Currency & Money in Panama
The legal tender in Panama is the Panamanian Balboa ( ฿, PAB) and the US Dollar ( $, USD).
The exchange rate between both currencies is
- 1 balboa = 1 dollar.
- 1 Euro = 1.13 balboa
However, the US dollar is the official currency of circulation in the country.
When settling in USD, currency is often given in balboas.
Therefore, it is preferable to travel to Panama with dollars
Payment cards and cash withdrawals in Panama
Throughout the country there are ATMs that accept different types of cards; the most widely accepted are American Express, Visa, Diners and Mastercard.
You can also withdraw balboas or U.S dollars with your Visa, American Express or Mastercard in mid-sized cities or towns that usually have ATMs
Be careful, you’ll find it harder to find them in some more remote areas
Keep in mind that credit card transactions are always subject to commissions (which vary from bank to bank).
The opening hours of banks are quite limited: from 8 am to 3 pm from Monday to Friday and on Saturday from 9 am to noon
ATMs are usually open 24 hours a day.
It is also possible to exchange cash (dollars) on the spot at banks or exchange offices (casas de cambio), but exchange rates are often higher.
Pro Tip
Try, as far as possible, to always have change on you, as not all shopkeepers or taxis have the change, some will refuse you the sale, and to limit the use of your card to save bank charges (leaving with dollars).
The cost of living in Panama
Panama is a cheap country compared to Europe, even though fares have increased in recent years with the boom in tourism
Its economy is one of the most stable in America
The most profitable sectors are finance, tourism and logistics (75% of GDP).
For example:
- the dish of the day in a local restaurant: $ 5 to 10 Usd.
- A menu in a classic restaurant: between $ 10 and 15 Usd.
- A more elaborate menu: between $ 15 and 30 Usd.
- A 1 litre bottle of water costs about $ 1 Usd.
- 1 litre of diesel: $ 0.80 Usd
- an entry in a national park: $ 10 Usd
Is tipping mandatory?
It is to be determined according to your appreciation for the quality of the attention received, the duration of the services performed and the intensity of the work provided.
In restaurants, the tip “propina” is usually included in the service and is included on the bill
Several amounts appear depending on what you wish to leave: 10, 20 or 30%
If this is not the case, it is customary to leave 10% of the bill.
Allow approximately 1 to 2 USD per day per person for the driver, 3 to 5 USD per day per person for the guide.
When leaving the country, you will have to pay an exit tax of : 40 USD (payable by credit card or in dollars).
More Travel Tips
- Always refuse banknotes that are taped or torn at the edges: it would be impossible for you to use them;
- Remember to carry some change and small denominations for your petty expenses;
- Know that once back in your country, you will not be able to change your balboas into US or Euros..
- Also, it is better not to withdraw too much at the end of your trip, or else spend it all on the spot!
At the helm of Remote Expeditions, Tristan adeptly combines exploration, photography, tour design, web development, and tour leadership, encapsulating the essence of a versatile travel entrepreneur. His mission is to offer a limited number of high-quality tours each year, ensuring an unparalleled travel experience steering clear of mass tourism. He aims to guide you towards the true essence of each destination, facilitating a deep connection with both nature and yourself.