Where is Latin America and the Caribbean Climate Week 2023 located?
The Latin America and the Caribbean Climate Week 2023 is located in Panama City, Panama at the Marriot Panama Hotel at the Albrook Mall. The venue address is: Albrook Mall, Avenida Roosevelt, Panama City, Panama
 

Where should I stay?
It is ultimately up to the participants where they choose to stay. LACCW 2023 participants are encouraged to limit their activities to areas in and around the Albrook Mall venue, your hotel and Panama City Old Town - Casco Viejo, Cinta Costera and Amador. We recommend inquiring at your hotel if you plan to travel outside these areas.

How do I register to attend? 
Registration is now closed. 
 

Is there cost to attend LACCW 2023? 
Registration to the event is free of charge, with each participant responsible for arrangements and related costs, including flight, visa, food and accommodation. 
 

Can I participate virtually? 
The Opening Ceremony, Closing Ceremony, high-level events and thematic track events at Latin America and the Caribbean Climate Week 2023 will be streamed live on YouTube. Please also follow #ClimateWeekLAC and #SemanadelClimaALC on social media to be a part of the conversation. 

Does the UNFCCC provide certificates of participation? 
The UNFCCC does not provide certificates of participation. Participants are welcome to keep their badges as proof of attendance.  
 

How do I travel to Panama City, Panama? 
All flights land at Tocumen International Airport (PTY), the main airport serving Panama City.

• Many airlines operate flights to PTY from major cities in Central America, such as San Jose, Costa Rica; San Salvador, El Salvador; Guatemala City, Guatemala; and others.
• Tocumen International Airport (PTY) is well-connected with major cities in North America, South America, Europe, and other parts of the world. It is advisable to check with airlines for direct flights to PTY from the departure location.
• Alternatively, there are connections through major hubs like Miami, Houston, or Bogota, depending on the departure point.
   

What is the best way to travel around the city of Panama City? 

• Metro – The Metro is affordable, safe and easy to use. Participants can pay directly with a credit card with no need to buy a ticket.
• Uber – Uber is frequent and affordable. You can download the Uber app and attach your payment method to begin using the service. Please note that foreign transaction fees may apply based on your payment method.  
• Rental car – There are several car rental companies operating in Panama City, and having a car can be useful to explore areas outside the city or have specific transportation needs.
   

How do I get to the venue? 
Depending on the location of your hotel, you can take the Metro, a taxi or Uber to the venue. 
 

Do I need a visa to visit Panama? 
Most nationalities do not need a visa to enter Panama. All visitors entering the Republic of Panama must have a passport valid for at least 6 months. The Republic of Panama does not have online visa procedures.

• Nationals of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, Cuba, Haiti, Suriname and the Dominican Republic require a tourist visa and must complete the procedures at the Panamanian embassies accredited in those countries. *(except for nationals of Suriname, who must apply at the Panamanian embassies in Venezuela or Trinidad and Tobago).
• According to the migratory classification, there is a possible visa exemption for nationals of these countries in case they have a valid visa or residence, duly issued by: Australia; Canada; any State of the European Union; Japan; Republic of Korea; Singapore; the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland; or United States of America.
  • You may enter Panama, as a tourist, without an entry visa, if the visa for these countries:
    • Has been granted for multiple entries and exits;
    • Has been used at least once to enter the issuing country; and,
    • Has a minimum validity of six (6) months at the moment of entering Panamanian territory.
       

Can the UNFCCC help me with my visa?  
Unfortunately, the UNFCCC is not able to support visa applications. Participants are responsible for obtaining their own visas for travel to Panama.  
 

Participants are responsible for complying with any travel measures stipulated by the country of departure and arrival, and the respective airline. 

From the United Nations Medical Directors (UNMD): 

Panama has reported past or current Zika virus transmission. We do not have accurate information on the current level of risk. There may be delays in detection and reporting of new outbreaks. Because Zika is a cause of severe birth defects, CDC recommends pregnant women and couples trying to become pregnant within the next 3 months work with their health care providers to carefully consider the risks and possible consequences of travel to areas with risk of Zika.

What is the currency in Panama? 
The national currency of Panama is the balboa; however, the American dollar is of common distribution and equivalent value. The balboa is divided into 100 centesimos. The current exchange rates are approximately: 

• 1 balboa = 0,92 euros 
• 1 US Dollar = 1,12 euros 
   

Do I need to carry cash, or can I pay with a card at restaurants, in taxis, etc.?  
Cash and credit card are widely accepted forms of payment in Panama City. However, it's always a good idea to carry some cash with you for situations where card payments may not be possible. It is common to see prices listed in both balboas and U.S. dollars, but most transactions are conducted in U.S. dollars. It's advisable to have a mix of small denominations in both balboas and U.S. dollars when carrying cash for convenience and flexibility.
 

Do I tip in Panama City? 
Tipping customs in Panama City are similar to those in many other countries.

• Tipping is not mandatory, it is generally appreciated for good service in restaurants, bars, and for other service providers, around 10% to 15%.
• Tipping is discretionary, and its amount can vary based on satisfaction with the service provided.
• Please note that some higher-end establishments may include a service charge in the bill, so it's a good idea to check if a service charge has already been added before tipping additionally.
   

Do I need a SIM card? 
There will likely be free Wifi available in hotels and other venues. However, for necessities such as taxi travel and translation, you will need to buy a SIM Card to use data. These can be bought at mobile provider stores, convenience stores, online or at international airports, which may be more expensive. Recommended SIM cards are from:

• Claro
• Digicel
• +movil
• Airalo

What is the telephone country code? 
The telephone country code for Panama is +507.
 

Will there be WiFi at the venue? 
Yes, free WiFi will be provided at the venue. 

What languages are spoken in Panama?
The official language of Panama is Spanish. English is also widely spoken.

What’s the weather like in Panama City?  
During May to November is the rainy season in Panama City, characterized by more frequent rainfall, often in the form of afternoon or evening showers.

• The temperatures remain warm, ranging from approximately 23°C (73°F) to 31°C (88°F).
• The humidity levels are higher during this time, making it feel hotter.
• Since Panama City is in a tropical region, it is preferable to pack lightweight, breathable clothing, sunscreen, a hat, and an umbrella or rain jacket to stay comfortable in Panama City's tropical climate.
   

What is the timezone in Panama?  
Panama operates on Eastern Standard Time (EST) throughout the year.

• Please note that Panama does not observe Daylight Saving Time (DST), so the time remains the same throughout the year. Therefore, the standard time in Panama is the same as Eastern Standard Time (UTC-5) when DST is not in effect.
• It's always a good idea to double-check the current time difference between your location and Panama City, as some regions may observe DST while others do not.
   

Will I need a travel adaptor? 
In Panama, the standard plug type used is Type A and Type B. The plugs have two flat parallel pins or two flat pins with a grounding pin (Type B). The standard voltage is 120 V, and the frequency is 60 Hz.
 

What electrical equipment can I use in Panama?  
In Panama, the electrical system operates at a standard voltage of 120 volts and a frequency of 60 Hz.

• If your electrical equipment is designed to be compatible with these specifications, you can use it in Panama without any issues.
• Please note that the plug type used in Panama is Type A and Type B, which consists of two flat parallel pins or two flat pins with a grounding pin. If your device has a different plug type, you will need a travel adaptor to plug it into the outlets in Panama.
   

What do I do in case of an emergency? 
In case of an emergency, Panama City uses the universal emergency number 911 (police, fire service, ambulances, etc). It is important to provide clear and concise information to the operator about the nature of the emergency and your location to ensure a prompt response from the appropriate authorities.
 

I’m feeling ill, but it’s not an emergency. What should I do? 
Make sure your health insurance plan provides overseas coverage and visit a local doctor or hospital for medical advice.
  

I’d like to report something that happened at the venue, what should I do? 
In case of an emergency, please dial 911. For non-emergency inquiries, please contact the event organizers or email Climate-Week@unfccc.int