Panama: FAQs
Our frequently asked questions about travel to Panama. If you have any other questions, please contact your travel designer or concierge.
Do I need to get a visa?
Tourist visas are not required for UK, EU, US, Australian and Canadian citizens for stays of up to 180 days. Please note your passport must be valid for six months beyond the date of your stay.
Do I need any vaccinations before I travel to Panama?
No vaccinations are required for travel to Panama but we recommend speaking to your health practitioner before you travel. Please seek professional medical advice and recheck close to the date of travel as the situation may change.
Please note that all travellers coming to Panama from the Bahamas, Brazil, Guyana, Jamaica, Nicaragua and Nigeria must have the yellow fever vaccine at least ten days prior to their trip.
What should I bring in terms of currency?
The official currency in Panama is the Balboa (PAB), which is used interchangeably with the US dollar (USD). The currency used day-to-day in Panama is the US dollar. MasterCard and Visa are the most widely accepted credit cards in Panama, followed by American Express. Most hotels and restaurants accept all of these, especially in tourist destination areas. Discover and Diners Club is far less commonly accepted.
Panama has a widespread network of ATMs connected to the Cirrus and Maestro Network. ATMs can be found in all but the most remote tourist destinations and isolated nature lodges. If you are visiting smaller towns and more remote places then it is advisable to withdraw cash.
What are the plug sockets like in Panama?
Panama’s electrical system is compatible with that of North America and Canada, 110 volts.
What do I need to know about domestic flights?
You will need to check in one hour before. Security is strict on baggage checking. Hand luggage is restricted to 3.5 kg/8lb.
You can’t take liquids more than 100ml in your hand luggage however you can take a bottle of water. Ensure you don’t have any sharp items in your hand luggage, tape is not permitted either.
Hold luggage is restricted to 14 kg/30 Ibs per bag therefore some thought into what you really need to take with you is needed.
You are given a number at check-in for your checked bag which you need to listen out for when collecting your luggage on the other side.
Bear in mind that Panama City domestic airport does not have many facilities.
Are there any customs regulations?
No customs duties are charged on personal luggage, which includes a series of items for personal, professional and non-commercial use. Panama laws require checked luggage to be screened and travellers to fill out customs declarations declaring the value of any item in their possession, including fruits, vegetables, meat and by- products, biological products such as vaccinations, serums, etc.
How much should I tip?
While tipping in Panama is discretionary, it is a significant part of the income for many workers in the tourism industry and is a wonderful way to show appreciation for great service. Panama uses the US Dollar (locally referred to as the Balboa), making it very simple for travellers to manage gratuities.
In restaurants and bars, many establishments will automatically add a 10% service charge to your bill, so we recommend checking your receipt carefully. If it hasn’t been included, a tip of 10% is standard for reasonable service, while 15-20% is a thoughtful gesture for exceptional service. For hotel staff, it is customary to tip bellhops $1-$2 per bag, housekeeping $1-$3 per night, and a concierge $5-$10 for any specialised assistance.
As a general guideline for your tours and transfers:
- Private Tours: We suggest USD $10-$20 per person, depending on the length and quality of the experience.
- Group Tours: A tip of USD $5-$10 per person for the guide is standard.
- Drivers: For sightseeing tour drivers or boat drivers, USD $5 per person is recommended. For simple shuttle transfers, USD $2 per person is appropriate.
- Taxis & Rideshares: Tipping is not strictly required, but it is common to round up the fare by $1-$4 to show appreciation.
If you are enjoying a spa or wellness treatment, a gratuity of 10–15% of the service cost is standard if it has not already been included in your bill. For those staying at all-inclusive lodges or remote resorts, please note that specific tipping guidelines vary by property; these details will be shared with you directly by your dedicated concierge to ensure you have the most accurate information for your specific itinerary.
