Panamá City Warnings Or Dangers Tips by gdilieto

Use Common Sense

Panama City is considered a dangerous city under international travel standards. A remarkable part of the population lives in poverty and tourist are natural targets for robbery and pickpocketing. Said that, I never felt unsafe and all what I did is just applying common sense. I would like to share with you few practices that worked out for me.

- I didn't go to any neighborhoods there were no reasons for me to go to.

- I did visited areas someone would recommend not to go (such as Santa Ana, Barrio Chino, Calidonia) but ONLY during day hours and the streets that where crowded.

- I did enjoy exploring Casco Viejo corner by corner, but always during day hours and taking my guard on.

- I hanged out till late at night but always taxing taxis after dark.

- I may have missed a worthwhile experience but I did not jump on any Diablos Rojos and took taxis instead.

- The bus to Colon (on the Caribbean coast) is OK. The bus station in Colon is not a place to hang around and I got into the first taxi I managed to catch.

- I behaved on the ground that if I feel uneasy most likely I am at risk.

- I never had problems in taking photos. I took in Panama City some of the best smiling faces I ever did.

Don't be afraid, don't be overconfident, use common sense, enjoy the city.