--- title: Power & Electricity in Panama (2026): 110V, Plugs/Adapters and Electricity Cost url: https://www.allaboutpanamacity.com/guides/articles/power-and-electricity-in-panama summary: Panama electricity: 110V/60Hz, US plugs (A/B), adapters + what power costs (kWh) and bill tips. date: 2024-03-30 lastmod: 2026-01-31 tags: finance, knowing-the-country language: en --- ## Introduction **Quick answer:** Panama uses **110V / 60Hz** with **US-style plugs (Type A/B)**. Most travelers from the **US/Canada** don’t need an adapter. **EU/UK/AU** visitors usually need a **plug adapter**, and sometimes a **voltage converter** for high-power appliances. | Topic | Quick answer | |---|---| | **Standard voltage** | **110V** (often ~120V in practice) | | **Frequency** | **60 Hz** | | **Plug types** | **Type A / Type B** (same as US) | | **Do you need an adapter?** | **US/CA: usually no** · **EU/UK/AU: yes (plug adapter)** | | **Do you need a converter?** | Only for **non–dual-voltage** devices (common with some hair tools) | | **Power outages?** | Possible (storms/works). Keep a **power bank** + surge protection. | ## What voltage and frequency does Panama use? Panama runs on **110V (often around 120V)** and **60Hz**. That’s great news if you’re coming from the **US or Canada**—your chargers and most everyday electronics will work normally. If you’re from many parts of **Europe**, your devices may support 110–240V (dual voltage), but you’ll still need the right **plug adapter**. ## What plug type is used in Panama? Panama uses **Type A and Type B plugs** (the classic US two-flat-pin plugs, with or without the third grounding pin). Hotels, apartments, and modern buildings typically have **Type B** outlets (with ground). ## Do I need a plug adapter in Panama? - **No** if your plugs are **US/Canada Type A/B**. - **Yes** if you’re from **Europe/UK/Australia** (your plug shape won’t fit). A plug adapter is cheap and solves 80% of problems. ## Do I need a voltage converter in Panama? Only if your device is **not dual-voltage**. **Check your charger label**: - If it says **“Input: 100–240V”** → you **do NOT** need a converter (just a plug adapter). - If it says **“Input: 220–240V only”** → you may need a **converter** (or use a different device). **High-power appliances** (some hair dryers, straighteners, kitchen gadgets) are the usual trap. ## Can I use EU/UK appliances in Panama? Often yes for **chargers** (laptops/phones) because many are **100–240V**. But for **heating devices** (hair tools, kettles), it depends—many EU models are **220V-only** and will perform badly or fail on 110V without a proper converter. ## Are power outages common in Panama? Outages aren’t “daily life” in most city areas, but they do happen—especially during **heavy rain**, **storms**, or maintenance work. If you work online, treat this like a predictable inconvenience: - keep a **power bank** for your phone - consider a **small UPS** for your router - use a **surge protector** for your laptop/desktop ## Electricity safety tips for apartments and long stays If you’re staying longer (or renting), do these three things: - Use a **surge protector** (power quality can vary) - Don’t overload one outlet with multiple high-power devices - Ask if the building has a **backup generator** (some do, especially newer towers) ## How to reduce your electricity bill in Panama Your biggest bill drivers are almost always: - **A/C usage** - **water heater** - leaving devices running 24/7 Quick wins: - Set A/C to a realistic temperature and use **fans** to feel cooler - Turn off the water heater when not needed (if it’s not automatic) - Unplug chargers/power strips when traveling ## What should I pack for power and electricity in Panama? (Travel checklist) - **1 plug adapter** (if you’re not US/CA) - **power bank** (at least one full phone recharge) - **surge protector** (small travel one) - optional: **small UPS** if you rely on Wi-Fi for work ## Electricity Market in Panama ### Generation The generation of power represents the first part of the process, where in Panama many private companies produce electrical energy for sale. ### Transmission After the generation the electricity must be transmitted to the distribution companies or Large Customers. The Transmission is in charge of the only transmission company in the Panamanian electricity market, the Electric Transmission Company, S. A. (ETESA), 100% owned by the state. ### Distribution Three main companies are responsible for the distribution and marketing of electrical energy: ENSA, Edemet and Edechi, the last two are part of the Naturgy group. ENSA distributes electricity to users in Colón, Darién, the Kuna Yala Region, Eastern Panama, and the Pacific Islands. Naturgy distributes energy to West Panamá, Coclé, Herrera, Los Santos and Veraguas, Chiriquí and Bocas del Toro ## Cost of Electricity In Panama, the average cost in 2023 of residential electricity is around \$0,170 per kWh while the cost for businesses is around \$0,185 per kWh. This includes all components of the electricity bill such as the cost of power generation, distribution and taxes. If we compare the price with the rest of the world, the cost is slightly higher compared to the average price of electricity in the world and similar to the US. The cost of electricity bills can vary between the different neighbourhoods in Panama City, thanks to the subsidy that the government guarantees in the various parts of the city. This results in a monthly bill for electricity between \$100 and \$300, depending on the size of your home. ## Sources of electricity generation According to the latest data from the International Energy Agency in 2021, the electricity generation sources are Hydro at 68,9%, followed by Natural Gas at 13,2%, Solar PV at 4,8%, Wind and Oil at 4,4%, and finally Coal at 4,1%. The Total electricity production in Panama 2021, is 12106 GWh, the 99th country in the world by electricity production. ![electricity-sources](/static/images/articles/electricity-sources-panama.svg) ## Share of renewables in energy consumption Renewable energies are becoming an increasingly relevant source of energy for countries, as they can reduce CO2 emissions and dependence on imported fossil fuels. According to the latest data from the International Energy Agency, Panama's share of modern renewables in final energy consumption is 22,73% in 2020, placing it in 40th place among countries in the world. ## Electricity final consumption by sector Studying the electricity final consumption by sector, we can find that the commercial and public services are the first consumers with a share of 52,8% in 2021, followed by the residential sector at 29,7%, and the Industry sector at 16,8%. These data are correlated to the GDP produced by the sector in the [economy of Panama](/guides/articles/economy-of-panama). ![electricity-consumption](/static/images/articles/electricity-consumption-panama.svg) ## FAQ — Power & electricity in Panama ### Does Panama use 110V or 220V? Panama uses **110V (often ~120V)** at **60Hz**. ### What plug type is used in Panama? Mostly **Type A and Type B** (US-style plugs). ### Do US travelers need an adapter in Panama? Usually **no**. US/Canada plugs fit. ### Do Europeans need an adapter in Panama? Yes—most EU/UK plugs won’t fit **Type A/B** outlets, so you need a **plug adapter**. ### Do I need a voltage converter in Panama? Only if your device is **not dual-voltage**. If your charger says **100–240V**, you’re fine with just an adapter. ### Are power outages frequent in Panama? They can happen, especially during **storms** or maintenance. A **power bank** and **surge protection** make life easier. ### Will my hair dryer work in Panama? Maybe. Many are **220V-only** and won’t work well on 110V without a converter. Check the label for **100–240V** support. ## Sources & Foot Notes [1] [Statista - Price of Residential Electricity in Panama](https://www.statista.com/statistics/1175002/price-residential-electricity-panama/) [2] [Enerdata - Energy Market in Panama](https://www.enerdata.net/estore/energy-market/panama/) [3] [International Energy Agency - Panama](https://www.iea.org/countries/panama) [4] [Global Petrol Prices - Electricity Prices in Panama](https://www.globalpetrolprices.com/Panama/electricity_prices/) [5] [Enel Green Power - Fortuna Hydroelectric Plant](https://www.enelgreenpower.com/our-projects/operating/fortuna-hydroelectric-plant) [6] [Database Earth - Hydro Power Plants in Panama](https://database.earth/energy/power-plants/hydro-power/panama) [7] [IEA - Renewables in the Energy Mix of Panama](https://www.iea.org/countries/panama/renewables#how-important-are-renewables-in-the-energy-mix-of-panama) [8] [Panama National Energy Plan 2015–2050](https://www.iea.org/policies/6107-panama-national-energy-plan-20152050)