Explore
Panama with this essential travel guide, featuring tips on culture,
safety, visas, transport, and the best times to visit. Discover the
iconic Panama Canal, island escapes, rainforests, and vibrant
neighbourhoods across this diverse country.
Country: Panama
Continent / Region: Central America
Capital City: Panama City
Government Type: Presidential representative democratic republic
Population: ~4.4 million
Official Language(s): Spanish
Percentage of Population Who Speak English: Around 15–20% (higher in Panama City & tourist areas)
Currency: Panamanian Balboa (PAB) & US Dollar (USD used widely)
Time Zone (GMT): GMT-5
Driving Side: Right
Electric Plug Type / Voltage: Type A/B plugs, 110V
Adapter Needed: Yes — UK travellers require an adapter
Emergency Numbers: 911 (police, fire, ambulance)
Travel Time from the UK (London): Approx. 11–13 hours (one connection)
Best Time/Months to Travel: December – April (dry season); May – November is rainy season
Main International Airports:
Visa Requirements: No visa required for UK citizens for tourism
Visa Needed for UK Citizens: Not required for stays up to 180 days
Visa Duration / Cost: Free entry for tourism
Vaccinations Needed: Routine vaccines; hepatitis A, typhoid and rabies recommended; yellow fever vaccine required if arriving from certain African/South American countries
Embassy Information (UK Embassy in Panama):
Average Daily Costs (Budget / Mid-range / Luxury): £40 / £90 / £180+ per person
Tipping Culture: 10–15% common unless service charge included
Public Transport Options: Metro, buses, taxis, ferries, domestic flights
Approx. Cost of Single Fare: Metro/bus ≈ £0.30; taxi rides ≈ £2–£8
Internet / SIM Availability: Good urban coverage; SIMs from +Movil, Claro, Tigo
Main Climate Type: Tropical climate with clear wet and dry seasons
Average Temperature Range (by Season):
• Dry Season (Dec–Apr): 24–32 °C
• Wet Season (May–Nov): 25–31 °C, high humidity
Major Cities: Panama City, Colón, David, Santiago, Chitré
Natural Attractions: San Blas Islands, Bocas del Toro, Soberanía National Park, Volcán Barú, Gatun Lake
Popular Tourist Destinations: Panama City, Casco Viejo, Boquete, Bocas del Toro, San Blas, Pearl Islands
Main Religions: Christianity (primarily Roman Catholic), Protestant communities
Cultural Etiquette / Customs: Warm greetings expected; punctuality flexible; modest dress recommended outside tourist zones; respect indigenous Guna Yala and Emberá communities
National Dishes / Cuisine Highlights: Sancocho stew, arroz con pollo, ceviche, patacones, ropa vieja, tropical fruits
Local Festivals / Public Holidays: Carnival (Feb/Mar), Independence Day celebrations (Nov), Coffee and Flower Festival (Boquete)
Famous Landmarks / Heritage Sites: Panama Canal, Casco Viejo (UNESCO), Coiba National Park (UNESCO), Portobelo ruins, Panama Viejo
Overall Safety Rating: Moderate — tourist areas generally safe; caution advised in parts of Panama City
Common Scams / Warnings: Overcharging taxis, unofficial tour operators, bag-snatching in busy areas
Health Risks: Dengue, Zika, heat exhaustion; good medical care in cities, limited in remote areas
Recommended Travel Clinics: Hospital Punta Pacífica, Centro Médico Paitilla, Clínica Hospital San Fernando
Travel Insurance Recommendation: Strongly recommended — especially for adventure activities and remote travel
Internet Speed / Connectivity: Good in major towns; weaker in islands and rural regions
Useful Phrases:
Must-See Attractions: Panama Canal, Casco Viejo, San Blas Islands, Bocas del Toro, Volcán Barú
Unique Experiences: Coffee plantation tours in Boquete, canal transit cruises, jungle wildlife trekking, Emberá village visits
Hidden Gems / Off-the-Beaten Path: Pearl Islands, Santa Catalina, Darién rainforest, Isla Escudo de Veraguas
Popular Areas to Stay: Casco Viejo, Panama City waterfront, Bocas del Toro, Boquete, San Blas eco-lodges
Average Hotel Prices (Budget / Mid-range / Luxury): £30 / £80 / £170+ per night
Book A Hotel: You can book your accommodation right here.
Popular Nightlife Areas: Casco Viejo rooftop bars, Panama City financial district, Bocas del Toro nightlife
Local Drinks / Bars to Try: Seco Herrerano cocktails, Panamanian rum, Balboa beer, craft breweries
Entertainment Options: Rooftop lounges, live salsa, beach parties, casinos, cultural shows
Car Rental Availability: Widely available; good roads in central regions, rougher in rural areas
Domestic Flights / Trains: Domestic flights to Bocas del Toro, David, San Blas; Panama Canal Railway (tourist scenic route)
Average Taxi / Ride Share Costs: £2–£8 for typical city journeys; Uber and InDriver widely used
Best Markets / Districts: Casco Viejo artisan shops, Albrook Mall, Guna Yala handicraft stalls
Local Crafts / Souvenirs: Molas (Guna textiles), Panama hats, coffee beans, wooden carvings, cacao products
Local SIM Card Providers: +Movil, Claro, Tigo
Typical Business Hours: Mon–Sat 9 a.m.–6 p.m.; shopping malls open later
Tap Water Safety: Safe in Panama City; bottled water recommended elsewhere
Local Apps to Download:
Did You Know?: The Panama Canal handles nearly 6% of global maritime trade and is one of the most complex engineering achievements ever built.