Misdemeanors are more common than violent crimes. Take care of your belongings, especially at transportation hubs. Violent crimes include armed robberies and assaults. Do not travel less than 10 miles from the coast, from Boca de Rio, Chiriqui, to Cocle del Norte.
Drug trafficking and other illegal activities occur in this area. Panama is one of the safest countries in Central America, but some precautions are always worth taking. Pickpockets are common in busy areas of Panama City, including bus stations, markets and shopping areas, so keep your valuables in a safe place. Visitors heading to the beach should be very careful when swimming or surfing in the Pacific and Caribbean oceans, where there are strong tides.
There are often no warning signs and tour guides rarely warn their clients about dangerous areas. Remember, no matter what, stay calm and swim parallel to the shore and away from the current. It is best to avoid topics related to politics, religion, the Panama Canal and the Panama Papers out of respect for Panamanian residents. The northeastern region of the province of Darién, near the Caribbean Sea, is dangerous due to cases of kidnapping, murder and drug trafficking by Colombian guerrilla and paramilitary groups that have crossed the border to Panama.
Panama's position, located between Central and South America, occupying the Caribbean and Pacific coasts, is both a blessing and a curse. Although the amount of rain depends on the coast you're on, downpours usually come in short, sharp bursts in the afternoon before the sun forces you to put your Panama hat back on. Panama is moving at a relaxed pace, even in the city, so don't expect requests to respond at the speed of light. Uber and Lyft are also available in Panama City (although drivers are usually willing to cross the country), in addition to UberEnglish for people who don't speak Spanish and UberAssist for people with mobility problems.
Report a crime by calling 511 9260 (the Panama City Tourist Police) or 104 (National Police) and have your embassy number ready. The tourist police in the most visited areas (including Panama City, of course) ensure that visitors not only feel safer, but are also safer. Thanks to its relative proximity to Panama City and its impressive natural environment, El Valle de Antón is one of the best ecological retreats in Panama and one of the favorite getaways for locals. It's important to know that Panama is definitely not a very safe place, so a little bit of caution and research before starting your trip will go a long way. Home to the famous Panama Canal, as well as the infamous Darién Gap, Panama is the ideal place if you're looking for real adventures.
This chain of Panamanian islands in the Caribbean Sea is full of color, fun and lots of relaxing and beach activities for everyone who loves lounging by the sea. Panamanians love to party, and barely a week goes by without a party, from La Feria de las Flores y del Café in Boquete to the national Carnival, whose biggest and loudest celebrations take place in Las Tablas, on the Azuero Peninsula. Traveling alone for women in Panama may seem like a distant dream, but if you've already traveled alone somewhere in Latin America, you'll know the kind of environment you can expect in this country.
