Town in Los Santos, Panama
Pedasí
Quiet Azuero fishing town near Playa Venao surf and Isla Iguana. Cheap, relaxed and good for slow weeks; no nightlife to speak of, limited healthcare and a long way from Panama City.
At a glance
- Safety4/5Safe with normal careDetails
- Monthly budget$1,500–2,300Comfortable, one person · $1,500–2,300Details
- Value for money52/100Better value than 51% of places we coverDetails
- Best time to goDec–AprWarmest: Apr, 29°CDetails
- Internet233 MbpsFixed broadband, Panama medianDetails
- Tap waterFilter or boilTap water is treated but locals and visitors mostly drink bottled or filtered water; restaurants usually use purified ice.Details
- LGBTQ+3/5Tolerant, but be discreetDetails
- Solo travel4/5English: limitedDetails
- Doctor's visit$30–60Private clinic, without insuranceDetails
- Getting aroundBus to Las TablasWalkable centerDetails
- Cash or cardMostly cashCash is the norm.Details
Where to stay in Pedasí
Areas visitors base themselves in.
| Area | Good for |
|---|---|
| Pedasí centre | Restaurants, supermarkets, tour offices, walkable |
| Playa Venao | Surf camps, hostels, beach stays; 34 km away |
| Playa El Toro | Quiet stretch of beach just outside town |
Apps that work in Pedasí
No ride-hailing apps work here; see the taxi note below.
- Maps: Google Maps, Waze
- Messaging: WhatsApp
- Taxis: No Uber or ride apps here. Use local taxis, agree fares first, and ask your hostel for a trusted driver.
Cash, cards and tipping
What to carry and how to pay. Money in Panama.
- Mostly cash Cash is the norm. A few restaurants take cards and the town has few ATMs; bring small US bills.
- 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
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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.