Practical Information

. Airport and Transportation Information : Tocumen International Airport is the Main International Airport serving Panama. It is located 24 Kilometers (15 miles) from downtown Panama City. The following Airlines have direct flights into Panama City (PTY) (American Airlines, Delta, United, Copa Airlines, Taca, Avianca, Iberia, KLM, and Condor)

. Driving directions: If renting a car, exit the airport and take Vía Domingo Díaz by taking left on the roundabout, keep driving towards Panama City centre until Entrance to “Corredor Sur” turn right towards “Corredor Sur” (Toll Road) and drive 16 Kilometres, take Exit to Vía Israel. Keep left on the road joint towards via Israel and then turn right towards Calle 77 Este. Sheraton Panama Hotel & Convention Center is located in front of ATLAPA Convention Center.

. Public transport rail: Not Available

. Bus: Not Available

. Shuttle: There is a Hotel Shuttle available that must be coordinated while doing your Hotel Booking. It will cost USD 28.88 one way / per person from the airport to the Hotel.

. Taxi: There are Taxi available from the Airport, Regular Panama City Taxi are Yellow Painted and must have the licence plates numbers on the passenger doors. There is no Taximeter in Panama. Taxi Fare from the airport is USD 35.00, however you must agree on the rate with the taxi driver before taking the cab. Taxis within Panama City are based on a Zone Base and they will cost from USD 1.25 up to USD 10.00.

. Entry Visa: For VISA requirements please visit the following website: http://www.worldtravelguide.net/panama/passport-visa

However for citizens listed as requiring stamped visas, please note that there is currently a Panamanian VISA exemption for citizens holding a valid USA, Canadian or European (Schengen) Visa on their passports. Please ensure you allow ample time to arrange your visa. Timely receipt of letter of invitation cannot be guaranteed for late requests. Each delegate is responsible for their personal travel, accommodation and business expenses.

Requests for Letter of Invitations must include the necessary information as per the relevant embassy, please provide this when requesting your letter of invitation.

Full Name as shown on Passport: Date of birth: Place of birth: Sex: Nationality: Passport Number: Place of Issue: Date of Expiry:

For those that require an Invitation Letter to obtain a Visa, please contact Ivan Rogelio Ramos De Arco, Cable & Wireless Panama to [email protected]

. Currency and Credit Cards: US Dollar is used as Legal tender in Panama. U.S.A. and Panamanian Balboa Coins circulate together within Panama. All major credit cards are widely accepted.

. Weather: Panama has a humid, tropical climate. Temperatures are around 80-90 degrees Fahrenheit (approximately 25-30 degrees Celsius). Nights are always cooler. The average annual rainfall is 1,500 mm along the pacific coast and 2,500 mm on the Caribbean side. The highlands enjoy spring-like climate with cool nights. During May, June, July, August, September and October you can count on rain in the evenings with occasional mid-day cloud bursts, though it is usually still beautiful from 7am to 2pm. The equatorial sun is intense and all travelers should use sunscreen during their stay in Panama.

Due to the humid Panama weather most public indoor places will have a strong Air conditioning system; therefore, we do also recommend bringing some jackets for the Event.

. UTC/GMT Standard time Zone: UTC/GMT -5hours No daylight saving Time is observed in Panama

. Electricity: 120 volts AC, 60Hz. plugs are flat two-pin North American type.

. Tipping: 10 to 15 per cent is customary in hotels (where it is not added automatically) and restaurants. Taxi drivers do not expect tips, and rates should be arranged before the trip.

. Smoking: Smoking is prohibited by Panama Law on Private and Public Buildings. This includes common areas such as (Pools, Patios, Terraces, Restaurants, and Discos). There will be no smoking rooms available in any hotel plus delegates wishing to smoke might only do so at the sidewalks of a street.