to May. Rainy season from June to December. Average temperature over 30 degrees.
Holidays
January 1 New Year’s Day - Año Nuevo
January 9 All Soul’s Day - Dia de los Muertos
Capital Panama City
Surface 75.517 km2
Language Spanish
Population 3.292.693 (July 2008)
Religion Roman Catholic
Form of government Republic
Weather and climate Tropical climate
Dry season from January to May. Rainy season from June to December. Average temperature over 30 degrees.
Holidays
January 1 New Year’s Day - Año Nuevo
January 9 All Soul’s Day - Dia de los Muertos
February 9 Carnaval
March / April Easter - Semana Santa
(starting on Good Friday and ends on Easter Monday)
(starting on Good Friday and ends on Easter Monday)
May 1 Labour day - Dia Del Trabajo
November 3 Independence Day (from Colombia) - Día de la Independiencia
November 4 Flag day
November 4 Flag day
November 10 Día de Los Muertos
November 28 Independence Day (from Spain) - Día de la Independiencia
December 8 Mother’s Day
December 25 Christmas - Navidad
General
Panama is hot! The country is up and coming and of course already famous for the Canal, but you can also find hundreds of bounty islands in the San Blas archipelago and meet the local inhabitants; the Kuna Yala Indians, relax on one of the islands of Bocas del Toro enjoy the typical Caribbean atmosphere or explore the beaches along the Pacific on horseback.
In Panama City you easily find culinary bliss in one of the many restaurants and afterward you can go trying tropical cocktails in a cozy bar or dancing in a hip nightclub. The many skyscrapers illustrate the rapid economic developments in the country, while the many historical sites and buildings in the old quarter, Casco Viejo, show you a different, but no less interesting side of town.
Money
The currency in Panama is the Balboa, which is equal to the U.S. Dollar and interchangeable. Therefore you can also use USD notes. Almost everywhere you can withdraw USD and Balboa. Small notes of 1, 5, 10 and 20 USB are the most practical, especially in remote areas such as the San Blas islands. More information about withdrawing money in Panama can you find at www.mastercard.com/atm.
A Visa or MasterCard can be used to pay some excursions and in the more expensive restaurants. Please note that Visa is more accepted than MasterCard.
Visa
European travelers do not need to purchase a visa before departure. Please note that your passport needs to be valid at least for 6 months from the date of return. People with passports from the USA ans Canada do need a visa to enter Panama. The tourist card takes the place of a conventional visa. One can be purchased at the departure airport terminal or in Panama at the Immigration area for $5.00. The Tourist card is good for 30 days and there are provisions to apply for a 60-day extension at the sole discretion of the immigration authorities. Please check the this website for a complete list of countries that do need a visa.
European travelers do not need to purchase a visa before departure. Please note that your passport needs to be valid at least for 6 months from the date of return. People with passports from the USA ans Canada do need a visa to enter Panama. The tourist card takes the place of a conventional visa. One can be purchased at the departure airport terminal or in Panama at the Immigration area for $5.00. The Tourist card is good for 30 days and there are provisions to apply for a 60-day extension at the sole discretion of the immigration authorities. Please check the this website for a complete list of countries that do need a visa.
