PANAMA

CENTRAL AMERICA

Climate

Panama has a tropical climate with distinct rainy (May-Dec) and dry (Jan-Apr) seasons, hot temperatures (around 84°F/29°C on coasts) with little variation, high humidity, and cooler highlands creating multiple microclimates, though it's known for virtually no hurricanes due to its equatorial location

Language

Spanish is Panama's official language, spoken by nearly the entire population, with a local dialect (often called "Spanglish" in Panama City) incorporating English words due to historical ties and business, while about 14% of Panamanians speak English, especially in the Caribbean coast, business sectors, and tourism areas, with many professionals bilingual and efforts increasing English education

Money

Panama uses a dual currency system: the official currency is the Panamanian Balboa (B/.), but it circulates alongside the U.S. Dollar (USD), which serves as legal tender for all paper money, as Panama issues no banknotes. Balboa coins exist in 1¢, 5¢, 10¢, 25¢ (quarter), 50¢, and 1 Balboa denominations, matching U.S. coins in size and value, and are used interchangeably with their dollar counterparts.

TRAVEL ESSENTIALS

Electricity

Panama uses Type A and B power plugs (two flat parallel pins, with Type B adding a grounding pin), the same as the United States, with a standard voltage of 110V-120V at 60Hz

PANAMA CITY

Panama City blends modern skyline, colonial history, and global trade in a way few cities can. The city’s contemporary face is defined by its high-rise waterfront along the Pacific, while the historic district of Casco Viejo offers cobblestone streets, pastel facades, rooftop cafés, and landmark churches dating back to the 17th century. About 20 minutes north, visitors can see Panama Viejo, (Old Panama), the archaeological site of the original Spanish settlement founded in 1519 and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Just outside the city, the Panama Canal remains one of the world’s most significant engineering achievements, with visitor centers offering close-up views of ships transiting the locks. Nature is never far away, with nearby rainforests, and wildlife-rich areas like Metropolitan Natural Park, or take a day trip to the gorgeous beaches on Boca Del Toro and nearby San Blas Islands, providing easy escapes from the urban core. Together, Panama City serves as a dynamic gateway between Central America and the world, balancing commerce, culture, and access to nature