SECURITY:
Panama is a secure place for tourists, but it is not recommended that they visit areas like Calidonia, San Miguelito, Curundù, Santa Ana and Chorrillo. In those places tourists might encounter disagreeable surprises (mostly robbery). Lately there has also been some cases called Kidnapping Express. Groups of delincuents are observing persons who are purchasing merchandise in stores, markets, etc. with credit cards, following them and threatening them to take out money from automatic teller machines, asking for credit card code, checking it and taking the credit card.
When travelling by road don’t stop if you are stopped by a normal individual (not police or other uniformed person), because it could be a robbery.
The roads in Panama are in normal conditions, in some areas, in quite good conditon.
The railway is in an excellent and safe condition.
Boats are not so safe if they don't belong to a recognized company.
Air travelling in is safe
There has been no terrorism in Panama up to now.
Cars can be left in popular places if locked and with the alarm on.
Kidnapping, pirates, etc. is not normal in Panama. If it happens, the persons are usually know by the police (for debts or drug related matters)
LOCAL CUSTOMS, LANGUAGE, LAWS AND RULES:
No special, local customs have to be followed. There are severe punishment for using/possessing drugs and/or narcotics.
Spanish language is mostly spoken and a 70% of Panamanians can also speak English.
TRAVEL RESTRICTION AND SANITARY CONDITIONS:
Norwegian citizens do not need Visa. According to new immigration law, effective May 22nd, 2007, tourists will only be granted visa for 30 days. An extension for additional 30 days or more can by applied for at any immigration office in Panama. The visa (tourist card/tarjeta de turismo) costs
USD 5,- and an extension cost USD 15,-.
Passports should be valid for at least 6 months after arrival. No special vacines are needed.
No special sicknesses or contagious sickness in the country at the moment.
There are good and recognized hospitals in Panama, like Hospital Clìnica Paitilla, Clìnica San Fernando, Hospital Amèrica, Hospital Nacional and the new modern hospital called Punta Pacifica hospital. If you are not a national you must use one of these private hospitals.
Tourists can pay with a Credit Card (normally Visa, Mastercard or American Express)
NATURAL CATASTROPES:
Rainy season is from March or April until early December. No earth quakes, storms or landslides are usual.
PRACTICAL INFORMATION:
The electricity is both 110 or 220 volts. Regular supply of electricity is given by either Union Fenosa, Elektra Noreste and Edemet Edechi and electricity cuts are not usual.
Panama has a very good telephone and Mobile phone system with either Cable & Wireless or Movi Star (former Bellsouth) with good coverage in the city and the surroundings.
Credit Cards are widely accepted (usually Visa, Master Card and American Express). Credit card fraud is not very common.
Banks are normally open at 09:00 hrs. from Monday to Fridays, closing hours varies depending on the banks. Some of them close at l4:00 hrs. and others at l5:30 hrs. Some of them are open on Saturdays from l0:00 to l4:00 hrs.
The currency is US Dollars.
Stores are usually open at 09:00 hrs. and close at l7:00 hrs. There are a few multicenters that open at 10:00 hrs. and close at l9:00 hrs.
Exchange rate is NOK 6.577 for one dollar, but it changes from time to time.
Emergency numbers are:
Information: 102
Police: 104
Civil Protections: 316-0080 (24 hrs.)
Ambulance
Red Cross: 228-2187
Alerta: 269-9778
Medical Emergency:
Centro Mèdico Paitilla: 265-8800
Clìnica San Fernando: 278-6600
Centro Mèdico Nacional: 227-5444
Water failure (IDAAN): 229-3477/229-3419
Airports:
Tocumen International Airport (International flights) : 238-2700
Marcos A. Gelabert Airport, Albrook (Local flights) : 315-0241
Time difference : Norway is 6 hrs. ahead of local time.
Royal Norwegian Consulate General:
Calle La Boca Casa No. 796-X Balboa, Ancón, Panamá, R. P.
P.O.Box : 0843-00307 Panamá, R. P
Tel.: 228-1103 / 228-1028
228-9670 / 314-1013
Fax: 228-0227
E-mail: norconba@cbfenton.com
Emergency No. for Consulate: 317-6636 (Mr. Gilbert Morland/Consul General)
Climate: Summer ( From early Dec. to Mid. March). Rainy Season (From mid. March to early Dec.)
Customs: You do not have to declare video cameras or other equipment if it is for your personal use, if you bring one of each article. Sums over $l0,000.00 hav to be declared.
More information on Customs can be found on the web-page: www.aduanas.gob.pa
which includes information re. rules for bringing pets to the country.
National Holidays:
January lst. (New Year)
January 9th. (Heroes day)
Tuesday of Carnival changes - Sometimes is in February and other times is in March
Holy Friday - Sometimes changes lst. Friday of the month of April or last Friday of the month of March.
May lst. (Labor day)
August 15 (Foundation of Old Panama)
Nov. 3rd. (Independence from Colombia)
Nov. 5th. (All Colombian Troups left Colòn, Panama)
Nov. 10th. (First request of Independence from Spain)
Nov. 28th. (Independence from Spain)
Dec. 8th. (Mothers day)
Dec. 25th. (Christmas)
OTHER USEFUL INFORMATION:
Panama has warm weather during the rainy season in summer time and is more fresh and maybe a little cold at night because of the wind.
The tourist office in Panama, Instituto Panameno de Turismo (IPAT), has information on its website www.ipat.gob.pa and phone number 507 226-7000.
05.11.2007