{"id":71,"date":"2025-06-05T13:36:14","date_gmt":"2025-06-05T11:36:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/panama.eventosapf.com\/?page_id=71"},"modified":"2025-06-16T23:28:16","modified_gmt":"2025-06-16T21:28:16","slug":"useful-info","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/panama.eventosapf.com\/en\/useful-info\/","title":{"rendered":"USEFUL INFO"},"content":{"rendered":"<h1 style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong>Panama<\/strong><\/h1>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"lazyload size-full wp-image-292 aligncenter\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" data-src=\"https:\/\/panama.eventosapf.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/panama-map.webp\" alt=\"\" width=\"444\" height=\"222\" \/><\/p>\n<div class=\"apf-page-container\">\n<h2 style=\"color: #00447c;\"><strong>Useful information<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>The Republic of Panama is located on the isthmus joining South America with Central America. Panama is bordered by the Caribbean Sea to the north, the Pacific Ocean to the south, the Republic of Colombia to the east and is bordered by the Republic of Costa Rica to the west. It has an area of 75,517 km\u00b2. Its territory is only interrupted by the Panama Canal, a work that connects the coasts of the Atlantic and Pacific oceans and significantly influences international commerce.<\/p>\n<p>Thanks to its geographical position, it has always been a transit zone for other parts of the Americas and for international trade. It currently offers the world a broad platform for maritime, commercial, real estate, and financial services, including the Colon Free Zone, the largest free trade zone on the continent and the second largest in the world.<\/p>\n<div class=\"apf-highlight-box\">\n<p><strong>Panama has an estimated population of 4,351,267 people.<\/strong> It has a diversified economy, with a strong presence in the financial, tourism, and transportation sectors. It is recognized for its political stability, security, and economic development. Its culture is a fusion of indigenous, European, and African influences.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>Panama has a wide variety of landscapes, including beaches and mountains that are very close to each other.<\/p>\n<p>Spanish is the official language in Panama, though English is widely spoken, especially in the tourism industry.<\/p>\n<h3>Climate<\/h3>\n<p>Panama has a tropical weather. It is warm throughout the whole year on the coast and low lands. The relatively high temperatures change little throughout the year. In Panama City, temperatures range from <strong>24\u00b0 C (75.2 \u00b0F) to 35 \u00b0C (95 \u00b0F)<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p><!-- ======================================== WEATHER WIDGET OPTIMIZED ======================================== --><\/p>\n<div class=\"apf-weather-container\">\n<h4>\ud83c\udf24\ufe0f Current weather conditions<\/h4>\n<p>Check real-time weather for the seminar dates (October 7-10):<\/p>\n<p>[panama_weather style=&#8221;compact&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p style=\"margin: 15px 0 0 0; font-size: 0.8em; color: #888; text-align: center;\"><em>Updated every 30 minutes \u2022 Data from OpenWeatherMap<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<h3>The Panama Canal<\/h3>\n<p>The Panama Canal is one of the most impressive architectural works in the world. It is an artificial <strong>82-kilometer (51-mile)<\/strong> waterway that connects the Caribbean Sea with the Pacific Ocean. It cuts across the narrowest point of the Isthmus of Panama, and is a conduit for maritime trade between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans that greatly reduces the travel time for ships.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"lazyload alignnone size-medium wp-image-298\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" data-src=\"https:\/\/panama.eventosapf.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/bid-canal-de-panama-Copy-300x164.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"164\" \/><\/p>\n<h3>Panama City<\/h3>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"lazyload alignnone size-medium wp-image-296\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" data-src=\"https:\/\/panama.eventosapf.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/que-ver-en-ciudad-de-panama3-300x201.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"201\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Panama City is the capital and largest city of Panama. It is located at the Pacific entrance of the Panama Canal, in the province of Panama. It is one of the most important cities in the world due to its unparalleled geographical position and its development in naval engineering. It has a total population of <strong>1,086,990<\/strong>, with over <strong>2,100,000 in its metropolitan area<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p>The city is the country&#8217;s political, administrative and economic hub, and is known for its modern skyline and historic neighborhoods. It is divided into areas: the Spanish colonial Casco Viejo section of the city and the modern skyscraper city with its prosperous business district and skylines, lively nightlife, great restaurants, and historical sectors.<\/p>\n<div class=\"apf-warning-box\">\n<p>You may as well explore on foot to have better access to all the places you want to visit, since Panama City has a variety of hotels, malls, and restaurants located within easy walking distance of each other.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<h3>Climate &#8211; Clothing<\/h3>\n<p>In Panama City, lightweight, breathable clothing like cotton, linen, or bamboo is ideal, especially given the hot and humid climate. Dressing comfortably and casually is generally the norm, but <strong><u>business is very formal<\/u><\/strong>.<\/p>\n<h3>Entrance to the country<\/h3>\n<p>To enter Panama, travelers must prove their financial solvency, have a passport valid for at least six months, and a return ticket.<\/p>\n<p>All travelers must complete the <strong>Panama Declaration Form<\/strong> when entering the country.<\/p>\n<h3>Visa<\/h3>\n<p>Specific visa requirements depend on the traveler&#8217;s nationality. It is recommended to check visa requirements on the <strong><a style=\"color: #00447c; text-decoration: underline;\" href=\"https:\/\/www.migracion.gob.pa\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">official website of the Panamanian National Immigration Service<\/a><\/strong> or with the Panamanian consulate in your country.<\/p>\n<div style=\"margin: 15px 0; padding: 15px; background: #f0f8ff; border-radius: 8px; border-left: 4px solid #00447c;\">\n<h4 style=\"color: #00447c; margin: 0 0 10px 0; font-size: 1em;\">\ud83d\udccb Important visa information:<\/h4>\n<ul style=\"margin: 0; font-size: 0.9em; color: #666;\">\n<li><strong>Visa exemption:<\/strong> Citizens with valid visas from USA, Canada, Australia, EU, UK, Singapore, Japan, or South Korea can enter without a tourist visa<\/li>\n<li><strong>Online queries:<\/strong> <a style=\"color: #00447c;\" href=\"https:\/\/www.migracion.gob.pa\/permisos-migratorios\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Types of immigration permits<\/a><\/li>\n<li><strong>Visa-free countries:<\/strong> Many countries from the Americas and Europe don&#8217;t require a visa for tourism<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"apf-warning-box\">\n<p><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><strong>*Note*<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><strong>We strongly recommend checking Panama&#8217;s entry requirements in advance. PASA will not be responsible for the attendees&#8217; visa processing.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<h3>Vaccination<\/h3>\n<p>No vaccinations are mandatory for travelling to Panama. However, it is advisable to be up to date with the yellow fever vaccination.<\/p>\n<p>For further information on recommended vaccination, please contact the Panamanian embassy or consulate of your country.<\/p>\n<h3>Tocumen International Airport<\/h3>\n<p>It is the primary international airport serving Panama City. The airport is the homebase for Copa Airlines and is a regional hub to and from the Caribbean, South, North and Central America, and additionally features routes to some European cities. It is located <strong>24 kilometers<\/strong> away from the center of Panama City.<\/p>\n<h3>Taxi Cabs &#8211; Car Rental<\/h3>\n<p>In the airport arrivals area, official taxis are the only available option and usually have a fixed fare per ride. For getting around the city, ride-hailing apps can be a more economical alternative and offer the option to request a vehicle from any place.<\/p>\n<p>There is a wide range of options for renting a car in Panama. The main companies offer their services in the city and some of them also have an office at the airport.<\/p>\n<h3>Currency &#8211; Credit cards<\/h3>\n<p>Panama&#8217;s official currency is the <strong>balboa<\/strong>. The rate of exchange for the balboa has always been tied to the US dollar\u2014<strong><u>one dollar equals one balboa<\/u><\/strong>. US dollars are also widely accepted and circulate as cash. Changing other foreign currencies can be difficult.<\/p>\n<p>Credit cards are generally accepted at hotels, restaurants, and larger stores. Smaller businesses and taxis may prefer cash.<\/p>\n<h3>Tips<\/h3>\n<p>Tips aren&#8217;t compulsory, but they are welcome. Sometimes hotels and restaurants include a service charge on your bill. If not, a tip of <strong>10 \u2013 15%<\/strong> is appropriate. Taxi drivers don&#8217;t expect a tip, but you can round up a fare.<\/p>\n<h3>Electricity<\/h3>\n<p>Panama uses Type A and Type B electrical plugs. Type A has two flat prongs, while Type B adds a grounding prong. The standard voltage in Panama is <strong>110 V at 60Hz<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"lazyload alignnone size-medium wp-image-290\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" data-src=\"https:\/\/panama.eventosapf.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/panama-enchufes-electricos-300x116.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"116\" \/><\/p>\n<h3>Gastronomy<\/h3>\n<p>Panamanian cuisine is a blend of flavors and traditions, influenced by Native American, Hispanic, African, and American cultures. Rice is a key ingredient in many dishes, such as <em>guacho<\/em> and rice with <em>guand\u00fa<\/em>. The <em>sancocho<\/em>, a chicken soup with <em>yucca<\/em> and corn, is a signature dish. Fried fish with <em>patacones<\/em>, <em>tamales<\/em>, and traditional sweets are also popular. Panama City has areas such as the old quarter, San Francisco, Costa del Este and Cinta Costera, where visitors can find a wide range of culinary options.<\/p>\n<h2><strong>City highlights<\/strong><\/h2>\n<h3><a style=\"color: #00447c; text-decoration: none;\" href=\"https:\/\/es.tourismpanama.com\/lugares-para-visitar\/ciudad-de-panama\/cosas-para-hacer\/sitios-historicos\/casco-antiguo\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">\ud83c\udfdb\ufe0f The old quarter<\/a><\/h3>\n<p>It is the historic district of Panama City. It was founded in 1673 after the original Panama City (Panam\u00e1 Viejo) was destroyed by pirates. <strong>Casco Viejo is a UNESCO World Heritage Site<\/strong> and is known for its colonial architecture, cobblestone streets, and vibrant atmosphere. It houses some of Panama City&#8217;s main monuments, such as the Metropolitan Cathedral, the National Theater, the Plaza Mayor, and the Canal Museum.<\/p>\n<div style=\"margin: 15px 0; padding: 10px; background: #f0f8ff; border-radius: 6px; border-left: 3px solid #00447c;\">\n<p style=\"margin: 0; font-size: 0.9em; color: #00447c;\"><strong>\ud83d\udca1 Tip:<\/strong> Best time to visit: early morning or at sunset. Many restaurants and bars open in the evenings.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"lazyload alignnone size-medium wp-image-286\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" data-src=\"https:\/\/panama.eventosapf.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/casco-viejo-500095-300x167.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"167\" \/><\/p>\n<h3><a style=\"color: #00447c; text-decoration: none;\" href=\"https:\/\/panamasovereign.com\/es\/mercado-marisco-ciudad-panama\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">\ud83e\udd90 Seafood Market<\/a><\/h3>\n<p>One of the true icons of the capital city is the seafood market. The building is located at the end of Balboa Avenue and the Coastal Strip, next to Old Town. On-site restaurants serve a wide range of dishes, such as the famous paella or the traditional <em>Guacho de Mariscos<\/em>, a local version of seafood risotto.<\/p>\n<h3><a style=\"color: #00447c; text-decoration: none;\" href=\"https:\/\/visitcanaldepanama.com\/en\/points-of-interest\/miraflores-visitor-center\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">\u2693 Miraflores Visitor Center<\/a><\/h3>\n<p>This modern center features a four-floor interactive museum that looks at the canal&#8217;s history, operations, expansion and ecology. It has large viewing platforms from which visitors can observe the opening and closing of the lock gates as ships begin or end their transit through the Canal.<\/p>\n<div style=\"margin: 15px 0; padding: 10px; background: #f0f8ff; border-radius: 6px; border-left: 3px solid #00447c;\">\n<p style=\"margin: 0; font-size: 0.9em; color: #00447c;\"><strong>\ud83c\udfab Prices:<\/strong> Foreign adults $17.22 | Children (6-12 years) $7.22<br \/>\n<strong>\u23f0 Hours:<\/strong> Daily 8:00 AM &#8211; 6:00 PM | <strong>\ud83c\udfac Includes:<\/strong> Canal IMAX movie<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<h3><a style=\"color: #00447c; text-decoration: none;\" href=\"https:\/\/biomuseo.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">\ud83c\udfa8 The Biomuseo<\/a><\/h3>\n<p>This extraordinary museum relates an equally extraordinary story: how the Isthmus of Panama emerged from the sea and how it changed the world. Designed by the renowned architect <strong>Frank Gehry<\/strong> (his only work in Latin America), the Biomuseo is a powerful combination of science, art, and design.<\/p>\n<div style=\"margin: 15px 0; padding: 10px; background: #f0f8ff; border-radius: 6px; border-left: 3px solid #00447c;\">\n<p style=\"margin: 0; font-size: 0.9em; color: #00447c;\"><strong>\u23f0 Hours:<\/strong> Tuesday to Sunday 10:00 AM &#8211; 3:00 PM<br \/>\n<strong>\ud83c\udfab Prices:<\/strong> Foreigners $18 adults | $11 students and under 18<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"lazyload alignnone size-medium wp-image-294\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" data-src=\"https:\/\/panama.eventosapf.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/biomuseo-Copy-300x169.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"169\" \/><\/p>\n<h3><a style=\"color: #00447c; text-decoration: none;\" href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/place\/Museo+del+Canal+Interoce%C3%A1nico\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">\ud83d\udea2 Panama Canal Museum<\/a><\/h3>\n<p>A museum dedicated to preserving, researching, and disseminating the testimonies of the history of the Panama Canal. The museum is situated in the city&#8217;s old town district. In ten permanent exhibit halls, the museum displays the history behind the inter-oceanic route that crosses the isthmus and depicts the construction process of the Panama Canal.<\/p>\n<h3><a style=\"color: #00447c; text-decoration: none;\" href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/place\/Calzada+de+Amador\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">\ud83c\udf09 Amador Causeways<\/a><\/h3>\n<p>Located next to the Bridge of the Americas, the Amador Causeways is a road that connects the mainland of Panama City with four islands in the Pacific Ocean that form a small archipelago. The site was originally part of a U.S. military complex known as Fort Amador, established to protect the entrance to the canal.<\/p>\n<h3><a style=\"color: #00447c; text-decoration: none;\" href=\"https:\/\/mupa.gob.pa\/iglesia-de-san-jose-reconocida-por-su-famoso-altar-de-oro\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">\u26ea San Jos\u00e9 Church<\/a><\/h3>\n<p>This colonial structure was built between 1671 and 1677 and shows plenty of baroque details with strong influences from indigenous or colonial art. It holds one of the country&#8217;s greatest treasures, the <strong><u>Golden Altar<\/u><\/strong>.<\/p>\n<h3>\ud83d\udecd\ufe0f Shopping in Panam\u00e1<\/h3>\n<p>Panama is the region&#8217;s favorite shopping destination. There are several major shopping centers:<\/p>\n<div style=\"display: grid; grid-template-columns: repeat(auto-fit, minmax(250px, 1fr)); gap: 15px; margin: 20px 0;\">\n<div style=\"background: #f8fafb; padding: 15px; border-radius: 8px; border-left: 4px solid #00447c;\">\n<h4 style=\"margin: 0 0 10px 0; color: #00447c;\"><a style=\"color: #00447c; text-decoration: none;\" href=\"https:\/\/multiplaza.com\/panama\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">\ud83c\udfec Multiplaza Pacific<\/a><\/h4>\n<p style=\"margin: 0; font-size: 0.9em; color: #666;\">Luxury shopping center with over 350 stores, Luxury Avenue, gourmet restaurants and exclusive international brands.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div style=\"background: #f8fafb; padding: 15px; border-radius: 8px; border-left: 4px solid #00447c;\">\n<h4 style=\"margin: 0 0 10px 0; color: #00447c;\"><a style=\"color: #00447c; text-decoration: none;\" href=\"https:\/\/www.albrookmall.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">\ud83c\udfe2 Albrook Mall<\/a><\/h4>\n<p style=\"margin: 0; font-size: 0.9em; color: #666;\">The largest shopping center in Latin America. Over 350 stores, affordable prices, cinemas and family entertainment areas.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div style=\"background: #f8fafb; padding: 15px; border-radius: 8px; border-left: 4px solid #00447c;\">\n<h4 style=\"margin: 0 0 10px 0; color: #00447c;\">\ud83c\udfea Metro Mall &amp; AltaPlaza<\/h4>\n<p style=\"margin: 0; font-size: 0.9em; color: #666;\">Other popular shopping centers with a wide variety of stores, restaurants and entertainment options.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div style=\"margin: 20px 0; padding: 15px; background: #e8f4fd; border-radius: 8px; border-left: 4px solid #00447c;\">\n<p style=\"margin: 0; font-size: 0.9em; color: #00447c;\"><strong>\ud83d\udcb3 Shopping tip:<\/strong> Many shopping centers offer tourist cards with special discounts. Ask at reception when you arrive.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<hr style=\"border: 2px solid #00447c; margin: 40px 0;\" \/>\n<h2><strong>Information about the event<\/strong><\/h2>\n<h3>Dress code<\/h3>\n<p>For the social meetings, <strong><u>elegant casual clothes are recommended, no jeans<\/u><\/strong>. No tie is necessary.<\/p>\n<h3>Punctuality<\/h3>\n<div class=\"apf-warning-box\">\n<p>Punctuality is indispensable and will be welcomed for all programmed academic and social events.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<h3>Badges<\/h3>\n<p>You will be requested to show your <strong><u>identification card \/ badge at all the social and academic events<\/u><\/strong> to be allowed into the meeting rooms.<\/p>\n<h3>Don&#8217;t forget to bring with you<\/h3>\n<ul class=\"apf-bullet-list\">\n<li>Prescribed glasses<\/li>\n<li>Personal medicines<\/li>\n<li>Comfortable and smart shoes<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3>Luggage<\/h3>\n<p>We suggest that you identify your luggage with bag tags (name and surname).<\/p>\n<h3>Insurance<\/h3>\n<div class=\"apf-warning-box\">\n<p>The organizers assume no responsibility for medical, travel, robbery or personal insurance. In case of needing medical attention at the hotel please call Reception. Hotels may have medical insurance.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Panama Useful information The Republic of Panama is located on the isthmus joining South America with Central America. Panama is bordered by the Caribbean Sea&hellip;<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/panama.eventosapf.com\/en\/useful-info\/\" class=\"read-more-link\"><span class=\"read-more-icon\"><\/span>Read more<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-71","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/panama.eventosapf.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/71","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/panama.eventosapf.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/panama.eventosapf.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/panama.eventosapf.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/panama.eventosapf.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=71"}],"version-history":[{"count":9,"href":"https:\/\/panama.eventosapf.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/71\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":396,"href":"https:\/\/panama.eventosapf.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/71\/revisions\/396"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/panama.eventosapf.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=71"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}