Capital city, Panama
Panama City
Central America's most modern capital: skyline, Casco Viejo, a working metro, fast fibre, good hospitals and Copa's flight hub. Hot, humid and car-centric, with some rough districts and uneven sidewalks.
At a glance
- Safety3/5Take real precautionsDetails
- Monthly budget$2,000–3,000Comfortable, one person · $2,000–3,000Details
- Value for money25/100Better value than 24% of places we coverDetails
- Best time to goDec–AprWarmest: Apr, 31°CDetails
- Air quality14 µg/m³PM2.5 annual average (2013) · ModerateDetails
- Internet233 MbpsFixed broadband, Panama medianDetails
- Tap waterYes, drinkableTap water in Panama City is safe to drink.Details
- LGBTQ+3/5Tolerant, but be discreetDetails
- Solo travel4/5English: common in tourist areasDetails
- Doctor's visit$40–100Private clinic, without insuranceDetails
- Getting aroundUberWalkable centerDetails
- Cash or cardMixed: cards and cashCards and contactless work in malls, hotels and many restaurants.Details
Where to stay in Panama City
Areas visitors base themselves in.
| Area | Good for |
|---|---|
| Casco Viejo | Colonial streets, rooftop bars, hostels; touristy and walkable |
| Punta Pacífica / Costa del Este | Modern towers, malls, hospitals; car or Uber needed |
| Bella Vista / El Cangrejo | Central, walkable, restaurants, gyms and coworking; popular with expats |
| San Francisco / Obarrio | Business district with apartments, cafés and nightlife |
Apps that work in Panama City
Ride-hailing
- Maps: Google Maps, Waze
- Messaging: WhatsApp
- Taxis: Taxis don't use meters; agree a fare first or use Uber. Tourist-area taxis quote high prices.
Cash, cards and tipping
What to carry and how to pay. Money in Panama.
- Mixed: cards and cash Cards and contactless work in malls, hotels and many restaurants. Carry small US bills for taxis, markets, buses and street food; $50 and $100 notes are often refused.
- Currency: Balboa (PAB). US$1 ≈ $1.00 on 03 Oct 2026.
- ATMs: ATM fees for foreign cards are among the region's highest, several dollars per withdrawal; use machines inside banks or malls.
- Tipping: About 10% in sit-down restaurants, sometimes added to the bill. Taxis aren't tipped; tip guides and boat crews.
- Paying by phone: Contactless and Apple/Google Pay are common in Panama City. Yappy, the local transfer app, needs a Panamanian bank account.
Before you go
Visa and 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.
Emergency numbers
Police 104 · Fire 103 · All emergencies 911
Plugs
Type A, B · 120 V, 60 Hz. Do I need an adapter?
SIM and eSIM
+Móvil and Tigo sell prepaid SIMs at the airport and in malls with your passport; monthly data plans are affordable. eSIMs work for visitors.
More places in Panama
Going to Panama City solo?
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Sources
Prices are SoloSquare estimates; climate, air, safety 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.