Panama

Travel information

Basics

Panama


Panama is located in Central America.

Official language is Spanish. Panama uses metric system (kilograms, centimeters, °C). Time zone is UTC-05:00.

Sockets & plugs

Panama uses 120V, 60Hz with sockets and plugs Type A and Type B.


Sockets & plugs - Type A
Type A
Sockets & plugs - Type B
Type B

Money

Currency

Panama uses the United States dollar (symbol: $), code USD.

Banknotes come in denominations of 100, 50, 20, 10, 5, 2 and 1 dollars. Dollar is subdivided into 100 cents. Coins come in denominations of 1, ½ and ¼ dollars and 10, 5 and 1 cents.


Tipping

Not expected, but can leave extra tip

Tipping is usually not expected in Panama. However, if you are satisfied with the service provided you can show your appreciation by leaving a small ‘extra’ tip.


ATMs

Very common

Automatic teller machines (local name: Cajero automático) are very common in Panama. You can find them in both large & small cities, tourist areas etc.

You do not need a chip & PIN card to use an ATM — your standard magnetic card will work fine.


Communications

Internet

Internet speed in Panama is on average 3.8 Mbps.

WiFi

WiFi coverage in Panama is moderate. It's relatively easy to find one when needed.


Mobile phone

You can buy a SIM card for about $5.56, which includes 1 GB of data plan. You can choose from 4 telecoms: +móvil, Claro, Digicel or Movistar.

Mobile phones

Panama uses GSM mobile networks GSM 850, GSM 1800 and GSM 1900.

Roaming

If you don't want to buy SIM card in Panama upon arrival, make sure to check the roaming charges with your telecom provider before your departure so there are no surprises when you return home.

Dial code

+507

To call Panama, dial +, then 507 (the country code for Panama), then the area code and the local number.

International call
+ 507 2 1234567
Local call
2 1234567

For local calls within Panama, start with the area code. In the case above area code is 2 .

Health & safety

LGBTIQ+

Sexuality, marriage & acceptance

Homosexuality is legal in Panama.

Same-sex marriage is not recognized.

Homosexuality
Legal
Marriage
Unrecognized

Vaccinations

Vaccinations listed are recommended

The following vaccinations listed for this country are recommended for your protection and to prevent the spread of infectious diseases.


Hepatitis A
Malaria
Routine immunizations
Typhoid fever

These apply only to select travelers or persons on work assignments.

Hepatitis B
Rabies
Yellow Fever

Travel advisories

1 country advisory

Alerts

Alerts are issued for short-term events we think you should know about when planning travel to a country.

Other

Emergency numbers

Police
104
Ambulance
911
Fire department
103