Panama Living

Tell me about the infrastructure ...

Panama lists 103 airports, of which 42 have paved runways. Eleven international airlines service the country. In April 2004, Copa Airlines, the national airline of Panama was voted the Best Airline in Central America, Mexico and the Caribbean by Sky Trax, the English market survey company responsible for conducting the World Airline Survey, the largest of its kind. Copa operates a code share with Continental. Other popular U.S. favorites serving the country are American and Delta.

There are 18,387 miles of road, 6031 miles of it paved, and a rail system of 573 miles. The Pan American Highway links Panama’s cities with Costa Rica. Future plans are under consideration to link the country with Colombia but the impenetrable jungles of Darien present a sizable obstacle at the moment. As far as the rest of the country is concerned, even the most remote areas are accessible by paved secondary roads. Bus service is reliably good and consistent covering Panama as well as linking to other countries in Central America and Mexico.

You’ll find sophisticated telephone and internet facilities up to international standards. With close to 400,000 telephone lines, 850,000 cell phones and over 150,000 internet users, you should feel right at home. If using a satellite dish, welcome Direct TV and their huge entertainment roster. Or tune into the more than 40 local TV stations, 101 AM or 134 FM radio stations.

As well, Panama has become synonymous with world banking and off shore services. It’s almost impossible to pick up any leading financial paper, magazine or newsletter and not see something about the extensive banking, big business, and investment community largely headquartered in Panama City. Huge banking conglomerates representing over 80 countries and companies offer full services -- there are no “brass plate” operations here, meaning a nailed up name outside a single door leading to a one room office. Bank with confidence at Chase Manhattan, HSBC, Republic, Scotiabank, Dresdner, and the like.

Well known American companies like Price Smart/Costco, Federal Express, DHL; Marriott, Holiday Inn and Sheraton hotels; Continental, American and Delta airlines; Warranty Company of the Americas and Hutchinson Whampoa all operate here. You’ll find branches of MacDonalds, KFC, Pizza Hut, Dominos, TGIF and Dunkin Donuts -- even Nautica and Liz Claiborne.

The latest magazines, books, newspapers (flown in from Florida) and videos can be purchased in Panama City. Throughout the country you’ll find theaters featuring Spanish language productions, ballets, concerts, festivals, even late run movies usually with subtitles. You’ll find 15 museums ranging from the comprehensive Panama History Museum in Panama City to smaller, but interesting, collections in the outlying areas. Even gambling is legal here in government operated casinos where you’ll owe no tax on your winnings.

Supermarkets and shopping malls carrying name brands are a common sight in the larger metropolitan areas. The most extensive selection of international restaurants is found in Panama City where you can spend the night in 4 or 5 star establishments should you wish. Venture into the countryside and you’ll find malls and markets on a smaller scale along with resorts, intimate hotels, lodges and B & Bs.