Mexico & Central America
Panama
Panama City is a modern, dollarised hub with fast fibre and Copa's flight network; Bocas del Toro, Guna Yala (San Blas) and Boquete round out trips. Outside the capital, transport is slow.
- US travel advisoryLevel 2Exercise increased cautionDetails
- Visa116 of 198passports can visit visa-freeDetails
- CurrencyPABUS$1 ≈ $1.00Details
- Price level45%of US prices (World Bank PPP)Details
- English2/5LimitedDetails
- PlugsType A, B120 V, 60 HzDetails
- Emergency911Police 104 · Fire 103 · All emergencies 911
- Tap waterYes, drinkableTap water is safe in Panama City and most towns; drink bottled in Bocas del Toro, San Blas and rural areas.Details
- LGBTQ+LegalGenerally tolerant in Panama City, with a small scene and Casco Viejo seen as comfortable.Details
- Internet233 MbpsMedian fixed broadband · mobile 40 MbpsDetails
- DrivingOn the rightForeign licences are valid for 90 days; carry your passport with the entry stamp. Paper licences aren't accepted.
- Digital nomad visaYesShort Stay Visa for Remote WorkersDetails
Where to go in Panama
6 places with full guides. Comfortable monthly budget for one person, rent included.
| Place | Safety | Month, comfortable | Best months | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Panama CityCapital city | 3/5 | $2,000–3,000 | Dec–Apr | 25/100 |
| Bocas del ToroIslands | 3/5 | $1,500–2,300 | Feb–Apr, Sep–Oct | 44/100 |
| BoqueteMountain town | 4/5 | $1,300–2,000 | Dec–Apr | 67/100 |
| San Blas IslandsIslands | 4/5 | $1,500–2,500 | Dec–Apr | 47/100 |
| Santa CatalinaTown | 4/5 | $1,200–1,800 | Dec–Apr | 72/100 |
| PedasíTown | 4/5 | $1,500–2,300 | Dec–Apr | 52/100 |
When to visit Panama
Dry season runs mid-December–April on the Pacific side and in Panama City. The Caribbean (Bocas, San Blas) gets rain year-round, driest September–October and February–March.
Good to know
Entry
- Fill in the digital immigration and customs declaration before arrival; paper forms are being phased out.
- Officers may ask for an onward ticket and US$500–1,000 or a credit card as proof of funds.
- Fingerprints and a facial scan are taken on entry; make sure your passport is stamped.
- Border runs to restart a tourist stay can lead to refusal or detention.
Laws visitors break by accident
- You must carry your passport or official ID at all times; fines or detention otherwise.
- Smoking and vaping are banned in public places, with fines of US$25–100.
Etiquette
- Dress smartly in Panama City; shorts and flip-flops look out of place in offices.
- Guna Yala has its own rules: pay community fees and ask before photos.
- Use 'buenos días' and polite forms with officials and staff.
Tipping
About 10% in sit-down restaurants, sometimes added to the bill. Taxis aren't tipped; tip guides and boat crews.
Neighbouring countries
Sources
- US State Department travel advisory
- GOV.UK foreign travel advice: Panama
- Government of Canada travel advice: Panama
- Servicio Nacional de Migración: remote worker visa requirements
- Speedtest Global Index: Panama
- World Bank open data
Country facts are researched by SoloSquare; advisory levels, crime, health and visa figures come from the sources listed. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.