Climate
The weather in Panama is characterized by two different seasons. The dry season in the highlands and on the Pacific coast prevails from January to April, the rainy season is from June to November. The average temperatures on the coast are year round at 30°C (86°F).
Language
Spanish is the official language, but English is spoken in many hotels and airports.
Health
Tetanus, polio, hepatitis A and B vaccinations are highly recommended.
Your doctor or travel clinic is the best source of information about preventive measures, immunisations (including booster doses of childhood vaccinations) and disease outbreaks overseas. Please consult with them to get up to date and personal health advice for your trip.
Panama has some good private hospitals and clinics, however, medical facilities outside the capital are limited. Many doctors and hospitals require cash payment prior to providing services, including emergency care. Medical emergencies may require evacuation to a third country, most likely the USA, where the cost of medical treatment can be extremely high. Medical evacuation costs could exceed AUD 70,000.
Malaria prophylaxis is recommended especially if you plan a longer visit to the country.
Malaria is a risk throughout the year in Boca del Toro, Darien and San Blas but is not a risk in Panama City. Outbreaks of the mosquito-borne illness dengue fever also occur from time to time. We encourage you to take prophylaxis against malaria where necessary and to take precautions against being bitten by mosquitoes, including using insect repellent at all times.
Water-borne, food-borne and other infectious diseases (including HIV/AIDS, hepatitis, yellow fever, tuberculosis, rabies and brucellosis) are a risk with more serious outbreaks occurring from time to time. We encourage you to consider having vaccinations before travelling.
Currency
In Panama the USD alongside with the national "Balboa" are used as legal tender. USD 50 notes are sometimes not accepted for fear of counterfeits. For payment of additional costs, we recommended small notes and coins. The well known credit cards like Visa and MasterCard are widely accepted.
Electricity
110 volts, for the sockets a US adapter is needed.
Exit requirements
For international flights on departure the following charges are made, which must be paid in cash (as of Jul 10):
USD 40.00
Drinking Water
We advise you to boil all drinking water or drink bottled water, and avoid ice cubes and raw and undercooked food. Seek medical advice if you have a fever or are suffering from diarrhoea.
