Panama City remains a major transit hub for drug trafficking and organized crime, with violent crime concentrated in neighborhoods like El Darién and Curundu presenting genuine threats to tourists. While the tourist-heavy Casco Viejo district is relatively secure, petty theft and scams targeting visitors are rampant, and political instability around canal operations creates unpredictable security situations.
Safety overview — Panama City 2026
Risk score
6.2/10
Night safety
Be careful
Tap water
Bottled recommended
Country
Panama
Safety tips for Panama City
⚠️
Warning
Avoid El Darién, Curundu, San Miguelito, and Colón entirely—these neighborhoods have significant gang activity and are off-limits for tourists regardless of time of day
💡
Warning
The 'friendly local' scam is prevalent in Casco Viejo: strangers offering tours or restaurant recommendations often work on commission and overcharge tourists by 300-400%
⚠️
Safety
Use only official white taxis with meters or Uber in Panama City; unlicensed red taxis have been involved in robberies targeting tourists near the cruise port
⚠️
Safety
Keep valuables hidden and avoid displaying phones, cameras, or jewelry in crowded areas like San Blas market and along Avenida Central—pickpocketing gangs are organized and aggressive
💡
Alert
ATM fraud (skimming devices) is common at banks in Paitilla and downtown areas; use ATMs inside malls like Multiplaza or your hotel whenever possible
⚠️
Safety
Avoid traveling between neighborhoods after dark; stick to Casco Viejo, Amador Causeway, and Punta Pacifica—police presence is higher in these tourist zones
Best neighborhoods to stay in Panama City
Casco Viejo
Historic, touristy, vibrant · Mid-range to Upscale · $80-180/night USD
★★★★☆
First-time visitors, culture enthusiasts, foodies
💡 Stunning colonial plazas and restaurants, but extremely crowded and overpriced during peak hours—visit early mornings or late afternoons
Budget travelers, business visitors, convenience-focused
💡 Great value and connectivity, but noisy with congested traffic—stay on main avenues and avoid side streets after dark
Amador Causeway
Scenic, relaxed, waterfront · Mid-range to Upscale · $70-150/night USD
★★★★☆
Nature lovers, joggers, sunset seekers, families
💡 Beautiful Pacific views and parks, but isolated from nightlife—ideal for a calm evening escape, not ideal as main base
San Blas (Guna Yala enclave)
Exotic, slow-paced, unique · Budget to Mid-range · $40-90/night USD
★★★★☆
Adventurers, island lovers, digital detox seekers
💡 Indigenous-controlled islands with zero chains and pristine beaches—book lodges directly; expect minimal WiFi and maximum authenticity
⭐ Top pick: Punta Pacifica—combines luxury safety ratings, excellent Metro access, and proximity to dining/shopping without the tourist circus of Casco Viejo. Best for most travelers seeking comfort with confidence.
Getting around Panama City
✈️ Airport transfer — Best option: Metro for budget travelers, Uber for convenience
MetroB/.2.50 (~USD2.50)· 35-45 mins
UberB/.25-40 (~USD25-40)· 25-35 mins
TaxiB/.35-50 (~USD35-50)· 25-35 mins
🚇
Metro B/.2.50 per ride (~USD2.50)
Covers San Miguelito, El Dorado, and central Panama City with modern, clean stations
🚌
Bus (Diablo Rojo) B/.1.50-3 (~USD1.50-3)
Extensive coverage across city, neighborhoods, and surrounding areas
🚕
Taxi B/.5-15 for typical rides (~USD5-15)
Available throughout the city; use Uber or official apps preferred
🚲
Bicycle Share (Bici Pública) B/.5-10 per day (~USD5-10)
Growing network in Casco Viejo, Amador Causeway, and central districts
⛴️
Ferry (Agua Taxi) B/.5-8 per ride (~USD5-8)
Water taxis connecting Casco Viejo, Amador Islands, and Causeway
Health and medical in Panama City
Panama City is a modern, cosmopolitan capital with excellent healthcare infrastructure and high medical standards comparable to developed nations. The city poses minimal health risks for travelers who follow standard precautions.
Recommended: Hepatitis A, Typhoid, Yellow Fever
🏥
Hospital Nacional
Public · English spoken
🏥
CIMA Hospital
Private · English spoken
🏥
Clínica Hospital San Fernando
Private · English spoken
🚨 Dial 911 for emergencies. Response times are generally quick in the city. Private hospitals offer faster service than public facilities.
Panama City remains a major transit hub for drug trafficking and organized crime, with violent crime concentrated in neighborhoods like El Darién and Curundu presenting genuine threats to tourists. While the tourist-heavy Casco Viejo district is relatively secure, petty theft and scams targeting visitors are rampant, and political instability around canal operations creates unpredictable security situations.
Is Panama City safe at night?
Night safety in Panama City: Be careful. Always take standard precautions in any major city.
Is tap water safe to drink in Panama City?
Tap water status in Panama City: Bottled recommended.
What is the best area to stay in Panama City?
Our top pick for staying in Panama City is Punta Pacifica—combines luxury safety ratings, excellent Metro access, and proximity to dining/shopping without the tourist circus of Casco Viejo. Best for most travelers seeking comfort with confidence.. Book accommodations on weekday evenings for better rates; Metro card (reloadable) costs $2.50 and saves 70% vs. taxis. Avoid Wednesday-Thursday as business travelers spike rates. Always verify exact neighborhood boundaries with your host—blocks matter in Panama City.
Do I need vaccinations to visit Panama City?
No required vaccinations for most nationalities. Recommended: Hepatitis A, Typhoid, Yellow Fever.
What is the emergency number in Panama City?
In Panama City: Police 112, Ambulance 112, Tourist Police +507 511-9260.
How do I get from the airport to Panama City city centre?
Best option: Metro for budget travelers, Uber for convenience. Metro: B/.2.50 (~USD2.50), 35-45 mins. Uber: B/.25-40 (~USD25-40), 25-35 mins. Taxi: B/.35-50 (~USD35-50), 25-35 mins
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