Quick Guide

The best time to go to Panama City is during the dry season, from December through April.

Visas

U.S. citizens do not need to obtain a visa. Passports must be valid for at least three months beyond your planned date of departure.

Money

Local currency is the United States dollar, but the Panamanian balboa (PAB) also circulates in small coins. ATMs are available in most neighborhoods (though not all), and it’s advisable to carry enough cash to get you to the next bank or ATM — credit cards aren’t as widely accepted here as in the U.S.

Travel Health

Before traveling, research and prepare for what to do if you get sick while away.

Getting Here

Panama City’s airport is Tocumen International Airport (PTY), roughly 18 miles from the city center. The least expensive way to get to the city is via Metrobus (purchase a prepaid card before leaving the airport). The quickest, most convenient option is to use Uber.

Getting Around

The easiest way to navigate the city is by Uber or taxi, which are both inexpensive and widely available. Alternatively, you can also get around by bus or subway.

Local Lingo

Spanish is the official language. Learning some simple Spanish greetings and phrases is helpful. Hola! – Hello! Buenas – Hello (informal). Que xopa? – What’s up? Gracias! – Thank you! De nada – You’re welcome. Hablas Ingles? – Do you speak English? Perdon! – Sorry! La cuenta, por favor – The check, please.

Must-Have Apps

Uber; LiveWalkPTY; Waze Navigation & Live Traffic

Insider Tip

You can’t go to Panama City without sampling the city’s famous nightlife. Don’t miss checking out the rooftop bars and clubs in Casco Viejo; enjoy cocktails and tapas at sunset, and from there, let the night take you where it wants to go.

The best time to go to Panama City is during the dry season, from December through April.

Visas

U.S. citizens do not need to obtain a visa. Passports must be valid for at least three months beyond your planned date of departure.

Money

Local currency is the United States dollar, but the Panamanian balboa (PAB) also circulates in small coins. ATMs are available in most neighborhoods (though not all), and it’s advisable to carry enough cash to get you to the next bank or ATM — credit cards aren’t as widely accepted here as in the U.S.

Travel Health

Before traveling, research and prepare for what to do if you get sick while away.

Getting Here

Panama City’s airport is Tocumen International Airport (PTY), roughly 18 miles from the city center. The least expensive way to get to the city is via Metrobus (purchase a prepaid card before leaving the airport). The quickest, most convenient option is to use Uber.

Getting Around

The easiest way to navigate the city is by Uber or taxi, which are both inexpensive and widely available. Alternatively, you can also get around by bus or subway.

Local Lingo

Spanish is the official language. Learning some simple Spanish greetings and phrases is helpful. Hola! – Hello! Buenas – Hello (informal). Que xopa? – What’s up? Gracias! – Thank you! De nada – You’re welcome. Hablas Ingles? – Do you speak English? Perdon! – Sorry! La cuenta, por favor – The check, please.

Must-Have Apps

Uber; LiveWalkPTY; Waze Navigation & Live Traffic

Insider Tip

You can’t go to Panama City without sampling the city’s famous nightlife. Don’t miss checking out the rooftop bars and clubs in Casco Viejo; enjoy cocktails and tapas at sunset, and from there, let the night take you where it wants to go.