Practical information and services in Panama

The capital's domestic airport, on the former Albrook air base near Albrook Mall, used mainly for flights to Bocas del Toro, David and other regional points. It sits about 9 km by road from Punta Paitilla.

Panama's main international gateway and Copa Airlines' hub, about 23 km east of Punta Paitilla. It has two passenger terminals linked by a free shuttle, and the airport runs its own official taxi service plus Metro and MetroBús connections.

Major international rental brands serve Tocumen, with counters in the Terminal 1 arrivals area; Terminal 2 arrivals take the shuttle to Terminal 1. Exact counter positions and brand lineup should be checked with each company.

Visitors may drive on a valid licence from home for up to 90 days. Third-party liability insurance is compulsory, and drivers should keep their licence and passport with them at all times.

The Corredor Sur, which links Tocumen with Punta Paitilla, and the Corredor Norte are toll roads run by the state company ENA and paid electronically with a Panapass tag. Cash toll booths have been removed, and driving with no balance can draw fines.

Panama's Jewish community security department (DSI) admits visitors to synagogues and community institutions only with a pre-approved registration. Register and pay at least 72 hours before arrival, then bring the e-mailed QR code and your passport to a security interview at a synagogue.

Panama uses the same plugs and voltage as the US and Canada: Type A and B sockets at 120 V, 60 Hz. North American devices work without adapters; UK and Israeli visitors need adapters.

The British Embassy occupies the 4th floor of Humboldt Tower on Calle 53 in Marbella. Public visits are by appointment only; urgent help is available by phone and through the FCDO in London.

Canada's embassy is in the Torres de las Américas complex in Punta Pacífica, close to Paitilla. After hours, Canadians reach Global Affairs' Emergency Watch and Response Centre in Ottawa.

Israel's embassy is in the Banco General tower on Calle Aquilino de la Guardia in Marbella, a few minutes from Paitilla. Consular questions go to the embassy's consular e-mail.

The U.S. Embassy is in Clayton, on the former Canal Zone side of the city. One number covers both office hours and after-hours emergencies for U.S. citizens.

911 is the national emergency line, reaching ambulance, police and fire. Direct lines also exist for the police (104) and fire brigade (103).

Panama City has private ambulance and medical-emergency subscription companies. The Jewish community's security office lists SEMM and Más Vida among its useful numbers.

Volunteer medical first-response service staffed by trained members of Panama's Jewish community, free of charge; the Panama chapter of Israel's United Hatzalah, founded in 2012.

Anyone entering or leaving Panama with US$10,000 or more in cash, negotiable instruments or valuables must file a sworn traveller declaration. Undeclared cash is regularly seized at Tocumen.

British citizens can visit for up to three months without a visa. Panama's own rule is a passport valid at least three months and at least US$500 per adult in funds (children exempt); the UK government advises six months' validity and suggests carrying US$1,000 or a credit card.

Canadians do not need a tourist visa for stays of up to 180 days. Bring a passport valid three months past departure, and be ready to show an onward ticket and US$500 or a credit card.

Israel is on Panama's list of countries whose citizens need no visa. The Panamanian embassy's list gives a maximum tourist stay of three months; Panama's general tourist conditions (valid passport, funds, onward ticket) apply.

Americans need no visa and may stay as tourists for up to 180 days under Migración Resolution 22706 of 2021. Panama requires a passport valid at least three months, a confirmed departure booking and proof of at least US$500 per adult (children exempt).

Panama's notarized-consent rules for children leaving the country apply to Panamanian citizens and residents under 18, including dual nationals. Non-resident foreign children visiting as tourists are excluded from the rule.

Long-established private hospital on Avenida Cuba in the Bella Vista/Calidonia area, with a 24-hour emergency room and in-house pharmacy.

Private hospital at the edge of Punta Paitilla, renamed from Centro Médico Paitilla in 2019 when it joined Spain's Hospiten group. It runs round-the-clock emergency care, including a pediatric emergency area.

Private hospital in Punta Pacífica, a short drive from Paitilla, run by Pacífica Salud and affiliated with Johns Hopkins Medicine International. It has a 24-hour adult and pediatric emergency department.

Pacífica Salud's second campus, in Costa del Este, also tied to Johns Hopkins Medicine International. Handy for visitors staying east of the city or near the airport highway.

Since September 2026 Panama gives free medical and assistance cover for the first 10 days to visitors under 86 who fly in through approved airports. It activates automatically with the entry stamp and is a perk, not an entry requirement.

Panama uses the US dollar for all notes, alongside its own balboa coins, which are worth the same as US coins. Prices are quoted in dollars or 'B/.' interchangeably.

Panama City's metro has two operating lines; a Line 2 branch with a station at Tocumen airport opened in March 2023. Line 3 (to Panamá Oeste) is under construction, and fares can be paid with the transit card or contactless Visa/Mastercard.

MiBus runs the MetroBús network, including stops at both Tocumen terminals. Fares are low, you get up to two free transfers, and cards are sold at the airport.

The US rates Panama Level 2 (exercise increased caution) for crime and unrest, with Level 4 'do not travel' warnings for parts of Darién and the Mosquito Gulf coast. Canada and the UK also name higher-crime districts of Panama City, including San Miguelito, El Chorrillo, Curundú and Santa Ana.

+Móvil is the mobile brand of Cable & Wireless Panamá, which absorbed Claro Panamá in January 2023 and is now one of Panama's two mobile networks. It sells prepaid SIMs in its stores and supports eSIM on compatible phones.

Airalo sells data-only Panama eSIMs that run on the +Móvil network and can be installed before you fly. Plans range from 3 to 30 days.

Tigo is Panama's other mobile network. Millicom bought Movistar's Panamanian business in 2019 and switched it to the Tigo brand in August 2020.

inDrive is the other ride-hailing app operating in Panama; riders propose a fare and drivers accept or counter. It also offers city-to-city trips to interior towns.

The airport's authorized taxi cooperative works from stands at the arrivals exits of both terminals, around the clock, with fixed fares by destination published on the airport website. Rides can also be booked ahead by phone or WhatsApp.

Uber runs in Panama City, including trips to and from Tocumen, and is one of two ride-hailing apps still operating in the country. A decree that would have regulated the apps as luxury taxis was issued and then annulled in April 2026, so the rules are still being worked out.

Tips are voluntary under Panamanian consumer law, and restaurants may not force them. Many restaurants suggest 10% on the bill, which you can decline if it has been added.

Chabad of Panama City lists two private drivers for visitors, both reachable by WhatsApp. It recommends drivers or Uber over renting a car.

Chabad of Panama City publishes a list of independent guides for the capital, David (Chiriquí) and Pedasí/Playa Venao. Chabad itself does not sell tours.

Panama keeps Eastern Standard Time (UTC-5) all year and does not use daylight saving time. In winter it matches New York; in summer it is one hour behind.

Panama City is hot all year, with highs in the low 90s °F. January to March is the dry season with very little rain; heavy rain arrives from May, peaking in October, and December is a transition month.