Panama City has one the lowest crime rates in the region and has police surveillance, especially in tourist sites. However, for safety reasons, we recommend not walking long distances at night and taking precautions as in any foreign city.
Can I drink tap water in Panama?
Yes, generally tap water in Panama City is safe to drink. However, outside of major urban areas, especially in rural or more remote areas, tap water may not be potable. Therefore, it is advisable to check with local authorities or personnel at your location if tap water is safe to drink in that specific area. If in doubt, it's always best to opt for bottled water to avoid any risks.
What should I wear during my visit?
Panama City has a humid tropical climate ranging between 23°C and 30°C, and frequent rainfall, so we suggest taking clothing precautions and planning visits accordingly.
Should I exchange currency when visiting Panama?
In Panama, the official currency is the Panamanian Balboa (PAB), which is pegged to the United States Dollar (USD) at a 1:1 ratio. Therefore, if you already have USD, you can use it directly in Panama without needing to exchange it.
In the case of having another currency, it is not essential to exchange currency for American dollars considering that most commercial establishments accept payments with credit and debit cards.
We recommend contacting your bank a few days before your visit to Panama to inquire about their policies regarding the use of credit or debit cards in foreign countries.
How can I get around in Panama?
For your mobility, we recommend the use of Uber and Indriver platforms, which you can download from the App Store (iPhone) or Google Play (Android) and will require an internet connection.
What can I do in case of an emergency?
In case of emergency, you can contact the National Police at the number +507 104, the Fire Department at the number +507 103, or Sume 911 at the number +507 911.
The closest hospitals in Panama City are Hospital Paitilla, Hospital San Fernando, Hospital Pacífica Salud, and Hospital Panama Clinic.