Panama is a
duty-free haven and luxury goods from all over the world can be bought at a saving of at least one-third. Local items include
leatherware, patterned, beaded
necklaces made by Guaymí Indians,
native costumes, jewels and precious stones, straw products, electrical equipment,
handicrafts of carved wood, ceramics, papier mâché
artifacts, macramé and mahogany bowls.
Shopping hoursMon-Sat 0900-2000. Some supermarkets are open 24-hours.
Currency Information:CurrencyBalboa (PAB; symbol
B/.) = 100 centavos. There is no Panamanian paper currency; coins exist in denominations of B/.10 and 1, and 50, 25, 10, 5 and 1 centavos. US currency was adopted in 1904 and exists alongside the Balboa coinage: B/.1 = US$1.
US Dollar (US$) = 100 cents. Notes are in denominations of US$100, 50, 20, 10, 5, 2 and 1. Coins are in denominations of US$1, and 50, 25, 10, 5 and 1 cents.
Currency ExchangeBanks and
cambios are available for changing currency. There is no need to exchange US Dollars.
Credit/Debit Cards and ATMsMasterCard and Visa are the most commonly used, but American Express and Diners Club are also accepted.
Traveller's ChequesTo avoid additional exchange rate charges, visitors are advised to take traveller's cheques in US Dollars.
Banking HoursMon-Fri 0800-1500, Sat 0830-1200.
Exchange Rate Indicators| Date | Jan 09 |
| £1.00= | B/.1.48 |
| $1.00= | B/.1.00 |
| €1.00= | B/.1.36 |
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