Explore Panama — eSIM Data Plans & Travel Guide
Travel guide for Panama with instant eSIM data plans from DataOnly. No SIM swapping, no roaming fees.
Must-see in Panama
Miraflores Locks (Panama Canal)
Witness colossal container ships navigate the multi-tier locks and explore the interactive museum detailing the engineering marvel that connects two oceans.
Casco Viejo (San Felipe)
Stroll along charming brick-paved streets lined with vibrant colonial mansions, boutique hotels, rooftop cocktail bars, and historic plazas.
San Blas Islands (Guna Yala)
Explore an idyllic archipelago of over 300 palm-fringed coral islands governed autonomously by the indigenous Guna people.
Local food to try in Panama
Sancocho Panameño
A hearty, comforting chicken soup simmered with culantro, yuca, corn, and ñame, traditionally served alongside white rice.
Ceviche de Corvina
Fresh raw sea bass or corvina cured in tart lime juice, mixed with finely chopped onions, habanero peppers, and cilantro.
Plátanos Tentación / Patacones
Deep-fried sweet plantain slices tossed with cinnamon and sugar, or savory fried patacones served with garlic sauce.
Practical tips for Panama
- Panama uses the US Dollar as its official paper currency alongside local coins (Balboas); carry small bills ($1, $5, $10) since many small vendors and taxis cannot break a $20 or $50 note.
- In Panama City, use ride-hailing apps like Uber or Cabify for safe, metered fares, as traditional yellow street taxis lack meters and require negotiating the fare beforehand.
- Pack lightweight, breathable fabrics and rain gear year-round, and dress smartly when dining or visiting nightlife in Casco Viejo, where upscale spots enforce casual-chic dress codes.
Fun fact about Panama
Panama is the only place in the world where you can see the sun rise over the Pacific Ocean and set over the Atlantic Ocean from the summit of Volcán Barú.