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Panama Panama Currency Guide

The currency of Panama and how to prepare for payments — all on one page.

Currency

US Dollar

USD · $

Checking rates

Check with your bank app or card issuer before you go

The rate and fees you actually pay differ by bank and card issuer.

Payment Tips to Remember

Always pay in the local currency

If a terminal asks whether to charge in your home currency, always choose the local currency. Choosing your home currency triggers DCC (dynamic currency conversion), which adds a hidden markup.

Set up a travel card before you fly

Prepaid multi-currency travel cards let you convert money in the app beforehand and pay like a debit card locally. Fees are usually lower than cash exchange counters, and you can freeze the card instantly from the app if lost.

Airport exchange counters: last resort

Airport counters are convenient but tend to offer some of the worst rates. If you need cash, exchange via your bank's app before departure or consider withdrawing from a local ATM.

Check ATM fees on screen

Local ATMs may add their own operator fee. Check the fee shown on the confirmation screen before proceeding. If the ATM offers conversion to your home currency (DCC), choosing the local currency is usually better.

Keep some small cash

Every country has places that don't take cards — markets, tips, small transport. Carrying a small amount of cash in separate places keeps you covered.

Cards for Abroad

Explore the Wise multi-currency card

One account holding 40+ currencies, converting and paying at mid-market based rates. Handy for multi-country trips — no need to exchange for each currency separately.

Learn more

Local data

Get an eSIM for Panama before you go

Activate mobile data with a QR code instead of swapping SIM cards. Buy it before departure and switch it on the moment you land.

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Check prices and availability on the booking sites.

City Guides in Panama

Panama City

Panama City is the capital and largest city of Panama, located where the Panama Canal meets the Pacific Ocean. As the country's political and administrative center, it's well worth exploring.

Colón City

Colón sits where the Panama Canal meets the Caribbean Sea and serves as the capital of Colón Province. It's conveniently linked to Panama City by both rail and road.

David

David is a city in western Panama and the capital of Chiriquí Province. It makes a convenient base for exploring the surrounding area.

Santiago de Veraguas

Santiago de Veraguas is the capital of Veraguas Province in central Panama. St. James Cathedral is considered the city's landmark attraction.

Bocas del Toro

Bocas del Toro is a city in northwestern Panama and the capital of Bocas del Toro Province. It makes a good base for exploring the region.