Safety in Panama

Safety in Panama

General Safety & Situational Awareness

Petty Crime Prevention

Panama is a welcoming country, but like any destination, maintaining awareness is key to a trouble-free visit. While violent crime against tourists is quite uncommon, opportunistic petty theft does occur, so remaining vigilant is your best defense.

• Be particularly aware of your surroundings in crowded public spaces, such as local markets, bus terminals, and popular tourist sites like Panama City’s Casco Viejo.
• It is wise to avoid displaying expensive items. Consider leaving valuable jewelry at home and keep high-end cameras or large amounts of cash out of sight.
• Keep your mobile phone and wallet secure in a front pocket or a bag with a zipper, rather than a back pocket.
• Be wary of common distraction techniques, such as someone bumping into you or spilling something on you, which can be used by pickpockets.

Nighttime Safety

For an evening out, we encourage you to ask your hotel concierge or one of our local guides for their recommendations on safe and enjoyable areas for nightlife.

• When exploring after dark, please stick to well-lit and populated areas.
• Avoid walking alone on beaches or through unfamiliar neighborhoods at night.
• Instead of walking long distances in the evening, please use reputable, registered taxis or a ride-sharing application.

Protecting Your Valuables

• Make use of the safe in your hotel room to store your passport, spare credit cards, extra cash, and other valuable items.
• Carry a photocopy of your passport’s main page with you. A clear digital image on your phone is also an excellent backup.
• Never leave your personal belongings unattended. This includes bags on the back of chairs in restaurants, items by the pool, or anything left on the beach while you swim.

Transportation Safety

Taxis & Ride-Sharing

Navigating Panama City is straightforward with the right transport. For convenience and price transparency, we strongly recommend using ride-sharing apps like Uber or Didi.

• Official Taxis: These are typically yellow. They do not use meters, so it is essential that you agree on the fare with the driver before your trip begins.
• Ride-Sharing Apps: Uber and Didi are widely available in Panama City. They are generally safe, reliable, and offer the comfort of fixed, upfront pricing.
• Airport Taxis: Upon arrival at the airport, please proceed to the official, licensed taxi stands located inside the terminal to avoid unregistered and unregulated drivers.

Public Transportation

• Panama City Metro: The metro is a modern, clean, and safe way to travel across the city. As with any subway system, simply be mindful of your belongings during peak hours.
• MetroBus: The city’s primary bus system is also safe and efficient. To use it, you will need to purchase a “Rapi>Pass” or “Metro” card from a station and load it with credit.
• “Diablos Rojos”: You will see colorfully decorated old school buses known as Diablos Rojos. We advise you to avoid using them, as they are known for erratic driving and have notable safety concerns.

Driving in Panama

• Renting a Car: A rental car can be excellent for exploring the countryside outside of Panama City, but we do not recommend it for navigating within the capital due to aggressive local driving habits and complex traffic patterns.
• Road Conditions: Major highways, such as the Pan-American Highway, are generally well-maintained. However, rural and secondary roads can have significant potholes and may lack proper signage.
• Night Driving: We advise against driving long distances between towns or in rural areas after dark.

Location-Specific Considerations

Panama City

• Safe Neighborhoods: Areas popular with visitors like Casco Viejo, El Cangrejo, San Francisco, and the Amador Causeway are generally safe. However, you should always remain vigilant and aware of your surroundings.
• Areas to Exercise Caution: Your tour itineraries will avoid higher-risk areas. For your own awareness, please note that neighborhoods directly bordering Casco Viejo, such as El Chorrillo and Santa Ana, are not recommended for tourists to wander into, especially at night.

Colón

We must advise you in the strongest terms not to visit the city of Colón independently due to significant safety concerns. Please be assured that all organized tours we arrange to regional destinations, such as the historic forts of Portobelo or the Gatun Locks on the Panama Canal, are managed with robust security measures and are perfectly safe to enjoy.

Bocas del Toro & Beach Areas

• Water Safety: Always pay close attention to any posted signs regarding rip currents or other water hazards. If there are no signs, ask hotel staff or local boat operators about safe swimming conditions before entering the water.
• Belongings on the Beach: Never leave your bags, electronics, or other valuables unattended on the sand while you are swimming or walking along the shore.
• Boat Taxis: Only use established water taxi services. Before departing, confirm that life jackets are available for all passengers and appear to be in good condition.

Remote & Jungle Areas (Chiriquí, Darién)

• Darién Province: The Darién Gap is a high-risk region and is considered a no-go zone for all independent travelers. Any travel into this area must be part of a pre-arranged excursion with a specialized, professional guide.
• Hiking: For your safety, always hike with a registered, professional guide. They possess invaluable knowledge of the local terrain, wildlife, and unpredictable weather patterns. Always inform a friend, family member, or your hotel of your itinerary before you depart.

Health & Environmental Safety

Food & Water

• Tap Water: The tap water is safe to drink in Panama City and most major towns. However, if you have a sensitive stomach, you may prefer to stick to bottled water. In rural areas and on the islands, such as San Blas and Bocas del Toro, you should always drink bottled water.
• Street Food: Sampling dishes from local food stalls, or ‘fondas’, is a wonderful part of the cultural experience. To be safe, choose busy stalls where you can see the food being cooked fresh to order.

Sun & Heat Exposure

Panama’s location near the equator means the sun is extremely intense, and you can burn quickly, even on an overcast day.

• Use a high-SPF, broad-spectrum sunscreen and reapply it frequently, especially after swimming or sweating.
• Wear a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses for additional protection.
• Stay well-hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day.

Insects & Wildlife

• Mosquitoes: Mosquito-borne illnesses such as Dengue are present in Panama. Use an effective insect repellent containing DEET, particularly during the peak mosquito hours of dawn and dusk. In jungle areas, wearing long sleeves and pants offers an extra layer of protection.
• Wildlife: For your safety and the animals’ well-being, please do not touch or feed any wildlife. When hiking, be aware of your surroundings and watch where you step to avoid snakes.

Emergency Information & Contacts

In Case of an Incident

Should you face any difficulties, please follow these steps:

1. First, remove yourself from any immediate danger and ensure your personal safety.
2. If a crime has occurred, contact the local police to file an official report, known as a “denuncia.” This document is mandatory for any subsequent insurance claim.
3. Contact our 24/7 emergency support line. We are here to provide immediate assistance, guidance, and support.

Key Contact Numbers

• National Emergency & Police: 911
• Tourist Police (in Panama City): +507 511-9260
• Your Country’s Embassy/Consulate: [Your Country’s Embassy Address, Phone Number]
• Our 24/7 Tour Operator Emergency Line: [Our 24/7 Tour Operator Emergency