Answers to Frequently Asked
Questions
about Panama
Courtesy of
Hotel
Suites Las Vegas
Table of Contents
- How do I get
around in Panama ?
- What language
is spoken in Panama ?
- What currency is
used in Panama ?
- How is the
climate in Panama ?
- What else is
important ?
- What is
important when shopping in the Colon Free Zone ?
How do I get around
Panama?
Taxis:
In Panama City fares are based on a
zoning system. A driver must show his zoned map of the city if
you challenge his charge. Regular taxis charge you around $ 1.25
to $ 2.00 depending on how many zones you are crossing. Between
Tocumen Airport and Panama City (Aprox. 40 minutes drive) the
official rate is $ 8.00 per person if you share a cab with up to
four others or $ 20.00 if you want the car to yourself. To Colon
the rate is $ 60.00 for 1 to 4 people, one way.
Domestic Airlines:
Domestic Airlines fly from mid-city
Marcos A Gealbert Airport in
Albrook with scheduled flights to all parts of the
country.
Aeroperlas : Tel (507) 315 75 00
serve Contadora, David, Colon, Bocas del Toro, Changuinola,
Puerto Armuelles, Chitré, Santiago, La Palma, El Real, Jaqué,
Garachiné, Sambú.
AeroTaxi Tel. (507) 315 75 20
and
ANSA Tel. 315 75 21 serve San Blas.
Buses
Buses are available to most destinations
in Panama.For further information ask at the reservation desk.
There is a new Central Bus Station in Albroook next to the
Los Pueblos Shopping Mall where also the Restaurant Mantra is located.
Car Rentals
Most major Car rental Companies are
present in Panama. To name just a few:
(Ask at your Hotel for the closest car rental location)
- AVIS
- BUDGET RENT A CAR
- HERTZ
- NATIONAL
- THRIFTY
- TOYOTA RENT A CAR
- VANTAGE
What language is
spoken in Panama ?
Spanish is the official language.
English is widely spoken in business, banking, retail and
international communities and tourist related business.
What currency is used
in Panama ?
The currency is the "Balboa"
which is the same value as the US dollar. The US dollar is legal
tender in Panama, which doesn't print bank notes ( US dollar
notes are used ) but only mint its own coins.
How is the climate in
Panama ?
Panama has a tropical climate.
Temperatures are around 80 - 90 degrees Fahrenheit ( 25 - 30
Celsius ) and humidity is always high. There are only two
seasons, the dry season from December to April and the rainy
season from May to the end of the year.
What else is
important ?
- Electricity: 120V 60 Cycles in all
parts of the country.
- Time Zone: Panama is in Eastern
Standard Time Zone ( five hours behind GMT )
- Population: Around 2.4 million.
- Political System: A democratic
independent republic.
- Highest point: Volcan Baru 3475 m.
- Bordering countries: Colombia and
Costa Rica.
- How many islands are in San Blas:
over 365.
- For more information from Panama
see
related links.
-
Pictures
and Info about Panama from Photoatlas.com
What is important
when shopping in the Colon Free Zone ?
For shoppers: goods are sent in bound
from the Colon Free Zone to Tocumen International Airport, where
they are delivered to departing passengers. Normally they can get
it there for a flight the following day. On the day of departure,
leave plenty of time to get goods out of the customs area on the
lower level of the airport before checking in for your flight.
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