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Language: The official language is Spanish. However, many Panamanians speak both Spanish and English.
Currency: The official currency is the Panamanian Balboa (PAB), equal to 100 centesimos, but the US Dollar is accepted everywhere at a rate of B1 = US$1. Balboa are available only in coin denominations. The only paper currency used is US dollars. It is easy to exchange currency and travelers cheques in Panama at banks, exchange shops, hotels and the airport. Avoid the black market. The best rates are offered at the larger banks. Old, creased and dirty foreign notes may be
refused for exchange. Most major credit cards, American Express, Visa, MasterCard and Diners club, are widely accepted. There are about 300 ATMs in Panama City. Banks are usually open from 8am to 1.30pm on weekdays.
Time: Local time is GMT -5.
Electricity: Electrical current is 120 volts AC, 60Hz. Round 2-pin plugs are the norm.
Communications: The international access code for Panama is +507. The outgoing call code is 00. Discount telephone rates apply between 10pm and 7am. Coin and card-operated public telephones are available, cards being sold at stores and vending machines. There are no domestic area codes in Panama. Cell phone providers offer digital TDMA 800 and GSM 850 networks therefore triband handsets are required for international visitors. There are several Internet service providers in Panama and Internet cafes are widely available in Panama City. Most hotels also offer the Internet.
Duty Free: The following items may be brought into Panama duty free: 500 cigarettes, 50 cigars or 500g of tobacco, three bottles of alcohol, and opened bottles of perfume for personal use. Fruit, vegetables and animal products are prohibited.
Getting Around: A bus service criss-crosses Panama, most services starting and ending in Panama City at more or less hourly intervals from the Gran Terminal de Albrook in the downtown area. Buses are fairly comfortable and reliable. In the city itself the buses are brightly colored, hot and uncomfortable, a flat fee payable at a turnstile when boarding. A tourist train service connects Panama City to Colon along the Panama Canal. Several international car rental companies are represented in Panama, but road conditions and signage are not good, so driving can be hazardous and traffic in the cities is chaotic. There are abundant taxis in Panama, as well as shared cabs called colectivos. In Panama City taxis are not metered but fares are calculated by zones, and the fare should be agreed before the journey. Most hotels can arrange private taxis prior to arrival. In some parts of Panama boats are the main means of transport.
Tourist OfficePanama Tourism (IPAT), Panama City: +507 226 7000 or www.ipat.gob.pa
EmergencyEmergencies: 104 (Police), 103 (Ambulance).
Embassies
Embassy of Panama, Washington DC, United States: +1 202 483 1407.
Embassy of Panama, London, United Kingdom: + 44 (0)20 171 7493 4646.
Embassy of Panama, Ottawa, Canada: +1 613 236 7177.
Honorary Consul of Panama, Durban, South Africa: +27 (031) 336 2682.
Consulate of Panama, Auckland, New Zealand: +64 (0)9 379 8550.
United States Embassy, Panama City: +507 207 7000.
British Embassy, Panama City: +507 269 0866.
Canadian Embassy, Panama City: +507 264 9731.
Australian Embassy, Mexico City, Mexico (also responsible for Panama): +52 (01)55 1101 2200.
South African Embassy, Lima, Peru (also responsible for Panama): +51 (0)1 440 9996.
Honorary Consul of Ireland, Panama City: +507 264 6633.
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