Travel Tips for Panama

Everything you need to know to enjoy your visit

Practical Tips

💵

Currency

Panama uses the US dollar (USD) and the Panamanian balboa (PAB) interchangeably. All bills are USD; only local coins are balboas, worth the same. Credit cards are accepted nearly everywhere.

🌤️

Climate

Dry season from December to April (ideal for the beach). Rainy season from May to November, with short but intense afternoon showers. Temperature ranges 27-33°C year-round. Bring sunscreen and a compact umbrella.

🚗

Transportation

Uber works throughout Panama City and is the most convenient option. The Metro costs just $0.35 per ride and covers main areas. For out-of-city destinations, we recommend renting a car. Yellow taxis don't use meters; agree on a fare before getting in.

🛡️

Safety

Panama is generally safe for tourists. Tourist and residential areas like Casco Viejo, Costa del Este, and Punta Pacifica are very safe. Use common sense: avoid flashing valuables and use Uber at night.

💰

Tipping

Restaurants automatically add a 10% tip to the bill. You can leave extra for excellent service. For Uber and hotel services, tipping is optional but appreciated.

🏥

Health

No mandatory vaccines are required to enter Panama. Insect repellent is recommended, especially outside the city. Tap water is drinkable in Panama City. Private hospitals like Punta Pacifica offer high-quality care.

📱

Connectivity

We recommend buying an eSIM before arrival (Airalo or Holafly offer Panama plans). Local carriers are +móvil, Tigo, and Claro. WiFi is good in hotels and restaurants. 4G coverage is excellent in the city and beach areas.

👔

Dress Code

The style is casual and tropical. Lightweight cotton clothes and comfortable shoes are essential. Some upscale restaurants and clubs require long pants and closed-toe shoes. For the beach, bring sandals and swimwear. Always carry a light sweater — indoor air conditioning is notoriously strong.

Information by Country of Origin

Specific details for Panama's top visitor nationalities

🇺🇸

United States

448,360 visitors/year
Visa: No visa required. You only need a passport valid for at least 3 months.
Length of Stay: Up to 180 days as a tourist — the longest stay in the region.
Direct Flights: Copa Airlines flies direct from 17+ US cities, including Miami (3h), Houston (4h), New York (5h), and Los Angeles (6h).
Currency: Panama uses the US dollar as its official currency. No need to exchange money.
Culture: Panama is very US-friendly. There's a large expat community and many familiar American chains.
🇨🇴

Colombia

309,277 visitors/year
Visa: No visa required. Free entry with a Colombian passport or national ID.
Length of Stay: Up to 90 days as a tourist, extendable by an additional 90 days.
Direct Flights: Direct flights from Bogota (1h 45min), Medellin (1h 30min), and Cartagena. Copa and Wingo operate multiple daily frequencies.
Currency: Panama uses the US dollar. Exchange your Colombian pesos before traveling or at exchange houses in Panama.
Culture: Large Colombian community in Panama. You'll find Colombian restaurants and a very welcoming atmosphere.
🇪🇨

Ecuador

106,977 visitors/year
Visa: No visa required. A valid passport or Ecuadorian national ID is sufficient.
Length of Stay: Up to 90 days as a tourist, extendable through Immigration.
Direct Flights: Direct flights from Quito (2h 30min) and Guayaquil (2h). Copa Airlines operates the main route.
Currency: Ecuador and Panama both use the US dollar. No need to exchange money.
Culture: Shared Latin culture. Panama offers a more cosmopolitan dining and nightlife scene than Quito or Guayaquil.
🇻🇪

Venezuela

78,935 visitors/year
Visa: VISA REQUIRED for Venezuelan citizens. Exception: holders of a valid US or UK visa may enter without a Panamanian visa.
Length of Stay: Up to 30 days with a tourist visa. Check with the Panamanian consulate for extensions.
Direct Flights: Limited direct flights. Most common routes are via Bogota or Santo Domingo. Copa and some charter airlines operate seasonally.
Currency: Panama uses the US dollar. Exchange bolívares before traveling. International credit cards work well.
Culture: The Venezuelan community is the largest in Panama. You'll find areperas, restaurants, and a broad support network.
🇲🇽

Mexico

74,813 visitors/year
Visa: No visa required. You only need a valid Mexican passport.
Length of Stay: Up to 90 days as a tourist, extendable through Panamanian Immigration.
Direct Flights: Direct flights from Mexico City (4h), Cancun (3h), and Guadalajara. Copa and Volaris operate frequent routes.
Currency: Panama uses the US dollar. Exchange Mexican pesos before your trip or use credit cards.
Culture: Mexican food is popular in Panama. You'll find taquerias, but also try local cuisine: ceviche, sancocho, and patacones.

Ready for your next adventure?

Book your luxury beachfront stay in Panama and create unforgettable memories.

Explore Properties