Safety
Let’s begin by clearing up the safety conern. Panama is jsut as safe as Costa Rica, if not safer in some aspects. As with any major city, it’s important to use common sense, such as taking precautions with your valuables and avoid doing anything you wouldn’t normally do at home.
While we don’t have specific statistics on Panama, a noticeable difference from Costa Rica is that in Panama, most properties and carports aren’t surrounded by bars and fences. This doesn’t necessarily mean Panama is inherently safer, but it does suggest that people may feel more secure or have greater trust in the effectiveness of the local police. Based on our own experience, and frequent affirmations from Panamanians, we can confirm that the popular areas in town are safe, even at night.
Areas like the Amador Causeway are very popular amongst Panamanians for jogging, while Casco Antiguo—Panama’s colonial district—is a fascinating place to visit, offering excellent security and friendly police presence. Avenida Balboa and its scenic views along the city’s coastline is also safe and perfect for a relaxing stroll.
Even more encouraging, a recent report from the American-Panamanian Chamber of Tourism shows that crime rates in Panama have actually decreased. Kudos to Panama for this progress!
For women traveling alone, Panama offers a comfortable experience. Thanks in part to the large expat community, you’re unlikely to encounter the typical “machismo” behavior that commonly occurs in other Latin American countries.
