Local Insights
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Poised on the very pulse of Central America, Panama City is the gateway to the country of Panama - a vibrant, thriving capital that embraces a huge ethnic mix. From the skyscrapers of the centre to its ancient ruins, this is a truly engrossing metropolis.
Getting there
Tocumen International Airport (507 238 2700; www.tocumenpanama.aero) was modernised in 2006 and is the main gateway to Panama, both city and country. It is 35 kilometres from downtown. Domestic airlines use Marcos A. Gelabert Airport - Albrook (507 501 9272), which is on the edge of the city. Carretera Panamericana links Panama with neighbouring Costa Rica. The Panama Canal is a popular destination for many cruise lines.
Weather
Like most parts of Central America that border the Pacific Ocean, Panama City alternates between wet and dry seasons, from mid-April to mid-December and mid-December to mid-April respectively. Apart from this, the climate fluctuates very little, with hot, steamy days and temperatures around 30ºC.
Important Numbers
| Ambulance | (507) 503 2535 |
| Red Cross | (507) 228 2187 |
| Fire | 103, (507) 512 6160 |
| Police | 104 |
| Tourist Information Hotline | (507) 526 7000 |
Transportation/Getting Around
| Taxi |
Bus |
Train |
Car | |
| Hotlines | Taxis are plentiful and there are five main operators. America 507 223 7694 America Libre 507 215 0034 Latino 507 224 0677 Metro 507 223 0942 Taxi Unico 507 221 3191 |
The city's busses are not nicknamed "Red Devils" for nothing. The three main routes are Av Central – Vía España; Av Balboa – Vía Israel; and Av José D Espinar – Vía Transítmica, however the routes include all the city's major destinations. |
The luxury passenger train which shuttles between Panama City and Colón is run by the Panama Railway Company (507 317 6070). |
Besides international hire agencies such as Hertz, Avis and Budget, there are also several local operations, such as Barriga (507 269 0221/ 238 4495). |
| Fare range/ destinations |
Taxis are not metered, but carry a list of standard charges which are measured by zones. Minimum fare is US$1, maximum US$4. Or cabs may be hired for US$8 per hour. |
25 cents per ride. |
US$20/35 single/return. |
Rates from US$30 per day including insurance and unlimited kilometres. |
| Operating hours | 24 hours. |
5.00 am - 11.00 pm |
Monday to Friday 7.15 am - 5.15 pm |
24 hours. |
| Bicycle |
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| Hotlines | A good way to explore the coast way area at Amador. Bikes & More (507 314 0103) is acknowledged as the best place to hire or buy. Bicycles Moses (507 211 3671 Ext 107) comes a close second. Both operations also hire out inline skates. |
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| Fare range/ destinations |
From US$2.50 per hour. |
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| Operating hours | Monday to Sunday 9.00 am – 9.00 pm |
Note: The local currency is the balboa, but the US dollar is used throughout
Local Language
Learn more about local language from below.
| English | Local language |
| Good morning/day | Buenos días |
| Goodbye | Adiós/ Hasta luego/Chao |
| Thank you | Gracias |
| How are you? | ¿Cómo está usted? |
| Fine, thank you | Muy bien, gracias |
| What is your name? | ¿Cómo te llamas? |
| My name is | Me llamo |
| It's a pleasure to meet you | Mucho gusto conocerlo |
| I'm sorry | Lo siento |
| Excuse me | Perdón |
| You're welcome | De nada |
| Yes | Si |
| No | No |
| Do you speak English? | ¿Hablas inglés? |
| I can't speak Spanish | No hablo español |
| Help! | ¡Ayuda! |
| I don't understand | No entiendo |
| Where is the toilet? | ¿Dónde está el baño? |
| Good night | Buenas noches |
| Leave me alone! | Déjame en paz. |
| Police | ¡Policía! |
Business and Finance
Some 75 per cent of Panama's GDP is accounted for by its highly developed service industry. The economy is based on the US dollar, and services include operating the Panama Canal (which is due to be widened to accommodate larger cargo vessels),banking, the Colon Free Zone, insurance, container ports, flagship registry, and tourism.
The above information is for reference only. They may be provided to HSBC by other persons or compiled by HSBC from information and materials provided by other persons. HSBC does not warrant the truth, reliability, accuracy or adequacy of the above information and HSBC assumes no liability for any reliance on them by you or any other persons. Please contact the relevant merchant, company or organisation for further details.
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