Panama is located in Central America and uses a North America style of adapter plug that is also used in the US and Canada.  When traveling to Panama it is important to take along the correct adapter plug for your trip.

Adapter plugs allow electrical connections up to 240 volts. An adapter plug does NOT change the current or voltage (this requires a converter) unless your appliance is dual voltage. This adapter may NOT be used with appliances that have grounded plugs; for these you will need a grounded adapter.

Many of our customers find it handy to have multiple adaptors while traveling - either to run several appliances simultaneously or simply as a backup.

Why do I need a North American adapter?

Even though Panama uses North American sockets, the sockets are not required to be polarized. Since devices such as laptops have a polarized plug with one prong wider than the other, you will still need an adapter to use your plug in Panama.

Going In Style Panama Adapter Model GIS-PAN-A-GUA

Grounded Adapter Plugs

If you are traveling with a grounded United States dual/multi-voltage appliance or using a grounded Transformer you will need to use a grounded adapter plug. A grounded United States plug has two flat blades and one round pin.

Non-Grounded Adapter Plugs

Going In Style offers non-grounded adapter plugs for use with your voltage converter, transformer, or dual/multi voltage appliance. A non-grounded United States plug has two flat blades.

Cycles: 50 Hz vs. 60 Hz.

Panama operates on 120 volt electricity and is generated at 60Hz (Cycles) Alternating Current. United States 110-120 volt electricity is generated at 60Hz (Cycles) Alternating Current. Many foreign countries operate on 50Hz. This difference in cycles may cause the motor in your 60Hz United States appliance to operate slightly slower when used on 50Hz foreign electricity. Most modern electronic equipment including battery chargers, Lenovo, HP, Asus, Toshiba computers, iPods, etc., will not be affected by the difference in cycle.

Computers and Apple Products

If you are traveling overseas with a Toshiba, HP, Lenovo, Asus, laptop or Apple device such as an iPad, chances are you won’t need a voltage converter. Most laptops are multi-voltage and will operate on voltages ranging from 100 to 240 volts. However, computers do need to make safe connections to foreign power systems and a surge protector is recommended and you will still need an adapter to use your plug.

About Panama

Geography

Panama is located in Central America, bordering both the Caribbean Sea and the North Pacific Ocean, between Colombia and Panama. The climate is tropical maritime; hot, humid, cloudy; prolonged rainy season (May to January), short dry season (January to May). The terrain is interior mostly steep, rugged mountains and dissected, upland plains; coastal areas largely plains and rolling hills.

Currency

Currency in Panama is the Balboa (PAB). Credit cards are accepted at major establishments. Usually smaller establishments do not accept credit card and it is best to carry cash at all times. Foreign currency and travelers’ cheques can easily be exchanged at banks and at the airport. There are not banks on some of the smaller islands, so plan accordingly.

Staying Connected

Panama’s domestic and international telephone facilities are well developed and mobile-cellular telephone subscribership has increased rapidly. When travelling to Panama you will want to take an international or unlocked cell phone and purchase a Panama SIM card. You can also contact your mobile service provider to set up an international calling plan. You will need an adapter to charge your phone. Most cell phone battery rechargers should be multi-voltage, therefore will not require a converter. If the charger says 100-240 volts, 50-60 cycles then your charger in multi-voltage.

Panama has 10,984 internet hosts and over 959,800 internet users. Internet access is available in internet café and at most hotels. Wi-Fi is available at many hotels and resorts. When traveling with your laptop or iPad you will need an adapter to charge your device.