Good to know
Good to Know
- Safety is highly neighborhood-dependent; staying in Casco Viejo, Punta Pacifica, or Amador Causeway is much safer than wandering into unfamiliar areas. Use Uber rather than walking between neighborhoods at night.
- Pickpocketing and phone theft are the main tourist crimes—keep valuables secure in crowded markets and tourist landmarks.
- Humidity and heat require daily sunscreen, light clothing, and constant hydration. Acclimate for 1–2 days if coming from a cold climate.
- Avoid driving during rush hours; use the Metro, Uber, or buses instead. Roads lack signage and have heavy traffic.
- Express kidnappings (ATM robbery) are a real but localized risk; avoid traveling alone at night and minimize ATM visits.
- Cost of living varies dramatically by neighborhood: Casco Viejo and luxury areas are expensive, while other parts are affordable.
Crime And Safety
High in tourist areas
- Detail
- Most common tourist-targeted crimes occur in crowded areas like Casco Viejo, Avenida Central, and Albrook Terminal. iPhone snatching and distraction theft are frequent.
- Risk Type
- Petty crime (pickpocketing, bag-slashing)
Moderate but rising
- Detail
- Criminals force victims to withdraw cash from ATMs. Largely unreported due to fear of retaliation. Stick to safe neighborhoods and use Uber rather than walking between areas.
- Risk Type
- Express kidnappings (ATM robbery)
Low for tourists, confined to specific neighborhoods
- Detail
- Violent crime is overwhelmingly gang/drug-involved and concentrated in neighborhoods like El Chorillo, San Miguelito, Curundu, and Santa Ana. Tourists rarely targeted for violence.
- Risk Type
- Gang and drug-related violence
Highly location-dependent
- Detail
- Safety is hyper-local and compartmentalized. Safe zones (Casco Viejo, Punta Pacifica, Amador Causeway, financial district) border dangerous areas. Crossing two streets can move from safety to a red zone.
- Risk Type
- Neighborhood safety variation
Additional Tensions
Political Instability and Protests
- Detail
- Panama is politically active. Protests do occur and can block roads. Stay away from crowds and change direction if roadblocks appear. Rarely dangerous to tourists who avoid them.
Counterfeit Currency Concern
- Detail
- $50 and $100 USD bills are heavily scrutinized due to counterfeiting. Use smaller denominations when possible.
Climate And Environment
Extreme Humidity and Heat
- Detail
- Intense humidity year-round, often 100%, with temperatures averaging 80–90°F (26–32°C). Heat exhaustion risk is high. No real seasons—constant tropical conditions.
Heavy Rainfall and Flooding
- Detail
- Rainy season (May–November) brings sudden downpours and flash floods, with streets becoming difficult to traverse. Wet season can cause days of overcast skies.
Air Quality and Respiratory Concerns
- Detail
- Traffic fumes can aggravate asthma and respiratory symptoms, especially during heavy traffic hours. Bay pollution contributes to odor near the waterfront.
Bureaucracy And Pace Of Life
Slow Bureaucratic Processes
- Detail
- Administrative tasks (bank, post office, government) involve long waits—up to 30 minutes or more. Getting frustrated slows things further; locals accept a slower pace.
Transportation And Infrastructure
Severe Rush-hour Traffic
- Detail
- Heavy congestion during peak hours makes driving impractical. One-way road system is confusing, with frequent diversions and poor signage, even at major intersections.
Poor Road Conditions and Pedestrian Safety
- Detail
- Many sidewalks and streets have potholes and cracks. Pedestrians do not have right of way. Drivers are aggressive and do not slow at crosswalks.
Taxi Safety Concerns
- Detail
- Yellow taxis lack meters; fares are negotiated. Reports exist of travelers being robbed/assaulted by taxi drivers. Using Uber is recommended as safer.
Cost Breakdown
Cheap Items
- Public transport (metro, bus)
- Food at local restaurants and markets
- Basic utilities
- Accommodation outside Casco Viejo
Expensive Items
- High-end dining and nightlife in Casco Viejo and upscale districts
- Imported goods
- Accommodation in Casco Viejo and luxury neighborhoods (Punta Pacifica, Costa del Este)
- Western-brand retail
AI-generated estimateData refreshed July 2026
Sources cited for this category
These are the sources cited in this the honest downsides research for this city. Individual figures may not each trace to one of them.
More About Panama City
Data last updated July 2026 · Verify anything important.