Travel tips · Panama City · Panama
Panama City travel tips: what to know before you go
The etiquette, money and practical details that make the first day easier.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
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Quick answer
Panama City has been a crossroads for centuries, from Spanish treasure routes to the canal, and its population mixes Spanish, Afro-Caribbean, Indigenous, Chinese and many other roots. The canal handover in 1999 is a point of national pride, and the city's banking and logistics economy coexists with traditional festivals such as Carnival and the November patriotic holidays.
Key facts
- Language
- Spanish
- Currency
- USD
- Plugs
- Type A and B sockets, 120 V, 60 Hz
- Tap water
- Tap water in Panama City is generally safe to drink; bottled water is widely…
- Emergency
- 911
Things to know
- Greet people with 'buenos días' or 'buenas tardes' before asking for help.
- Dress neatly in the city; locals rarely wear beachwear or shorts in restaurants, offices or churches.
- Ask permission before photographing people, particularly in Indigenous communities.
- Keep calm and polite in disputes; raising your voice rarely helps.
- Respect the national flag and anthem, especially during the November patriotic holidays.
- Book Panama Canal partial transit ahead: Partial transits run only on some days and fill up; book well ahead, especially in the dry season.
- Use the Metro and ride-hailing rather than hotel taxis, which charge more.
Tipping
Tip about 10% in restaurants if service is not included. Taxi drivers do not expect tips; tip guides and drivers on tours a few dollars per person.
Language
| Phrase | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Buenos días | Good morning |
| ¿Qué xopá? | What's up? (local slang) |
| La cuenta, por favor | The bill, please |
| ¿Cuánto cuesta? | How much is it? |
| Chévere | Cool / great |
What to wear
Wear light, breathable clothes for the heat and humidity, but bring a layer for heavily air-conditioned malls, buses and restaurants; smart-casual is common in the evenings.
Practical details
- Plugs and voltage
- Type A and B sockets, 120 V, 60 Hz
- Drinking water
- Tap water in Panama City is generally safe to drink; bottled water is widely available.
- Emergency number
- 911
- Phone and internet
- Mobile coverage and Wi-Fi are good across the city; local SIM cards and eSIMs are easy to buy at the airport.
- Time zone
- America/Panama
Pickpocketing and bag snatching occur in crowded areas such as Avenida Central; in Casco Viejo, stay on the restored streets after dark, as some neighbouring areas are best avoided. The heat and sun are intense, so drink plenty of water.
Entry requirements
Visa and passport rules depend on your nationality and change often. Check Panama's official government guidance and your own government's travel advice before booking.
Plan the trip
Questions travellers ask
+Do you tip in Panama City?
Tip about 10% in restaurants if service is not included. Taxi drivers do not expect tips; tip guides and drivers on tours a few dollars per person.
+Can you drink the tap water in Panama City?
Tap water in Panama City is generally safe to drink; bottled water is widely available.
+What plugs are used in Panama City?
Type A and B sockets, 120 V, 60 Hz
+What language is spoken in Panama City?
Spanish.