Money & ATMs
Money & ATMs in Santa Catalina
Why you should bring more cash than you think you need
Quick Info
Currency
US Dollar (Panamanian Balboa = USD, 1:1)
ATM Situation
Cards Accepted
Most tiendas, sodas and small restaurants are cash-only
Nearest Backup ATM
Santiago de Veraguas, roughly 1.5-2 hours away
Why Santa Catalina Runs on Cash
Santa Catalina runs on cash. There is exactly one ATM in town, and it does not always have money in it, especially on weekends, holidays, or during busy surf season. Most restaurants, tiendas, and tour operators here do not take cards at all, so showing up with enough cash is not optional, it is the plan.
💡
Withdraw more cash than you will need before you arrive, ideally in Panama City, David, or Santiago. Do not rely on the Santa Catalina ATM as your main source of cash.
Where to Find the ATM
The town's ATM sits right on the main road, next to the pharmacy and a small shop, easy to find, but easy to find empty too. If it is out of cash, the closest reliable backup is in Santiago de Veraguas, about 1.5 to 2 hours away by bus or taxi, which is also not something you want to plan around mid-trip.
Open ATM location in Google MapsFAQ
Did this guide help you?
Your feedback helps us make KUNO better.
🍪 Cookie Notice
We use cookies to improve the KUNO guide experience and understand how visitors use the platform. Privacy Policy