The Land of The Panama Canal, Isla Taboga

& El Casco Viejo

Information on Relocating to Panama

• The capital city of Panama is Panama City with about 828 thousand people. The political centre is also in Panama City where the President resides. Panama is a Republic.

• Languages: The official language is Spanish. English and Indian languages is also spoken. The TV programs are in Spanish and English. Cable and Satellite TV is available.

• Population: The population is about 3.2 million people - 70% mestizo (mixed Amerindian and white), 14% Amerindian and mixed (West Indian), 10% white, 6% Amerindian.

• Expat areas: Most popular is Panama City with the following districts: El Carmen, Obarrio, Cangrejo, Punta Paitilla, Altos del Golf, and Cinquentenario, all located within a mile of the Pacific Ocean.

• Housing: Expatriates usually rent their houses/apartments in Panamá. Furnished apartment or house is also available. According to your needs, and depending on your company policy, we will find the best place for you and your family. Currently many expats are buying properties instead of renting them. We have a Real Estate Specialist in staff that works with all major Real Estate Companies in Panama to find the properties for rent or purchase that the expat is looking for, according to their budget and needs. He pre-screens the property and assures that our client get the best negotiation and the best properties available.

• Cost of housing: Varies from area to area and the size of the house or apartment you'll pay anything from US$ 1200 - US$ 2000 two bedrooms apartment and US$ 2000 and up for a three bedroom apartment. The local currency is Balboa (B).

• Schools: We have the French, the American and the International school. Depending on the age we can tell you about a possible waiting lists, etc.

• Transportation: Extensive bus and minibus services run in Panama City. There is a flat fare with coin-operated turnstiles at the entrances of most buses.

• Bank: The banks are open Mondays-Fridays from 8.00 am - 3.00 pm. On Saturdays from 8.30 am - 12.00 noon.

• Shopping: Monday-Saturday from 9.00 am - 8.00 pm. Some supermarkets are open 24-hours.

• Climate: Panama has two seasons. The dry season lasts from January to mid-April and the rainy season from mid-April to December. Rainfall is heavier on the Caribbean side of the highlands, though most people live on or near the Pacific coast. Temperatures are typically hot in the lowlands between 21°C (69.8F) and 32°C (89.6F) and cool in the mountains between 10°C (50F) - 18°C (64.4F). These vary little throughout the year.

• Culture: Panama City, in particular, has a wide range of nightlife from nightclubs and casinos to folk, ballet, belly dancing and classical theatre. Dancing and entertainment are available in all the big hotels, as well as many clubs. Other large towns and resorts have music, dancing, casinos and cinemas.

• Public holidays: January 1st-New Year’s Day; January 9th-National Martyrs’ Day; February-Carnival Tuesday (date varies); March/April-Good Friday (date varies); May 1st-Labour Day; Augustus 15th-Old Panama City Day (Panama City only); November 3rd-Independence Day (from Colombia); November 5th-Independence Day (Colón City only); November 10th-First Call for Independence from Spain; November 28th-Independence Day (from Spain); December 8th-Mothers’ Day; December 25th-Christmas. Note: For public holidays falling on a Sunday, the following Monday will be observed as a holiday.