World famous for its canal, Panama is also home to spectacular rainforest, surfing, diving, hiking, bird watching, rafting, zip lining and much more...
Les Essentials
Panama in detail
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Capital :
Panama City
Area :
75 420 km²
Population :
3,7 millions
Currency :
Balboa | 1 PAB = 1€
Language :
Spanish
Time difference :
-6h in summer | -7h in winter (Paris)
Best seasons :
January to April
Panama
Practical info
Gastronomy
The cuisine resulting from the many international contributions is very varied. Fish and seafood are obviously in the spotlight, the "ropa vieja" a traditional stewed beef dish, but also tamales, carimañolas and patacones as well as many other specialties. The fruit juices are excellent. There are also blond beers. Panamanian coffee is starting to be famous. Drink purified water.
Embassy
List : https://www.embassypages.com/panama
Crafts
Credit cards
International bank cards are generally accepted throughout the cities. It is possible to withdraw money from ATMs, preferably in banks that offer security guarantees.
Route selection
Climate
Panama has a tropical climate with two main seasons: the dry season, from December to April, perfect for visiting, and the rainy season, from May to November, characterized by regular but short showers.
Electricity
The electrical current is 110 volts with American-style outlets (flat prongs). An adapter is recommended for certain European devices.
Public holidays
Opening hours
Panama is in the GMT-5 time zone. The country does not observe daylight saving time, meaning a -6 hour difference with Central Europe in winter and -7 hours in summer.
Internet
Panama offers good Internet coverage, especially in major cities and tourist areas. Most hotels and restaurants provide free Wi-Fi access.
Language
The official language is Spanish, but English is also widely spoken.
Money & Change
The official currency is the Balboa (PAB), but the US dollar (USD) is widely used and accepted everywhere. Banknotes are in dollars, while coins are in Balboas. ATMs are widely available in urban areas.
Clothes
Sports clothing for visits with good shoes. Bring light clothing and warmer clothing to cover yourself in case of coolness on the heights and also in certain places where the air conditioning can be quite strong! Bring a light raincoat.
Recommendations: hat, sunglasses, sunscreen and mosquito repellent
Taxis
Health
Tap water is drinkable in most major cities, particularly in Panama City, but it is recommended to drink bottled water in rural or remote areas. Bring mosquito repellent if visiting tropical zones, and consult a doctor before departure for preventive malaria treatment if necessary. Travel insurance is highly recommended.
Security
No safety issues. Basic safety rules must be followed while remaining cautious.
