Is Panama Safe To Travel?

In general, Panama is not a dangerous country for tourists to visit, providing you act rationally and avoid taking unnecessary risks. Panama has moderate crime levels, especially in the tourist zones such as Panama City, Bocas del Toro and Boquete. However, minor crimes such as pick pocketing and mugging do occur from time to time so one would be wise to be cautious. Here are some tips for staying safe while visiting Panama.

Choose Accommodations Wisely

Different types of hotels or lodging places may affect the safety of the guests. Most of the luxurious hotels and resorts are secured and guarded 24/7 accompanied by close circuit television cameras, in room safe deposit and well secured car park. The risk of theft is high in smaller lodges and hostel’s dorm rooms. Read the latest reviews and do not dine at restaurants known to have targeted crime against guests.

Take Precautions In Some Areas

Like any other city, Panama City has certain areas of the city that are considered dangerous because of violent gangs and street muggings. Neighbourhoods such as El Chorrillo, Santa Ana, San Miguelito, and Curundu may be unsafe, particularly in the evening. Casco Viejo and other places that attract a large flow of tourists have noticeable police patrols, but pickpocketing still occurs, so it is better to keep valuable items safe. Another safe area that can be visited by tourists is the wealthy banking district of Punta Pacifica.

Travel in large groups as an effective way of minimizing the exposure to risks that are related to travel.

Single travelers are vulnerable to muggings and pick pocketing. Dining or walking around in groups of four or two is safer than doing so alone because you can minimize your contact with criminals. This is particularly the case in the evening when cases of mugging are rife making it extremely dangerous for anyone to be out on the streets alone. Pre-arrange an airport transfer or a taxi through your hotel rather than flagging random cabs on your own. Day trips and group transfers can also enhance safety.

Don't Flaunt Valuables

Do not be careless with your possessions when you are out roaming around the streets of Panama. Avoid wearing or bringing valuable items such as jewelry, watches, and electronic gadgets to conspicuous places such as restaurants and beaches. Avoid bringing wallets, purses, and phones in plain sight or hanging loose in backpacks or on belts with zippers. Avoid carrying large sums of money and one debit/credit card at a time. Some tricks which one should be aware of include, for example, a person pouring something on the victim with the aim of pickpocketing.

This is why there is always necessary to pay attention and avoid falling victim to tourist scams.

Usually pickpockets and other criminals intent on stealing from you will try to trick you into giving them money/attention by pretending to be in need or distract you. If someone says they know you, acts friendly, has an urgent situation, is selling something or needs assistance with directions be cautious. Often, just keep walking or do not engage when people are acting abnormally, especially if a woman is alone. Inform the police in case of petty crimes or any threatening actions.

Make Private Transfers for Excursions

Unfortunately, there is a high tendency of petty theft on public buses, particularly the long-distance ones in Panama. To minimize risk, it is advised to hire a private driver, pre-arrange a tour, or use an executive ‘door to door’ bus service where travel is outside the main tourist hotspots. Taxis that are hailed directly from the street are also much more dangerous than those booked through hotels.

Stay Vigilant of Surroundings

Indeed, there is no city or country that is safe all the time. As it is with every new place, tourists may take their time before identifying the dangers that surround them. Avoid any person or place that triggers discomfort or makes your instincts kick in. Make an attempt to look preoccupied instead of confused even for a short time while checking maps or directions. More dangerous time includes evening times, lonely areas, or places with many people around since pickpocketing thrives in such areas.

See the Current Travel Warnings and Advice

Visit government websites such as the U.S. State Department for alerts on the changing safety status or issues affecting Panama before and during your travel. Currently, the criminal dangers exist in Darién Region, vector-borne diseases throughout the country, and sporadic political demonstrations in Panama City. No such cautions apply to travel in general and millions of people can travel to Panama securely each year.

Secure Comprehensive Travel Insurance

For issues such as theft, injuries, interruption of the tour due to protests, or medical care in other countries, adequate travel insurance can help to alleviate these issues. Policies to consider: emergency medical evacuation, trip delay and cancellation, and financial default – cash or items. This gives added comfort if there are any safety concerns that crop up.

On the whole, Panama can still be regarded as a quite safe and open to tourists country primarily due to the climate and certain sights. Some basic measures of personal safety can be taken which enable one to concentrate on the excitement of traveling in Panama rather than worrying too much about potential dangers or crime incidences. Plan, get insurance, utilize the hotel safes, don’t go to risky places and travel safely. Then prepare for incredible things because this country is stunning, it’s a tropical country where people are friendly and there are wonderful things to see!

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