Make it a trip · Panama City, Panama
What Panama City costs
once you land
Real prices, from the airport ride to a room for the night, each with where we found it. Checked October 2026, around Casco Viejo and Bella Vista.
Prices as the source quoted them.
Arriving
-
No visa needed, 180 days Fixed
For US, CA passports.
Passport valid at least 3 months from arrival.
Source: Wikipedia, visa policy of Panama (2026)
Free -
Uber from Tocumen to the city, from Many reports
Usually 18 to 30 USD. 30 to 45 minutes. Taxis cost 30 to 35 USD; agree the fare first.
Source: AirConnect, Panama City airport transport (2026-07)
US$18 Book an airport pickup -
No visa needed, 90 days Fixed
For AU, NZ, GB, IE, NL, DE, FR, SG passports.
Passport valid at least 3 months from arrival.
Source: Wikipedia, visa policy of Panama (2026)
Free
Getting around
-
Metrobus ride Fixed
Needs a Metrobus card.
Sources: AirConnect, Panama City airport transport (2026-07), LivingCost, Panama City (2026-06)
US$0.40
Eating and drinking
-
Lunch menu at a cheap restaurant Many reports
Source: LivingCost, Panama City (2026-06)
US$9.70 -
US$8
-
Dinner for two at a restaurant Many reports
Source: LivingCost, Panama City (2026-06)
US$45 -
Cappuccino Many reports
Source: LivingCost, Panama City (2026-06)
US$4.30 -
Beer at a pub, half a litre Many reports
Source: LivingCost, Panama City (2026-06)
US$2.90
At the supermarket
-
Water, 1 litre Many reports
Source: LivingCost, Panama City (2026-06)
US$1.20 -
Coca-Cola at a restaurant, half a litre Many reports
Source: LivingCost, Panama City (2026-06)
US$1.80 -
Beer from a shop, half a litre Many reports
Source: LivingCost, Panama City (2026-06)
US$1.40
Doing
-
Miraflores Locks visitor centre Fixed
Non resident adult.
Source: Visit Canal de Panamá, Miraflores visitor centre (2026)
PAB 17.20 Get tickets -
Panamá Viejo ruins Many reports
Admission from about 15 USD; the tower climb costs extra. Closed Mondays.
Source: Audiala, Panamá Viejo (2026-08)
US$15 Get tickets
Sleeping, per night
-
Hostel dorm bed Range
Middle half of 17 central hostels on Hostelworld, 30 Oct 2026. The cheapest bed was 9 USD. Weekends and peak season cost more.
Source: Hostelworld, Panama City hostels (2026-10)
US$11 to US$14 Find a hostel
Prices change. Fixed fees come from official or widely reported figures; ranges are what travellers and operators report for 2026. Some links are affiliate links: they never change what you pay. How we make money.
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