Quick facts
Budget breakdown
| Category | Budget | Midrange |
|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | $12–25 | $40–80 |
| Food | $10–20 | $20–45 |
| Transport | $2–8 | $10–25 |
| Activities | $5–15 | $15–50 |
| Entry Fees | $5–15 | $15–30 |
| Daily Total | $40–90 | $100–230 |
Daily per-person estimates. Costs vary by season and travel style.
Practical info
Entry & Visas
- Most nationalities receive 90–180 days visa-free on arrival — check requirements for your passport
- You may be asked to show proof of onward travel (flight or bus ticket out of Panama) at immigration
- Keep a digital and physical copy of your passport, visa, and travel insurance at all times
Health & Safety
- Travel insurance with medical coverage is essential — private hospitals in Panama City are excellent but expensive without insurance
- Tap water is safe to drink in Panama City — one of the few Central American capitals where this is the case
- Petty theft can occur in crowded areas — use a money belt, keep valuables hidden, and avoid displaying expensive electronics
Getting Around
- The Metro (Line 1 and 2) connects major areas including Albrook bus terminal — buy a rechargeable card at any station for $0.35 per ride
- Uber is reliable and cheap — the best option for trips the Metro does not cover, including Miraflores Locks and the Causeway
- Tocumen International Airport is 30 minutes from the city centre by Uber ($15–20) or Metro + bus combination
Connectivity
- Buy a +Movil, Claro, or Digicel SIM card at Tocumen Airport arrivals — data plans are cheap at $5–10 for several GB
- WiFi is widely available at accommodation, cafes, and restaurants — Panama City has strong connectivity infrastructure
- Download offline maps for San Blas and rural areas where mobile coverage drops significantly
Money
- Currency: US Dollar (USD) — Panama uses the dollar alongside Balboa coins (same size and value as US coins)
- ATMs are widely available at banks and shopping centres. Visa and Mastercard are accepted almost everywhere in the city
- Tip 10% at restaurants if service charge is not included. Taxi and Uber drivers do not expect tips but rounding up is appreciated
Packing Tips
- Lightweight breathable clothing for tropical heat and humidity — Panama City averages 27–32°C year-round with high humidity
- A compact rain jacket or umbrella is essential even in dry season — afternoon showers are common and sudden
- Comfortable walking shoes for Casco Viejo cobblestones and waterproof sandals for San Blas island hopping
Cultural tips
Respect Indigenous Culture
The Guna people of San Blas maintain autonomous governance and cultural traditions. Always ask permission before photographing Guna people or their homes. Respect their rules about island access and behaviour — you are a guest in their territory.
Protect Marine Environments
San Blas and Panama's Pacific coast are ecologically sensitive. Do not take shells, coral, or starfish from beaches. Use reef-safe sunscreen when snorkelling. Pack out all rubbish — many small islands have no waste management.
Photography Etiquette
Ask before photographing locals, especially indigenous people and market vendors. In Casco Viejo, be sensitive about photographing the unrenovated areas where families still live in difficult conditions — they are not a tourist attraction.
Language & Communication
Spanish is essential outside tourist areas — learn basic phrases for ordering food, asking directions, and polite greetings. English is widely spoken in banking, tourism, and the former Canal Zone areas but not in local neighbourhoods.
Support Local Communities
Buy molas and handicrafts directly from Guna artisans rather than tourist shops. Eat at fondas and local markets instead of international chains. Choose Guna-operated San Blas tours so tourism revenue goes directly to the community.
Pace & Patience
Panama City mixes Latin American and Caribbean rhythms — things may not run on precise schedules. The San Blas boat and 4x4 transfers operate on flexible timing depending on weather and tides. Build buffer time into your plans and embrace the pace.
