Safety
General Security Situation
Panama is one of the safest countries in Central America — significantly safer than Honduras, El Salvador, or Guatemala. The tourist regions are well protected, and the tourism police are present and helpful.
Security Zones
| Zone | Rating | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Casco Viejo & Tourist Districts | Safe | Police presence, normal big city caution |
| Panama City (general) | Safe | Avoid certain neighborhoods at night (El Chorrillo, Curundú, Santa Ana off the main streets) |
| Boquete & Highlands | Very safe | Rural idyll, hardly any crime |
| Bocas del Toro | Safe | Be cautious at the beach at night, do not leave valuables on the beach |
| San Blas | Safe | No crime, but also no police/rescue/hospital |
| Colón (City) | Caution! | High crime rate — only visit the Portobelo fortress and Agua Clara locks, not Colón city itself |
| Darién (border area) | Avoid! | Only with organized expedition, NEVER on your own |
Practical Safety Tips
- Uber instead of taxi: Always use Uber in Panama City — safe, transparent, and cheaper than street taxis.
- Valuables: Do not wear conspicuous jewelry, do not openly display expensive cameras and laptops, carry your backpack in front of you.
- At night: Do not walk alone through unlit areas in Panama City and Bocas.
- Currents: Strong currents can occur at Pacific and Caribbean beaches (Bluff Beach, Red Frog Beach) — the undertow is treacherous and one of the most common causes of death for tourists.
- Emergency numbers: 104 (police), 103 (fire department), 911 (general)
