Panama Travel Guide

What is Panama known for?

Panama is best known internationally for the Panama Canal, but the country also offers Caribbean and Pacific beaches, tropical rainforest, wetlands, islands, mountain landscapes and a modern capital with a major historic district.

Panama City combines a contemporary skyline with Casco Viejo, Panama Viejo, the Amador Causeway and easy access to the canal. Nearby Soberania National Park protects rich tropical forest and is especially well known for birdwatching.

What are the best places to visit in Panama?

How many days should I spend in Panama?

We recommend approximately 7-10 days depending on the itinerary. Three nights in Panama City provides a useful base for the canal and historic districts, while additional nights can be used for beaches, rainforest or western Panama.

What is the best way to get around Panama?

What is the currency of Panama?

Panama uses the Panamanian balboa (PAB), fixed at parity with the U.S. dollar. Balboa coins circulate alongside U.S. coins, while U.S. dollar banknotes are used throughout the country.

Travelers arriving with U.S. dollars generally do not need to exchange currency. Major credit cards and ATMs are widely available in cities and tourism areas.

Do people speak English in Panama?

Spanish is the official language of Panama. English is used in many hotels, tourism businesses and international business settings, especially in Panama City and major resort areas, but visitors should not assume universal fluency.

Panama can be visited throughout the year, but mid-December through mid-April is generally the driest and most popular period, especially on the Pacific side.

The Pacific side has a clearer wet season from roughly May through November, while the Caribbean side receives rainfall throughout the year and can experience short, intense showers even during otherwise favorable travel periods.

Travelers should plan around regional conditions rather than assuming one weather pattern applies to the entire country.

Tipping in Panama is customary in many tourism situations but generally less rigid than in the United States. Always check whether a service charge or gratuity has already been included.

Currency: Can I tip in U.S. dollars?

Yes. U.S. dollar banknotes circulate throughout Panama and are appropriate for gratuities.

Tipping remains discretionary beyond any included service charge.