Panama: primary language is Spanish — English gets you by in tourist areas, but is inconsistent elsewhere.
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The primary language in Panama is Spanish.
English gets you by in tourist areas, but is inconsistent elsewhere. English is more common than in many Latin American neighbors, a legacy of the US-run Canal Zone era, especially in Panama City.
Learning "hello," "please," "thank you," "excuse me," and "the check please" in the local language goes a long way anywhere, including Panama — locals consistently appreciate the effort.
Yes — an offline translation app is genuinely useful in Panama, especially outside major tourist areas.