Best now
Panama
Panama City
Tropical
From $98 /day
Panama
Panama serves as a vibrant bridge between two oceans and two continents, offering a travel experience that transitions seamlessly from cosmopolitan skylines to untouched wilderness. You can witness the architectural triumph of the Panama Canal in the morning and retreat to the lush, bird-filled canopies of the rainforest by afternoon. This narrow isthmus is a sanctuary for biodiversity, with over 1,000 recorded bird species—one of the best birding destinations in the Americas. Beyond the engineering marvels, the country reveals turquoise Caribbean archipelagos, misty mountain highlands, and a rich tapestry of indigenous cultures. Whether you are navigating the historic cobblestones of Casco Viejo or surfing world-class breaks, Panama delivers a sophisticated yet raw adventure.
On This Page
We built this guide using official tourism data, local travel insights, and real pricing from our city guides, so you can plan your trip with confidence.
1 city
3 guides
$98 Daily Budget
Quick Facts
Capital
Panama City
Languages
Spanish (official), English (widely used), Indigenous languages (Ngäbere/Guaymí, Buglére, Guna, Emberá, Wounaan, Naso/Tjërdi, Bri-Bri)
Currency
Panamanian Balboa (PAB, coins) and US Dollar (USD, banknotes)
Plug Type
Type A/B (110–120V, 60Hz)
Driving Side
Right
Dial Code
+507
Entry Requirements
Check requirements →
Time Zone
EST (UTC-5)
Emergency
911 (General); also 104 (Police), 103 (Fire), 269 (Ambulance)
Why Visit Panama
Engineering Marvels
Witnessing massive container ships rise and fall through the Miraflores Locks is a bucket-list experience that showcases human ingenuity. You can explore the history of global trade at the interactive museum or take a boat tour through the Gaillard Cut.
Pristine Archipelagos
The Bocas del Toro and San Blas archipelagos offer distinct versions of tropical bliss, from the vibrant surf culture of Isla Colón to the secluded, white-sand islands of Guna Yala. These regions provide unparalleled opportunities for snorkeling, diving, and sustainable eco-tourism.
Highland Escapes
The province of Chiriquí offers a refreshing cool-weather retreat where you can hike the Volcán Barú or tour world-class coffee estates. Boquete is renowned for producing some of the world’s most expensive and flavorful beans, particularly the prized Geisha variety.
Indigenous Heritage
Panama is home to seven distinct indigenous groups who maintain their traditional customs and vibrant crafts. Engaging with communities like the Emberá or Guna provides a profound look at pre-Columbian traditions that persist in the modern day.
Urban Modernity
Panama City is the most modern metropolis in Central America, featuring a dramatic skyline and the historic charm of Casco Viejo. You can enjoy upscale rooftop bars and fine dining before exploring 16th-century ruins at Panamá Viejo.
Top Experiences
Top-rated tours and activities in Panama
Cities & Destinations
Regions
Panama City
This bustling hub combines the gleaming skyscrapers of the financial district with the UNESCO-listed colonial heart of Casco Viejo. It serves as the gateway to the Panama Canal and the lush trails of Metropolitan Natural Park.
Bocas del Toro
Located on the northwestern Caribbean coast, this archipelago is famous for its overwater bungalows, vibrant nightlife, and diverse marine life. It is a magnet for travelers looking for a laid-back island atmosphere and world-class surfing.
Chiriquí Highlands
Dominated by the Volcán Barú, this region offers misty cloud forests, adventure sports, and the agricultural charm of Boquete. It is the premier destination for birdwatching and exploring high-altitude coffee plantations.
Guna Yala (San Blas Islands)
This autonomous indigenous territory consists of over 360 islands scattered across the Caribbean coast. Travelers visit for the remote, screen-free environment and to learn about the unique culture of the Guna people.
Azuero Peninsula
Often considered the cradle of Panamanian folklore, this region is the place to experience traditional festivals and colonial architecture. It is also home to the beautiful beaches of Pedasí, which are famous for whale watching and surfing.
Best Time to Visit
Panama's tropical climate is defined by a distinct dry season and a wet season. The best time to visit is during the dry months when sunny days are most reliable for exploring the coastlines and the Panama Canal.
Peak Season
Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr
Known as 'summer', this period offers the most sunshine and minimal rainfall. It is the busiest time for tourism, coinciding with major festivals like Carnaval in February and Easter celebrations.
Shoulder Season
May, Nov, Dec
These months serve as transition periods. Early December and mid-April to May often feature a mix of pleasant weather and lower accommodation prices before the peak crowds or heavy rains arrive.
Off-Peak
Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct
The rainy season, or 'winter', brings frequent afternoon downpours, especially in October and November. However, the landscape is incredibly lush, and it is the best time for surfing on the Pacific coast.
Getting Around
Panama City boasts the most modern infrastructure in Central America, featuring a clean and efficient metro system. Beyond the capital, travel relies on a network of domestic flights and intercity buses.
Metro
Panama City has two operational lines (L1 and L2) with a third under construction. Fares are very affordable at ~$0.41–$0.59 / PAB 0.35–PAB 0.5 per ride and require a rechargeable Metro card (contactless Visa/Mastercard payment is available at designated turnstiles).
Taxi
Yellow taxis are plentiful but do not have meters. Fares must be negotiated in advance; short city rides typically cost ~$3.53–$5.89 / PAB 3–PAB 5, while a ride from the airport to the center is ~$29–$35 / PAB 25–PAB 30.
Bus
Modern 'Metrobuses' serve the capital for ~$0.29 / PAB 0.25, while colorful 'Diablos Rojos' still operate on some routes. Long-distance coaches depart from the Albrook Terminal to all provinces.
Car
Tourists may drive with a valid home license for up to 90 days. While city driving is chaotic, the Pan-American Highway is well-maintained for travel to Boquete or the Riviera Pacifica.
Food & Drink
Panamanian cuisine is a hearty fusion of Spanish, African, and indigenous flavors, relying heavily on staples like corn, rice, and fresh seafood. The food culture is deeply communal, often centered around fondas that serve traditional, home-cooked meals.
Must Try
Sancocho
A comforting chicken soup made with yam and seasoned with culantro, widely considered the ultimate national dish.
Ceviche de Corvina
Fresh sea bass marinated in lime juice, onions, and spicy peppers, typically served as a refreshing appetizer with salty crackers.
Carimañolas
Fried torpedo-shaped yucca fritters stuffed with seasoned ground meat or cheese, perfect for a breakfast snack or side dish.
Patacones
Twice-fried green plantain slices that are salted and served as a crispy, savory side with almost every meal.
Hojaldras
A type of Panamanian fried bread that is light and fluffy, often enjoyed with eggs or sausages for a traditional breakfast.
Geisha Coffee
One of the most expensive coffees in the world, grown in the highlands of Boquete and known for its delicate floral and tea-like notes.
Chicha Fuerte
A traditional fermented corn drink found in indigenous communities, though travelers more commonly enjoy non-fermented fruit versions.
Money & Costs
Panama is moderately priced for the region, with an average daily budget of ~$98 / PAB 83. The US Dollar is the primary paper currency, used interchangeably with Panamanian Balboa coins at a 1:1 rate.
Tipping
A 10% tip is standard in restaurants and is often already included in the bill as a service charge. Small tips are appreciated for hotel staff and tour guides.
Cards
Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in Panama City's hotels, malls, and restaurants, but cash is essential for small vendors, taxis, and rural areas.
ATMs
ATMs are common but often charge high transaction fees of ~$6.48–$10 / PAB 5.5–PAB 8.5 and have a withdrawal limit of ~$295 / PAB 250 per transaction.
Culture & Etiquette
Panamanians are generally warm and polite, valuing social harmony and a formal approach to greetings in both business and casual settings. The culture is a unique mix of urban professionalism in the city and a slower, more traditional pace in the rural provinces.
✓
Greet people with a polite Buenas or Buenos días when entering shops, elevators, or restaurants.
✓
Tip 10% in sit-down restaurants, but check your bill first as it is often already included as a service charge.
✓
Dress modestly when visiting government buildings or religious sites, as shorts and flip-flops are often discouraged in formal settings.
✕
Don't take photos of indigenous people, especially in Guna Yala, without first asking for permission and offering a small tip if requested.
✓
Carry a physical copy of your passport or a clear photo of it, as local law requires you to have identification at all times.
✕
Don't be surprised by Panama time, where social events and appointments may start significantly later than the scheduled time.
✓
Use the Panama City Metro to travel, as it is clean, safe, and significantly faster than navigating the city's heavy traffic.
✕
Don't litter or disturb the wildlife in national parks, as Panama has strict environmental protection laws and a strong conservation ethos.
Safety & Health
Panama is generally safe for tourists, though increased caution is advised due to petty crime. Specific remote areas, particularly the Darién region and parts of the Mosquito Gulf, should be strictly avoided.
Tap Water
generally safe in most of the country; use caution in rural/island areas
Vaccinations
Hepatitis A and Typhoid are recommended for most. Yellow fever vaccine recommended for certain mainland areas east of the Canal Zone (incl. Darién and some indigenous comarcas); not recommended for trips limited to Panama City/Canal Zone or travel limited to the San Blas islands.
Common Scams
- ⚠ Taxi Overcharging: Drivers refusing to agree on a fare upfront or claiming a broken meter to demand excessive rates at the destination.
- ⚠ ATM Assistance: Helpful strangers at ATMs who attempt to skim card data or observe your PIN while 'assisting' with a transaction.
- ⚠ Fake Tour Operators: Unlicensed guides in Casco Viejo or near the Canal who demand extra 'fuel fees' or abandon groups mid-tour.
- ⚠ The 'Hotel Closed' Scam: Taxi drivers claiming your pre-booked accommodation is closed or overbooked to divert you to a different hotel where they earn a commission.
Tap water is generally safe in most of the country; use caution in rural/island areas. Healthcare in the capital is world-class, but quality facilities are limited in remote provinces; travel insurance is highly recommended.
Language
Spanish is the dominant language spoken by 95% of the population. English is common in Panama City, especially within the tourism and business sectors, but proficiency drops significantly in rural areas.
English Spoken: Moderately spoken
Key Phrases
| Meaning | Local | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| Hello | Hola | oh-lah |
| What's up? (Slang) | ¿Qué xopá? | keh sho-pah |
| Thank you | Gracias | grah-syahs |
| How much does it cost? | ¿Cuánto cuesta? | kwan-toh kwes-tah |
| Where is the bathroom? | ¿Dónde está el baño? | dohn-deh es-tah el bah-nyoh |
| All good / OK | Offi / Todo cool | oh-fee / toh-doh kool |
| Please | Por favor | pohr fah-bohr |
| Do you speak English? | ¿Habla inglés? | ah-blah een-glehs |
Visa & Entry
Entry rules vary by nationality. Common requirements include a return/onward ticket and proof of economic solvency of U$395 / PAB 335 (cash or equivalent).
Max Stay
Up to 180 days for U.S. tourists; many other visa-free nationals up to 90 days (3 months)—check rules for your nationality
Passport Validity
At least 3 months beyond arrival (some official guidance recommends 6 months for smoother airline/immigration checks)
Visa-free for
USA, Canada, European Union, UK, Australia, Japan, South Korea, Singapore
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Panama safe for tourists?
How expensive is it to visit Panama?
When is the best time to visit Panama?
Do I need a visa for Panama?
Is English widely spoken in Panama?
What should I eat in Panama?
How do I get around Panama?
Is the tap water safe to drink in Panama?
How much time do I need at the Panama Canal?
What should I pack for a trip to Panama?
Why you can trust this guide
Jan Křenek
35+ countries • 8 years analyzing travel data
Independent developer and travel data analyst based in Prague. 35+ countries visited across Europe and Asia, 8+ years analyzing flight routes, accommodation prices, and seasonal weather patterns.
Ready to explore Panama?
Browse our 1 city guides with budget tips, itineraries, and seasonal recommendations.