Travel advice for Panama.

Here you will find important tips and useful information for Panama.

Travel money:

Prepaid Travel credit card

in US Dollars (USD)

  • For ATM cash withdrawals

  • For cashless payments in shops, restaurants, hotels, and online

ATM Search

Banknotes

in US Dollars (USD)

  • For minor expenses on arrival in country of destination

Local currency / ISO Code

US Dollar USD

Further Information

Credit cards

 

ATM Search

Find out more about Travel

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Practical Information:

Swiss Embassy / Consulate

Panama City, Calle 52E, Edificio Simplex No. 14, Bella Vista y Via Federico Boyd
Tel. +507 395 99 22

Time difference with Switzerland

- 6 h / - 7 h during our summer time

National language

Official language

Spanish

Language capabilities

English

Capital

Panamá (Ciudad de Panamá)

Country code for calling Switzerland

00 41 (disregard '0' preceding Swiss area codes)

Voltage

110/120 volt / adapter required

Travel documents for Swiss citizens

Passport still valid 6 months or more after end of stay, return or onward travel ticket and proof of sufficient funds for stays up to 3 months.
Exit permit required for stays exceeding 1 month (to be requested at the Direcciòn de Migracion).

Opening hours

Banks

8.00 - 15.00 h (Mon - Fri)
9.00 - 12.00 h (Sat)

Stores

8.00 - 19.00 h (Mon - Sat)
10.00 - 19.00 h (Sun)

Driving
  • Swiss driver's license accepted for car rentals.

  • International driver's licence recommended.

  • Minimum age for car rentals: 23 to 25 (varies by company).

Health situation
  • Do not drink tap water.

  • Mosquito protection advised.

  • Risk of dengue fever.

  • Minimum risk of malaria.

  • Vaccination against yellow fever, diphtheria, tetanus, hepatitis A, polio and measles recommended.

Other information

Security

  • Travel to the province Darién at the border to Colombia not advised.

  • Nighttime travel not advised. Inquire locally about safety in those areas to which you intend to travel.

  • Relatively high crime rate, especially in the cities.

  • Do not carry valuables (watches, jewelry, expensive cameras, etc.) on you.

  • Avoid demonstrations and large crowds.

Special legal regulations

Very strict laws to fight illegal drugs.

Ideal for your journey: the Travel card.

Travel is the secure prepaid card for use away from home – without any annual fees. In the event of loss, the card including the balance will be replaced worldwide.

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Important

While every precaution has been taken to verify the information provided, Swiss Bankers Prepaid Services Ltd does not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of Country Information. Swiss Bankers therefore shall not be held liable for any damage or loss sustained in connection with any errors or omissions contained therein.

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