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Located on one of the thinnest parts of the American landmass in Central America, Panama has long been a destination of one form or another.
Although it is a tourist spot and midway point for traveling to South America or vice versa, North America, Panama is famous for its International Canal Passage, which makes it easy to travel directly from the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific Ocean. Argentina in the south.
However, for some years Panama successfully overthrew the military dictatorship led by Manuel Noriega and was eventually overthrown by a US military occupation to restore the safe operation of the Panama Canal. That incident and some issues after that put the security of the country in question for some years.
However, 2023 is more than two decades after that story, and the country is once again attracting tourists and visitors en masse, unlike Mexico, but unwilling to go south for longer trips.
Recommended: Is the Dominican Republic safe to visit?
How safe is Panama in 2023?
In the general spectrum of tourist security, Panama is a medium risk area. Much of the issue has to do with personal theft and security after dark. Like many Central American countries, Panama has many poor people and street crime is rampant.
The worst part of the element comes out at night, and anyone looking out of place is a target for quick capture or kidnapping for a quick buck. Just practicing some personal safety, such as staying in well-lit areas, avoiding late-night streets and dark urban areas, and not walking long distances at night can significantly reduce most personal crimes for visitors.
Which areas in Panama are considered dangerous?
In the year As of October 22, 2022, the US Department of State has issued a Level 4 travel warning for these areas in Panama:
- Parts of the mosquito bay – Avoid traveling within 10 miles of the coast from Boca de Rio, Chiriqui to Coquel del Norte. Drug trafficking and other illegal activities occur in this area.
- Parts of the Darien region Avoid traveling to these areas:
- All areas south of Jaque to Manene to Yaviza to the cities of Lajas Blanca to the Colombian border
- The city of whiteboards
- The city of El Salto
Daily accidents in public transport and ATM
During the day, Panama is a different world. Business life exits, and most public transportation routes are busy, packed during rush hour. The main danger during the day will be pickpockets who love crowds and distractions. Bus stops are a great target area.
Tourists are advised to use taxis instead and avoid crowding or crowding at bus stops, train stations or vehicles.
Banking abroad is simply a bad idea. Downtown ATMs are frequented by pickpockets and speed thieves. They are simply prime opportunities for quick cash and distracted victims. It’s better to go into the bank during business hours with cash instead of spending money on the street. And definitely don’t do it after hours.
Mother nature is more of an issue
Panama does not have a major threat to organized crime or terrorism, but it can be exposed to natural disasters.
Being in a region prone to earthquakes and volcanoes, unexpected storms and floods can certainly happen in Panama itself. In these cases, focus on getting to safety and maintaining clean bottled water, and get out of the country as soon as possible.
Travel differences and basic health security
Traveling alone in Panama is especially dangerous for women compared to many other countries. However, the same rules as above still apply. Don’t put yourself in a bad spot when it’s preventable. Avoid getting drunk and out of control, because these provide convenient opportunities for thieves and scammers looking for unwary tourists.
Rural areas tend to be friendlier than cities where things are crowded and petty crime is rampant. The southern part of the country adjacent to Colombia should be avoided due to drug trafficking and cartel activity in that zone.
Finally, being in the tropics, one of the most overlooked safety issues in Panama is the weather and mosquitoes. Make sure you can handle high humidity and hot weather well. Unprepared tourists often fall victim to heat exhaustion in the region. It’s also smart to be up-to-date on your malaria screenings. While Panama has done a remarkable job of reducing mosquitoes, the problem remains, and malaria can be a horrible way to end a vacation.
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