Travel Essentials › Panama
Travel Essentials
Plugs: Types A and B, 120 V. Emergency: One number for everything 911. Tipping: About 10% in restaurants, often added to the bill; small tips for porters and guides. Tap water: Generally safe to drink in Panama City; bottled water recommended in rural areas.
Types A and B, 120 V
| One number for everything | 911 |
About 10% in restaurants, often added to the bill; small tips for porters and guides.
Greetings. A handshake is standard on first meeting; friends often greet with a single cheek kiss. Use titles (Señor/Señora) until invited to be informal.
Punctuality and pace. Social plans run on "hora panameña" (a relaxed sense of time); business meetings are more punctual, but patience is expected in queues and offices.
Dress. Casual dress is fine almost everywhere, but cover shoulders/knees in churches; beachwear is for the beach, not the street.
Panama is generally safe for tourists, especially in Panama City's main districts, the Canal area, and popular beach towns, though petty theft and opportunistic crime occur; avoid Colón's back streets and the Darién region near the Colombian border.
Taxi overcharging. Unmetered taxis often quote inflated fares to foreigners; agree on a price before getting in or use a ride-hailing app.
Distraction theft. An accomplice spills something or bumps into you while another lifts your phone or wallet; keep bags zipped and in front of you in crowds.
Bus fare padding. Some bus staff charge tourists more than the posted fare; know the standard price in advance and pay with small bills.
Women travelers. Catcalling is common, especially in cities, and can feel more intense in some neighborhoods; dressing modestly and avoiding walking alone at night in areas like Casco Viejo, Santa Ana, or Calidonia reduces hassle.
Legal · Use Caution
Same-sex relations have been legal since 2008, but there is no marriage equality and no anti-discrimination protections in employment or housing; public affection outside LGBTQ+-friendly venues is best kept low-key, though Panama City has a visible, growing Pride scene.
| Coffee (café) | $2 | $2 |
| Local bus or metro ride | $0.50 | $0.50 |
| Mid-range restaurant meal | $12 | $12 |
| Hostel bed / budget room (night) | $15 | $15 |
| Mid-range hotel (night) | $85 | $85 |
| Daily budget, mid-range traveler | $70 | $70 |
2026-09
Mid-December to April, the dry season, is best for sunny weather and easy travel, though it's also the busiest and most expensive stretch.