Bocas Information Sheet for November 29th, 2008

The latest information from Radio Chiriqui and local/Federal Government agencies:

Land Access to Bocas:

Almirante/David: The Coastal Highway between Almirante/Changuinola and David/Panama City is now OPEN to all vehicles, except tractor trailers! There is one lane in some areas. Buses and some tractor trailers are coming from David to Changuinola, but they must stop and off load in certain areas, then re-load on another bus or truck past the slide.

Changuinola: The Sixaola Bridge is OPEN at this time (border bridge between Costa Rica and Panama). Caution: some roads in Costa Rica near the border may NOT be passable due to flooding. The roads are open between Puerto Viejo and San Jose. Utilities in Changuinola were restored and they are providing tanker trucks of water to outlying towns. I would strongly recommend not going there!

Water taxis:

Due to the lack of fuel some companies are Closed and others have limited service.

"Bocas Marine & Tours" 757-9033 Open, but no scheduled runs.
"Taxi 25" 757-9028 Running to Almirante only when full.
"Jampam" 757-9619 Closed


Internet and Phone Service:

All Internet and cellular services are now working.

Banks and ATM's:

There is one bank on the island which is Banco Nacional. It is located on the road to the airport at the corner of Calle 4 and Ave. E. The bank is open Monday through Friday from 8 AM until 12 noon until further notice, and Saturdays 9-12. This Monday (Dec. 1st) is a holiday and it will be closed. This bank has an ATM outside, which is currently working (as long as the Internet is working). There is another ATM located near the Police Station/Jail on Calle Primera (First Street).

Airlines:

Is restored and are flying (pending weather conditions) to both Bocas and Changuinola. AeroPerlas 757-9341 and Air Panama 757-9842.

*Note: we cannot verify the information given here and cannot be held responsible for this information's validity. This was simply meant as a Public Service to provide information.