Compensation Allowances

DoS Source ↗
Post Allowance (COLA)
0%of spendable income · non-taxable · DSSR 220
Post Differential
5%of basic pay · taxable · DSSR 500
LQA
Reimbursement of actual housing costs up to a post-specific maximum based on family size. View LQA rates ↗

Practical Info

Timezone
UTC-05:00
Languages
Spanish
Currency
Panamanian balboa
Electricity
Type A, Type B · 110 V · 60 Hz
Flight to US
~3.7 hrs — Estimated flight time to Washington, DC area: ~3.7 hours (great-circle, 900 km/h average). Actual times vary by route and layovers.
Mobile Carriers
Google FiWorksUnlimited plans (200+ countries)Details ↗
T-MobileWorksFree texting + data at 256 kbps on most plans; high-speed available on Go5G Plus / premium plans.Details ↗
AT&TWorksInternational Day Pass ($12/day, billed on use)Details ↗
VerizonWorksTravelPass ($12/day; $6/day Mexico & Canada)Details ↗

Family Employment (EFM)

Source: State Dept GCLO
Bilateral Agreement:Yes
De Facto Arrangement:No