Tax haven, the second (largest) in the world free zone, the central bank (unlimited bank secrecy), the Panama canal, exporter of coffee and bananas,

Ok. 80% of GDP are services related to the operation of the Panama Canal as well as trade and banking services. Classified by the OECD to the so-called. tax havens because of the absolute bank secrecy and corporate as well as a free trade zone, the world's second largest.

Do not signed any treaties with other countries dot. sharing bank information, not considered judgments of other countries, except in cases related to drugs.

Agriculture, industry and tourism, complete the remainder of the income. Grow bananas, sugar cane, cocoa and coffee. Develops tourism.

The area of Panama is located in the seismically active area with numerous volcanic cones, interwoven with a network of rivers, which are mostly in their mouth Spokojnym.Na Ocean, Caribbean Sea storms are very frequent (about 200 per year), passing time in the hurricanes.

Tropical climate in the north very damp, humid south. Average temp. the plains from 1926 to 1928 degrees Celsius and about. 1910 to 1917 degrees in the mountains.

44% of area. the country is covered by forests, humid equatorial in the north, dropping the list periodically and mangroves in the south-east region. Plains sawannowa overgrown vegetation.

Panama is a narrow strip of land connecting North and South America. The narrowest part is located in the Panama Canal (szer.ok.80km) to enable navigation from west to east America Pln. without wrapping South America.

It is bordered to the south of Colombia, from the north of Costa Rica.

Along the coasts of many coral reefs and the archipelago of islands (ok.180)

In principle, all year round, but there is so. dry season (from mid-December to mid April) and rainy season from April to December. Probably better to go during the dry season, depends on what we do.

In the rainy season we have to reckon with the additional rainfall at least once a day (the rain) and dry season is characterized by passata.

In October on one of the beaches of Los Santos mista can watch a phenomenal migration of millions of turtles from the ocean to the beach to lay eggs.

Panama was once inhabited by Indians, mainly Cziczibów who were in a range of trade carried out by the Aztecs and Maya.

The discovery by the Spaniards of Panama dates back to the beginning of the sixteenth century. Came then part of the Viceroyalty of New Spain, then belonged to Colombia in 1903 to regain autonomy and independence.

Cultural heritage is a mixture of Indian customs and the Spanish and American influences.

Currently, 60% of the population is Metysi, 20% and 10% Mulaci Blacks. The rest are Europeans and Indians (8%), mainly living in the island and the jungle.

Catholics-65, 1%

Pentecostals-14, 43%

Protestants-6, 38%

Other religions represented mniejszościowo.

Essentially no different from American and European, in addition to a kind of Indian culture, representing 8% of the population and those living in the jungles and on the islands and setting their own customs and laws (some of the tribes retained their autonomy).

If you want to visit them it is necessary to notify them in advance and ask for permission. We are happy to hear the words in their dialect, and accept gifts. Often it extort money from the tourists under the guise of some unspecified charges, etc., do not like. without their consent pluck fruits or move around the island.

Generally, however, you can host with them.

English

The vast więkoszość people say more or less in English. 14% speak only English.

no data

Many residents are bilingual, but tend to be areas where you only know Spanish (Castilian old)

Valid visa-free travel. Polish citizen with a valid (min 6 months) passport can stay in Panama for 90 days without visa. Visa exemption does not include those arriving with the intention to study, work or other gainful activities. At the entrance should have a min. $ 500 for costs of stay (may be a card or a documented status of your account.) Also bought the stamp for $ 1 at the Red Cross.

Tourists are not allowed to take paid employment.

You can wwieść or export up to 10 thousand. USD in cash. Larger amounts must be declared in the customs clearance documents (forms are provided with the entry form on the plane or on the border).

Personal belongings worth do1250-$ 2500 (all data) are not dutiable. This can bring in 400 pieces. cigarettes, 5 bottles of alcohol, 6 gifts and electronic equipment. Do not bring drugs. Medications require a medical certificate must be in original packaging.

Do not bring in large amounts, and to declare than those 10 thousand. USD, because we may be exposed to the danger of assault and robbery.

A 5% tax on processed goods, but it is not returned upon departure.

Embassy of the Republic of Panama in Warsaw

Ul. Ladybugs 13A,

02-946 Warsaw

Tel. 00 48 22 642 21 43

Fax.00 48 22 651 76 16

Polish Embassy in Panama (Embajada de Polonia)

Bella Vista

Calle 47,

Edifficio "Vista Marina"

piso 2

Address for correspondence:

Zona 5, Apartado Postal 8782 Panama

Tel. 00-507 263 62 54, 263 50 97

Fax. 00-507 223 37 17

Opening hours from 8.00 to 16.00, Mon. to Friday.

www.embajadadepolonia.net

E-mail: polamb@cwpanama.net

Honorary Consulate of Poland in Palermo and Jose Colon, Calle 50, Edificio Discount Bank, piso 2

Tel. 00-507 278 45 05

278 1945 1914

265 1953 1990

Fax. 00-507 278 45 54 278 46 00

E-mail jpalermot@hotmail.com

Mon. Friday: 8.00 - 17.00

No obligation meldunkowego.

Persons leaving Panama by air force airport charge of $ 30 per person.

In the case remain in Panama beyond 30 days must be certified at the exit of the MF, that the citizen does not have any obligation to Panama. We will obtain a certificate in MF after passport and filling out the form.

Required by international or local driver's license.

There is no obligation to third party insurance, there are many accidents, especially in the capital because of repeated failure and congestion. Caution should be used.

Currency listed in the Banco Nacional de Panama (the branch at the airport), except that there is casa de cambio (exchange houses, offices), but difficult to find outside the capital.

Medical services in the capital maintained at a good level, in other areas leave much to be desired. Price for standard surgery is 30 to $ 100, day in hospital from 100 to 300 USD.

Centro Medico Paitilla Phone. 265 1988 2000

Clinica San Fernando tel.278 63 00

Pediatrico tel.229 22 99

Hospital Nacional tel.centr. 207 1981 2000

Emergency 207 81 10

Outside the capital, where a decent hospital in the town of David:

Centro Medico Mae Levis tel.775 45 16

Polish insurance policies are not considered. There is no obligation to carry personal insurance. OC is only valid for foreigners arriving by car.

Well, however, have the insurance policy, because then we can apply for reimbursement of medical expenses. The cost of insurance must include a KL, accident and baggage insurance). Prices are to be agreed with the insurer.

Numbers in Panama are 7 digit, no direction No, all calls are treated as local cell phone numbers begin with "6"

Callers outside the country are using "0" and country code, etc.. The Polish 048 + area code + local

You have to make sure we have a compatible phone, you can buy a local sim card or rent a phone.

Poland has roaming agreements with Panama.

Director General de Imigracion

Tel. (507) 227 1077, 227 1227

Institute of Tourism IPAT

Tel. (507) 3167 226-700,226, 226 614

You can insure at a local insurance company if you are able to communicate. You can then use the services in private clinics. The cost for 14 days is ok. 1910 to 1915 usd.

Seizures draining and robberies, mainly in the capital during the night hours in the districts of the old part of town called. Casco Viejo, Avenida Central region, as well as poorer neighborhoods - and Chorillo Curundu.

It is also dangerous in Colon and at the border with Colombia, acting in the area of smuggling and criminal. In particular, the province of Darien is virtually inaccessible to tourists, there are ongoing struggle between the Panamanian police and paramilitary groups in Colombia's departments, the area of drug smuggling and money laundering.

Panama Criminal Code prohibits the manufacture and trafficking (5-10 years in prison), for smuggling threatens to 8-15 years in prison for possession and consumption of 1-3 years in prison.

Mainly on the border with Colombia (drug mafias), are absent.

Police-104

Fire (fire) -103

Ambulance (First Aid) -103

Product (information) 102

In the capital of the old town and in the poorer parts of cities should be very careful about the documents, photographic equipment and cash. Do not venture alone into such places.

It is suggested that move in groups of several people.

Five border crossings with Colombia and Costa Rica 2, plus the transition from airports and seaports.

By car, by foot, boat, plane.

The best-known international airport is Tocumen (PTY), 20 miles from Panama City to the north is a smaller domestic airport in the old port near the channel.

From there you can fly to many towns and islands.

Airlines: Air France, Air Madrid, American Airlines, Air Panama, Aeromexico, Lufthansa, United Airlines and several others both local and international.

Many lines of private charter flights.

The rail network has a total of 355 km, of which 77 km normal gauge and narrow gauge 278 km

The main connection between the Pacific and the Caribbean Sea runs along a canal, runs a permanent connection.

Travelling by bus is inexpensive, and virtually every corner of the country can be reached in this way. However, the quality of these services varies. There are several lines of private air-conditioned buses equipped with a high standard, but there are some very old buses, loud and in a deplorable state.

Ticket prices are urban cents a dozen, and further courses ranging between 20 and $ 60. Generally, better take a taxi or rent a car, and the best fly if we are away.

In larger cities, a system of car rental companies. There is a big competition, so it's not very expensive, several U.S. $ per day with insurance and fuel.. Sometimes if we do not have a credit card we have to leave a deposit, eg. 500 or $ 1,000, depending on the car and the company.

Ships and boats, sea and river. Cost of tickets on board 15 or the government of tens of U.S. dollars. It is necessary to bargain with the captain. Watch out for boats plying to Colombia, often because they take place in smuggling drugs.

You can also move around by hitchhiking. Rather, there are no problems.

Between Panama City and Colombia actually has no connection to land in addition to the road in the jungle.

Panamerican Highway ends at Panama, if you do not count the number of roads outside the city (poor quality) ok. 60 km. Next jungle and swamp.

Moving from Costa Rica is rather quiet and smooth.

In the rainy season many roads are closed (especially outside the cities).

In general, travels on the road, especially in the cities is included in the "sports extremalnych.

116 airports, including 54 on a paved surface, a relatively large and the road network interconnection is the appropriate alternative to poor quality roads.

The main route along the canal.

Private lines are driving on the country in good condition, but public transport is hopeless, so that cheap: 15 to 25 cents per ride.

You can often be stopped by the police, but apparently out of curiosity rather than from a desire to extort bribes.

You can rent a car or move alloy. You can also fly a network of rivers or the sea-going vessels moving between the mainland and islands. Prices for vessels of about 15 to 30 USD. We must negotiate.

Car hire can be found at airports and in city centers.

Internet Cafes available in larger urban centers.

Internet access (Outlet) in the capital and larger cities. In addition, satellite phones featuring Internet access or a cell with access to skype. There are rental satellite phones to the Internet, the cost is U.S. $ 1-1,50 min, the rental cost about. 30 zl / day

Airmail to Western Europe goes from 5 to 10 days.

Post offices are open from Mon. to Friday 8.00 -16.00, Saturday from 8.00 to 13.00

Not a good idea to use the transport public transport, buses are old and noisy.. Taxis are not expensive, the drivers do not have meters, so be sure to make an appointment at the cost of the course. In Panama City the roads are good, but outside the city fatal.

Road network is inadequate and poor quality.

So better to choose an airplane than a car. Ticket prices from 1920 to 1960 dollars, beyond the borders within the Americas is a U.S. $ 250 -300

Balboa (PAB) = 100 centavos (centesimos)

1 PAB = 1 USD

U.S. dollar is the currency circulation.

In Panama beats only a dime, the rest of the U.S.

Cash cards, most reputable banks (mostly everywhere VISA, MasterCard, etc.), well developed banking system, but no Panamanian ATMs in circulation is USD. Cards accepted in larger and medium-sized cities. Probably not traveler's checks are accepted.

It is good to have along small (1, 5, 10, 20 dollar and cents)

In supermarkets similar to those in the U.S. (in some cheaper), for example:

• A bottle of water-1L U.S. $ 0.75
• Ritz Crackers - $ 2.00
• Flour, cereals - USD 3.00
• Nectarines - 0.39 pc. (About 2, 00 $ per pound)

Much cheaper products are manufactured in Central America, eg. Bananas: 0.19 USD per pound

• Public transport ticket 0,15-0,25 USD
• Taxi (across town) ok. U.S. $ 2-5, then the city U.S. $ 20 -50
• Dinner at a restaurant 7-10 USD, and in local bars (good food) for $ 2

Rate tips such as. $ 40 for several hours along with the rental board

Diving course in the islands three days $ 225 after 8 hours, you can get a license Open Diver Watch, plus two free dives in the price

Coconuts (mainly grow on the islands of the Caribbean) and are grown by the Kuna Indians have the exclusive right to their cultivation and sale

Breaking a coconut without their consent may be associated with unpleasant situations and strszych accusation by the board and the need to pay "mandate" or a dozen $ 100

The cost is $ 1 a coconut.

Wash medium size bag of clothes that cost about 3, 00 USD

"Mole" Indian hand-embroidered pictures, consisting of several colorful pieces and layers, forming part of or separate pieces of clothing (Kuna Indians)

Panamanian Hats

Free zone in Colon, Panama, second only to the industrial center. This is the second in the world relative. Business turnover and free trade zone, the lack of any control, lack of taxes and duties.

For the "fence" where the goods rotates around 1,800 companies.

It should be there to purchase computer equipment, household appliances, Havana cigars.

Offices and banks operate from Monday. to Friday from 9.00 to 15.00

Trade freely, shops are open on Saturdays, and some stores even on Sundays in addition to national and religious holidays.

Shops are open from 8.00 to 18.30

In Panama City and several major cities full range of global and local networks. Very good standard of health and safety

There are, though there are not enough. The cost of a dorm bed in a day is ok. $ 8. On the islands of the Caribbean at the hostel we get single one for $ 11.

There are camping sites, mainly in the mountains.

Apparently, you can easily get permission to tent in the garden ". The natives rarely refuse.

The mountains are in the hostel, to dine and spend the night.

Private exist, but rather are preferred longer stays than one or a few nights.

The cost to the negotiations, calculated monthly, rather

Hotels middle class $ 60 per night for luxury over $ 120 per night.

Rather, the standards adhered to in this class. However, you can find rooms for $ 10

In Panama City you will find virtually all the cuisines of the world. Average price for dinner at a restaurant is 7-10 Usd, but as demand is eat a good dinner for about. $ 2, but for from 1920 to 1940 USD

amounts to 3.8 from the local dishes are mainly rice, beans, chicken, seafood, fish, vegetables and fruit.

There are so. sweet plantains - a dish of sweet bananas, fried.

Worth a try local beers. There are several types, the most famous is the Balboa, Atlas is similar to the taste of Budweiser, Panama, Soberana.

They are cheaper in supermarkets than bottled water (35 cents, when the water 75). In restaurants, this cost ranges from 0.75 to 1.25 dollar.

• Sweet Paradise - patacones - fried sweet bananas
• Arroz con pollo - Local casseroles with beans, rice and mixed vegetables surrounded the chicken
• Ceviche - raw fish in lemon juice with onions and spices
• Arroz con pina - a drink made from rice and pineapple
• Chicheme-drink made from maize (similar to taste porridge)
• Hojaldra-type of fried bread
• Sancocho de Gallina chicken soup with lots of additives and spices)
• Chettas Choco - Chocolate with strawberries, delicious

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Local beers and cocktails such as. smooth papaya (a drink of cold milk miksowanego with papaya and ice cubes)

Restaurants, local bars. You can also cook for yourself, but the cost does not go a lot cheaper and the food on the premises is a delicious and inexpensive.

The restaurants usually 10%, in taxis Tips are not expected, the rate we set earlier.

In hotels and on the road as we wish 1Usd eg. to pose for photos or other small favors.

Visiting the Indian territories, on land and on the islands to remember the consent of the entrance. It is also forbidden without their permission to pluck the fruit.

Check out produced by them (Kuna) fabrics "mole". They are very patient and willing to show them.

Generally, most people are friendly and friendly, happy to welcome and greet "buenas". Give your hands.

• Fortifications of the Caribbean coast of Portobello-San Lorezo-Colon
• Darien National Park (jungle primary elements) with exotic flora and fauna.
• Talamanca Mountain Reserve - La Amistad
• The historic district of Panama with Salon Bolivar
• Archaeological Team Panama Viejo and the historic district of Panama.
• Coiba National Park and a special marine protection zone
• Panama Canal Zone (rainforest) and the same channel
• The coastal zone and numerous beaches
• Bocas del Toro
• Chiriqui
• Islands of San Blass

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National Institute of Building Culture

Museo del Canal Interoceanico

Palacio de las Garzas (Presidential Palace)

Casco Viejo - the old part of town from Las Bovedas (promenade along the Pacific coast)

National Theatre, Cathedral Square with the cathedral and many buildings and streets of the colonial period.

We also enjoy the sun on the many beaches and dive in crystal clear waters, watch the reef and abundance of animals, participate in spływach and climbing, on the other, to learn in an unchanged over the centuries as the lives of many Indian tribes (7 primary) are former owners of these lands and islands .

The past is mixed with modernity.

We are seeing the one hand, shiny skyscrapers and high-tech areas, on the other remnants of ancient times.

We also enjoy the sun on the many beaches and dive in crystal clear waters, watch the reef and abundance of animals, participate in spływach and climbing, on the other, to learn in an unchanged over the centuries as the lives of many Indian tribes (7 primary) are former owners of these lands and islands .

The beautiful coastline with coral, pearls, km fabulous beaches, wild and primitive jungle, volcanoes and mountains, hot springs, rich fauna, about. 980 species of birds toucan is a symbol of Panama, fish and seafood,

Living frugally, visiting and traveling around you can count. 25-50USD per day with everything (food, lodging, travel, tickets to parks and other)

3 November - Independence Day (separation from Colombia in 1903)

Catholic religious holidays (65-80% of Catholics)

Besides public holidays.

Festival in February (40 days before the Great Friday) in Las Tablas, near Los Santos. Several days and night event in the type of carnival.

Numerous festivities on the island of Bocas del Toro, Caribbean, and the complex

Discos, pubs, restaurants, casinos, modern shopping centers in Panama City and larger towns.

Outside the capital may come in handy adapter to power and a satellite phone with wifi. In addition, rather everything is available on site. You should choose the appropriate amount of cash, because outside the capital is bad ATM.

You can take small gifts for the Indians. When you buy fish and seafood from the fishermen support their

The police are rather friendly and helpful in the capital. Warns and protects the robbery.

Paradoxically, the need for people to carry a passport. Photocopying can be done yourself, and the original safe.

However, it is to behave normally and in moderation, do not demonstrate their wealth, or do not show either hardware or cards or other attributes at our disposal.

We will not in this way to attract attention and provoke any "bandits."

But there are such places where one should not venture alone or after dark.

Outside the towns the difficulties and dangers await us, especially in the jungle.

Good to know the basic Spanish vocabulary and phrases. Proportion of the population speaks only the language.