Panama City, Panama - Travel Guide

Panama City offers a vibrant mix of modern skyscrapers, historical charm in Casco Viejo, and lush natural beauty. It's a key hub for international business and tourism, known for the iconic Panama Canal and a diverse culinary scene.

Quick Facts

Recommended Stay4 days

Budget$30/day

Mid-range$150/day

Luxury$600/day

Known For

PanamaCentral AmericaNorth America

🇵🇦 Country Information: Panama

CapitalPanama City

CurrencyPanamanian balboa (B/.)

LanguageSpanish , English (especially in Colón and Bocas del Toro), Indigenous languages

Phone Code+507

Electricity110V (Type A, B)

Tap WaterNot recommended

Tipping

Tipping is common for good service
Restaurants: 10
15% of the bill
Taxis: Round up the fare or 10% for good service
Tour Guides: 10
20% of the tour cost
Hotel Staff: A few dollars for porters and housekeepers

Money & Payments

ATMs are widely available, especially in urban areas; however, it's advisable to have some cash for smaller businesses and rural areas
Credit cards are generally accepted in cities and tourist areas, but less so in smaller towns and markets
It's better to bring a mix of cash (USD, as it's the official currency) and use credit cards
There is no significant black market for cash

Cultural Norms

Greetings: A handshake is common
Close friends and family may greet with a kiss on the cheek
Dress Code: Panamanians generally dress well; casual but neat attire is appropriate
Public Behavior: Avoid overly loud conversations or public displays of affection
Eating: It's polite to keep hands visible while eating (not in your lap)
Punctuality: While business meetings tend to be punctual, social gatherings may be more relaxed

LGBTQ+ Information

Generally LGBTQ+ friendly. Panama has made progress in LGBTQ+ rights, including decriminalizing same-sex relations. However, same-sex marriage is not yet recognized.

Alcohol & Drug Laws

The legal drinking age is 18
Drug laws are strict, and possession of even small amounts can lead to severe penalties

Special Laws

Be aware of pickpocketing, especially in crowded areas and public transportation
It is illegal to wear camouflage clothing unless you are part of the military

Common Phrases

NoNo (NOH)

YesSí (SEE)

HelloHola (OH-lah)

PleasePor favor (por fah-VOR)

Excuse meCon permiso (kon per-MEE-so)

Thank youGracias (GRAH-see-ahs)

Climate

Generalized climate for Panama City, a coastal tropical city.

Climate Zone: Tropical Savanna

Best Time to Visit

Hot/rainy season: May
Jan
Dry season: Jan
May

Getting There

- Fly directly to Tocumen International Airport (PTY) from major North American, South American, and European cities

Getting Around

Taxis are readily available and metered; agree on a fare before starting
Uber and other ride
sharing apps are widely used and convenient
Metro (subway) is efficient for getting around the city
Buses (Diablo Rojos or Metrobus) are a cheap option, but can be confusing for tourists

Health & Vaccinations

Routine vaccinations (MMR, DTaP, Varicella) should be up to date
Hepatitis A and Typhoid vaccines are recommended
Yellow Fever vaccine may be required if traveling from certain countries
Malaria risk is generally low in Panama City, but consult a doctor for advice on prophylaxis for other areas of Panama

Staying Connected

eSIMs are available from major Panamanian providers like +Movil, Digicel, and Tigo
Airalo, Nomad, and other global eSIM providers offer plans for Panama

Local Cuisine

Sancocho must_try

Panama's national dish, this hearty chicken soup is simmered with yucca, corn, plantains, and fresh herbs. It is a comforting staple often eaten for b

Ceviche regional_speciality

A fresh and zesty dish popular in coastal Panama, typically made with small pieces of raw white sea bass or shrimp marinated in lime juice, onions, an

Patacones snack

These are crispy fried green plantains, made by slicing, frying, smashing, and then frying the unripe plantains again. Often served as a side dish or

Hojaldres breakfast

A favorite breakfast item, these light, fluffy, and slightly sweet fried dough pieces are similar to beignets. They are often served with cheese, meat

Tamales regional_speciality

A classic Latin American dish with a Panamanian twist, featuring corn dough filled with seasoned meat, vegetables, and sometimes spices. The tamales a

Book in Advance

Plan ahead for the best experience. Here's what to book before your trip:

🔴 Must Book in Advance

Panama Canal Partial Transit Tour tour_or_activity

Book 1–3 months in advance

Partial or full transit tours of the Panama Canal are highly popular and capacity is limited, especially during peak seasons.

🟡 Recommended to Book Ahead

Accommodation in Casco Viejo (Historic District) Accommodation

Book 1–2 months in advance

Casco Viejo is the most sought-after area for tourists, and the best boutique hotels and Airbnbs sell out quickly.

Fun Facts

1. Panama City is the only capital city in the world that has a rainforest within its city limits, offering unique biodiversity right next to the urban center.
2. The first European city built on the Pacific side of the Americas was Nuestra Señora de la Asuncion, founded in what is now Panama City on August 15, 1516.
3. Panama's national economy relies heavily on the Canal, which generates fully one-third of the country's entire economy.
4. The country of Panama boasts more bird species (986 recorded) than the entire continental United States (914 species), making it a major spot for bird watchers.

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