ATM Fees in Panama
US Dollar / Panamanian Balboa (USD/PAB) • Updated April 2026
Panama uses USD (Balboa is pegged 1:1). Excellent card acceptance in Panama City. Cash needed for local areas and markets. ATMs widespread in cities.
Tips for Panama
- • USD is used everywhere
- • Balboa coins used alongside USD coins
- • Cards widely accepted in Panama City
- • Cash for local markets and taxis
- • Banco General has most ATMs
- • 50 USD and 100 USD bills are frequently rejected at small shops and taxis due to fear of counterfeits. Carry 1s, 5s, and 20s
Airport tips
- • Tocumen airport has many ATMs
- • Cards work everywhere at airport
- • USD accepted
Don't forget your home bank fees
The fees shown above are charged by local ATMs. Your home bank may also charge additional fees for international withdrawals (typically 1-3% + a flat fee). Check with your bank before traveling.
Estimated daily expenses
How much cash you might need per day in Panama, per person.
Backpacker
Hostels, street food, public transport
USD/PAB/day
≈ $42.00-110 USD
Mid-range
Hotels, restaurants, mix of transport
USD/PAB/day
≈ $140-295 USD
Luxury
Premium hotels, fine dining, private transport
USD/PAB/day
≈ $380-840 USD
Cash vs card acceptance
Where you'll need cash and where cards work in Panama.
Credit card acceptance
HighExcellent in Panama City. Cash for local areas and markets.
You'll need cash for
- • Local markets
- • Street food
- • Taxis
- • Small shops
- • Rural areas
Cards usually accepted
- • Hotels
- • Restaurants
- • Supermarkets
- • Shopping malls
- • Most businesses in city
💰 Cheapest banks for foreign cards
These banks charge the lowest fees for withdrawals with foreign cards.
| Bank | ATM Fee | Est. Cost | Branches | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Banco General | 0-2 USD | 0% | N/A (USD) | 0 USD | 80 | Best coverage |
| BAC Panama | 0-2 USD | 0% | N/A (USD) | 0 USD | 60 | Good network |
| Banistmo | 1-3 USD | 0% | N/A (USD) | ~1.00 USD | 50 | Available |
📍 Most widely available ATMs
Sorted by number of ATM locations. More branches means easier access, but fees may be higher.
| Bank | ATM Fee | Est. Cost | Branches | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Banco General | 0-2 USD | 0% | N/A (USD) | 0 USD | 80 | Most ATMs |
| BAC Panama | 0-2 USD | 0% | N/A (USD) | 0 USD | 60 | Good network |
| Banistmo | 1-3 USD | 0% | N/A (USD) | ~1.00 USD | 50 | Available |
🌐 ATM Alliance Benefits: If you bank with a member of these alliances, you may get reduced or waived ATM fees in Panama:
View all ATM alliances →