Key facts
Panama is a country located in Central America. There are 2 countries (Colombia, Costa Rica) that Panama shares its borders with. The official language of Panama is Spanish. Traveling across Panama if English is your first (and only) language may be difficult due to language barriers.
In the EF English Competency Index (EF EPI), which assesses the language proficiency of non-native speaking countries, Panama was ranked 73rd out of 100 countries in 2021.
The national currency in Panama is Panamanian balboa (PAB). The balboa (B/) is subdivided into 100 centésimo.
Panamanian
Banknotes
$1$5$10$20$50$1002$
Panamanian
Coins
151⁄101⁄41⁄21B/2B/
Check with your bank before your trip to find out if there are any fees for using your card abroad. Some banks do not charge fees when you use a foreign ATM or pay in foreign currency, but others may charge a fixed cost for each transaction or allow a limited number of free withdrawals. The travel card provided by Wise.com, Revolut or Monose might be an excellent option to cut down on transaction fees.
Ookla® Speedtest The average fixed internet speed in Panama is 215.75 Mbps and mobile is 30.24 Mbs.The global average is 192.62 Mbps and 126.54 Mbps respectively.
ATM Density Panama has more ATMs than most other countries.72.71 ATMs per 100,000 people.The global average is 39.49.
SIM Registration You can buy a SIM card in Panama without having to register it with your ID or passport.
Socket types
There are 2 socket types used in Panama. Type A & Type B are widespread in North America (incl. the U.S.), Central America, Japan, and the Philippines.
The sockets’ shapes and voltage differ from country to country and a travel plug adapter may be required. Portable devices, such as phones, notebooks or tablets, usually handle the entire range of voltages used across the world (110-240V).
Public holidays
In the year 2024, Panama will celebrate 13 national public holidays. The next one Separation Day will take place on November 3.
| Date | Holiday name | |
|---|---|---|
| January 1, 2024Moving holiday | New Year’s DayNew Year’s Day | |
| January 9, 2024Moving holiday | Martyr’s DayMartyr’s Day | |
| February 12, 2024Moving holiday | CarnivalCarnival | |
| February 13, 2024Moving holiday | CarnivalCarnival | |
| March 29, 2024Moving holiday | Good FridayGood Friday | |
| May 1, 2024Moving holiday | Labour DayLabour Day | |
| November 3, 2024Moving holiday | Separation DaySeparation Day | |
| November 4, 2024Moving holiday | Flag DayFlag Day | |
| November 5, 2024Moving holiday | Colon DayColón Day | |
| November 10, 2024Moving holiday | Shout in Villa de los SantosShout in Villa de los Santos | |
| November 28, 2024Moving holiday | Independence DayIndependence Day | |
| December 8, 2024Moving holiday | Mothers’ DayMothers’ Day | |
| December 25, 2024Moving holiday | Christmas DayChristmas Day |
Sources
- EF English Proficiency Index (EF Education First)
- Speedtest Global Index® (Ookla®)
- Automated teller machines (ATMs) (per 100,000 adults) (The World Bank Group)
- Registration Policies Per Country (Prepaid Data SIM Card Wiki)
Tourism
What hotel chains are present in Panama?
There are Mariott hotels in Panama City.
The Hilton hotel chain operates in Panama.
The IHG hotel chain operates in Panama.
The Best Western hotel chain operates in Panama.
There are Radisson hotels in 2 cities: Colón and Panama City.
The Accor hotel chain operates in Panama.
What fast food chains are present in Panama?
The McDonald’s chain operates in Panama.
The KFC chain operates in Panama.
The Burger King chain does not operate in Panama.
The Subway chain operates in Panama.
The Domino’s Pizza chain operates in Panama.
The Starbucks chain operates in Panama.
Sources
- Country by National Dish (Samson Daniel)
Weather
What is the weather like in Panama City?
Weather data for Panama City (capital city) by Open-Meteo.com
Transport
Railways There are no passenger trains available.
Subway Systems The subway system is available in Panama City.
Sources
- List of high-speed railway lines (Wikipedia)
- List of metro systems (Wikipedia)
- Left- and right-hand traffic (Wikipedia)
- The Global Enabling Trade Report 2016: Road connectivity (World Economic Forum)
Safety
Emergency phones in Panama
Sources
- Panama Travel Advisory (United States: Department of State)
- Travel Advice for Panama (United Kingdom: The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office)
- Mortality caused by road traffic injury (The World Bank Group)
- Corruption & Economic Crime (United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime)
Smoking & Alcohol
Smoking ban Smoking is forbidden in all public indoor locations, with limited exceptions.
Cananbis legality Recreational usage is prohibited, but medical use is legal.
Sources
- List of smoking bans (Wikipedia)
- Legality of cannabis (Wikipedia)