Bocas del Toro Travel Forum

hello all;
going to Bocas del Toro next week, i've heard of difficulty in using credit cards in far off places in Panama. are credit cards accepted widely around Bocas del Toro? hotels, restaurants etc...

Thanks.

You can use credit cards in Bocas but only for nicer hotels and nicer restaurants (there are several along the docks that serve great seafood, Thai etc and have $1 drinks at happy hour). If you are staying in more budget digs, eating at the $1 a food item cafeteria, heading to the local bars for a night out and want to take $15 snorkeling excursions etc. with local travel agencies, you should have cash on you. There is an ATM in town and since the American dollar is the current official currency in Panama, you should have no problems. Come prepared with cash and if you run out, you can take out more. Just make sure you debit card is enabled with the diamond and the cirrus sign and your passcode is 4 digits only and you should be fine (but come with sufficient cash in case it doesnt so you are not completely stuck).

Thanks so much.

It is easier to have cash for the normal local places. For the hotels and upscale places you can use your card. Things were so low priced there for us, it was easy to have cash with us.