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Capital: Panama City

Population: 3,292,693 as of July 2008*

Official Language: Spanish

Currency: Balboa (B/.) (U.S. Dollar in use as Legal Tender since 1904)

Gov. Type: Constitutional Democracy

Republic of Panama

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PERSONAL INTRODUCTIONS

Panama City

Situated along the Pacific Coast,

Panama City is modern and

resembles Miami in many ways.

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Business Attire

Conservative Style Casual Style

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1 Jan New Year's Day

9 Jan* National Martyrs' Day

February: Carnivals ( 5 days in February

scheduled 1 year prior).

21 Mar Good Friday

1 May Labor Day

15 Aug Old Panama City Day ( Observed in

Panama City only)2 Nov Difuntos Day

3 Nov Independence Day from Colombia

4 Nov Flag Day

5 Nov Independence Day ( Observed in

Coln City only)

10 Nov First Call for Independence fromSpain in Los Santos Province

28 Nov* Independence Day from Spain

8 Dec Mothers' Day

25 Dec Christmas Day

Panamas Holidays

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Greetings and Business Cards Exchange

-Business cards in Spanish or English

- Exchange cards when introduced.

-Handshakes both Men and Women.

-When seating, stand up when introducedto someone.

-Senior officials and the elderly are given

preferential treatment.

-Address by Title and last name. (e.g.

Licenciado Perez, Seora Garcia)

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Business Card Example

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Business Meeting Seating

Counter Party

Other Party

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Communication Style

-Conversations begin with small talks.

-Avoid embarrassment, dont disagree or criticize in public.

-Personal relationships are everything.

-Group oriented society.

-American gestures and insults widely understood.

-Nicknames are commonly used

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- Punctuality not often practiced by Panamanians.- Visitors are expected to be on time for meetings.

Business hours

Monday thru Friday From 8:00 am to 6:00 pm

Retail shops from 9:00 am to 7:00 pm and on Saturdays until

8:00 pm

Most business are closed Sundays

Banking hours

Monday thru Friday except Holidays from 8:00 am to 3:00 pm

Government hours

Monday thru Friday except Holidays from

8:00 am to Noon and 12:30pm to 4:30 pm

Lunch times

Usually range between 11:30 am to 1:30pm

Punctuality & Hours

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Dining

Entertainment

-Usually at the best Restaurants or Hotels.

-Invite your spouse.

-Good conversation topics: Sports, family,cultural local events.

-Avoid talking about the Panama Canal

Zone occupation by The United States.

-Be ready to accept invitations to local venues.

Panamanians like to Party!

- Drinking in social setting is OK.

-Smoking prohibited in government buildings

and all public establishments.

- Dress should be casual, avoid heavy jewelry.

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Food and Drinks

Typical Panamanian Food International Food

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Useful InformationCLIMATECLIMATE

Tropical climate. Humidity is veryTropical climate. Humidity is very

high. Rains a lot so, Dont forgethigh. Rains a lot so, Dont forget

your umbrella!your umbrella!

COMMUNICATIONSCOMMUNICATIONS

Telecommunications are first-classTelecommunications are first-class

and direct-dial service to anywhereand direct-dial service to anywhere

in the world is available.in the world is available.

\ENTRYREQUIREMENTS

A valid passport is needed to enter.A valid passport is needed to enter.

DEPARTURE TAX

A US$20 departure tax is charged

TIMEZONE

Panama is in the Eastern time zone.Panama is in the Eastern time zone.

Does not observe daylight savings time.Does not observe daylight savings time.

TIPPINGTIPPING

A tip of 10 to 15% is common in Panama.A tip of 10 to 15% is common in Panama.Some restaurants include the tip in the bill so check with management before tippingSome restaurants include the tip in the bill so check with management before tipping..

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Gatun Locks,

Colon, Pana

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Mira Flores Locks,

Panama City

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Panama City

Presented by:

Maria E. Lugo De Frias