Send Money to Panama: Your Guide to the Best Options

You can send money to Panama through international wire transfers, digital transfer services, peer-to-peer platforms, and international money orders.

In this article, we’ll explain how to send money to Panama.

Importantly, certain banks will have restrictions on sending money to Panama. In fact, certain Panamanian banks may even restrict how money can be received.

We will discuss these considerations and more in the following sections to help you make an informed decision. This article is part of our free series on how to launch a new account and open a bank account in Panama, which you can access by clicking here right now.

Feel free to use the table of contents to jump ahead to the sections most relevant to you.

Table of Contents

  1. How to Send Money to Panama
  2. Can I Transfer Money From a US Bank to a Panama Bank?
  3. Frequently Asked Questions
  4. Ready to Open an Offshore Bank Account?

How to Send Money to Panama

Determining how to send money to Panama will depend on where the money is coming from, the amount being sent, and the bank that is receiving the transfer. That said, there are other considerations as well, including what supporting documentation may be required and any restrictions that the banks involved in the transaction may have. 

Of course, in most cases, you can choose from standard transfer services when sending money to a non-domestic bank account or offshore bank account in Panama, including:

  • International bank transfers (SWIFT)
  • International transfer services (Wise)
  • Money order services (Western Union)
  • Payment services company (PayPal)
  • And more

We’ll explore electronic fund transfers and additional banking services in the next section of the article. However, it’s important to first consider the additional factors that influence which method for sending money is best for you.

The best money transfer method to send funds to Panama depends on the transfer fees, processing time, and exchange rates of the currency you’re using in Panama.

  • Exchange rates between home currency and USD
  • Transfer fees charged by the sending bank
  • Transfers fees charged by the receiving bank
  • Processing time for sending the transfer
  • Security of the transfer being sent
  • Regulatory restrictions impacting the transfer (e.g. FATF)
  • Enhanced due diligence requirements (e.g. extra documentation)

When it comes to fees, all transfer methods will have their own fee structures, wire transfer guidelines, and other banking requirements for sending money internationally.

So, before sending money to Panama, you should first compare all of the available options and their exact fee structure.

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Can I Transfer Money From a US Bank to a Panama Bank?

Yes, you can transfer money from a US bank to a list of banking groups and a list of Panama banks. In fact, there are many different transfer methods you can choose from. That said, most people can transfer money from a US bank account to an individual deposit account or personal bank account in Panama without too much hassle. The same goes for sending money to a commercial reserve account or business bank account in Panama. Of course, the transfer method best suited for you will depend if you have a business account, personal account, or a luxury bank account, like a Panamanian private bank account. But also, on the bank you are with and the amount of money you are transferring.

That said, if you are looking to tap into the priority services and benefits of banking in Panama and sending and receiving international money transfers are a must-have, it’s important to choose banks that offer this service.

Here’s a look at the various ways you can send money from a US bank to a Panama bank.

Methods for Transferring Money From a US Bank to a Panama Bank

  • Wire transfer
  • Online money transfer services
  • PayPal
  • MoneyGram
  • Western Union
  • Check deposits
  • Cash deposits
  • And more

What App Can I Use to Send Money to Panama?

There are several apps you can use to send money to Panama. The app available to you will likely depend on if it is accessible in your country of residence. But, in most cases, international transfer apps like Wise, PayPal, Remitly, and more can work, depending on if the bank is highly reputable and whether or not it’s the best Panama bank for sending funds to.

Importantly, in order to use these money transfer apps or any other apps to send funds to Panama, you will need the correct recipient account details and confirm with the recipient that their bank accepts transfers from third-party applications.

With that being said, before you use these or any other money transfer apps, it’s important to confirm the transaction costs, the additional banking costs you may be charged, and the processing time for the money transfer to be completed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Below are a few of the most common questions we receive from people trying to determine how to send money to Panama. If you have further questions you would like answered, don’t hesitate to get in touch.

How Long Does It Take for a Money Transfer to Panama?

How long it takes for a money transfer to Panama will ultimately depend on the money transfer service you choose. Generally speaking, if you are looking to send money internationally to Panama by using a bank transfer, you could expect the transfer to take up to 2-5 days. Of course, some money transfers can be completed within just minutes or hours. However, this will depend on the bank, the money transfer provider, and the amount you are transferring.

Is It Safe to Send Money Online to Panama?

Yes, it is safe to send money online to Panama. However, there are some exchange rate risks and other risks to banking and sending money to Panama that you should be aware of. In fact, this highly depends on the type of money transfer provider you choose to send money through. With that being said, it’s important to choose a reputable money transfer service, verify you have the correct information for the recipient, use strong passwords, and monitor your account.

How to Send Money From the US to Panama?

How to send money from the US to Panama will ultimately depend on the amount of money you are looking to send, what type of account you are transferring money from, and the fees you might be charged for completing the money transfer. With that in mind, sending money from the US to the leading financial companies, including the largest banks in Panama, can be done by using a debit card, credit card, wire transfer, and by using other online money transfer service methods.

Can I Use Venmo in Panama?

No, you cannot use Venmo in Panama. This is because Venmo is only available in the United States and for US residents only. Therefore, transfers to accounts outside of the US are not possible. In fact, even if active users try to access their Venmo account outside of the United States, they will not be able to do so as international access is restricted.

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GlobalBanks Team
GlobalBanks Team

The GlobalBanks editorial team comprises a group of subject-matter experts from across the banking world, including former bankers, analysts, investors, and entrepreneurs. All have in-depth knowledge and experience in various aspects of international banking. In particular, they have expertise in banking for foreigners, non-residents, and both foreign and offshore companies.

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