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US to Panama Power Adapter: What Plug Do I Need? (2024)

panama power adapter
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With a tropical climate, a rich culture, two gorgeous coastlines, and everything from lush jungles to mountainous volcanoes, Panama offers enough thrill to occupy weeks’ worth of exploring. Whether you’re planning a surf trip, a sailing excursion to the San Blas Islands, or want to cruise the colorful old neighborhoods of Panama City and soak up some history- or the infamous nightlife!- Panama will pull on the heartstrings and surely leave you wanting to experience more.

If you’re asking yourself, “What Plug Do I Need in Panama?” and “Will I need a US-to-Panama power adapter for my trip?” trust that we’ve been there too, and we’re here to help. Read on to find the answers to any outlet and plug questions and feel confident that you’re packing all you need before your Panama trip.

See our product selection criteria and guidelines here.

Which power outlets do they use in Panama?

Taiwan power outlet
Here is an actual photo of a Panama power outlet

If you’re traveling to Panama from the United States, you’re in luck: the plug types in Panama are the same as North America’s, type A and type B sockets, the ones with two flat parallel blades or, two blades and a grounding hole. The electrical input/output of the sockets is also the same, with a voltage of 110V and a standard frequency of 60 Hz. So, easy peasy! The outlet type you find in Panama will look and operate just like the outlet you’re used to in the U.S.

What kind of power adapter do I need for Panama?

Panama power adapter
Recommended Panama power adapter available on Amazon.com ➜

Since the sockets in Panama are the same as the ones in the United States, you won’t need a US-to-Panama power adapter for your trip there. But, if you bring something like this universal power adapter, you’ll have two extra USB ports for charging any extra devices you have, which makes things pretty convenient if you ask us. It also includes a built-in fuse to protect your devices in case of any faulty electrical you may come across during your stay.

View on Amazon.com ➜

What’s the electricity and power supply like in Panama?

What’s the electricity and power supply like in Panama Panama power outlets operate with a voltage of 110V-120V and a frequency of 60 Hz. From a touristic standpoint, most visitors will have no issues connecting to electricity -especially in the most popular areas of the country- since nearly 97% of Panama residents have access to electricity. If you’re venturing off the beaten path into mountain towns or secluded seaside villages, however, there may be some disruptions from time to time, especially if a storm passes during rainy season. In general, though, power outages are rare.

Half of Panama’s electricity is generated through hydropower. Panama also boasts the largest wind farm in Central America, with over 100 wind turbines generating roughly 7% of the country’s electricity needs. Although there is still heavy reliance on fossil fuels, renewable energy is at the forefront of Panama’s development, and the past years have seen a major shift in energy investment, with the focus now being on wind and solar energy. This is especially important for the more remote, rural communities in Panama, many of which rely solely on renewable energy.

Do I need a voltage converter in Panama?

The outlet voltage in Panama is the same as nearly all of North America: 110 v. For U.S. travelers, that means that a voltage converter is not needed for you to use your regular electronics. As always, though, we recommend taking a few extra seconds to double-check the labels on your devices; but in general, the most commonly used gadgets- phones, camera chargers, extra battery packs, etc- are designed to work anywhere in the 100-125 V range. Devices that usually aren’t dual voltage include hair dryers or straighteners. If you don’t want to pack a converter, then it’s best to leave these devices at home.

Other Panama Packing List Items

In addition to your US to Panama power adapter, these items will help you pack with intention and expand the possibilities of your getaway. Also, check out our Panama packing list for more inspiration and ideas.

  • 1. Neck Wallet

    We consider ourselves pretty trusting travelers, but that doesn’t mean we’re naïve: pickpockets are everywhere, and, well, we rather not worry about them! That’s why we never leave home without this trusted neck wallet to conceal and protect our most important documents and valuables. Whether beach-hopping or exploring historic cities is on the agenda, we rather focus on the sights, not on keeping our money and cards safe.

    Neck Wallet

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • 2. Packing Cubes

    With as many activities as Panama offers- surfing, hiking in rainforests, sailing architecture tours, city nightlife!- you’ll probably be packing for a variety of outings, and organization will be more important than ever. These packing cubes are a game-changer when it comes to keeping your belongings stored in an orderly manner. We’ll never travel without them again!

    Packing Cubes

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • 3. VPN

    These days, with so much of our travel plans and trip research relying on the internet, we play it safe by always having a trusted VPN service installed to protect our phones and computers while we browse. With so much personal data at risk of being stolen by cyber thieves- credit card numbers, bank account numbers, passwords, you name it!- we rather not chance it on a dream vacation and neutralize cyber threats before they do some real damage.

    vpn

    View options at NordVPN.com ➜

  • 4. Lipstick-Sized Portable Charger

    Whether you’re on a long bus ride or a two-day volcano trek, having a reliable power bank to recharge your phone will prove to be invaluable on your Panama vacation. This charger is a traveler’s favorite for a good reason: it’s light as a feather, fits in the smallest of pockets, and the charge packs a reliable, potent punch.

    Lipstick-Sized Portable Charger

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • 5. Travel Insurance for Panama

    If you’ve ever had a vacation go awry and or cut short due to happenstance, then you know how much of a headache it can be. Often, a costly headache. We’ve learned our lesson, and never leave for a trip without travel insurance for that very reason. We simply feel better knowing that all we’ve invested in our trip will be protected, and a small fluke won’t turn into something bigger. We like to use TravelInsurance.com because their site lets you compare plans from the top companies to help you find the perfect fit for your travel plans.

    Travel Insurance for Panama

    Compare policies at TravelInsurance.com ➜

  • 6. Windproof Travel Umbrella

    Panama has a relatively long rainy season: it lasts more than half the year! Since there’s a decent chance you may be traveling to the country during this time, a travel umbrella and a quality rain shell will definitely make your days a bit more enjoyable. This super lightweight and super compact umbrella won’t take up space, but it’ll be invaluable when those afternoon showers roll in.

    Windproof Travel Umbrella

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • 7. TSA-Approved Luggage Locks

    It doesn’t matter whether we’re on a long-haul flight, a three-hour bus ride, or simply exploring a busy outdoor market, these luggage locks are always on our suitcases and backpacks when we’re in motion, no matter what part of the world we find ourselves in. Putting them on is one of the quickest, simplest security measures we can take, and they never fail to give us that extra peace of mind that our belongings won’t be easy targets for thieves.

    luggage locks

    View on Amazon.com ➜

Other FAQs about traveling in Panama

  • 1. What’s the weather like in Panama?

    What’s the weather like in Panama?

    Panama doesn’t have varying seasons like in many parts of the world, but rather, a dry season (December through April) and a wet season (May through November), and a climate that is consistently hot, humid, and tropical. Unless you’re in higher elevations, expect temperatures that range between 80 and 95 degrees (F).

  • 2. When is the best time to travel to Panama?

    Panama tends to draw in most tourists during its dry season; this is when prices are at their highest, though, and crowds are at their peak. Personally, we like heading to countries during their “off-seasons,” because we find it’s far easier to get around, book tours, and find empty tables at restaurants. Plus, rainy season doesn’t mean it rains all day! A passing shower or a couple hours of rain never hinders our plans, especially if we’re prepared (like with a travel umbrella!)

  • 3. What is there to do in Panama?

    What is there to do in Panama?

    Panama truly offers something for everyone! We recommend: a visit to Panama City to marvel at the Panama Canal and walk around Casa Viejo (the old town); a boat trip to Bocas del Toro or the San Blas Islands, where you can snorkel or dive in turquoise waters; a trip to Boquete, a charming mountain town where you can hike to waterfalls deep in the jungle; improving your surfing in the beach towns along Panama’s Pacific coastline, like Playa Venao or Santa Catalina; trek up Volcano Baru, the highest peak in Panama!

  • 4. Is Panama safe for tourists?

    There is no such thing as a perfectly safe country. While Panama is generally considered safe for tourists and poses no significant risks, using one’s travel smarts is always advised since petty theft is common. Especially in very touristic areas, in large cities, or on crowded public transport, we recommend protecting your belongings by using a neck wallet and putting locks on your bags and luggage.

  • 5. Do I need a visa for traveling to Panama?

    Do I need a visa for traveling to Panama?

    If you’re traveling to Panama from the United States, you can stay in the country for up to 180 days without a special visa. You will need your passport, of course, and Panama requires it to have a validity of at least three months. Proof of onward travel is also needed to enter, so if you don’t have a round-trip ticket purchase, be sure to have a bus ticket or flight to another country purchased to show border agents.