• Travel

  • 🇵🇦 Panama: bunq Community Travel Tips

✈️ Heading to Panama? We've gathered some tips from the bunq community to make sure your trip is the smoothest it can be. 😎

Check them out below! 🌈 👇


Using your card

💳 Do I need cash in Panama, or can I use my card everywhere?

Panama is a cash driven society. Be sure to withdraw enough cash ahead of time.

💰 What currency do they use here?

The currency here is Panamanian balboa (B/. or PAB) and United States dollar ($ or USD).

🏧 Which ATM’s can I use for free?

The bunq community hasn't reported reported any free ATM's here yet. If you find one, help other bunqers by sharing it here!

💵 If I want cash, how much should I take out of an ATM?

200 PAB should be enough for a few days.

💳 Should I choose local currency or Euros when paying?

If you're asked to choose between local currency and Euros, always choose local currency.

That way bunq does the conversion for you, and you get to take advantage of the best rates with bunq ZeroFX.


Staying connected

📱 Can I roam, or should I get a local SIM?

Most EU mobile plans will charge you for roaming.

Wifi is readily available, especially in coffee shops.

If you want to get a local SIM card, you can learn about your options here.


Useful things to know

💁‍♀️ How does tipping work?

It is common to leave a 10-15% tip.

🍺 How much does a 0.5L beer cost?

€1,80

🍽 How much does an average meal cost?

€9,00

🚨 What’s the emergency number?

911

🔌 What type of plug do they use?

This one! It’s the standard American plug.

🚗 What side of the road do they drive on?

They drive on the right side of the road here.

🗺 How do I navigate my way around?

Google and Apple Maps both work well here.

Otherwise, we recommend Rome2Rio as the best way to find out how to get anywhere. It even tells you the cost of each option. 🙌

👀 Any other good tips?

Go on an aerial tram tour in Gamboa. Peaceful and relaxing!


If you've been to Panama 🇵🇦 share your experience! The following would be really useful for other bunqers to know:

  • Which ATMs are free to use?
  • What card should I use and where?
  • Any other info you think may be useful.

Share your experience with us in the comments below! 🌈 👇

    7 months later

    All atm machines will charge 5.5 dollars! Maximum amount to withdraw money is 500 $

      You can pay with Debit and Credit cards in almost every business. Tha only exception would be some Chinese Mini Markets that only accept cash and services like taxis.

        2 years later

        @Risto-Indigo-Lynx#151668 Das war einmal. Seit mindestens 9 Monaten ist das Limit auf 250$ reduziert. Die Gebühren dafür belaufen sich noch immer auf 5$

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