SALURBAL-Climate Team Meeting
Panama City, Panama
May 12-14, 2026
May 12-14, 2026
Panama’s official currency is the Balboa. The rate of exchange for the balboa has always been tied to the US dollar—one dollar equals one balboa. Panama does not, however, print its own paper currency and instead uses the US dollar as legal tender. Panamanian coins come in 1, 5, 10, 25, and 50-cent pieces. They are the same size, color, and weight as U.S. coins and both are used frequently.
While shopping or eating out, you may see prices with either a “$” or a “B/” before them, corresponding to the dollars or balboas. They mean the same thing and have the same value.
Electrical Current: Electricity in Panama 120 V and 60 Hz. You can use Type A plugs (two flat pins) and Type B plugs (three pins)
The SALURBAL-Climate meeting will be held at the Hotel Marriott Panama, located in Albrook Mall. The hotel is 30 minutes away from Tocumen Airport.
📍Albrook Mall, Av. Roosevelt, Panama City, Panamá Province, Panamá
Its location provides direct access to the Gran Terminal Nacional de Transporte (National Transportation Terminal) and offers city views. Indoors at the hotel, usually use air conditioning, please bring a jacket or sweater as it can get cold in the meeting rooms.
Check-in: 3:00 p.m.
Check-out: 12:00 p.m.
To enter Panama, individuals must take the following into account:
Passport: You must hold a valid passport with at least six months of validity remaining from your date of entry into the country.
Visa: According to the Panama Embassy website, SALURBAL Countries do not require a visa, but for more information, you can visit: https://www.embassyofpanama.org/visas
Passport: Valid for at least 3 months from the date of entry.
Proof of Funds: At least $500 USD in cash, bank statements, or credit cards.
Return Ticket: Proof of onward travel (booked flight out of the country) is mandatory.
Visa-Free Duration: 180 days for U.S./Canada citizens; 90 days for many others.
Verify with your airline if a yellow fever vaccination is required, especially for those traveling from Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, and Peru. Travelers from the United States do not need the yellow fever vaccine, though malaria prophylaxis would be necessary when traveling outside Panama City.
There is a fleet of white taxis specialized in tourism, known as the Special Tourism Service (Servicio Especial de Turismo [SET]), with standardized rates and services. They are usually parked at Tocumen Airport and near large hotels and some of them accept either cash or credit cards. Uber is also safe and available to use in the country.
Public Transit (MiBus) is available, but please note that locals have reported safety concerns, and therefore, we recommend specialized taxis or ubers.
In conference rooms and open areas, participants will have access to a wireless internet connection (Wi-Fi); the network name and password will be shared during participant registration. It is recommended to check roaming rates with your provider or install an eSIM to ensure internet access outside of the hotel facilities.
During the SALURBAL meeting, (May 12 - 14) both breakfast and lunch will be at the hotel - Canal Bistro, located in the hotel lobby. This is already included in your room rate. For dinner, you can check the hotel or visit any of the great restaurants that Panama has to offer. Panama is a destination where culture and gastronomy are experienced with intensity. If you would like to check a suggestion of the best culinary destinations, use this map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/4vF9Q2pwa8g2PHNJ7
Panama is a tropical country with two seasons: Dry and Rainy. The dry season lasts from mid-December through mid-April. The rainy season generally lasts from mid-April to mid-December.
During the rainy season, it is typical for rain to come in heavy bursts in the afternoon or early evening, often leaving the morning and night clear. The temperature typically ranges between 24°C and 34°C, with humidity levels between 55% and 75%.
It is recommended to check the weather forecast before arriving to ensure you pack appropriate clothing for the occasion.
Also, considering that the majority of indoor places use air conditioning, so pack a jacket or a sweater.
Quick tip: Since Panama is quite tropical, even in the "dry season," a sudden light shower isn't impossible—and that humidity can make the 34°C feel a lot hotter than it looks on paper! Packing breathable fabrics is the way to go.
To ensure a safe and seamless Panamanian adventure, prioritize personal security by leaving valuables at home, avoiding the Diablos Rojos buses, and sticking to registered taxis or uber. If you are going to do additional tourism referred to established tour companies.
By staying aware of your surroundings, mapping out safe neighborhoods, and packing a basic first aid kit, you can mitigate risks and confidently immerse yourself in the unique beauty and culture that Panama has to offer.
Here are the top places to visit in Panama City:
Panama Canal & Miraflores Visitor Center: Witness large ships traversing the locks, with an informative movie and museum detailing its history.
Casco Viejo (Casco Antiguo): The historic, colorful, and lively old town featuring plazas, restaurants, rooftop bars, and museums.
Amador Causeway: A scenic walkway linking four islands, offering panoramic views of the city skyline and the canal, ideal for biking and dining.
Biomuseo: Located on the Amador Causeway, this colorful museum designed by Frank Gehry explains the biodiversity impact of Panama's land bridge.
Ancon Hill: A hill offering panoramic views of the city and the Panama Canal, popular for hiking.
Metropolitan Natural Park: A large nature park within the city limits perfect for hiking and spotting wildlife like sloths and monkeys.
Gamboa Sloth Sanctuary & Rainforest: A short trip from the city to see rescued sloths, a butterfly garden, and experience nature.
Albrook Mall: One of the largest shopping malls in Latin America, perfect for shopping and dining For further information you can visit: https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attractions-g294480-Activities-Panama_City_Panama_Province.html or https://www.tourismpanama.com/