Travel Information

City Facts
The beautiful Republic of Panama is located in Central America between Costa Rica and Colombia. The Caribbean Sea lies to the north and the Pacific Ocean to the south. Its capital and business center, Panama City, is situated on the south (Pacific) coast at the southern entrance to the Panama Canal. For more information on Panama, visit www.panamaconventions.com/aboutpanama.htm

Climate
The country enjoys an agreeable tropical climate and an average daytime temperature of 80 degrees Fahrenheit, with cooling in the evenings. In the mountains, the average temperature is between 50 and 60 degrees Fahrenheit.

Time Zone
Panama time is the same as the United States Eastern Standard Time (UTC-5).

Electricity and Public Services
The current is 110w - 60hz and 220w. Telephone and international cable services in Panama are excellent. The city has a direct-dial system to locations inland and all over the world. The country code is 507.

Currency
Since 1904, the United States dollar has been the legal currency in Panama. The Balboa, the Panamanian monetary unit, is par valued with the dollar. Prices can be expressed in Balboas (B/.) or in Dollars ($). Travelers cheques and credit cards are widely accepted. The International departure duty is US$20.00, payable in the airport. The hotel tax is 10%. The added tax value to products and services, with the exception of food and medicines is 5%.

Health/Water
Panama is the only country in Latin America where you can drink water straight from the tap. No vaccines or pills are necessary prior to visiting Panama.

Safety
Panama was given the highest ranking (along with the United States) for tourist safety from the Pinkerton Intelligence Agency.

Airport Transfer
Caesar Park Panama Hotel is only 15 minutes from Tocumen International Airport. There are a number of options available for your airport transfer:

Taxi
Regular airport taxi transfer is available from curbside once you leave the arrival area. The fare from the airport to the Caesar Park Panama Hotel is about $20.00. We suggest you ask your driver to use the new highway, “Corredor Sur,” which gets you to the hotel in 15 minutes.

Shuttle Bus
The Caesar Park Panama Hotel also offers a shuttle bus service to and from the airport to the hotel. Depending on the number of passengers on each trip, the rate will be US$10.00. The schedule is based on the transportation schedule of the hotel and must be pre-arranged by calling the hotel’s concierge at (507) 270-0477.

Limousine
The hotel can arrange for limousine service both from the airport and for your departure as well. Arrangements can be made through the hotel’s concierge at (507) 270-0477. One-way airport transfer is $80.00 per trip per car.

Visa Requirements
For most nationalities a visa is not necessary, just a $5.00 USD tourist card that is available through the airlines serving Panama or at the airport itself. We suggest that you check with your local Panamanian consulate or embassy for exact requirements.