Entry Requirements
Visa requirements for Panama depend on which passport you hold. Check the Traveller visa tool to see whether your passport needs a visa and, if so, how long you can stay.
Check if you need a visa for PanamaEmergency Numbers
- General
- 911
Currency
- Name
- US Dollar (Balboa)
- Code
- USD
- Symbol
- $
Panama uses the US Dollar as its official currency (called the Balboa, but USD bills circulate). No currency conversion needed for USD travellers. Cards accepted in Panama City and tourist areas; carry cash in rural areas and the San Blas Islands.
Power Outlets
- Outlet types
- Type A, Type B
- Voltage
- 110V
- Frequency
- 60Hz
Time Zone
EST (UTC−5) — no daylight saving
Best Time to Visit
December–April is the dry season (verano) — ideal for beach, hiking in the Chiriquí Highlands, and the San Blas Islands. January–April is peak dry season in most of the country. May–November is wet season; the Caribbean coast is wetter year-round.
Tipping Customs
| Venue | Typical | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Restaurants | 10% | Check if service charge already included |
| Taxis | Round up | Always agree fare before getting in — no meters. Uber works in Panama City. |
| Canal guides | $5–10 USD | — |
| Hotels | $1–2 per bag | — |
Dress Code
- Casual and tropical throughout
- Modest dress in churches and smaller towns
- Smart casual for Panama City's upmarket restaurants and clubs
- Swimwear only at beaches and pools
Social Etiquette
- Panamanians are proud of the Canal — it defines national identity; engage with genuine interest
- A kiss on the right cheek is the standard greeting between friends
- The Guna Yala (San Blas) people have their own customs and governance — follow their rules on their islands
- Punctuality in social settings is relaxed; business meetings run more on time
Local Laws
Laws change. Verify current rules with your country's official travel advisory before departure.
- Drug trafficking carries extremely severe sentences
- LGBTQ+ couples have some protections in Panama City but conservative attitudes prevail outside it
- Photography of the Canal locks and operations is encouraged; military areas are restricted
- Carry a copy of your passport — police sometimes conduct document checks
Common Phrases
| English | Local | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| Hello | Hola / ¿Qué sopa? | OH-lah / keh SOH-pah (Panamanian slang) |
| Thank you | Gracias | GRAH-syahs |
| Cool / Great | Chévere | CHEH-veh-reh |
| How much? | ¿Cuánto es? | KWAHN-toh es |
| Friend | Pana | PAH-nah — also where Panama gets its name from, some say |
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