Time zones

[Ryancoke]

There was a trivia game on the cruise through the Canal last winter and one question was 'What time zone are we in?' I figured GMT-5 but had no idea what they called it there. The 'correct' answer was Eastern Time Zone. But I can't believe people in Panama ( I think that's where we were at the time) would have said Eastern Time. Why would they? Does someone in western Peru say they're in the eastern time zone? How do people in those countries describe their time zone?

[chrysalis]

Usually in Spanish:D

[Off2China]

Interesting question! Eastern Standard Time??

 

http://www.timeanddate.com/worldclock/city.html?n=192

 

Yes, Chrysalis, usually in Spanish--LOL! Tiempo del este according to Google translate (perhaps someone who actually speaks Spanish could help out here!)

[cherylandtk]

Yep they call it Tiempo del Este, also abbreviated ET. Since they do not use daylight saving time there is no need for an S or D designation.

 

Lots more info on Time Zone names here

http://www.timeanddate.com/library/abbreviations/timezones/ca/est.html

[biker1972]

There are numerous reasons to have uniform names for time zones. The amount of business that is conducted through cities such as NY, LA, Rio, or BA by residents of NA an SA make it necessary. Just as the railroads made uniform time, rather than sun time, necessary to write schedules, time zones and names had to be developed. And then there is the Newfoundland time zone :confused:.