There is a wide choice of car rental companies and you can rent from a small sedan to SUVs with 4WD and all the extras. Making a reservation is quite easy. In order to take delivery of your rented car you will have to present a valid driver license and passport and pay a deposit of approximately US$300.00  (it can be done with your credit card). Rates vary according to car type and number of days. You will pay more or less US$215.00 for a one week rental of a small sedan with unlimited mileage. 

All major credit cards are accepted.  Esso, Shell, Texaco and Delta gas stations are numerous and easy to locate; many are open 24 hours.  There are no self service stations in Panama but many have mini-supermarkets where you can purchase tissues, cigarettes, magazines or food items you may have forgotten to take with you.