Panama Money Issues

What is Panama's currency?
Which credit cards are accepted in Panama?

What is Panama's currency?
The U.S. dollar circulates freely in Panama, but you may see it referred to as the Balboa. The paper money exchanged is always the U.S. dollar, while the coins will tend to be a mix of U.S. currency and the Panamanian balboa.

Which credit cards are accepted in Panama?
Visa, American Express, and MasterCard are generally accepted throughout the country. Frequently, travelers’ checks prove to be inconvenient as most banks and hotels charge a fee for cashing them. Don’t carry large sums of cash, but do carry some cash when visiting isolated areas. You can use your local ATM card at places marked “CLAVE.” (You will need your PIN.) Check with your home bank to find out if you are with the Cirrus or Plus networks, the most common here in Panama. Note that some local banks charge a fee for withdrawals, but it is less than you’d pay to cash travelers’ checks.