Panama

General Information

Location: Central America
Local Time: GMT-5
Capital City: Panama City
Population: 3.40 million
Area: 78,200357,021 square km, 30,193 square miles.

Language(s): Spanish, English widely spoken
Dialling Code: 507
Emergency: Police: 104. Fire: 103. Ambulance: 225-1436/228-2187

TV Standard:
Driving: Driving is on the right. National licence required
Electricity: 110/220V AC 60Hz

Business & Currency

Currency: Balboa (PAB 1 = 100 Centesimos) or US Dollar (USD 1 = 100 Cents)
Notes: USD: 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100
Coins: PAB: 1, 10. Centesimos: 1, 5, 10, 25, 50 or Cents: 1, 5, 10, 25, 50

Credit Cards/Travellers Cheques: Credit cards & Travellers cheques are widely accepted
Opening Hours

Bank: 0800-1300 Mon-Fri (some open Sat)
Office: 0800-1200 & 1400-1700 Mon-Fri
Shops: 0900-2000 Mon-Sat (some open Sun)(supermarkets open 24 hours)

Public Holidays

2012

01 Jan : New Year’s Day
09 Jan : National Martyrs’ Day*
06 Apr : Good Friday
01 May : Labour Day
15 Aug : Old Panama City Day (Panama City only)
03 Nov : Independence Day (from Colombia)
05 Nov : Independence Day (Colán City only)
10 Nov : First Call for Independence from Spain
28 Nov : Independence Day (from Spain)*
08 Dec : Mothers’ Day
25 Dec : Christmas Day
Note: For public holidays falling on a Sun, the following Mon will be observed as a holiday.

*Where public holidays fall mid-week, the following Mon is usually taken in lieu.
Business/Social Hints: Business is usually conducted in Spanish. Many people speak English as their second language. Body language conventions include eye contact during conversation. On social occasions, eg invitation to restaurants, be punctual and dress as for business meetings unless otherwise indicated. The minimum drinking age is 18 years
Tipping: A service charge is normally added to hotel bills, therefore tips are not necessary. Tips in restaurants are around 10%. No tips for taxis, as fares should be agreed in advance