Do I need a visa to visit Panama?

Citizens of the US, Canada, UK, EU, Australia, and many other countries do not need a visa for stays up to 180 days. A valid passport is required.

Is the Panama Canal worth visiting?

Absolutely. The Miraflores Visitor Center offers the best view of ships transiting the locks, with informative museums and a documentary film. The new Agua Clara Visitor Center near Colon shows the expanded locks.

What is the local currency and can I use US dollars?

The official currency is the Panamanian Balboa (PAB), but it is pegged 1:1 to the US Dollar (USD). US dollars are used interchangeably everywhere, and coins are identical in size and value.

Is Panama City expensive?

It can be moderate to expensive, similar to many US cities. Luxury hotels, fine dining, and tours add up, but budget options exist in hostels, local eateries (fondas), and public transport.

Are the Pearl Islands easy to visit?

Yes. Ferries from the Amador Causeway take about 1.5-2 hours to Contadora Island. Day trips and overnight stays are popular. Flights from Albrook Airport are faster but more expensive.

Many nationalities (US, EU, Canada) get 90-180 days visa-free. Check with your embassy.

What currency is used?

The US dollar (USD) is the official currency; Panama does not print its own paper money.

Is tap water safe to drink?

In Panama City, yes. Elsewhere, stick to bottled water.

What language is spoken?

Spanish is official, but English is widely spoken in tourist areas.

Do I need a yellow fever vaccine?

Recommended if traveling from a country with yellow fever, but not required for entry.

What is the best way to see the Panama Canal?

Visit the Miraflores Visitor Center for observation decks and a museum, or take a partial transit tour.

Can I use my credit card?

Yes, widely accepted in cities. Carry cash for small vendors and taxis.

Lightweight clothing, rain jacket (May-Nov), sunscreen, insect repellent, and comfortable walking shoes.

Are there any cultural taboos?

Avoid discussing the Panama Canal's history or politics with locals. Dress modestly in churches.

Is it safe to travel alone?

Yes, but stay alert in crowded areas and avoid walking alone at night in unfamiliar neighborhoods.

What is the tipping etiquette?

10-15% in restaurants; $1-2 per bag for porters; small change for guides.

Panamá

ProvincePanama, North America

Panamá is a STATE in Panama, North America.

Panamá Province is the vibrant heart of Panama, where modern sophistication meets rich history and natural wonders. This dynamic region is home to Panama City, a glittering metropolis with a stunning skyline juxtaposed against the colonial charm of Casco Viejo, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Travelers can marvel at the engineering masterpiece of the Panama Canal, watching massive ships navigate the Miraflores Locks. Just minutes from the city, the Metropolitan Natural Park offers tropical forest hiking with incredible wildlife viewing. The province stretches along the Pacific coast to the Pearl Islands archipelago, where pristine beaches like Contadora and Saboga provide idyllic escapes. Explore the historic ruins of Panama Viejo, the original 16th-century settlement, or venture to the lush rainforests of the Chagres National Park, home to Emberá indigenous communities. From cosmopolitan dining and nightlife to ecological adventures and cultural immersion, Panamá Province delivers an unforgettable Central American experience where urban energy and natural beauty coexist seamlessly.

Best time to visit Panamá

Mid-December to April (dry season) offers sunny days with minimal rainfall, ideal for city exploration and beach trips. This is peak tourist season. May to November (wet season) has daily afternoon showers but lush landscapes, fewer crowds, and lower prices. Major festivals include Carnival (February/March, vibrant pre-Lenten celebrations) and Panama's Independence Day (November 3-4, parades and festivities).

October

Now

Typical for October

Weather: Warm 26-32°C, rainy

Travel notes

Crowds: Low
Prices: Low

Rainiest month

Know before you go

Getting there

PTY

Tocumen International Airport

International

24 km away

PAC

Panamá Pacífico International Airport

International

15 km away

BLB

Panamá Pacífico Airport (former Howard)

Domestic

15 km away

Getting around

"Panama City has a Metro system (Lines 1 and 2) that's efficient and clean. Public buses (Metrobus) require a rechargeable card. Taxis are plentiful but often don't use meters; negotiate fares beforehand or use ride-hailing apps like Uber and InDriver, which are widely available and recommended. Car rentals are available at the airport and in the city, but driving in Panama City can be chaotic with heavy traffic. For trips to the Pearl Islands, take ferries from the Amador Causeway or flights from Albrook Airport. Local tours are excellent for visiting the Canal and rainforest areas."

Stay connected

WiFi speed

25 Mbps

Mobile data

Excellent

WiFi

Widely available in cities and hotels

Local SIM

Local SIM available at airport from $5

Calling code

+507

Stay safe

Overall

7/10

Petty crime is the main concern; violent crime is low in tourist areas.

Night safety

6/10

Petty crime is the main concern; violent crime is low in tourist areas.

Transport

8/10

Scam risk

6/10

"Panama City is relatively safe, but exercise normal precautions against petty theft, especially in crowded areas, buses, and markets. Casco Viejo is generally safe during the day but be cautious at night in less populated areas. Avoid the neighborhoods of El Chorrillo, Curundú, and parts of San Miguelito. Common scams include taxi overcharging (use Uber or ensure meters are used), fake police officers asking for documents/money (always ask for identification), and distraction thefts. Keep valuables secure and avoid displaying expensive jewelry or electronics. When visiting beaches, never leave belongings unattended."

Police

104

Ambulance

911

Fire

103

Tourist Police

511-9260

Entry and health

Health information

"Medical facilities in Panama City are generally good, with private hospitals like Hospital Punta Pacífica (affiliated with Johns Hopkins) offering high-quality care. Public hospitals have limited resources. Travelers should ensure they have comprehensive travel health insurance. Recommended vaccinations include Hepatitis A, Typhoid, and routine vaccines. Zika, dengue, and chikungunya are present; use insect repellent. Tap water in Panama City is generally safe to drink, but bottled water is recommended elsewhere. Altitude sickness is not a concern in this province."

Culture

Local customs

"Panamanians are generally warm and polite. Greetings are important; use \"buenos días/tardes/noches\" and handshakes. In formal settings or when meeting elders, use titles like \"Señor\" or \"Señora.\" Dress is casual but modest; beachwear is for beaches only. When visiting churches or indigenous communities, cover shoulders and knees. Tipping is customary: 10% in restaurants if service isn't included, $1-2 for bellhops, and small change for taxi drivers (though not expected). Bargaining is common in markets but not in stores. Respect local pace—things may move slower than expected (\"hora panameña\")."

SpanishEnglish

Costs and practicals

Currency

Panamanian Balboa (PAB) · B/.

Cost level

Mid-range

Meals

$5-10 | a cheap local meal costs around $5-10

Hotels

$40-80 | budget hotels range $40-80/night

Local transport

$0.35-1 | local bus ride ~$0.35-1

Cost notes

Uber and taxis are affordable; fine dining and luxury hotels can be expensive.

Timezone

America/Panama -05:00 (GMT)

More facts

Population

1,800,000

Area

11,500 km²

Government

Provincial government headed by a Governor appointed by the President

ISO code

PA-08

Type

Province

Frequently Asked Questions

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Major HubBeachHistoric CityFamily-FriendlyHikingWildlifeCultural