Town in Veraguas, Panama
Santa Catalina
A small Pacific fishing and surf village that is the gateway to Coiba National Park diving. Remote, basic and relaxed, with limited banking and healthcare.
At a glance
- Safety4/5Safe with normal careDetails
- Monthly budget$1,200–1,800Comfortable, one person · $1,200–1,800Details
- Value for money72/100Better value than 71% of places we coverDetails
- Best time to goDec–AprWarmest: Mar, 32°CDetails
- Internet233 MbpsFixed broadband, Panama medianDetails
- Tap waterNo, drink bottledDrink bottled or filtered water.Details
- LGBTQ+3/5Tolerant, but be discreetDetails
- Solo travel4/5English: common in tourist areasDetails
- Doctor's visit$30–60Private clinic, without insuranceDetails
- Getting aroundBus Santiago–Santa CatalinaWalkable centerDetails
- Cash or cardMostly cashMostly cash in the village; a few hostels and restaurants take cards.Details
Apps that work in Santa Catalina
No ride-hailing apps work here; see the taxi note below.
- Maps: Google Maps, Waze
- Messaging: WhatsApp
- Taxis: No ride apps. Taxis and hostel shuttles are the norm; agree a fare before travelling.
Cash, cards and tipping
What to carry and how to pay. Money in Panama.
- Mostly cash Mostly cash in the village; a few hostels and restaurants take cards. There is no reliable ATM, so bring US dollars from Santiago or Panama City.
- 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 Santa Catalina solo?
SoloSquare is where travelers, nomads and locals in Santa Catalina meet up for small plans: coffee, dinners, walks and day trips. Join one, or start your own in a minute.
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.