Entry requirements: Valid U.S. passport

Taxes/Surcharges: International departure tax: $20.

Hotel taxes & service charges: 10% hotel tax; 10% service charge usually included in price of tour.

Currency: Official currency is the Balboa, however, Panama is one of a few countries that issue no paper money. The U.S. dollar is the currency here (although it's often referred to as a Balboa). Both U.S. and Panamanian coins circulate. Credit cards accepted widely, ATMs in major cities.

Shopping: Many bargains here are duty-free: Swiss watches, French perfume, Swedish crystal, English china and Japanese electronics are popular purchases. Best selection of goods is found on the Av. Central. Duty-free shopping is also good at Panama's International Airport. The folkloric handicraft that symbolizes Panama is the mola. This reverse appliqué needlework is made by the Cuna Indians on the San Blas Islands. Also unique to the area are excellent reproductions of pre-Columbian Panamanian goldwork and jewelry.

Food and Drink: Best bet here is Panama's excellent seafood with lobster the favorite. A popular dish is sancocho, an exceptionally savory, moderately spicy stew made of chicken, corn, yucca, potatoes, plantain, dasheen, onions and local seasonings. Another favorite is ceviche, usually raw sea bass marinated in lime or lemon juice, and served with fiery red and yellow peppers and onions. Also try arroz con coco - a tasty rice dish of coconut and shrimp. Sopa Borracha is a popular dessert made from rich sponge cake soaked in local rum.

Tipping: Usually not included on restaurant bills; normally

Telephone Area Codes: (507) country code, no city codes.

Airport Codes:
PTY: Panama City (international airport)
PAC: Panama City (downtown domestic airport)
ONX: Colon
NBL: San Blas
DAV: David
OTD: Contadora Island

Weather

Panama City: Click for weather in other cities

With the exception of the highland area to the north bordering Costa Rica, most of Panama lies within hot, humid tropical lowlands. Temperatures in Panama City do not vary much and hover between 78F and 85F degrees year 'round. Nights cool down and are comfortable. Prevailing winds keep humidity down. December-April is the dry season.

	Panama Weather Almanac	AVG. HIGH	AVG. LOW
January	Sunny, dry season	88	71
February	Similar to January	89	71
March	Usually warmest month, seldom rains	90	72
April	Like March, slightly lower temperatures	90	74
May	Sunny alternating with rain, humidity increases	87	74
June	Sunshine with usually brief tropical showers	83	74
July	Similar to June	87	74
August	Generally hottest two months begin, sun & showers	87	74
September	Similar to August	86	74
October	Heaviest rains this month & next, hot & humid	85	74
November	Same as October	85	73
December	Days almost always sunny, dry season begins	87	73