Overview
Everything you need to know before visiting Panama. From visa requirements to local customs, we've compiled the essential information to help you travel confidently and avoid common pitfalls.
Currency
US Dollar / Balboa ($)
Best SIM Provider
+Móvil
Main Ride App
Uber
Payment
Cash preferred
Visa & Entry Requirements
Visa requirements vary based on your passport country. For the most accurate information, always check with your country's embassy or the official immigration website.
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Extension info: Tourist stays of 90-180 days (varies by nationality). Extensions can be requested at the Servicio Nacional de Migración in Panama City.
Medication Restrictions
General prescription medications
Carry medications in original packaging with a doctor's note or prescription. Reasonable personal supply allowed.
Essential Apps
UberWorks well in Panama City
InDriveNegotiate your fare, popular alternative
Notes for Visitors
- Uber works with international cards and phone numbers
- Panama City's metro is modern and cheap — buy a RapidPass card
- English is widely understood in tourist areas and the Canal Zone
SIM Cards & Internet
Get a local SIM for best rates. +Móvil has the best city coverage. Tigo is good for rural areas. Data is affordable — 5GB for ~$5 USD.
- eSIM works with Airalo, Saily
- WiFi widely available in Panama City hotels and cafes
- Coverage drops significantly in Bocas del Toro and Darién
WiFi Reliability
Good in Panama City. Expect 10-30 Mbps in cafes. Beach areas and islands have slower, less reliable connections.
eSIM Options
Skip the airport SIM queue with an eSIM
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Money & Banking
Cards vs Cash
Panama uses the US Dollar (called Balboa locally, pegged 1:1). Cards widely accepted in Panama City, malls, and tourist areas. Cash essential in Casco Viejo small shops, rural areas, local buses, and markets.
ATM Tips
ATMs dispense US Dollars. Use ATMs inside banks (Banistmo, BAC, Banco General). Most ATMs max at $500 per withdrawal. Decline the conversion option if offered.
Tipping Culture
Restaurants: 10% is standard, often added to the bill. Bars: $1 per drink. Hotels: $1-2 per bag. Taxi drivers: not expected but rounding up is appreciated. Tour guides: $5-10 per person.
- The Balboa only exists as coins — all bills are US Dollars
- Balboa coins are the same size and value as US coins and both are used interchangeably
Recommended Travel Cards
Avoid foreign transaction fees with these travel-friendly cards
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Track your trip prep
Get a personalized checklist you can tick off as you go — free to set up.
Getting Around
From the Airport
Pre-paid at booths inside Tocumen airport. Fixed rates by zone.
Available from Tocumen. Use designated pickup areas.
Take the Metro Line 2 from near the airport area. Very cheap but requires connections.
Local Transport
Modern, clean, air-conditioned. Two lines covering the city. RapidPass card required.
Most convenient for tourists. Safe and reliable.
City buses. Cheap but can be confusing. RapidPass card required.
Metered taxis. Agree on fare before getting in or ensure meter is running.
Driving & Rental Cars
International Driving Permit required
Panama requires an International Driving Permit (IDP) to drive or rent a car legally. Rental agencies often won't ask — but if you're pulled over, local police may require it and fines can be significant. Also required if your license isn't in the local language or script. Costs around $20, takes about a week, and you can't get one once you've left.
Side of road
Right
Min rental age
21
Detailed road rules aren't available for Panama yet — check with your rental agency on arrival.
Renting a car in Panama
- Book early for busy seasons, and book an automatic ahead of time if you need one (manual is the default in many countries)
- Choose a "full to full" fuel policy so you only pay for the fuel you use
- Use a credit card in the driver's name, since the desk will hold a deposit on it
- Photograph or film the car at pickup, including every existing scratch
- Ask about tolls, cross-border fees and extra drivers before you sign
- Minimum rental age here is 21, and drivers under 25 often pay a young-driver fee
EconomyBookings
Compare rental car prices in Panama across hundreds of agencies — often cheaper than booking direct.
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Safety & Accessibility
For Women Travelers
- Panama City tourist areas (Casco Viejo, Costa del Este) are safe
- Avoid El Chorrillo and Curundú neighborhoods
- Use Uber at night rather than walking alone
- Beach towns like Bocas del Toro are generally safe and relaxed
LGBTQ+ Friendliness
Panama is more conservative on LGBTQ+ rights than neighboring Costa Rica. Same-sex marriage is not legal. Panama City has a small but visible LGBTQ+ scene. Discretion advised outside the capital.
- Panama City has some LGBTQ+-friendly bars and clubs in Casco Viejo
- Rural areas and smaller cities are more conservative
- Discretion advised with public displays of affection
In Partnership With
Everywhere Is Queer
Want to check out local queer businesses on your trip? Everywhere Is Queer maps queer-owned bars, cafés, restaurants, and shops so you can spend your money where it matters. Not every city is on the map yet, but coverage is growing fast — check if your destination is live.
Wheelchair Accessibility
Panama City is improving but accessibility is inconsistent. Modern malls and the metro are accessible. Casco Viejo's cobblestones and colonial buildings are challenging. Beach areas have limited infrastructure.
- Panama Metro is modern and wheelchair accessible
- Major malls (Multiplaza, Albrook Mall) are accessible
- Casco Viejo has uneven cobblestone streets
- Bocas del Toro and beach areas have very limited accessibility
Pickpocket Hotspots
- Casco Viejo at night (side streets off the main tourist path)
- Albrook Bus Terminal
- Central Avenue (Avenida Central) pedestrian zone
- Crowded local buses
Travel Insurance
Don't travel without coverage
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Scams to Watch Out For
Taxi Overcharging
Taxis without meters quoting inflated fares to tourists, especially from the airport.
Prevention: Use Uber or pre-paid airport taxi booths. If taking a taxi, agree on the fare before getting in.
Fake Tour Guides (Casco Viejo)
Unofficial 'guides' approaching tourists in Casco Viejo offering tours at high prices.
Prevention: Book tours through your hotel or reputable agencies. Ignore street solicitors.
Currency Confusion
Vendors in tourist areas occasionally try to shortchange using Balboa coins that tourists don't recognize.
Prevention: Familiarize yourself with Balboa coins — they're the same size as US coins but have different designs.
Traveler Safety Essentials
Traveler Safety Essentials
These safety tips apply everywhere you travel. Small habits can prevent the most common security problems travelers face — from phone theft to home break-ins.
Don't forget anything
Turn these tips into a trackable checklist so nothing slips through the cracks.
Weather & Climate
Panama's climate varies by region. Here's a seasonal overview to help you plan.
Dec – Feb
24-33°C (75-91°F)
Low rainfall
Driest month, ideal weather
Mar – May
24-32°C (75-90°F)
Medium rainfall
Transition to rainy season
Jun – Aug
24-31°C (75-88°F)
High rainfall
Rainy season continues
Sep – Nov
24-30°C (75-86°F)
Very High rainfall
Peak rainfall
Packing Tip
Check the specific month you're traveling for detailed packing suggestions. Weather can vary significantly by region and elevation.
BAODINI mini umbrella
Packs into a daypack and blocks both UV and sudden downpours — a travel-day staple when the forecast can't make up its mind.
Shop on AmazonSun hoodie (UPF)
Lightweight UPF layer that covers your arms and neck, so you skip reapplying sunscreen all day. Sized by fit — pick your cut.
Diveblues portable fan
Rechargeable handheld fan for hot, humid days and stuffy transit — stands hands-free when you need both hands.
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Tap Water
Tap water safety depends on where you are.
In some places the tap water is fine to drink, and in others it is not. Ask your hotel or host, and choose sealed bottled water, or water that has been filtered and treated, when you are not sure. If you stick to bottled water, use it to brush your teeth too.
A travel water filter can help, but filters differ. One that removes bacteria and parasites does not remove viruses, so for that you need a purifier, or you can boil the water. Boiling is the best way to make water safe.
Sources: CDC, food and drink considerations when traveling; CDC, water treatment while hiking, camping and traveling.
Power & Electricity
Voltage
120V
Frequency
60Hz
Plug Types
A, B
Same as US/Canada. Most modern electronics work fine.
What You May Need
- •From US/Canada/Japan: Likely need adapter and possibly converter for non-dual-voltage devices
- •From UK: Likely need adapter, voltage usually compatible
- •From Europe/Australia: Check plug type, voltage usually compatible
EPICKA 70W GaN travel adapter
3 USB-C + 2 USB-A ports with 70W GaN fast charging, so the whole family's devices charge off one plug. Not a voltage converter.
Shop on AmazonAnker power bank
A dead phone is as useless as a stolen one. Compact fast-charging backup power.
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Most modern phone chargers and laptops work with 100-240V. Check your device's power adapter for compatibility before traveling.
Language & Communication
Languages Spoken
Official Language(s)
English Proficiency
English widely spoken in Panama City, the Canal Zone, and tourist areas. Many Panamanians are bilingual due to the Canal's history. Less English in rural areas.
Essential Phrases
¡Buenas!
Hello! (informal)
BWEH-nahs
Gracias
Thank you
GRAH-see-ahs
¿Cuánto cuesta?
How much?
KWAN-toh KWES-tah
Chévere
Cool/awesome
CHEH-veh-reh
Vaina
Thing/stuff (Panamanian slang)
VAI-nah
La cuenta, por favor
The bill, please
lah KWEN-tah por fah-VOR
Dietary Options
🌱 Vegan Friendly
Panama City has a handful of vegan restaurants, mainly in Casco Viejo and El Cangrejo. Traditional Panamanian cuisine is meat-heavy. Outside the capital, vegan options are very scarce — rice, beans, and plantains are your safest bets.
🥗 Vegetarian Friendly
Vegetarian options exist at most restaurants — rice, beans, patacones (fried plantain), and salads. Specify 'sin carne' as soups and rice dishes often contain meat or chicken broth.
🌾 Gluten-Free Friendly
Traditional cuisine is naturally corn-and-rice based, so many dishes are inherently gluten-free. Wheat bread is common at meals. Say 'sin gluten' — awareness is growing in Panama City.
Traveling with a Pet
Requires standard international export certificates and localized agricultural agency validation desk check-ins.
Timeline
10-15 days before travel
Quarantine Risk
None
Regulatory Framework
Local agency signoff (ICA, SENASA, AGROCALIDAD, SAG).
Key Constraints
Requires external parasite treatment (ticks/fleas) within 10-15 days of departure. Vaccination logs must show clear serial numbers.
Pet Culture
Exploding urban nomad support. Major rental hubs packed with local pet culture, leash laws, and pet fashion.
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Cultural Tips
Panamanians are warm and friendly — greet with '¡Buenas!' (short for buenos días/tardes)
Dress code matters more than expected — Panamanians dress well even casually
The Canal is a point of immense national pride — show genuine interest
Lunch is the main meal — many businesses slow down from 12-2 PM
Air conditioning is cranked up everywhere — bring a light layer for indoors
Tipping: 10% at restaurants is standard and usually included in the bill.
Local Quirks & Fun Facts
The Panama hat is actually from Ecuador — don't make that mistake here
Ceviche in Panama is different — it's citrus-marinated seafood served as a full meal
Panamanians take their coffee seriously — try a 'café de olla' (pot coffee)
The 'diablos rojos' (red devil) retired party buses were Panama's legendary public transit
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Not bringing a light jacket — indoor AC is set to arctic temperatures
Visiting only the Canal and skipping Casco Viejo's food scene
Underestimating rainy season — heavy afternoon downpours May-November
Not carrying cash for local buses and small vendors
Assuming all of Panama is tropical beach — the highlands around Boquete are cool
Tours & Experiences
Book ahead — the best tours sell out fast.
Tours and experiences in Panama
Browse bookable tours, tickets and day trips on Viator, our tours partner.
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Gear to make your trip easier
Pack smart
4BAGAIL compression packing cubes
Six compression cubes plus vacuum bags and a hand pump, so you can squeeze bulky items down hard when mesh alone isn't enough. Sold as a bundle; every piece is also available on its own.
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Notabag packable backpack/tote
Folds into its own pocket, then opens into a backpack or tote for market runs, day trips, and overflow on the way home.
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FYY electronics organizer
Keeps chargers, cables, and adapters untangled in one place, so you're not digging through your bag at security.
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TSA toiletry containers (3oz set)
Refillable, TSA-approved bottles so you carry your own products in a carry-on without the airport surprise.
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Rest on the way
7Mavogel sleep mask
Blocks light completely for sleep on planes, in bright rooms, or across time zones — contoured so nothing presses on your eyes.
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Sea to Summit Aeros neck pillow
Inflatable, so it packs down to nothing but still holds your head up on long flights and buses.
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Twelve South AirFly SE
Pairs your own headphones with any 3.5mm jack — seatback screens, gym equipment, whatever doesn't have Bluetooth. Reusable, so you're not relying on (or wasting) a disposable pair every flight.
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Children's EarPlanes
Reduces the pressure change in a child's ears during takeoff and landing — less pain, less crying. 3-pair value pack.
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Pedialyte electrolyte powder packets
Single-serve oral rehydration packets — lightweight, no fridge needed, and often not available at your destination.
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Compression socks
Keep your legs from swelling and aching on long flights and bus rides — the cheap habit frequent flyers swear by.
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Loop Quiet earplugs
Reusable, low-profile earplugs that dull engine drone, snorers, and noisy streets so you actually rest.
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Keep it safe
9
NordPass
Keep every login and a passport photo encrypted, so losing your phone doesn't lose your accounts. Use code TRAVELREDDI for 4 months free on a paid plan.
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NordVPN
Encrypts your connection on sketchy public and hotel WiFi. Use code TRAVELREDDI for 4 months free on a paid plan.
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Apple AirTag
Slip one into a checked bag, daypack or even your wallet, then find it in Find My. For iPhone users.
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Tile tracker
The same idea for Android and iPhone. Great in luggage, a daypack, or a wallet.
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Pacsafe crossbody
Locking zippers and a slash-resistant strap. The bag I wish I'd had when mine got unclipped.
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Peak Gear money belt
A hidden belt for cash and a backup card, out of reach of pickpockets.
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Guard Dog door lock
For when you're in the room. Adds a sturdy lock to almost any hotel or rental door so no one can open it while you're inside or asleep.
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TSA locks with cable
For when you're out. Use the cable to lock your bags to each other or to a fixed piece of furniture, so they're harder to grab and more obvious if someone tries. TSA-approved, 2-pack.
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TORRAS phone lanyard
Keeps your phone on your body, much harder to snatch out of your hand.
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Weather ready
3BAODINI mini umbrella
Packs into a daypack and blocks both UV and sudden downpours — a travel-day staple when the forecast can't make up its mind.
Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no cost to you.
Diveblues portable fan
Rechargeable handheld fan for hot, humid days and stuffy transit — stands hands-free when you need both hands.
Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no cost to you.
Some links are affiliate links — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. We only recommend things we'd suggest to a friend.
Nearby destinations
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