Thread: Paranoia in Panama- Perception vs. Reality

I begin to ask myself a couple of questions. One, “what is the goal of these authors, if their assertions are fallacious?” And two, “is Panama actually a safe and/or nice place to live?” (Additionally- “Am I so removed from reality that I do not see what should clearly be obvious everyday danger?”)

Paranoia in Panama- Perception vs. Reality | Eye On Panama

Great article. Thanks for posting this. My wife and I apprecaite it. My wife is a bit apreshensive about this move because we are seniors and she is concerned about our safety. We used to live in LA before coming to Nashville. I would not walk out after dark there either!
Everything I have read from ligitimate sources seems to reflect your same opinions.

I have been saying the same thing for a long time in Panama.

This country seemed to be blessed with far to many experts. They like to make comments concerning this country without giving alternatives.

Sometimes i feel it is used as an excuse to hide there own weakness.

I lived in Orlando for 8 years and London for 10 before that. I feel a whole lot safer here than i did in those 2 places.

Ya. I agree with you although we have not been to Panama yet. Although I can truthfully say that Nashville is a very safe place to live, I would not go walking through the "projects" after dark. I watched South Central LA burn to the ground two times in my life. During the second Watts riot I was down there working and barely escaped with my life! We have been researching all of the countries in south and central America and so far, Costa Rica and Panama stand out.
Panama clearly has the edge when it comes to benefits for the retired. As of this writing I think the safety thing is a toss up? What do you think?

Its seems in all my travels across the US and Europe that the biggest cause of crime is poverty.

The less improvised and area the less crime there is. I know criminals will visit rich area but they only visit the do not inhabit.

In general is see that Panama has a greater wealth in general vs Costa Rico so crime is leeser in Panama.

The first thing i noted when i entered CR was the amount of Police at check points and the obviously amount on poverty.

I feel safer in Panama than i do in CR. but i have not travelled in CR as much as i have in Panama so i am no expert.

I am sure there is bound to be an "expert" out there can comment!

At the end of the day -- every "expert" is only sharing his perception and experience...

The "reality" is the totality of everyone's perception minus the bullshit.

"The Truth" is almost always somewhere in the middle between the "fear mongers" and the "promotional claims" of those with financial motives.

As far as being safe, I have always felt safe in Panama.

That being said, my best friend and his girlfriend got robbed at gun point in Punta Pacifica. My parents got robbed in a high-end restaurant... Three robbery attempts were made on 3 other friends (one while he was driving, one in their apartment and another while walking on Avenida Balboa). Another guy I know personally got stabbed in the Azueros 4 times. Another friend had a gun put to his head. Keep in mind I've been for almost 5 years and I have a good network of friends.

Sure crime is on the rise statistically and will probably continue do so if people keep losing their jobs and struggle financially. At the end of the day, most crimes are done in order to survive. Most of the crime in Panama isn't violent (unless it's drug related).

I do not let those stories affect me because I believe that "what we hold in mind (including fear) tends to manifest". If I get robbed, I get robbed. I put my IDs in one pocket and the money in the other. I would just hand them the money and wish them the best of luck.

"Safety" is all relative. Go hang out in Curundu or Chorillo after dark and wander around... Go hang out in Colon after dark and wander around... I think you'll find out the hard way that there's a dark side in Panama as there is in every city.

There's no sense living in a bubble of denial. Just pick up "La Critica" every day and most of the times -- it's murder(s) and death on the front cover. But isn't that the case for any city that has a population of 1 million people?

In my personal non-expert opinion, most of the country is safe and it's a great place to live. Just be careful, take precautions with your possessions and avoid bad parts of town and you should be fine.

Enjoy Panama!
Matt

I dont disagree with these comments as they expand on what i had said.

I also do agree with Evan in that the negative people seem to have an axe to grind in Panama for some strange reason and i for one dont get this.

What i dont like is the way they try to enforce the opinions on others.

I think back to the old saying "If you have nothing good to say then dont saying anything"

Its easy to post negative things beacsue if your wrong then prople are happy and they dont care. If your right then you can say " I told you so so and act like a hero"

If you post good things and they dont happen there every Man and his Dog wants to persecute you.

There is nothing more peculiar than folk!