18 key insights before traveling to Panama

For those in search of paradise islands, surf waves, wild nature, and stunning wildlife, Panama is the perfect getaway. Positioned at the meeting point of the Americas, it links two oceans and, aside from its vibrant capital and iconic canal, is rich in biodiversity. Did you know it’s also home to some of the world’s finest—and priciest—coffee?

Here are the essential things to know before visiting Panama.

1. Make reservations in advance if you want to experience a fiesta

Panamanians are passionate about celebrations, with almost every week featuring a fiesta, from La Feria de las Flores y del Café in Boquete to the grand Carnaval, with its biggest and most vibrant festivities taking place in Las Tablas on the Península de Azuero.

Holidays like Easter, Christmas, and New Year’s are also celebrated. In November, various independence festivals cause shops and offices to close as locals head to the beach. Expect hotel rates to surge and book out weeks ahead of public holidays.

2. Choose your packing based on the season: dry or wet

Panama's tropical climate features two seasons – the hot and dry period from December to April and the hot and wet phase for the remainder of the year. Rainfall varies by coast, but expect brief, intense downpours in the afternoons before the sun encourages you to don your Panama hat once again.

Bring high-SPF sunscreen and lightweight clothing for warm weather, but don’t forget something warmer for chilly air-conditioning and high altitudes. If you're planning intense hikes, sturdy boots are a must.

3. Bring the right amount of cash

While the official currency in Panama is the Balboa, US dollars are the common bills in circulation. Prices are displayed in $ or B/, but both have equal value.

Keep small bills handy for tips, shopping at markets, and rural areas, and ensure you have enough cash in case ATMs are out of service (or nonexistent, as in the Archipiélago de San Blas in the Comarca de Guna Yala).

4. You can't travel to Colombia by road

If you’re considering a road trip south to Colombia, reconsider. The notorious Darién Gap – the land connection between Central and South America – is a tangled wilderness of dense jungle, ancient swamps, venomous snakes, and shady figures, with no roads to cross.

However, if you're headed north to Costa Rica and beyond, there are several long-distance bus services, like Tica Bus, that operate throughout Central America.

5. Familiarize yourself with some key phrases (and what to avoid saying)

English is commonly spoken, particularly in Panama City and Boquete, but learning a few essential Spanish phrases will win you the locals' hearts and assist you when venturing away from tourist areas.

While Panama has a laid-back vibe, being polite is essential. Always greet people—buenas is a versatile greeting—and remember to say please (por favor) and thank you (gracias). Listen for unique Panamanian expressions like que sopa? (what’s up?), buco (a lot), and pinta fria (cold beer).

It’s advisable to steer clear of discussions about politics, religion, the Panama Canal, and the Panama Papers out of respect for local residents.

6. Embrace a more relaxed mindset

Life in Panama moves at a leisurely pace, even in the city, so don’t expect rapid responses to your requests. As in much of Central America, being on time is flexible, and restaurant service can be slow—meals are enjoyed over several hours. It’s best to adapt to the easygoing rhythm of life here. Slow down and unwind when you arrive in Panama.

7. The capital has its own style guidelines

While Panamanians generally dress casually, there's a more formal vibe in the capital. You won’t need to don suits or high heels, but the worn T-shirts, shorts, and flip-flops that are perfectly acceptable in Bocas del Toro might seem out of place in the city. Also, shirtless men are completely unacceptable.

8. Always confirm the fare before getting into a taxi

Panama’s yellow licensed taxis can be an affordable way to get around, but remember to negotiate the fare before you start your journey. Taxis typically don’t use meters, official rates are often disregarded, and tourists may face higher charges. Ask a local for a rough idea of what a taxi ride should cost.

Uber and Lyft operate in Panama City as well (with drivers frequently willing to travel cross-country), alongside UberEnglish for those who don’t speak Spanish and UberAssist for individuals with mobility challenges.

9. When should you tip, and how much?

Tipping isn’t mandatory, but it’s appreciated. In more upscale restaurants, if a service charge isn’t included in your bill, leaving a 10% tip is customary. Taxi drivers typically don’t expect tips, but you can round up the fare, and if someone assists you with your luggage, a tip of $1 to $2 is a nice gesture.

10. Be mindful of smoke-free areas

Smoking is banned in all indoor public areas, hotel rooms, workplaces, public transport, outdoor dining spaces, and sports venues. You may incur a fine if caught smoking in non-designated zones. The same rules apply to vaping. Importing and selling e-cigarettes is illegal.

11. Bring repellent to fend off mosquito bites

Mosquito bites are not just irritating; they can transmit diseases like dengue fever. Use a strong bug spray, particularly if you plan to venture into the jungle.

12. Is it safe to drink the water?

Given the combination of heat and humidity, staying hydrated is crucial, especially if you plan to be active. Tap water is generally safe to drink, particularly in urban areas, but if you venture off the beaten path, consider reducing plastic waste by using a water-filter bottle that can be filled from any water source.

13. Stay secure in the city

Panama is among the safest countries in Central America, but it’s wise to take some precautions. Pickpocketing can occur in crowded spots in Panama City, such as bus terminals, markets, and shopping districts, so be vigilant with your belongings.

As with any large city, avoid poorly lit streets and don’t explore unfamiliar neighborhoods alone after dark. It’s best not to carry all your credit cards or large amounts of cash at once, and when using an ATM, choose one located inside a bank during daylight hours.

To report a crime, call 511 9260 (Tourist Police in Panama City) or 104 (National Police), and have your embassy's contact number accessible.

14. What to do in a medical emergency

For emergency medical help, call 911 for an ambulance. Panama City has well-equipped hospitals and clinics, but medical facilities are more limited in areas outside the capital.

Ensure you have proper travel insurance and review the details before your trip.

15. Stay informed about the weather

Before diving into the waters along Panama’s coastlines, be sure to check for strong currents or riptides. Inland, heavy rainfall can lead to flash floods and landslides—October and November are typically the wettest months—so consult the weather forecast and heed local advice before exploring hiking trails, especially if you're venturing out without a local guide.

16. Exercise caution when engaging with wildlife

Though the risk is minimal, stay alert for venomous snakes like the formidable fer-de-lance while trekking through jungle paths, and avoid swimming in rivers unless you are certain they are free of crocodiles.

17. Always have a copy of your ID on hand

Foreign tourists are advised to carry their passports at all times, as police may conduct checks. However, it’s safer to have a photocopy or a photo of the passport's main pages and entry stamp while keeping the original in a secure place.

18. Avoid involvement with drugs

Panama enforces strict drug laws. Being caught with even a small amount of illegal substances, or being in the company of someone using or possessing drugs, can result in arrest and may lead to hefty fines or severe prison sentences.