Panama
Central America · Americas
- Capital
- Panama City
- Currency
- Panamanian Balboa / US Dollar (PAB/USD $)
- Language
- Spanish
- Timezone
- UTC-5
- Safety rating
- 7/10
- Best time to visit
- The dry season from mid-December to April offers the sunniest weather for beaches, hiking, and city sightseeing.
Overview
Panama bridges two continents and two oceans, anchored by the engineering marvel of the Panama Canal and a gleaming, cosmopolitan capital. Beyond the city lie the idyllic San Blas islands, cloud-forested highlands around Boquete, and Caribbean and Pacific beaches.
Visa requirements
Citizens of the US, EU, Canada, and many other nations enter visa-free for stays of up to 90 to 180 days with a valid passport.
Safety information
Panama is among the safer Central American countries, with modern Panama City generally secure in tourist and business districts. Avoid the Darién region near Colombia and certain rougher neighborhoods, and take normal precautions at night.
Travel tips
The US dollar is the everyday currency, called the balboa locally, so no exchange is needed for US travelers. Panama City has a modern metro and widespread card acceptance. The San Blas islands are cash-only and run by the indigenous Guna people.