Panama City
Overview of Panama City
One of the most cosmopolitan cities in Central America, Panama’s chic capital is a mosaic of colour and culture with a thriving commercial and financial sector. Formerly dismissed as a centre of drug trade, Panama City has rebuilt its reputation as a fantastic holiday destination with a sense of style drawn from five centuries of history.
The city’s modern skyline is constantly expanding, adding new skyscrapers to tower over the centuries-old Baroque and Spanish Colonial buildings that populate its older quarter, known as Casco Viejo. The district was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2003, and its mix of architectural styles make a great introduction to the diverse cultural influences of Panama City.
There are many beautiful buildings in Panama City, including the cathedral on Plaza de la Catedral, the presidential palace (called Palacio de las Garzasin honour of the herons that roam freely in the courtyard), and the Church of San Jose. Interesting museums such as the Interoceanic Canal Museum, the Mi Pueblitoscultural museum, and the Museum of Religious Colonial Art, give visitors insight into the city’s fascinating history, while scenic parks are great for enjoying the perennially beautiful weather.
Panama City has a diverse population, with a number of American and Asian expat residents who contribute to a lively nightlife, especially around Calle Uruguay. There are also plenty of good restaurants in Panama City, ranging from Spanish tapas and Italian pastas to local specialties such as ceviche(fresh fish marinated in lemon or lime juice) and sancocho(vegetable stew). There are a number of cafes along Via Argentina, and the fish market near the Casco Viejo is the best place to try fresh seafood.
Key Facts
- Language:
- The official language is Spanish, though many Panamanians speak both Spanish and English.
- Passport/Visa:
Travellers to Panama require a passport valid for at least three months from arrival, return or onward tickets, all necessary documents for next destination and funds of USD 500 per person for the duration of their stay. Visas are generally not required as many nationalities are allowed entry for a maximum of 180 days. Panamanian entry requirements change frequently so it is wise for travellers to check with their nearest embassy or consulate before travelling to Panama. It is highly recommended that travellers’ passports have at least six months’ validity remaining after the intended date of departure from their travel destination. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources.
- Currency:
The official currency is the Panamanian Balboa (PAB), equal to 100 centesimos, but the US dollar is accepted everywhere. Balboa are available only in coin denominations, with the only paper currency in use being the US dollar. The only bank that exchanges foreign currency is the Banco Nacional de Panama counter at Tocumen International Airport. Only a casa de cambio (exchange house) can exchange foreign currency for dollars outside the airport, and they are rare outside of Panama City. ATMs are widely available throughout the country, except in the Darien of Islas Contadora and Tobago, and in the Archipielago de San Blas. Credit cards are widely accepted at travel agencies, upscale hotels and many restaurants.
- Electricity:
- Electrical current is 110 volts, 60Hz. Flat two-pin plugs are the norm.
Travel to Panama City
Climate for Panama City
Panama City has a tropical climate, with temperatures staying constant all year round, ranging from 90°F (32°C) during the daytime to 70°F (21°C) in the evening. Humidity is generally high, especially during the rainy season, which is between May and December. The best time to travel to Panama City is between December and March.
7 day forecast for Panama City, Panamá, Panama
| Friday Dec. 20, 2024 | Saturday Dec. 21, 2024 | Sunday Dec. 22, 2024 | Monday Dec. 23, 2024 | Tuesday Dec. 24, 2024 | Wednesday Dec. 25, 2024 | Thursday Dec. 26, 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hi: 86°F Lo: 76°F  Overcast | Hi: 83°F Lo: 74°F  Mostly cloudy | Hi: 81°F Lo: 72°F Overcast | Hi: 83°F Lo: 74°F Overcast | Hi: 83°F Lo: 74°F Overcast | Hi: 83°F Lo: 74°F Overcast | Hi: 83°F Lo: 74°F Overcast |
Health Notes when travelling to Panama
Malaria is a concern in parts of Panama and travellers are advised to take malaria medication if visiting provinces east of the Panama Canal. Vaccinations are recommended for hepatitis A, hepatitis B and typhoid and travellers should be up to date on vaccinations for MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) and tetanus-diphtheria. Yellow fever vaccinations are required for travellers arriving from infected areas and are recommended for visits to areas of mainland Panama east of the Canal Zone.
Travellers should avoid tap water in Panama unless it has been boiled, filtered or chemically disinfected, and exercise caution with street food. Medical facilities are good in Panama City but very limited outside of the capital. Comprehensive medical insurance is recommended and all required medication should be taken along, in its original packaging, accompanied by a signed and dated letter from a doctor detailing what it is and why it is needed.
Safety Notes when travelling to Panama
Most visits to Panama are trouble-free. Visitors should, however, be aware that there is a risk of street crime in Panama City and it is unwise to carry large sums of cash or valuables in public. Visitors should be vigilant using ATM cash machines in public places and beware of pickpockets and muggers in the main city shopping and tourist areas. There have been incidents of assault involving taxi drivers and armed hold-ups in restaurants. Travellers should use only registered taxi companies and phone for a cab rather than hailing one in the street. They should not allow the taxi to pick up additional passengers and it’s best not to share a taxi with unknown passengers. Burglaries have recently been committed by organised gangs who use ruses to gain entry to properties, so visitors should be cautious. Holidaymakers should travel to Darien province only by air with an organised group, and to recognised tourist destinations protected by the Panamanian police. Travellers are advised to avoid the border area with Colombia, as this is particularly dangerous, and to avoid political demonstrations in Panama City, usually centred on Panama University and the main road known as the Transistmica.
Customs in Panama
A midday siesta is practised in many South American countries, including Panama, due to the heat. Tourists in Panama will find that shops and businesses are often closed during these lunchtime hours and should conduct their daily business either before or after siesta. The penalties for using or dealing drugs in Panama are strict, with possession of even very small quantities punishable by up to 15 years of imprisonment.
Duty Free in Panama
Two hundred and fifty cigarettes (10 packs) or 250g of tobacco, five bottles of alcohol, and goods up to the value of PAB 2,000 may be brought into Panama duty free. Fruit, vegetables and animal products are prohibited.
Doing Business in Panama
Business in Panama is formal. Handshakes are appropriate with men on meeting and departing, but not usually with women. Use of titles is very important to Panamanians, as is punctuality. As many Panamanians take an afternoon siesta, business entertaining often takes place over dinner instead of lunch. Dress for business is fairly formal despite the climate; men wear lightweight suits and ties and women wear lightweight dresses and suits. Office opening hours vary but generally businesses are open from 8am to 12pm, then 2pm to 5pm or 6pm on weekdays, and 9am to 12pm on Saturdays.
Communication in Panama
The international access code for Panama is +507. Free WiFi is available in hotels, restaurants and other establishments in tourist-centred areas. Purchasing a local SIM card is a good alternative to using international roaming, as fees can be high.
Tipping in Panama
Although a 10 percent service charge is added to most hotel bills, individual staff appreciate a gratuity appropriate to services rendered. Restaurant waiters expect a tip of 10 to 15 percent if a service charge is not included. Taxi drivers do not expect tips but fares are often rounded up.
Passport/Visa Note
Travellers to Panama require a passport valid for at least three months from arrival, return or onward tickets, all necessary documents for next destination and funds of USD 500 per person for the duration of their stay. Visas are generally not required as many nationalities are allowed entry for a maximum of 180 days. Panamanian entry requirements change frequently so it is wise for travellers to check with their nearest embassy or consulate before travelling to Panama. It is highly recommended that travellers’ passports have at least six months’ validity remaining after the intended date of departure from their travel destination. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources.
Entry Requirements
- Entry requirements for Americans:
United States citizens require a passport valid for three months beyond arrival date. A visa is not required for touristic stays of up to 180 days.
- Entry requirements for Canadians:
Canadian citizens require a passport valid for three months beyond arrival date. A visa is not required for touristic stays of up to 180 days.
- Entry requirements for UK nationals:
A passport valid for six months from the date of exit is required for United Kingdom nationals, though they do not require a visa for touristic stays of up to 180 days.
- Entry requirements for Australians:
Australian citizens require a passport valid for three months beyond arrival date. A visa is not required for touristic stays of up to 180 days.
- Entry requirements for Irish nationals:
Irish citizens require a passport valid for three months beyond arrival date. A visa is not required for touristic stays of up to 180 days.
- Entry requirements for New Zealanders:
New Zealand citizens require a passport valid for three months beyond arrival date. A visa is not required for touristic stays of up to 180 days.
- Entry requirements for South Africans:
A passport valid for three months beyond arrival date is required. South African citizens do not require a visa for touristic stays of up to 180 days.
Getting around in Panama City, Panama
Panama City can be difficult to navigate at first. The city has a public MetroBus system, visitors can use a Rapi>Pass card that can be bought and recharged at grocery stores.
Taxis are the most common way to get around in Panama City, as an average ride should be under $10 to most parts of the city. Taxis are not metered, and can be hailed on the street or ordered by phone (although a dispatch fee is often charged). Taxis can also be hired at an hourly or weekly rate, which can be cost-effective for frequent sightseeing and dining trips. Rental cars are available, but the local driving is very aggressive and self-driving can be the source of frustration rather than convenience.
Airports in Panama City
Tocumen International Airport (PTY)
Tocumen International Airport
http://www.tocumenpanama.aero
Location: Panama City The airport lies 20 miles (32km) from Panama City.
Time: GMT -5.
Contacts: Tel: +507 238 2700.
Transfer between terminals: The terminals are within easy walking distance of each other.
Getting to the city: There are buses and minivans dubbed Taxi de Turismo, which can be booked from the Information Booth in the arrivals hall. The transfer time is about half an hour.
Car rental: Car hire companies represented in the arrivals hall include Alamo, Avis, Budget, Dollar, Hertz, National and Thrifty.
Airport Taxis: Regular taxis operate day and night at fixed prices depending on the number of passengers, but are not metered.
Facilities: There is a bank and ATM, a restaurant and coffee bars, as well as snack bars. Last-minute gifts can be bought at several stores on the first and second floors, including duty-free. Baggage storage is available, and information booths are located in arrivals.
Parking: Parking at Tocumen International Airport is plentiful and very cheap.
Public Holidays Around the World
Planning your year? Knowing public holidays in different countries can help you plan trips, schedule events, or understand global schedules. Below, find a comprehensive list of public holidays sorted by country.
