Hidden Budget: Everything You Must Pay in Cash in San Blas

You’ve reserved your luxury catamaran with Nomad Sailors, packed your reef-safe sunscreen, and you’re set for paradise — just don’t forget about the San Blas entrance fee and a few other additional costs.

This is one critical detail that catches even the smartest travelers off guard: The Guna Yala territory is a cash-only economy.

And when we say cash-only, we mean cash-only. No credit card machines at the border; or ATMs on the islands. No Apple Pay, Google Pay, or anything in between. If you show up with nothing but a Visa card, you won’t just miss out on souvenirs — you may not even be allowed to enter the territory at all.

As your local experts, we’ve created this guide to help travelers understand exactly how much cash to bring to the San Blas Islands in Panama. Consider this your definitive “Hidden Budget” breakdown — how much money you’ll need, what each expense covers, and why our All-Inclusive charter is the smartest way to protect your wallet from surprise costs.

The “Border & Port” Fees (Mandatory Cash)

Before you even step foot on the catamaran, there are government and community fees that must be paid in cash to the Guna officials. These are Guna laws, and they apply to every single visitor, regardless of which boat you sail with.

• 1. The Guna Yala Entrance Fee (The “Visa”)
  • Cost: $20 – $22 USD per person (Foreigners) / $5 USD (Residents/Nationals).
  • Where to Pay: At the jungle border checkpoint on the road from Panama City.
  • The Protocol: Your driver will stop. An official will approach the car. You must hand over your original passport and the cash.
• 2. The Port Tax
  • Cost: $2 – $5 USD per person.
  • Where to Pay: When you arrive at the river port (e.g., Carti) to board your water taxi.
  • The Protocol: A small booth fee for using the community’s dock facilities.
• 3. The Water Taxi (Lancha) Transfer
  • Cost: $30 – $75 USD per person (round trip), depending on the route.
  • The Important Note: Many charter companies (including ours) can coordinate this for you. However, the payment often goes directly to the Guna captain of the lancha.

Nomad Sailors Tip: Check your booking invoice! If you opted for our “All-Inclusive Logistics” package, we may have prepaid this for you. If not, have this cash ready in an envelope.

The “Fun” Cash (Optional, but Recommended)

Once you are on the Nomad Sailors catamaran, your experience is fully all-inclusive. You don’t need money for food, drinks, or fuel. However, you will want cash for these unique local experiences:

• 1. The Famous “Molas”
  • Budget: $30 – $100+ USD.
  • The Experience: Guna women often paddle their ulus (canoes) to our boat to display their incredible, handmade textiles (molas). They are world-famous art pieces. Buying one is the best way to support the local community directly.
• 2. Fresh Coconuts & “Coco Locos”
  • Budget: $1 – $5 USD.
  • The Experience: On some islands, a local caretaker might sell fresh coconuts. It’s a delicious, refreshing treat.
• 3. Fresh Seafood (Direct from Fishermen)
  • Budget: $0 (Included for You!)
  • The Nomad Difference: On other “budget” boats, guests often have to pay extra if they want to buy a lobster from a passing fisherman. On the Nomad Sailors, we cover this. If a fisherman pulls up with a giant snapper or lobster, we buy it for your dinner. You just enjoy it. (See Our Culinary Journey).

The “All-Inclusive” vs. “Pocket Money” Reality

It is important to understand the line between “Your Trip Cost” and “Your Cash Stash.”

• What Nomad Sailors Covers (Pre-Paid):
  • The Catamaran & Crew.
  • All Gourmet Meals & Snacks.
  • Open Bar (Wine, Beer, Cocktails).
  • Fuel, Water, & Ice.
  • Water Sports Gear (Kayaks, Paddleboards).
  • Optionally: Your 4×4 and Flights (if booked as a package).
• What You Must Cover (Cash in Hand):
  • Guna Entrance Fees ($22).
  • Port Taxes ($2).
  • Souvenirs & Tips for the Crew (Optional).

3 Pro-Tips for Your “San Blas Bankroll”

1. Bring Small Bills: Do not bring $50 or $100 bills. The border agents and artisans rarely have change. Bring a stack of $1s, $5s, and $10s.
2. The “Waterproof” Rule: It rains in the jungle, and lanchas get wet. Put your cash and passport in a Ziploc bag inside your daypack.
3. The “Safety” Buffer: We recommend bringing an extra $50-$100 per person in cash, just in case. It’s better to go home with unspent cash than to be stuck without it.

You Handle the Cash. We Handle the Luxury.

San Blas is raw, wild, and disconnected. That’s why you love it.

Don’t let a lack of an ATM stress you out. Pack your small bills, grab your passport, and let us take care of the rest.

Book Your Worry-Free All-Inclusive Charter