Nice to Know Stuff

Climate: Panama's climate is pleasantly tropical, and temperatures are practically uniform the year around, from 73 to 83 degrees fahrenheit in costal areas. Nights are generally cool. In the highlands, temperatures range from 52 to 65 degrees fahrenheit. There are two seasons - rainy and dry. The rainy season begins in April and ends in December. During the rainy season you can expect a shower about once a day with an occasional all day rain. Panama averages 65 inches of rain annually in the Pacific area and 120 inches on the Atlantic side of the isthmus. During the dry season the trade winds blow steadily.

Wild Life: With over 900 species of birds, more species of mammals and amphibians than any other Central American country, over 10,000 species of plants and more than 1,350 species of endemic plants and animals, Panama has one of the richest tropical environments on earth. It's landmass encompasses a dozen life zones including two of the largest tracts of primary forest standing in Central America. Nearly 14.5% of the total land mass is protected by the Institute of Natural Resources in 26 separate reserves and refuges.

Language: The official language is Spanish. In the principal cities, many people also speak or understand English. Minority groups speak Italian, French, German, Chinese and Hindustani.

Currency: Panama's monetary unit is called the Balboa and is equal to our dollar. In fact American paper bills are used. One dollar is referred to a Balboa. Coins are identical in shape, size, weight and value to ours but are printed with a bust of Balboa and the penny with a bust of Urac�, a legendary Indian folk hero. American and Panamanian money is completely interchangeable with American Money.

Water: Panama's water is the purest in the world and in the major cities it can be drunk from the tap. Sanitation standards in restaurants are also high. Milk is pasturized.

Medical Services: Medical services are excellent and include some renowned specialists. Many doctors are internationally trained and most speak English.

Entry Regulations: Depending on your citizenship, you must have a valid passport with either a visa or tourist card. If entitled to a tourist card, your airline or the consul can supply you one at a cost of $5.00.

Credit Cards: Major credit cards are accepted throughout Panama City.

Tipping: 10 - 15% - Porters and bell boys receive $1 per bag. Guides should be tipped at your discretion.

Telephones, cable, and internet service: Excellent international telephone and internet service. Most hotels have cable TV with U.S. news programing and movie channels..

Time: Eastern Standard (Central Standard during our daylight savings time)

How to make your reservation

1. Read the Panama Jones Terms and Conditions

2. Contact us if you have Questions.

3. Provide us with:

• Your credit card type, number, and expiration date Billing address on the credit card
  

• Telephone number
  

• Traveler's full names
  

• Emergency contact name and telephone number
  

• Your flight information
  

• A signed terms and conditions form must be received by Panama Jones before any reservations are confirmed.
  

What to take

• Comfortable walking or hiking shoes
  

• Sandals
  

• Aqua Shoes
  

• Cap or hat
  

• Sun Screen 
  

• Camera
  

• Water proof camera bag
  

• Back pack or fanny pack
  

• Current passport
  

• Swimming suit
  

• Short sleeve shirts
  

• Shorts
  

• Casual dress for evenings out
  

• A positive attitude and a smile
  

Read Panama Jones

TERMS AND CONDITIONS

RESERVATIONS AND PAYMENTS - A deposit of $250 per person is required at a time of booking and a final payment is due 45 days prior to your arrival in Panama. If you register less than 45 days prior to departure, then full payment is due upon registration. A 50% deposit is required for *custom or group tours requiring special transportation charters, hotel accommodations in high season, tours requiring special logistical arrangements, or tours which include Tranquilo Bay. Balance is due on all tours 45 days prior to arrival in Panama.

*CUSTOM TOUR PACKAGES are defined as any tour package that is NOT advertised in any of our printed or World Wide Web advertising. Custom tour packages are priced differently and may be priced higher depending on the client's wishes and availability of guides.

All reservations will be automatically cancelled; if deposits and / or full payment are not received as per our policies, and this signed terms and conditions form has not been received by Panama Jones before your intended arrival date in Panama.

RUSH BOOKINGS - Bookings made 45 days or less prior to departure date are considered rush bookings. There is a minimum charge of $50.00 for the special handling these bookings require. In addition, special mailing charges may apply.

CANCELLATIONS AND CHANGES - Refunds are not granted for occasionally missed sightseeing tours or meals, and refunds will not be made for any unused portion of the tour package covering land arrangements after commencement of travel. For cancellation by traveler, for any reason what-so-ever, cancellation notice must be in writing and will become effective only when received by Panama Jones, Inc. Itinerary changes made, at travelers request, 20 days or less prior to the arrival date in Panama will be subject to a fee of $100 plus any additional costs involved in the change. NO ITINERARY CHANGES WILL BE ALLOWED AFTER CLIENT'S ARRIVAL IN PANAMA.

REFUNDS - Absolutely no refund request will be accepted over the phone, All refund requests must be submitted to Panama Jones, Inc. in writing. In the event of cancellation by Panama Jones, Inc. payments received from travelers will be refunded promptly. We will not be responsible for other expenses incurred for trip preparations such as non refundable airline tickets. For cancellation by traveler, for any reason what-so-ever, cancellation notice must be in writing and will become effective only when received by Panama Jones, Inc.

Refunds will be made upon receipt of written notice and the following refunds will apply:

60 days or more to tour date - Full refund minus a $100 fee will be made for cancellations received 60 days or more prior to departure but are subject to all charges imposed by airlines, hotels, Panamanian ground operators and suppliers.

45 days - 59 days to tour date - 50% of tour price

25 - 44 days to tour date - 25% of tour price

0 - 24 days to tour date - 0% of tour price

NOT INCLUDED IN TOUR PRICE - The following are not included in the tour: Airfare, passports, visas, tourist cards, vaccinations, baggage handling, tips, laundry cost, alcoholic beverages, meals not specified in the itineraries, excess baggage charges, personal and baggage insurance, health insurance, end of tour gratuity to tour escort, Panamanian airport tax ($20), services not included in the tour programs, and other items of a personal nature.

CONDITIONS - Panama Jones, Inc., 104 O'Neal Blvd, Clarita, OK 74535 is a tour operator and wholesaler providing tours exclusively to Panama. We make arrangements with hotels, airlines, and other independent parties to provide you with the tour services you purchased. The parties are independent over whom Panama Jones, Inc. has no direct control. Panama Jones, Inc. is not responsible for any losses, claims, delays, or loss of baggage, cost or expenses arising out of injury, accident or death, or any other property; or inconvenience, delays, upset, loss of enjoyment, frustration, disappointment, distress, abnormal conditions or developments, or any other actions, omissions or causes outside the control of Panama Jones, Inc. or travel agents, whether physical or mental resulting from:(1) The act or omission of any party other than Panama Jones, Inc. or its employees; (2) National disaster, whether government action, mechanical break-down, or other factors beyond our control; (3) Your failure to obtain necessary documents, passports, visas, health certificates valid through date of re-entry, when required, in which case you will be assessed cancellation charges; (4) Your failure to follow instructions including but not limited to check-in /check-out times and baggage handling; (5) Your cancellation or change, for any reason, in the travel service offered; (6) Your medical or mental, health problems or physical disabilities, Panama Jones, Inc. reserves the right to cancel or alter the travel services at its discretion except as otherwise noted herein. In the event of cancellation by Panama Jones, Inc., Panama Jones, Inc. shall refund all funds paid to us. No agent, employee or representative of Panama Jones, Inc. has the authority to alter, waive or modify any of the provisions herein. Any dispute with Panama Jones, Inc. will be settled in the State of Oklahoma.

TRAVEL CANCELLATION INSURANCE - Panama Jones, Inc. strictly adheres to cancellation and change policy. We highly recommend that you purchase trip cancellation insurance to cover any unforeseen circumstances that may arise which would prohibit you from participating in your scheduled tour or any portion of your scheduled tour.

Since

1992

Every Traveler

  gets a

Personal Guide

Travel Information