Quick facts about Bocas de Toro

Currency- Balboa (B/) is equal to the U.S. dollar, which is also a legal currency. There are only balboa coins, which are equal in size and value to the American dollar.

Climate- Average of 82 grades Fahrenheit. The rainy season is from May to August and November to January. The dry season is February/March and September/October.

Language- The official language is Spanish, but English is widely spoken in Bocas del Toro. Many Afro Caribbeans also speak guariguari (an authentic mixture of Jamaican patois and ngobe, the language of the ngobe Indians). The ngobe usually speak Spanish.

Migration requirements- All foreign visitors must have a valid passport and visa to enter Panama.

Money matters- Bring cash! There is only one bank in Bocas del Toro City, a branch of National Bank of Panama with limited operating hours. Some stores and restaurants do not accept credit cards and travelers check can only be cashed at the bank. There are a couple of ATM machines.

Store hours- Most of the stores close for lunch and open again at 3 p.m. Restaurants serve dinner only until 10 p.m.

Tourism Visitor Center- The ATP office (Panamanian Tourist Board) is at 3rd street, besides the Police station. Phone/fax: 757-9642. They can provide the visitors with much helpful information about Bocas del Toro.

Water- In most places in Bocas del Toro the water is not safe to drink. Always carry bottled water to be on the safe side.

Must bring- Like any beach getaway, sunscreen and mosquito repellant are a must.

Bocas del Toro is an interesting ethnic melting pot. There are Ngobe Indian communities, Afro Caribbean descendants and recent immigrants from the United States, Canada and Europe.

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