Major city · Panama
David
Use David as a 1‑night hub for Pacific West trips; day‑trip to Boquete or Volcán, then onward by bus or plane.
David is the provincial capital of Chiriquí, sits on the Pan‑American Highway and has an international airport. It offers basic hotels, restaurants and a taxi‑friendly centre, making it a practical base for a single night before heading to nearby attractions such as Boquete, Volcán or the Pacific beaches.
More
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- USD
- Best months
- Dec–Apr
- avoid Jun–Sep (rainy season)
- Airport
- DAV
- Nights
- 1
Not a trip line yet
Rules in force · 6Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras and Nicaragua (CA-4) giv…
- Central America ↗Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras and Nicaragua (CA-4) give one shared entry allowance, usually 90 days in total; leaving for Belize, Costa Rica or Mexico and coming back does not always reset it — check with immigration before a long stay.
- Central America ↗Cross land borders in daylight and early in the day; many posts close or empty of transport by late afternoon, and the approaches are where robberies happen.
- Central America ↗Several borders charge entry, exit or municipal fees in US dollars (Belize exit, Nicaragua entry and exit, Honduras entry); carry small, clean US notes and ask for a receipt.
- Panama ↗Check entry rules for your passport with Panama's National Migration Service or a Panamanian consulate; proof of onward travel and funds may be asked for.
- Panama ↗Do not travel independently in the Darién; the UK and other governments warn against parts of it, and there is no road crossing to Colombia.
- Panama ↗Guna Yala (San Blas) is governed by the Guna people: visitor fees apply, and photography of people usually needs permission and payment. Book through Guna-run or licensed operators.
Entry rules depend on your passport. Full visa guide
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Official sites
Emergency numbers for David104 ▾
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about David, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Currency is the balboa (PAB), fixed 1 to 1 with the US dollar; US dollar notes are the paper money in use, with Panamanian coins.Panama-wide
- SIM or eSIMMás Móvil, Tigo and Digicel SIMs at Tocumen and in malls; passport required.Panama-wide
- Tap waterTap water is safe in Panama City and most towns; drink bottled on the islands and in Bocas.Panama-wide
- TippingRestaurants: 10% if not added.Panama-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets A/B. US/Canada (A/B): fits · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 120 V: UK and AU 230 V-only devices need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.Panama-wide
- SafetyDavid is generally safe for tourists; stay alert on busy roads and keep belongings secure on buses.
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsWestern toilets; basic outhouses on San Blas islands.Panama-wide
- Emergency numbers104 police · 103 fire and ambulance · 911 General emergency
- Sundays & holidayscheckCarnival and the November holidays close offices; Miraflores Locks open daily (check hours).Panama-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportDAV Enrique Malek International Airport (5 km (3.1 mi) south of town centre).DAV Enrique Malek International Airport (3.1 mi (5 km) south of town centre).
- Getting aroundTaxis from the centre cost ≤ $3 per person to the airport.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- Coffee$1–$2
- Metro or bus rideInter‑city bus (David‑Panama City)Dec 2024 price$15.25
- Budget bedHostel dorm bed, a night, per personUS$12
- Mid-range bedStandard hotel double, a night, per roomUS$70
- High-end bedStandard hotel double, a night, per roomUS$110
A day, not counting the bed: Budget US$30 · Mid US$55 · High US$80
Prices in local money; change the currency in the header to see yours next to them. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- DAV Enrique Malek International Airport (5 km (3.1 mi) south of town centre)DAV Enrique Malek International Airport (3.1 mi (5 km) south of town centre)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
Best
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
Feb
Best
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
Mar
Best
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
Apr
Best
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
May
not flagged
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
Jun
Avoid
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
Jul
Avoid
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
Aug
Avoid
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
Sep
Avoid
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
Oct
not flagged
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
Nov
not flagged
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
Dec
Best
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
Best: Dec–Apr. Avoid: Jun–Sep. Month by month →
Warmest Apr (33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)), coolest Jan (22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C) low), wettest Jul (13 rain days), driest May (8). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
David: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
Loading…
Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
12 rd
Feb
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
11 rd
Mar
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
10 rd
Apr
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
9 rd
May
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
8 rd
Jun
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
12 rd
Jul
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
13 rd
Aug
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
13 rd
Sep
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
12 rd
Oct
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
11 rd
Nov
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
10 rd
Dec
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
11 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
Taxis from the centre cost ≤ $3 per person to the airport. Local “Coaster” buses run along the Interamericana; flag them down. Car rentals are available but traffic can be aggressive.
Nearest full guides
Straight-line distance, not travel time
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Boquete
goDoor to door: ≈ 1 h
Local bus from David terminal, about 1 h, $1.75 per person
Coffee farms and hiking; early morning departure recommended.
Volcán Barú
goDoor to door: ≈ 1 h
Taxi or shared shuttle, about 1 h, $15–$20 total
Highest point in Panama; check weather before ascent.
Boca Chica (Pacific beach)
goDoor to door: ≈ 1 h
Local bus or taxi, ~45 min, $2–$5
Quiet surf spot; bring sun protection.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Hotel Toledo
Near bus terminal, simple rooms, free Wi‑Fi
Bambu Hostel
Backpacker vibe, pool and bar, central
City Plaza Hotel & Suites
Larger hotel, two restaurants, central
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- $30–$45 excl. bed
- Mid
- $45–$70 excl. bed
Trip budget
| Hostel dorm bed1 × 1 night × US$12 | US$12 |
| Food, local transport, entries1 × 1 day × US$30 | US$30 |
| Taxi to airport (one way)1 × US$3 · check | US$3 |
| Local bus to Boquete (round trip)1 × US$4 · check | US$4 |
| eSIM data (7 days)1 × US$15 · check | US$15 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | US$6 |
| Trip total≈ US$70 per person per day, bed included | US$70 |
2026 estimate in USD; flights and long‑distance bus tickets excluded.
Prices of common things
| Coffee | $1–$2 |
| Meal (local restaurant) | $3–$6 |
| Taxi (city centre to airport)per person | $3 |
| Inter‑city bus (David‑Panama City)Dec 2024 price | $15.25 |
| Luggage storage (bus terminal, 24 h)first day | $0.75 |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- Road signs use "Alto" for stop; drive defensively.
- Night‑time express buses may be less comfortable; check schedules.
- Casinos and nightclubs charge cover fees; ask total before ordering.
Emergency numbers
- Police
- 104
- Fire and ambulance
- 103
- General emergency
- 911
Pocket card
Fill in, then print or save as PDF
Stays in this browser only; nothing is sent anywhere.
DavidDavid
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
A esta dirección, por favorTo this address, please
Emergency
- Police104
- Fire/ambulance103
- General emergency911
Embassy
US consular services are in Panama City; check the US Embassy website for updates.
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- David airport → city centre (taxi): ≈ $3 per person, 5 km (3.1 mi)≈ $3 per person, 3.1 mi (5 km)
- Bus David → Boquete: ≈ $1.75 per person, 1 h
Say or show
- Disculpe — Excuse me / Sorry (dis‑KUL‑pe)
- Gracias — Thank you (gra‑SEE‑as)
- ¿Cuánto cuesta? — How much is it? (KWAHN‑to KWEHS‑ta)
- ¿Dónde está la terminal de buses? — Where is the bus terminal? (DON‑de es‑TA la ter‑mee‑NAL de BOO‑ses)
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for David. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: Dec–Apr · avoid Jun–Sep (rainy season) · month by month →
- 1 airport and 3 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 2 bands
- 3 day-trips, door to door
- 3 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- An airport-to-bed path that says whether a late landing still works
- Walking clusters with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Field-verified times and fares
Sources
Ask about David
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