Balboa (PAB) = 100 centavos. There is no Panamanian paper currency; coins exist in denominations of PAB10 and 1, and 50, 25, 10, 5 and 1 centavos. US currency was adopted in 1904 and exists alongside the Balboa coinage: PAB1 = US$1.

Banks and cambios are available for changing currency. There is no need to exchange US Dollars.

MasterCard and Visa are the most commonly used, but American Express and Diners Club are also accepted.

To avoid additional exchange rate charges, visitors are advised to take traveller's cheques in US Dollars.

There are no restrictions on the import and export of either foreign or local currency. However, amounts of over US$10,000 must be declared to immigration upon arrival.

Mon-Fri 0800-1500, Sat 0830-1200.