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Exercise increased caution in Panama due to crime. Some areas have increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory. Do not travel to: Parts of the Mosquito Gulf due to crime. Parts of the Darién Region due to crime. Read the country information page for additional information on travel to Panama. If you decide to travel to Panama:
Nov 7, 2023 · So... How Safe Is Panama Really? Generally, Panama is a safe country to visit. When you visit Panama, you can count on friendly people offering you help with anything you need, especially in rural areas.
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- Book Ahead If You Want to Join A Fiesta
- Pack For The Season: Dry Or Wet
- Carry The Right Amount of Currency
- You Can’T Reach Colombia by Road
- Know A Few Keys Phrases
- Learn to Be More Tranquil
- The Capital Has Its Own Dress Code
- Confirm The Fare Before Taking A Cab
- When Should You Tip, and How Much?
- Respect Smoke-Free Zones
Panamanians love to party, and barely a week goes by without a fiesta, from La Feria de las Flores y del Café inBoquete to the countrywide Carnaval, whose largest and loudest celebrations are in Las Tablas on the Península de Azuero. There’s also Easter, Christmas and New Year’s. November’s numerous independence-related festivals see shops and offi...
The country’s tropical climate means two seasons– hot and dry from December to April and hot and wet the rest of the year. Although the amount of rain depends on what coast you’re on, downpours usually come in short, sharp afternoon bursts before the sun forces you to put your Panama hat back on. Pack high-factor sunscreen and hot-weather clothes, ...
The Panamanian Balboa may be the country’s official currency, but the bills in use are US dollars. Prices are listed in $ or B/, but both currencies have the same value. Carry small bills for tipping, markets and rural areas, and enough cash in case the ATM doesn’t work (or there are no ATMs at all like in the Archipiélago de San Blas of the Comarc...
If you’re thinking of road-tripping south to Colombia, think again. The infamous Darién Gap – the land link between Central and South America– is a mash-up of impenetrable jungle, primordial swamps, poisonous snakes and dubious characters, and there’s no road crossing. But if you plan to head north to Costa Ricaand beyond, several long-distance bus...
English is widely spoken, especially in Panama City and Boquete, but mastering a few basic Spanish phraseswill endear you to the locals and help if you travel away from the tourist hotspots. Panama may be laid back, but it’s important to be polite. Always greet people – buenas is a catch-all term for hello – and don’t forget to say please (por favo...
Panama moves at a relaxed pace, including in the city, so don’t expect lightning-fast responses to requests. As in most of Central America, punctuality is a loose concept, and service in restaurants can be leisurely – meals are meant to be enjoyed and can stretch over several hours – so it's wise to adjust to the gentle flow of life here. Slow down...
Panamanians dress casually as a rule but tend to be a bit formal in the capital. You don’t have to wear suits or high heels, but the faded T-shirts, short shorts and flip-flops that were fine in Bocas del Torowill look out of place in the city. Also: shirtless men are an absolute no-no.
Panama’s yellow licensed taxis can be a wallet-friendly way to get around but don’t forget to negotiate a fare beforeyou set off. Taxis aren’t metered, official rates are usually ignored, and tourists are typically overcharged. Ask a local for an idea of a taxi fare cost in advance. Uber and Lyft are also available in Panama City (although drivers ...
Tips aren’t compulsory, but they are welcome. In pricier restaurants, if it’s not already been added onto your bill, leave a 10% gratuity. Taxi drivers don’t expect a tip, but you can round up a fare, and if someone helps you with your luggage, give them around $1 to $2.
Smoking is prohibited in all indoor public spaces, hotel rooms, workplaces, public transport, outdoor dining spaces and sports venues. You can face a fine if you’re caught smoking in a non-designated area. The same goes for vaping. It’s illegal to import and sell e-cigarettes.
- Rosie Bell
- Crime hot spots in Panama. Here are some notorious crime hotspots to avoid while traveling in Panama: Colón, Panama. Colón is simply a no-go zone day or night, and most government agencies have issued stern warnings about travel to the coastal city.
- Alcohol and drug laws in Panama. Panama is on the route from the cocaine-growing areas of South America to the largest consumer country, the USA. Trafficking is a serious business and as such poses a real threat to unwitting travelers.
- Safety in the Darien Gap. The Darién Gap is a perilous, narrow swathe of land that engineers omitted when building the Pan American highway from Argentina to Alaska in the 1930s.
- Narco boats and crime in Panama. Criminal drug activity is not isolated to land. Plying the waters of both the Pacific and Atlantic coasts (and the famous San Blas Archipelago) are go-fast boats and drug-submarines transporting illicit materials between Panama and other Latin American countries.
The State Department has lifted the Global Level 4 Travel Advisory and advises all U.S. citizens to read the country-specific Travel Advisories and U.S. Embassy COVID pages for updates on the impact of COVID-19 worldwide. Do not travel to Panama due to COVID-19. Some areas have increased risk.
May 31, 2024 · Stay Healthy and Safe. Learn actions you can take to stay healthy and safe on your trip. Vaccines cannot protect you from many diseases in Panama, so your behaviors are important. Show. Eat and drink safely. Prevent bug bites. Bugs (like mosquitoes, ticks, and fleas) can spread a number of diseases in Panama.
Nov 24, 2023 · Do not travel to: Parts of the Mosquito Gulf due to crime. Parts of the Darién Region due to crime. Read the country information page for additional information on travel to Panama. If you decide to travel to Panama: Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
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Explore biodiverse reefs, jungle & pristine beaches. Take in the Panama Canal over 2 days. Snorkel over vibrant coral reefs. Paddle idyllic shorelines. Swim in a waterfall lagoon.
