Panama has a dry and a rainy season. The dry season typically runs from end of December thru March. Temperatures all year round hover in the high 80s to low 90’s. When it does rain from April through December , it may rain for a short period of time, a a couple of hours or maybe somewhere else in Panama and you will only see sun and clouds. downpour. It will always be 85 - 90 degrees, hot and humid.

Geographically, it is in the Eastern Time zone. However, since Panama does not change their clocks for Daylight Savings Time, they are 1 hour behind or on Central time from March thru November.

There are plenty of choices to choose from when you are ready to leave the airport. You can choose to use Uber, take a taxi or you can arrange for a driver prior to your arrival. You can also rent a car from one of the many companies operating in Panama. See our Transportation page for more options.

The daily rates are accurate however there are mandatory third party insurances that can range from $18 - $25 per day. Be sure to check with the rental agencies when making reservations.

Yes, there are many hotels within a short walking distance to the synagogues and kosher restaurants in Paitilla, Punta Pacifica, Marbella & Bella Vista. See the Hotels page for the ones that are listed in Panama City.

You can either subscribe to your US carriers travel plan or purchase a SIM card at the airport from one of several local carriers. You can purchase a SIM card at the airport or save a lot of money and purchase one in the city. If you purchase a Tigo SIM card, you can use the attached instruction to download the the Mi Tigo app and load funds onto your SIM card.

There are regular services throughout the week and Shabbat. Davening times are posted on each of the shuls on the website. You will need to pre-arrange your security clearance in order to enter a number of the synagogues. Please complete the following form prior to arriving in Panama: Visitors Registration Form. Make sure to select Go Kosher Panama as the "Kosher Tour" in the form.

Mamba by Diana currently is the only restaurant that offers Cholov Yisroel that is acceptable for those keeping to Ashkenaz standards. Jeffrey's and other establishments may offer Cholov Yisroel products. The supermarkets carry a full line of Cholov Yisroel products as well.

There are currently no restaurants outside of Panama City. There is a supermarket in Coronado that carries a wide selection of kosher packaged items. Many of the restaurants and caterers in Panama City have also begun to deliver to the beach areas on a limited and scheduled basis.

Not yet! We are working with several hotels and caterers to provide for arranged meals. At this time, many of the restaurants will be able to provide take out orders for Shabbat meals.

The Miraflores Locks is less than a half hour ride by car from the center of Panama City.

The most popular question without a guaranteed answer. The general consensus is to get there as early as possible. The visitor center is open from 9:00-5:00PM. As a general guideline from a travel site - “ The best times to see big ships are 9:00am to 11:00am and 3:00pm to 5:00pm.”

Yes - there are a number of islands you can visit. See the Things To Do and Transportation pages for destination and ferry travel times to and from the islands.

The resorts are approximately 1.5 to 2 hours by car.

You can arrange with one of he drivers listed on the Transportaion page.

You can plan for 2 or 3 days to see the sites in and around Panama City.

The best and fastest way is by flying. You will take a short boat ride to reach the island when you arrive at the airport. There are plenty of places to stay, but you will need to bring your kosher food from the city.

No shots are required at this time. (Consult with you medical professional).

Panama’s local currency is the Balboa, but the dollar is an accepted currency all through the country. When you do pay with dollar bills, it is likely you will receive coin change in Balboas.

The Beach resorts and the larger supermarkets will accept credit cards. When travelling to any of the islands make sure to have cash as the hotels, tour operators and local merchants may not accept credit cards.

Yes, they are the same (110 v) and no adapters are needed.

There are several hospitals in the immediate Panama City vicinity. Pacífica Salud Hospital Punta Pacífica: Boulevard Pacífica y Vía Punta Darién https://www.pacificasalud.com (Affiliated with Johns Hopkins Medical Center ) Centro Medico Paitilla: Avenida Balboa con calle 53 https://hospitalpaitilla.com/

Travelers will not have to present a negative COVID-19 test for entry as long as they can provide physical or digital proof of at least 2 (two) doses or complete vaccination scheme endorsed by the WHO, EMA and FDA, equal to or greater than 14 days after the last dose.

Non-vaccinated or partially vaccinated travelers will be required to present a negative COVID-19 PCR or antigen test taken no more than 72 hours prior to their arrival time in Panama.

An affadavit confirming your health and understanding of the Covid control measures MUST be completed on-line. Click here to access the form. You will be asked to show the QR code you receive in a confirmation email after the form is submitted. You may be required to show the email and the hard copy of you CDC vaccination card or the negative test results when checking in for your flight to Panama. In Panama, the QR code will be scanned at immigration control.

For Children under 18: Children under 5 years of age are exempt from performing any type of test if their parents or guardian comply with the complete vaccination scheme or have a negative test (antigen or PCR). Children over 5 years of age (national, resident or foreigner) who enter by air, land or sea must have the complete vaccination scheme or at least two doses of the vaccine against COVID-19 otherwise they must present a negative test (antigen or PCR) no later than 72 hours prior to travel.

Face masks are only required on Public Transportation and Medical facilities. Some touristic activities, cultural and creative attractions, libraries, movies and theaters, casinos and others will be enforcing the safety protocols and may be operating with lower capacity.

At this time there are no requirements or checks at the airport when leaving Panama

Effective Sunday June 12th, those traveling to the U.S. will no longer need a negative COVID-19 test one day before their flight to the country.