Panama Travel & Emergency Guide

Emergency Numbers in Panama

Key Travel Facts

Driving Rules & Speed Limits in Panama

Toll & Vignette: Tolls active on Corredor Norte/Sur expressways in Panama City. Electronic Panapass transponder mandatory (no cash lanes!).

Tipping & Etiquette

Recommendation: Tipping of 10% in restaurants is standard practice. 10% is customary in sit-down dining. Taxis do not have meters and do not expect tips; negotiate the fare before getting in.

• DO Ensure your rental car has a funded Panapass transponder before taking urban toll highways.
• DO Explore historic Casco Viejo on foot for colonial architecture and vibrant rooftop venues.
• DO Book San Blas island excursions through authorized indigenous Guna Yala tour operators.
• DON'T Do not travel into the Darien Gap border region with Colombia (severe safety and terrain hazards).
• DON'T Do not enter a street taxi without negotiating the exact fare beforehand.
• DON'T Do not smoke in enclosed public spaces or restaurant patios.

Power Sockets & Tap Water

Plug Type & Electricity: Type A & B (120V, 60Hz – standard US flat prongs, travel adapter required for European devices).

Tap Water: Safe and high quality in Panama City and urban areas. On Caribbean islands (Bocas del Toro, San Blas), stick to bottled water.

Insider Tip: The US Dollar is the official paper currency (the Balboa only exists in coins equal to 1 USD). Urban expressways (Corredor Norte/Sur) strictly require the prepaid Panapass electronic toll transponder!