INFORMATION BEFORE YOU VISIT PANAMA

Be sure to consult a local embassy or your travel agent about entry requirements before traveling to Panama.

BANKING HOURS
Most banks are open Monday thru Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 1 :00 p.m. or 3:00 p.m. There are a few that are open on Saturday.

CHURCHES
As in most of Central America the majority of the population is Catholic, but all other denomin- ations are represented and res- pected throughout the country.

CLIMATE
Panama lies very close to the equator and enjoys a tropical cli- mate. Temperatures vary between 80-90 Fahrenheit (25-30 celsius).
Jan. 1st New Years Day
Jan. 9th Martyrs Day
Feb. 28th Tuesday of Carnaval
March/April (date changes) Easter Friday
May 1st Workers Day
act. 12th Columbus Day
Nov: 3rd Separation from Colombia
Nov: 10th First Cry of Independence
Nov: 28th Independence from Spain
Dec. 8th Mothers Day
Dec. 25th Christmas Day
Humitidy is very high. Panama I two seasons. The dry season la from January to mid-April and rainy season from mid-April December.

CLOTHING
Bring light-weight clothing. A wide- brimmed hat and sunglasses are important if you are hiking or at the coast. Dress for business is formal so bring your suit -lightweight if you have one.

COMMUNICATIONS
Telecommunications are first-class and direct-dial service to anywhere in the world is available. Fax, telex, internet and other telecommunication services are available.

CREDIT CARDS
All major credit cards are accepted throughout the country and in most of the tourist areas.

CURRENCY
The official currency is the Balboa and is equivalent to one US dollar. US dollars are widely accepted everywhere in Panama.

DEPARTURE TAX
A US$20 departure tax is charged when you exit the country.

HOSPITALS
Panama has some of the most modern and best-equipped hospitals in Central America.

ELECTRICITY
Panama has 110 volts and 60 cycles service.

ENIRY REQUIREMENTS
A valid passport is needed to enter. The requirement for visas to enter Panama has been waived for many countries. It is best to check with a Panamanian consulate before traveling. A tourist card is sometimes needed to enter and can be bought at the airline counter or before entering immigration. If you are going to overstay your allotted time extend your visa or tourist card with immigration. Heavy fines are levied for late exiting.

LANGUAGE
Spanish is the official language but English is spoken in most of the larger cities and tourist areas.

POPULATION
The population is a variation of many different cultures; 62% mes- tizo, 14% African descent, 10% Spanish descent, 5% mulatto and 5% Indian.

GOVERNMENT
Panama is a democratically elected Republic and elections are held every four years.

TIME ZONE
Panama is in the Eastern time zone and does not observe daylight savings time.

TIPPING
A tip of 10 to 15% is common in Panama. Some restaurants include the tip in the bill so check with management before tipping.

TOPOGRAPHY
Panama consists of three different landscape areas. The lowlands (below 2,300 ft.), make up over 85 percent of the country's territory, the temperate lands (2,300 to 4,900ft.) and the highlands at elevations higher than 4,900 feet above sea level. There are more than 1 ,600 islands within the territorial area of Panama. Over 500 rivers run through the country and more than half of Panama is still forested.