FAQ - Facts about Panama

Let us share with you the best Panama map with tourist attractions and provide you general facts about Panama.

LOCATION: Panama is located between Central and South America on the Isthmus of the same name. Its surface is of 75,517 square kilometers, slightly less than the surface of the State of South Carolina. The width of the Isthmus is between 80 km and 192 km.

CLIMATE: Panama has a tropical climate. Temperatures vary between 25 and 30 degrees Celsius and humidity is always high.

SEASON: There are only two seasons, the “dry” during the months of January to April and the “not so dry” from May until end of the year.

 LANGUAGE: Spanish is the language. CURRENCY: The U.S. dollar. Panama’s own coins match U.S. coins in size and value, and are thus acceptable in casino slot machines.

TIPPING: Check with management if in doubt. 10% to 15% of the bill would be acceptable.

DRIVERS LICENSE: Visitors can drive up to 90 days with a foreign driving license.

HOSPITALS: Panama has a number of very up-to-date hospitals the principals being Clinica Paitilla Clinica San Fernando Hospital Nacional and Hospital Punta Pacífica

AMBULANCE SERVICE: Emi Panama 236-6060

ELECTRICITY: 110 volts; 60 cycles.

TIME ZONE: Eastern Standard time. Daylight Saving Time is not observed in Panama.

Special national holidays of Panama It is wise to be aware of Panama’s National Holidays when the whole country closes down and businesses and banks are closed. Jan 9 – Martyr’s Day Feb 12 – Carnival Tuesday Nov 3 – Independence from Colombia Nov 5 – First Cry of Independence (from Colombia) in Colon Nov 10 – First Cry of Independence from Spain in Los Santos Nov 28 – Independence from Spain Dec 8 – Mothers´ Day


Website: http://secretspanama.com/

Good value, local and quality food restaurant in Panama-City?

We suggest you to find other restaurant than in Casco Viejo because it became very crowded and expensive. Casco Viejo is a very lovely place to have a drink but for breakfast, lunch, dinner with a local touch we suggest you:

-Chinese Breakfast in Panama a delicious dim sum.
-Boulevard Restaurant in Avenida Balboa
-El Trapiche in Via Argentina
- Las Tinajas they offer shows at night with Panamanians polleras and local dance (you need reservation).

Also please check this advisory internet link for restaurant in Panama www.degustapanama.com and for any special taste and recommendations.

Feel free to contact us: Secretsofpanama@gmail.com
Website: http://secretspanama.com/

Seafood, fruit and fresh veggie markets in Panama-City ?

 

Close to La Cinta Costera you can find the Fish Market you will find seafood at great prices(The prices are better than what you could find  in any supermarket) . Every Morning the different fishermen come in day and sell their catches.

 

Also if you don’t want to take your Fish /  Octopus / Lobster / Shrimps back home or even your hotel there’s a little restaurant upstairs the seafood market  where they will cook your buy for you.

Website: http://secretspanama.com/