Important Phone Numbers for Every Tourist in Panama
Emergency Numbers Panama 2026 | Tourist Helplines Panama City | Essential Contacts Panama | What to Do in an Emergency in Panama
Save these numbers before you arrive. In an emergency, having the right contact can make all the difference.
Critical Tip: You need a local Panama SIM card with voice service for emergency numbers to work reliably. Data-only plans are not sufficient. SIM cards are available at Tocumen Airport, all major malls, and convenience stores throughout the city.
EMERGENCY SERVICES
| Service | Number |
|---|---|
 General Emergency (All Services) | 911 |
 National Police | 104 |
 Fire Department | 103 |
 Ambulance (Public) | 911 |
| Directory Assistance | 102 |
 International Operator | 106 |
PRIVATE AMBULANCE SERVICES
Private ambulances are strongly recommended in Panama City due to heavy traffic and faster response times.
| Service | Phone Number |
|---|---|
| SEMM (Panama City) | +507 366-0100 |
| SEMM (Colón) | +507 474-1600 |
| EMI Ambulance | +507 236-6060 |
| Alerta SA | +507 263-4522 |
| Vive Ambulance | +507 279-3100 |
| SOS Ambulancias | +507 569-6969 |
 AirCare1 Air Ambulance (international) | +1 877-760-7760 |
TOP PRIVATE HOSPITALS — PANAMA CITY
| Hospital | Emergency Number |
|---|---|
| Hospital Punta Pacifica (Johns Hopkins) | +507 204-8000 |
| Hospital Pacifica Salud | +507 204-8185 |
| Centro Médico Paitilla | +507 265-8888 |
| Hospital San Fernando | +507 305-6300 |
| Hospital Nacional | +507 207-8100 |
Tip: Hospital Punta Pacifica (Johns Hopkins affiliate) has the largest number of English-speaking doctors and staff — the top choice for international visitors.
FOREIGN EMBASSIES IN PANAMA CITY
| Embassy | Phone Number |
|---|---|
 U.S. Embassy Panama | +507 317-5000 |
 Canadian Embassy Panama | +507 294-2500 |
 British Embassy Panama | +507 297-6550 |
 German Embassy Panama | +507 263-7733 |
 French Embassy Panama | +507 311-4000 |
 Spanish Embassy Panama | +507 227-5122 |
 Colombian Embassy Panama | +507 264-9266 |
 Mexican Embassy Panama | +507 263-4900 |
TOURIST ASSISTANCE
| Service | Phone Number |
|---|---|
| ATP — Panama Tourism Authority | +507 526-7000 |
| Tourist Police (POLITUR) | +507 211-3060 |
 National Immigration Service | +507 507-1800 |
| Tocumen International Airport | +507 238-4322 |
TRANSPORTATION
| Service | How to Access |
|---|---|
 Uber Panama | Download the Uber app |
| Cabify Panama | Download the Cabify app |
| DiDi Panama | Download the DiDi app |
 Metro Panama Info Line | +507 300-6386 |
 Albrook Bus Terminal | +507 303-3030 |
| Copa Airlines | +507 217-2672 |
| Air Panama (domestic flights) | +507 316-9000 |
BANKS & FINANCIAL EMERGENCIES
| Service | Phone Number |
|---|---|
| Banco General | +507 303-5000 |
| Banistmo | +507 210-1090 |
| BAC Credomatic | +507 205-8700 |
 Visa Emergency (lost/stolen) | +1 800-847-2911 |
| Mastercard Emergency | +1 800-627-8372 |
| American Express Emergency | +1 800-333-2639 |
USEFUL APPS TO DOWNLOAD BEFORE YOU ARRIVE
| App | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Uber / Cabify / DiDi | Safe rideshare — essential for getting around |
| Google Maps | Download Panama City offline before arriving |
 WhatsApp | Primary communication method in Panama |
 Google Translate | Download Spanish offline for offline use |
| My Medical | Hospital Punta Pacifica patient app |
 XE Currency | Real-time currency conversions |
WHAT TO DO IN AN EMERGENCY — STEP BY STEP
Medical Emergency:
- Call 911 immediately
- If possible, call a private ambulance (faster response)
- Head to Hospital Punta Pacifica (+507 204-8000) for English-speaking care
- Contact your travel insurance emergency line
- Notify your embassy if hospitalized
Crime / Robbery:
- Do not resist — hand over valuables immediately
- Call 104 (Police) as soon as you are safe
- Call POLITUR (Tourist Police): +507 211-3060
- Report to your embassy for document replacement
- Cancel stolen cards immediately via your bank’s emergency line
Lost Passport:
- Contact your embassy immediately
- File a police report at the nearest station (required for emergency passport)
- US citizens: +507 317-5000 | UK citizens: +507 297-6550