WELCOME TO PANAMA by ISP ISSUU Publications

A Guide for Overseas Hire Faculty Of The International School of Panama 2016-2017

WELCOME TO PANAMA By: HUMAN RESOURCES DEPARTMENT INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL OF PANAMA 2016-2017

WELCOME TO PANAMA

Congratulations once again on your appointment at The International School of Panama. We look forward to helping you settle in and providing you with all the information you need to make of this experience a smooth and successful one. The purpose of this booklet is to provide you with much more detail information of your transition to Panama.

Human Resources Department

TABLE OF CONTENTS Welcome to Panama ...................................................................................................... 2 Documentation ................................................................................................................ 5 Panama a Great Place to Live ....................................................................................... 6 History .................................................................................................................................. 7 MOVING TO PANAMA ...................................................................................................... 8 Travel arrangements and flight details ............................................................... 9 Arriving to Panama ................................................................................................ 9 Luggage ............................................................................................................... 10 Accommodations (Hotel) ................................................................................... 10 Moving to Panama .............................................................................................. 11 Temporary Resident Cards ................................................................................. 12 Social Security Registration ................................................................................. 12 Banking .................................................................................................................. 12 Medical Insurance .............................................................................................. 13 HOUSING AND CAR PURCHASING ................................................................................ 14 Housing ................................................................................................................. 15 .................................................................................................................. 16 Car Purchasing ..................................................................................................... 17 ....................................................................................................... 18 ........................................................................................................ 19 Panama Driverâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s License ................................................................................... 20 License Plate ......................................................................................................... 20 HUMAN RESOURCES ....................................................................................................... 21 Helpful Contac Information ................................................................................ 22 School Year 2016-2017 Calendar ..................................................................... 23

New Faculty Orientation ................................................................................................ 24 ......................................................................................... 25 Professional Dress at ISP ....................................................................................... 26 TRANSPORTATION IN PANAMA ...................................................................................... 27 Metro (Subway) .................................................................................................... 28 Taxi .......................................................................................................................... 28 Tolls ......................................................................................................................... 29 Driving .................................................................................................................... 29 Carpooling ............................................................................................................ 29 UBER ........................................................................................................................ 29 SAFETY AND SECURITY ..................................................................................................... 30 Safety and Security .............................................................................................. 31 LIVING IN PANAMA ......................................................................................................... 32 Grocery Shopping ........................................................................................................... 33 Finding a Maid/Nanny ................................................................................................... 33 Cellphone ......................................................................................................................... 33 Electrical Equipment ....................................................................................................... 33 Restaurants ....................................................................................................................... 34 Shopping in Panama ...................................................................................................... 35 ..................................................................................................... 36 Tourism ............................................................................................................................. 37 Things to do in and around Panama City ................................................................... 37 .......................................................................... 38 Near Panama City .......................................................................................................... 39 Nearby towns and beaches (Pacific Side) ................................................................. 40 Island ................................................................................................................................ 41 Caribbean Side .............................................................................................................. 42

Documentation

In addition to all the documentation you have already submitted to us though our HR Portal, you should have received a check list with all the necessary legal documents you need to bring to process your visa and work permit with the Panamanian Government. Once you arrive in Panama you can submit your request for reimbursement of expenses related to your hiring in ISP. The following items are eligible for reimbursement:

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Photos Apostille of documents Authentication FBI/Police record Couriers Issuance of Diplomas and Credits Renewal of Passport

Or any other cost justified for your paperwork to come to ISP. Please make sure to save all your receipts and invoices to attach to the correspondent request.

PANAMA: A GREAT PLACE TO LIVE! Panama is an incredibly beautiful country. It connects Central and South America and it is located between Costa Rica and Colombia. Panama has two seasons: the dry season and the rainy season, but it is basically warm all year round. Panama has a very rich history. During the years of the Spanish conquest, Panama served as a transit port, where treasures were shipped from Perú and Ecuador towards Spain passing through Panama. Goods used to arrive to the Pacific Coast and cross the country in mules through the “Camino de Cruces” towards the Atlantic Coast, where they would be shipped to Spain. This made our city prone to the attack of pirates, who more than once looted our city, taking gold, precious stones, silver and great crafts. Panama is also well-known for its Panama Canal which is in the process of adding a new set of locks in order to provide the best service available to ships from around the world. Panama’s natural diversity is also one of its most important attractions. There are great places for birdwatching, for eco-tourism, and for admiring the whales and dolphins that like to swim in our warm waters. Spanish is the official language in Panama, but many people speak English. It would be good though to get acquainted with some basic words in Spanish to get around.

Entertainment and dining out in Panama are very popular activities. There are many shopping malls in the city with great local department stores, upscale designer stores and on the other end of the spectrum, great stores with wonderful discount merchandise and retail shopping. You will be able to find fantastic places to dine out, finding all sorts of exotic and eclectic Japanese, Chinese, Italian and Peruvian restaurants and more. Local restaurants are known for having fresh fish and great shrimp, lobster and other shell fish. Traveling in and around Panama is fantastic! The location within Latin America, makes other countries in Central America, South America or the Caribbean easily accessible. Plan ahead and enjoy! Be sure to check with the Human Resources Manager on visa and inoculation requirements and other important details before traveling.

HISTORY When Panama rose from the oceans and became a land bridge between the Americas, it diverted the warm ocean currents toward the poles, causing climate changes that allowed life to flourish on the planet. Panama has been a crossroad since its pre-Columbian times when it was inhabited by the ancestors of the indigenous cultures of today’s Gunas, Ngobe-Bugles and Embera-Wounaan. It was first discovered by Spanish Conquistador Rodrigo Bastidas in 1501 and later explored by Christopher Columbus in 1502. The first foreign settlement was Nombre de Dios in the province of Darien. Panama’s title, “the path between the seas”, grew out of Vasco Nunez de Balboa’s torturous Atlantic-to-Pacific trek in 1513. Soon after, Panama became the crossroad and market place of Spain’s empire in the Americas, a position it held for the next 300 years. In 1821, the famous “Grito de la Villa de Los Santo” gave Panama its independence from Spain. For the next 80 years, Panama was part of Colombia. In the early 1900’s, Panama, with the support of the United States, started to seek independence. In 1903, independence from Colombia was achieved and the HayBunau-Varilla Treaty was established with the United States. This treaty granted the United States rights to claim a “zone” of Panamanian territory in which the famous Panama Canal was built.

Group of Indigenous Gunas women.

Ngobe-Bugle women.

The Canal took 10 years to complete and was finalized in 1914. On Dec. 31, 1999, the United States formally handed over control of the Canal to Panama. The Panama Canal, an 83-kilometer marvel connecting the Atlantic and the Pacific Ocean continues as a very important route for the world’s commerce. Presently, Panama Canal is undergoing an expansion project that will allow ships nearly double the size of current Panamax vessels to pass through the Canal, and thus continue its tradition as “the path between the seas.”

9 Flag and Coat of Arms

Travel arrangements and flight details You should have your ticket information and flight details. If bringing pets, please make sure you have made proper arrangements with your airline and in Panama. The Hotel does not allow pets. Remember that you have a round trip ticket. This is because you will be entering as a tourist and most likely immigration authorities will ask you for a return ticket. As a tourist you will be able to stay in the country without inconveniences for the next six months. During this period we will process your temporary residency visa.

Arriving to Panama

Please note that the second leg of your ticket belongs to ISP. We will only be allowed to use it (in case you want to travel in December) if your immigration status has been changed from tourist to temporary resident, in which case HR will confirm.

Entering Panama - Immigration Please note that you will be entering the country as a tourist and may be asked to show a return ticket.

Luggage Once you have collected your luggage, proceed outside where you will be greeted by school personnel. If your luggage is lost or delayed, fill out the necessary paper work giving the contact information you will receive prior to your arrival.

Accommodations You will be met at the airport to take you to the accommodations. During the week, we have scheduled time for getting to know the city, the school and the realtors that will assist you in finding a place to live. For the first 2-3 weeks of our arrival and in the meantime you find accommodation, you will be at the Hotel Marriott Finisterre Apartments.

Hotel Marriot Finisterre, Apartments

Moving to Panama When making an international move, there are two ways to move your household goods: by air and by sea. It will take longer for your items to arrive if you're moving them by boat. This option usually saves you money, and sometimes provides the best means of transport. When trying to decide, look at both options in terms of cost, also if you send your stuff sooner, keep in mind a storage service until you arrive to the new Country or meanwhile you decide where you’re going to live.

If you need more information please contact Karina Liao at the ISP Purchasing department at kliao@isp.edu.pa . She will provide you with detailed information and guide you through the process.

When you decide what to move to your new home, find heavy cardboard boxes normally used to pack the goods, I strongly recommend that you downsize the amount of stuff you move. Then you need to make a Packing List, for moving terms, it will need: •Number of boxes •Sizes of this boxes •Weight of this boxes •Description

This will help the Moving Company to calculate the space needed to carry your shipment. If you are going to move furniture, include a little description in the List. If the furniture is made with some wood or similar, please notify to the Moving Company because it will need special treat call quarantine, this is a requirement in our country.Last year we worked with these Moving Companies: Yamol Transport Service, S.A. Contact: Yamireth Pinilla Tel: 507-344-5116 / 344-5117 Cel: 507-6023-7171 E-mail: ypinilla@yamoltransportservice.com Balboa International, S.A. Contact: Yoriela Riverol Tel: 507-231-7136 / 7379 E-mail: balboaop@cwpanama.net

Canal Movers & Logistics Corp. Contact: Carlos Williams Tel: 507-232-5189 ext. 303 E-mail: c.williams@canalmovers.com

Moving to any country may bring some challenges. Please assure we are here to support you and your family through this transition. 

Temporary Resident cards: Essentially, all foreigners here in Panama carry an identity card issued by Immigration. The number on your ID card will be the same as your passport number. The school and its lawyers will assist you in the immigration process. This is a lengthy process and will require you and any dependents to be present at the immigration offices for a number of visits before you are issued an identity card. In the interim, you must carry a copy of your passport photo page and valid driver’s license.

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Social Security Registration: One of the first processes you will need to complete is all new with the social security agency, required employees to go there personally to register.

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Banking: You will be assisted by our business office in setting up your bank account. Your salary will then be deposited into that account on the 15th and 30th day of each month. You will get a "debit card" that also serves to access your account at an ATM.

Medical Insurance For the eligible teacher and all authorized eligible dependents, ISP will pay the full premium for the group life and health insurance coverage provided by the school. Group health coverage exclusions include most pre-existing conditions and clinical obesity. The employee may choose, at his/her own expense, to upgrade this coverage with major medical and /or long-term disability coverage. Should a teacher choose to maintain coverage other than the group plan contracted by the school, or is not eligible for the group coverage, he or she may do so and be reimbursed against receipts for payment of premiums; up to the amount the school would pay for the group coverage. It is recommended that you continue with your current coverage until you are accepted by the ISP group provider. We are enclosing the brochure for your information Hospital Punta Pacifica

Good medical care is widely available in Panama City. The following hospitals and clinics are very reliable: Centro Medico Paitilla Tel: 265 -8800; located at Ave. Balboa and Calle 53, Paitilla Hospital Punta Pacifica Tel 204-8000; located at Boulevard Pacífica and Vía Punta Darién Clinica Hospital San Fernando Tel:278- 6300, Emergency Tel: 278 6305; located at: Vía España, Las Sabanas Apartado 363 15

HOUSING Finding a home: Living in an apartment generally offers these benefits: security guards, parking, possible view of the sea, playmates in the building for children and, often a swimming pool. Living on a floor high may give you a breeze that eliminates some need for costly air conditioning. Living on a low floor may make the use of air conditioning preferable due to noise and dust. Living in a house offers these benefits: greater privacy, greater size, and playmates in the neighborhood for children, less noise, lawn for the children or pets, and gardening possibilities. Even prior your arrival, the school will help you find housing options. Please use this blog and the Welcoming Committee to learn about the options that you have. There are houses, apartments, rural and urban, modern and classic. If you know what you require in regard to your own lifestyle, you should be able to find a place in the city that works with your needs.

Once here, if no housing arrangement has been done previous to your arrival, then you will have time to go housing/apartment hunting. The HR department will help you with the contract and paperwork and even negotiating the terms of the lease. In many cases the realtor is able to negotiate a lower price than what is being asked; that is not always the case but you can talk to your realtor about that possibility. Landlords will ask you for the rent of the month and a deposit. The school will advance you the housing allowance and will also offers a $3,000 loan to buy furniture if requested. Rent here averages $1,450 for the current overseas hires (singles and families) who live here. Please refer to the Housing in Panama page at our blog for more information about rent averages in specific neighborhoods, etc. Most people find that their stipend covers the cost of their rent. Most apartments are furnished although there are some (particularly duplexes in the Clayton/Albrook area) where you must buy your own furniture and appliances. The school will support you in translating a lease and having lawyers review it to make certain that everything is in order. Most landlords accept rent payments online through a bank transfer and rent is due on the 1st of the month. When negotiating rent, sometimes paying for 3-6 months in advance can lower the rent. Most people pay for at least a portion of their utilities (usually electricity or gas) and for internet/cable. This is in addition to rent and costs, on average, around $120/month.

Car Purchasing What to consider when purchasing a car from a current ISP teacher?

Year of the car and Insurance restrictions Car insurance is a required by law in Panama. Insurance companies offer 2 options: full coverage and third liability coverage. The current ISP car insurance policy offers full coverage to cars not older than 10 years. Meaning the car you purchase should be at least from the year 2oo8 (to secure 2 years of full coverage). For older cars only third party liability will apply.

2 Technical Inspection of the vehicle We recommend to have the car inspected to make sure it is in good conditions. This will allow you to make a well informed decision. The seller could have a mechanic inspect it and provide you with a report or you can request this inspection to be done in a car service center. Click on the links below to access some of the most popular authorized car service centers in Panama City. AUTOTREND PANAMA https://autotrend.com.pa/ FELIPE RODRIGUEZ http://feliperodriguez.net/ AUTOCENTRO PANAMA http://www.autocentro.ws/ Usually car inspection reports, contain the following information:  Brand, model, color, year, mileage (in km.), license plate #  Status of the following items: lights, windows, safety belts, door locks, A/C  Current status of the motor, oil level  Current status of the tires and breaks  Interior and exterior appearance Disclaimer: The inspection of the car is totally up to you. ISP does not recommend any particular mechanic, nor is responsible or can guarantee that the vehicle will be in the same conditions once is given to you in August. Also remember that you will be buying a used car and the seller will not be in Panama when you receive the car. 19

3. Communication & Documents As soon as you make a decision about purchasing a car from an outgoing ISP teacher please notify the HR Generalist in charge of this process (Daphne Sanchez), this way she will be able to assist you with the documentation required. Since the seller of the car will be leaving Panama, make sure that he/she leaves all the car documentation to finalize the purchasing process and title transfer. These documents are: 1. 2. 3.

Original Car registration form (properly signed by the current owner) Copy of the Car insurance Original of the last â&#x20AC;&#x153;Revisadoâ&#x20AC;? (this is an annual inspection required for the authorities in order to process the license plate â&#x20AC;&#x201C; in Panama this is required every year) Authorization letters (signed by the current owner)

4. Payment

All financial transactions regarding the purchasing of a vehicle are responsibility of the current owner and buyer. ISP or the HR Department will not be involved in this process.

5. Panapass It’s an electronic sticker installed in the windshield of the vehicle that will allow you to drive on the Northern and Southern Corridors (highways). Make sure that the owner request the disconnection of the current panapass system and provides you with proof that this has been done. Once you come to Panama and all the paperwork for the purchasing of the car has been completed you will need to reinstall the panapass. The requirements are:   

Vehicle registration form Copy of your passport Panapass Applicant’s form (this is provided by the Panapass Co.)

ISP will connect you with people who could provide assistance for the installation of your panapass system for an extra fee.

ISP offers an interest free loan of $5,000 for purchasing a car. Also offers the technical advice of a mechanic who will inspect the car’s condition and give you his recommendation before buying it. ISP will cover up to four (4) car inspections. The process and paperwork resulting from the commercial transaction is at the teacher’s cost. Please refer to the Blog in regard to car prices in Panama

Panamanian Driver’s License The first three month you are allowed to drive with your current license; Once you have completed your immigration process(which usually takes three month) you are eligible to apply for a Panamanian driver´s license. Bellow please find, the steps by steps process to get your Panamanian driver´s license. The HR department will guide you through this process.

License plates In Panama, license plates are to be renewed annually. When you buy a car the current license plate will have a sticker that will indicate the month it needs to be renewed. Fail to complete this process in the corresponding month will result in a fine. The requirements to renew a license plate are: •Original vehicle registration (This document is given to you when you first buy your car. You need to bring the original document). •Copy of your car insurance policy. •Previous and current “Revisado” (annual vehicle inspection as required by law). •Fee to be paid to the government. It is important that to start this process, you have paid any pending fines. ISP will connect with people or a car service center that could provide assistance with this process for an extra fee. If you choose to work with a car service center please note that you must start the process before the 15th of the 22 month as it takes about 10 days.

HELPFUL CONTACT INFORMATION

Tittle

Name

School Director Pre- School Principal Elementary School Principal Middle School Principal High School Principal Director of Teaching and Learning Athletics Director Director of Human Resources Director of Finance & Operations HR Generalist MS & HS HR Generalist ES Business Manager Marketing and Communications Mgr Head of Admissions Chief Security Officer

Rajiv Bhat Alida Garcia de Paredes Becky Jobes Vickie Swann Eric Monson Lauren Streifer Peter Smyth Jania Jacob Juan Carlos Lopez Daphne Sanchez Ivette Raveneau Ingrid Arosemena Jair Guevara Nilsa Arenas Gabriel Fernandez

Cell Phone School Phone 6781-9776 6678-0488 6980-1560 6983-7842 6664-2425 6980-1438 6980-0793 6780-0956 6679-6138 6948-3089 6983-1379 6980-0278 6998-5703 6671-8527 6980-0353

293-3001 293-3007 239-3004 293-3003 293-3002 293-3062 293-3093 293-3005 293-3015 293-3026 293-3086 293-3017 293-3075 293-3009 293-3079

Email rbhat@isp.edu.pa agdp@isp.edu.pa bjobes@isp.edu.pa vswann@isp.edu.pa emonson@isp.edu.pa lstreifer@isp.edu.pa psmyth@isp.edu.pa jjacob@isp.edu.pa jclopez@isp.edu.pa dsanchez@isp.edu.pa iraveneau@isp.edu.pa iarosemena@isp.edu.pa jguevara@isp.edu.pa narenas@isp.edu.pa gfernandez@isp.edu.pa

NEW FACULTY ORIENTATION At the start of each year we ensure the very best start for our new teachers by investing in a New Faculty Orientation Program followed by a week of In-Service (for all staff). The program gives the best possible start to our new teachers both professionally and personally acclimatizing to life in Panama and ISP, so they will be ready to welcome their students for the new year. Before our overseas teachers even arrive, our Human Resources team will work with them for all their international moving needs including paperwork to process visas and work permits and arranging flights. Our

Welcoming Committee will also be in contact with new-hires from the moment they decide to come to ISP, on-hand to answer all and any questions. Once they arrive our HR Team, school administrators and Welcoming Committee swing into action... We meet all new Faculty at the Airport and transfer them to their hotel, which in recent years has or are in school! Trip to Gamboa Rainforest Resort been the Marriot Finisterre, where they stay for the first 2-3 weeks. Our HR Team leads an Orientation Schedule which includes:

SOCIAL EVENTS: 

Welcome cocktail at Marriot Finisterre

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Hosted dinner at local restaurant (at Miraflores Locks – Panama Canal)

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Trips organized with any children for movie/pizza, visit to museums, play zones, etc while the parents househunt, attend an event

PRACTICAL EVENTS: 

Househunting with approved local real estate agents, help with contracts and

installation of public services 

Visits to car lots

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Shopping trips to malls

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Health Care introduction with special visits from our insurance broker

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Car Insurance introduction with special visit from our insurance broker

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Visa and work permit introduction with special visit from our attorneys

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Visit to immigration office

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Registration at the Social Security office

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Bank account assistance with a special visit from Banco General to set up accounts

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Cross Cultural training with a relocation Co.

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Optional City Tours

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Trip to buy school uniforms

SCHOOL EVENTS: 

Tour of the campus

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Set up with personal laptop and tech training sessions with our Tech Team 27

Professional Dress at ISP

Dress at school is professional. Panamanian society is still relatively conservative in regard to business and school professionals. The male teachers wear long pants and collared shirts, some do/don’t wear ties. Women wear blouses,skirts, pant suits and dresses. Dress for around town may be a bit “sharper”, than the casual sportswear often seen in North America. A nice pair of jeans with a shirt or blouse will go well almost anywhere. Almost all places are air conditioned, so a light jacket is recommended; yet it is warm throughout both seasons, so your clothing should be light. During the rainy season, an umbrella is important, plus appropriate shoes in case you don’t like for your feet to get wet when it rains.

From the Faculty & Staff Handbook: Professional Dress Standards Appearance is a reflection of pride and professional responsibility to the school. The dress code for staff members who do not wear uniforms is as follows: • • • •

• • •

Shorts, sweat suits, jogging suits, jeans, overalls, leggings/spandex pants, or tee shirts or shirts with spaghetti straps (except those worn appropriately with blazers, sweaters, and vests) are not acceptable. Tops and dresses should cover the midriff and have a modest/appropriate neckline. Dresses, skirts, and jumpers should be of a modest length. Beach type casual thong/flip-flop sandals are not acceptable.

Jewelry and tattoos should be discreet, and not a distraction. Body piercing jewelry is not permitted, apart from earrings on women. Hair should be tidy and professional looking Professional dress standards apply to all student attendance and parent conference days.

Metro he Metro in Panama is the newest addition to the transportation system in the isthmus. The first transit line of the Metro inaugurated on April 5, 2014. This transit system was constructed to relieve the traffic congestion in the city and provide a more expedient travel for the population. This first transit line connects the Los Andes county with the city center. This has been a positive and welcoming step which has immensely helped the population flow in the city. The second transit line will be very close to school, is under construction with a term of 46 months to complete the work in December 2018. Meanwhile the traffic will be heavy. Taxis Taxiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s throughout Panama are plentiful and can be easily recognized by their bright yellow color. All fares are based on zones or areas, and not determined by mechanical meters. Cab drivers are required to carry a copy of the zone chart with them at all times. Most fares within the metropolitan area average between $3.00 - $5.00 and for each additional person there is a 75-cent surcharge. Trips from Panama City to Tocumen International Airport cost approx. $25.00 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; $30.00 per person, with each additional person paying $5.00. The standard hourly rate for taxi rental is $10.00, however, that can vary depending on the type of service you are requesting, so establish a price before departing. You should use registered yellow taxi companies, and whenever possible call a taxi company rather than hail a taxi on the street. It is advisable to travel accompanied by someone you know and not to sit in the front seat of a taxi. Ensure that you do not get in a taxi with unknown passengers, and instruct the driver not to stop and pick up any additional passengers. A ride from the city to the school will cost you around $15.00. 30

Tolls: There are two corridors the South (approx. $4.00 per day) and the North (approx. $7.00 per day). You need to obtain a PANAPASS, an electronic device linked to your credit card in your car to be able to use them. The service can also be pre-paid.

South Corridor

• Driving: Drive with caution throughout the city and always wear a seatbelt, since the law requires it for adults and children. Allow plenty of time to get where you are going, since there can be considerable traffic congestion at certain times of the day.

• Carpooling: Many ISP teachers carpool with other faculty and staff. Asking colleagues once you arrive will help get the word out that you are interested in carpooling.

UBER Choose your ride and set your location. You’ll see your driver’s picture and vehicle details, and can track their arrival on the map. Uber is available in Panama. 31

As in any big city, there is a risk of street crime. In the last year, the official crime statistics have shown decreased levels of robberies, murders and assault. The majority of these crimes are amongst members of rival drug gangs. Nevertheless, travellers should take sensible precautions.

You should not carry large sums of cash or valuables in public. Deposit them in hotel safes wherever possible. Be vigilant when using ATM cash machines installed in public places, usually outside banks. There have been cases of people being attacked after drawing cash from these machines. There have also been instances of devices being inserted in ATMs, which allow cards to be cloned. Ensure that your personal belongings, passports and other travel documents are secure at all times. Our interim Security and Transportation Manager Gabriel Fernandez will brief you on your first days in Panama. Areas to be aware of: Most of Panama is very safe, but some neighborhoods in Panama City are a bit sketchy, in particular El Chorrillo, Curundu and El Marañón, which are poor and crime-ridden areas. It is not safe to walk around at night on the outskirts of Casco Viejo. In general, stay where it’s well-lit, and there are plenty of people around. Be alert for muggers, particularly in the main shopping areas, especially on Via España and Avenida Central, the area of Calidonia, and in the old Panama ruins (Panama Viejo). Emergency Numbers: Police: 104 Fire Station: 103

911: 911

Grocery Shopping: Supermarkets are great in Panama. Vegetables and fruits are fresh and there is a large variety of products, both local and international. The biggest grocery stores are: Riba Smith, Super 99, and El Rey. Specialty stores such as Chinese markets can also be found. Pricesmart American company provides bulk/warehouse membership shopping. Offers local and imported wares at reduced prices.. Visit the blog for more information about Supermakets at Panama.

Riba Smith â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Costa del Este

Finding a Maid and/or Nanny: Many people in Panama enjoy the assistance of a maid or a nanny. It's possible to find live-in help, or someone to come daily, or to share a maid with another family whereby she visits your house only a couple days a week. The best advice is to get a personal reference from other teachers who have had a similar need. Cell phones: Cellular prepay phones will be handed out to you upon arrival. Also during our first few days of induction we will learn more about companies that offer the service. You can bring your unlocked phone and put a pre-paid SIM in it to save the upfront cost of a phone.

Electrical equipment: Appliances using 110 W and the plug style found in Canada and the US is the correct design for use in Panama. You should buy a stabilizer for your computer equipment's electrical connectors once you get here. 35

Restaurants As stated in the Fodor’s travel Guide, “Don't plan on losing weight in Panama City!” There are many good restaurants and a cuisine selection that pretty much spans the globe, from Indian and Italian to Lebanese and Panamanian. Below you will find a sample list of some of the restaurants in the neighborhoods close to the hotel, along with an idea of food choices and prices. Prices range per person from $7-$14 for budget, $15-$24 for mid-range, and $25 for up-scale. If you are planning to dine out on Thursday or Friday, we recommend you to make reservations. You can also can visit https://www.degustapanama.com/ or download the free app from your smartphone. Degusta is a guide of almost all the restaurants of Panama.

Casco Viejo

Shopping in Panama

Panama City is known as a "shopper's paradise". The city has large shopping districts as well as modern shopping malls. Metro Mall Panamá – (near ISP) Located about 15 miles from city center, near Tocumen International Airport, sleek, contemporary Metro Mall is one of the region’s leading shopping centers. Over 200 specialty shops ensure that the latest trends in fashion are just a rack away. The mall also features a 10-screen cinema and a food court. Multiplaza Pacific This expansive, climate-controlled indoor mall, located in the Punta Pacifica area, features a treasure-trove of specialty and boutique shops to suit just about any pricepoint and taste. Whether you’re looking for the latest best seller, a top-of-the-line HDTV or a stylish pair of heels for clubbing, chance are great the stores at Multiplaza will have exactly what you need. Multiplaza Pacific also features a movie theater, several restaurants and a supermarket. Albrook Mall This indoor mall offers a wide variety of discount stores and boutiques, as well as a food court featuring Wendy’s, Pizza Hut, and Kentucky Fried Chicken. Visit Little Kids for juvenile wear, Enigma for unique adult clothing, and Bijoux Terner for exquisite jewelry.

Shopping in Panama

Multicentro Shopping Mall A casino, a 9-screen movie theater, a nightclub, and 30 restaurants complement the selection of upscale boutiques and shops. In fact, among the resident retailers youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll find are those that sell apparel, furniture, perfume, art, and jewelry. When you need a break, the terrace provides a place to rest and savor the panoramic city view. SOHO Mall Located at Calle 50, is the fanciest mall across the region with more than 100 commercial establishments with the finest brands in an extraordinary atmosphere. Innovative architecture, with natural and welcoming elements that will make the space a unique experience. Altaplaza Mall Located at the Centennial road Altaplaza Mall is the new meeting place of Panama. In AltaPlaza Mall youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll find fashion for the whole family, dining, entertainment and services area. In the area of restaurants, you can enjoy a variety of international cuisine to suit all tastes.

Tourism Things to do in and around Panama City In Panama City there are interesting places to visit and explore, such as: Panama Viejo, founded in 1519 is the oldest Spanish settlement on the Pacific. It was destroyed by the fire, destruction and pillage caused by Henry Morgan in 1671. Things to do: Climb the tour of the Cathedral of Our Lady of Asunción, visit the museum, and shop for souvenirs.. The Mercado Nacional de Artesanías in Panama Viejo, next to the visitor center, is expansive and sells handicrafts from around the country. In Balboa, on Avenida Arnulfo Arias Madrid and Amador Road on the way to The Causeway, is the YMCA Handicrafts Market, with Kuna and Emberá indigenous arts and crafts and clothing. A little farther east and up Avenida Arnulfo Arias Madrid is the Kuna Cooperative, featuring Kuna handicrafts. Reprosa makes elaborate and stunning jewelry casts using the "lost wax" process of the ancient indigenous groups. It is located in Obarrio and Casco Viejo.

Panama Viejo

Casco Viejo: Originally built and settled in 1673 after the destruction of Panama Viejo, Casco Viejo, also known as Casco Antiguo and San Felipe, was constructed as a walled city to protect its settlers against another siege. In 2003, UNESCO designated Casco Viejo as a World Heritage Site. Today it is one of the most vibrant places to visit in Panama. Things to do: Walk around and visit its plazas, churches, historic buildings, The Panama Canal Museum, and boutique stores, and enjoy its many restaurants

Casco Viejo

The Amador Causeway, located at the southern entrance of the Panama Canal, was built with 18 million yards of solid rock extracted from the Panama Canal. It is lined with tropical palm trees and offers a great view of the Canal and the Panama City skyline. Things to do: Walk, jog, or bike, and enjoy restaurants and various bars. You can The Amador Causeway also visit the Punta Culebra Marine Exhibit Center of the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute (STRI) where you can view and touch sea creatures and the Biodiversity Museum. The Panama Canal: Miraflores Locks is one of the three locks that form the Panama Canal. The visitorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s center, located on the east side of the Miraflores Locks, allows guests to observe transiting vessels only a few meters away. It is also a good way to learn firsthand about the various operations of the Panama Canal, the history of its construction, its participation in world Miraflores Locks markets, and the importance of its watershed. Things to do: Visit the museum and the restaurant. If you would like to have an up close experience of the Canal operations you can do a full or partial transit. Companies that offer this experience: Panama Marine Adventures offers both partial and full transits (Tel: 226-8917). Canal and Bay Tours. The Cinta Costera: The costal beltway provides a beautiful view of Panama and is a great place for jogging or walking. 40

Near Panama City you will find Gamboa Rainforest Resort: Located 30 minutes from Panama City, Gamboa is located near the Soberania National Park Rainforest, on the banks of the Chagres River and Panama Canal. Things to do at the Gamboa Rainforest Resort: visit the butterfly farm, reptile displays, boat tour to Monkey Island and aerial tram. Tel. 206-8880 for room reservations or 314-5028

Gamboa Rainforest Resort

Pipeline Road - Just 40 minutes from Panama City: On the border of the Soberania National Park you find The Panama Rainforest Discovery Center. Things to do: take a walk on different nature trails, climb the 40-meter observation tower, watch a great variety of birds of Panama, and relax observing the hummingbirds at the Visitor Center. Pipeline Road

Nearby towns and beaches Wedged in between two oceans, Panama offers a variety of beaches, both on the mainland and on islands offshore, as well as other inviting spots. Pacific Side Cross the Canal over the Bridge of the Americas onto the Pan American Highway and you are beach ward bound. Playa Bonita is located just 20 minutes outside of Panama City. This resort is situated on a small private beach overlooking the Pacific Sea and the entrance to the Panama Canal and is surrounded by tropical vegetation. Within a two-hour drive from Panama City, you can find 80 kilometers of Pacific beaches, stretching from Punta Chame to Farallon, all offering resort hotels, sport facilities and restaurants for your enjoyment. Punta Chame, Gorgona, Coronado, Punta Barco, San Carlos, El Palmar, Rio Mar, Santa Clara, Farallon Buenaventura are among some of the best known beaches in the area. Surfing can be practiced at many of them. El Valle: A two-hour drive from the Panama City will take you to a beautiful town high in the mountains of Panama, on the floor of the largest inhabited volcano crater in the world. Things to do: Visit "La Piedra Pintada", a testament to El Valle's preColumbian culture. Hike to the top of ‘’La India Dormida’’ (The Sleeping Indian). Visit the hot springs, "Las Pozos Termales" and the zoo, "El Nispero". Shop at El Valle's arts and crafts market where locals offer their colorful goods.

Islands Taboga: Nestled in the warm tropical waters of the Bay of Panama, only12 miles off the mainland and less than an hour's boat ride from bustling Panama City is a small island with a rich and colorful history and a humble little town. Two ferry services carry passengers to and from the island seven days a week. Contadora: Surrounded by emerald waters and golden sand beaches, Contadora, an island located in the Pearl Islands archipelago 50 miles from Panama City, can be accessed via boat or airplane. During the Spanish conquistadors’ time, legend says Contadora Island or "Counting Island" became the central point where pearls from around the region were sent to be counted, registered, and prepared for transit over the Isthmus and finally shipped to Spain. San Blas Islands The San Blas Islands are the number #1 vacation destination in Panama and probably in Central America. This is because the Islands are not yet discovered by the massive tourism industry and fully in control of the native Kuna’s. The Kuna’s protect their lands against massive tourism and keep them healthy and beautiful. San Blas This makes the San Blas Islands of Panama unique if you are searching for untouched nature and culture. You will sleep in eco-friendly accommodations made by the Guna’s Indians from natural

San Blas Islands

Caribbean Side Portobelo: Today Portobelo is located an hour from Panama City and is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Things to do: visit Fort San Fernando and San Jeronimo, The Castle of Santiago de la Gloria, The Customs House and the Church of the Black Christ. Isla Grande: Isla Grandeis located in the Colon Province just two hours by car from Panama City. On the road to Isla Grande you will pass by Portobelo. Your next and final stop is at La Guaira. Just five minutes by motor boat across the bay, you will be on Isla Grande. Things to do: snorkel, scuba dive or simply relax and enjoy the beach.

Bocas del Toro Located on the northern Caribbean coast of Panama is the magical destination of Bocas del Toro. Extending from the mainland cloud forest mountains to the tropical island chains, Bocas del Toro is considered Panama's top travel destination. The archipelago has 9 main islands, 52 cays, and thousands of islets. Home to a UNESCO World Heritage Site and Panama's first National Marine Park, Bocas del Toro has also become one of Panama's most visited eco-tourism destinations. Considered the 'Galapagos of the Caribbean' Bocas del Toro is also one of the most biologically diverse places on earth.

Bocas del Toro

Panama, Republic of Panama Tel. (507) 293-3000 Fax: (507) 266-7808