Thread: Safety and Security

What safety and security tips do you have for people who travel through Panama? What do we need to do to keep our stuff protected from theft and vandalism? What risks our there to our personal well being?

I do not think there are many special things you need to be concerned about in Panama then anywhere else. You just have to be smart and use common sense when you are in an unfamiliar place. Keep track of your wallet. Don't leave it or money in an easy place for pickpockets. Don't travel alone late at night. Stay in well-lit and populated areas. Travel with friends when possible.

All good points. I think Panama is pretty safe as long as you stick to the tourism and business areas.

Originally Posted by kale

All good points. I think Panama is pretty safe as long as you stick to the tourism and business areas.

I agree. Most tourists will probably find that Panama's crime rates are less than their home country's. I think police monitor the busy tourist areas.

Are they anything we should look out for like scams and such, you know people try to trick innocent visitors in buying things and such.

not as much as in most countries,it is quite safe but you need to be vigilant when you go out to foreign countries besides there are always some people in every country that want to trick innocent people.

I guess it's best to be careful with people including those who may look very helpful and friendly or look really sick and need help as who knows what might they up to. I believe scammers are getting more smarter and realistic these days so be more cautious over there as well in other places.

Originally Posted by panamapal

I do not think there are many special things you need to be concerned about in Panama then anywhere else. You just have to be smart and use common sense when you are in an unfamiliar place. Keep track of your wallet. Don't leave it or money in an easy place for pickpockets. Don't travel alone late at night. Stay in well-lit and populated areas. Travel with friends when possible.

Besides, just don't carry big cash with you whenever you are out, during night . Take more than how much you think you need to spend, while you are out and ENJOY your vacations.

Very good advice zhinghur

Thank You MRWOOHOO , for the appreciation.

Regards,

Anytime

Originally Posted by panamapal

I do not think there are many special things you need to be concerned about in Panama then anywhere else. You just have to be smart and use common sense when you are in an unfamiliar place. Keep track of your wallet. Don't leave it or money in an easy place for pickpockets. Don't travel alone late at night. Stay in well-lit and populated areas. Travel with friends when possible.

Agree with you, the people in Panama love peace and they will not make a lot of trouble for foreigners. so the only thing you have to do is just be prepared.

I wouldn't worry about my safety in Panama as I am brunette with kind of Indian look ( no, I don't have any Indian ancestors ) and after learning enough Spanish to make myself understood I might be taken as well for a local
Now seriously , sometimes your attitude is the one which would attract the attention of thieves on you , if you act scared looking all places like you're going to be robbed, the thieves will know you have money on you so you'll probably end being robbed ...

New places always attract a certain amount of fear. Definitely take only the money you need for a day, and stay in areas that look in good condition. There were some areas in Panama City that I passed in during the day in a car, which I thought I would never go to at night. But I never had a problem in Panama City or out in Santiago or Chitre. I was more concerned when on occasion there were police stops.

Can you tell us more about the police stops and what is was all about and for, and what happened? thank you...

I was stopped twice. both times in cabs. the first time on the way from the airport to the hotel. I was with another tourist and a local. Just showed the passport and we were allowed to go on our way.

Second time was the time I was taken on a tour of horrible night clubs by a taxi driver that Mr. WooHoo says gets paid to do that. That was more worrying. Because I did not have my passport with me. But it turned out everything was OK.

I guess it is more fear of something like that. Police usually illicit fear anyway. But I would not be so worried now. But I think having the passport or some photographic ID with you is probably a good idea. The only thing is, dont lose the passport :-o

Police stops are common, and nothing to be fearful about. They are simply making sure that you are here legally, and/or that you are driving legally. However, as a foreigner, you are *required* to have your passport and tourist card with you at all times. It's the law. However, you can generally get away with carrying photocopies -- a much wiser option -- as long as you can convince the police that your originals are only a few minutes away (like, in your hotel room lockbox).