You dont want to end up in a sketchy area and ruin your trip. Coln is a port town in very poor condition, so it usually is not part of a tourist's itinerary anyhow. When it comes to train travel, Panama City has an underground subway system called you guessed it El Metro. As long as you use your common sense and be careful, you should have a trouble-free trip. It's the main port of entry. A lot of people from Canada and the US make their way to Panama for a more laid back life. Life is obviously going to vary depending on where you choose to live, from a fishing village where things will probably be much more old fashioned and laid back to the capital city, which is where youll find a big portion of other expats and more opportunities. This is why we have decided to share with you some tailor-made safety tips for travelling to Panama to help you stay as safe as possible. And if you dont have your cruise ship waiting for you at the port and you have a bit more time, The Farm offers accommodation in the form of cozy, atmospheric bedrooms! Needless to say, its important to keep your children covered up from the sun (dont forget sunscreen), as well as from mosquitoes (make sure you use child-friendly repellent). I also found some disadvantages to living in Belize (seeming very impoverished, third world) and Costa Rica (way too expensive). In fact, we are safer than some USA cities. It is a very small and peculiar city (only 16 streets and 10 avenues) with friendly people always welcoming its visitors with a smile and willing to help, with lots of interesting places to visit (not only the free zone). Though there is some drug trafficking issues but they are never related to normal citizens. Adventurous jungles, glorious beaches and both the Caribbean and Pacific lapping its shores! Another thing you need to keep in mind when visiting Panama is the weather. 5 Safety Tips. I feel this is very one-sided. We walked in the city at night in 2 different areas and even went shopping in a small shopping mall. It wont be down to the wire cutting edge info on the most current events, but it is layered in the expertise of veteran travellers. They're mainly found on the ground, but can sometimes be seen on trees. From taxis and transport to advice for solo female travellers and even families, our guide has you covered. Its important to know that Panama is definitely not a super safe place, so a bit of caution and research before you start your travels will go a long way. This shiny, air-conditioned mode of transport is government regulated and offers a safe way to travel around the city. Yeahright. Its really just not worth driving in any Panamanian city. There are lots of hazards to look out for. Drugs aren't floating around the ocean casually, it is not something one hears about. Being located on the Atlantic side, near Coln City, Agua Clara Visitor Center has made it clear that both its legacy and beauty will continue to shine upon the world. They are mostly devout and have strong family bonds. Opened in 2014, El Metro serves 16 stations across two lines: one runs west-east from Albrook to San Isidra, the other runs between Albrook the City of Knowledge. Also, dont be surprised if a taxi driver refuses to take you to a certain location. Afterward, youll be taken to the Agua Clara Visitor Center to enjoy the panoramic view and learn about the importance and history of the Canal. It simply captures the essence of Panamas beauty. I experienced a very safe place, unlike what has been written here. Some areas have increased risk. In Panama City, its best to stock up on supplies for your children such as nappies and baby food. Youre connected. Listen to the advice of your government travel advisories on which places you should avoid, know where your embassy or consulate is, and try to learn a bit of Spanish before you go so you can communicate with locals. Otherwise, you could be wrongfully charged for this later. All countries have drugs and crime. You can buy at home or while traveling, and claim online from anywhere in the world. 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. There are a whole lot of places to visit, things to see and do across this Central-and-Southern American country. Weve covered the main safety concerns already, but there are a few more things to know. We used to live in Guatemala and there is a dangerous country! Improve this listing Tours & experiences Explore different ways to experience this place. Panama is full of friendly warm hearted people working class people, you have to go looking for trouble to have issues. The driving standards of its citizens is pretty low. This is the perfect place to go if youre looking for adventure activities. But you better be excited! Authorities are also on high alert for human traffickers and illegal immigrants crossing this land border so you might be in for a scuffle if you encounter police there. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. If you go to Volcan live long and prosper. Let's be very clear about this: Colon has the highest (by far) homicide rate of any municipality in Panama. There have been reports of muggings, attacks, and rapes of tourists after dark. Colon Tourism . Having gone to the southern part of Panama its also very safe, but its true to stay away from the Darien gap. I plan to live in Panama for 3 years. Other regions of the Darin are home to several lodges that are in a no-risk area. Panama is growing rapidly and the minimum salary is also being increased (highest in all of Latin America as of Dec 2016). Various tourist agencies offer trips there. hootings are not uncommon. Gamboa Rainforest Resort - All Inclusive. Food in Panama is a pretty tasty affair. I shall appreciate who ever can assist. Drug traffickers frequent this lawless area on Panamas border with Colombia. Add some vibrant and colourful cities with the relics of colonial Spain and laid back local life and Panama is an all round cool place to visit. Some prefer to use knives and guns. Remember, you may pay the price for even being in the company of someone in possession of drugs. Independent travel, however, is possible: just be sensible with how you go and youll be fine. In 2010 the Metrobus system was introduced. Colon Shore Excursion: Panama City and Canal Private Tour. Colon has a reputation for being extremely dangerous, but nothing could be further from the truth. I felt completely safe - except for Coln, who is dirty and poor. While there are no-go areas, theres definitely a way to have a great and safe time in Panama. The city is notorious for high crime rates, so walking around, (especially alone) is not advisable. Once you get off the boat, youll walk onto the beautifully forested banks of the lake into the protected area where youll be able to see capuchin monkeys, three-toed sloths, howler monkeys and various kinds of toucans! 15 years ago you could drive safely at night, now it's not so safe. We overheard a realtor assuring a couple that they did not need Spanish here, and that these "locals" make fabulous gardeners. Of course there are crimes and robbery but no more than in most " northern" countries And for transparencys sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links. They all said "esta bien tranquilo aqui" etc. Being backpacker-friendly, there are a ton of affordable places to stay as well. That means that if you book your accommodation, buy your gear, or sort your insurance through our link, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). The scariest people I met were ex-pats from the USA in Boquete. Things like break-ins and burglaries are not uncommon; people go as far as having bars put on their windows and guard dogs to protect their homes. We are well aware this article is very out of date. . Hiking, rainforests, mountains, culture its all here, which is why its tourist levels have been on the rise recently. Panama is also the safest country in Central America. Nature can pose a risk too, with everything from rainy season and riptides, to dense jungle and nasty critters to consider on your trip to Panama. Yes, toucans! If you happen to be hungry after the information and the trip, the Centre offers two great dining options. And you dont even need a reservation! Local knowledge always goes a long way, so be sure to reach out to your hosts if youre unsure about how to fill up your Panama itinerary! To help you out, weve listed the safest areas to visit in Panama below. Colon, Panama. If you use our guide, do your own research, and practise common sense, you will have a safe trip to Panama. All very different places and very different climates. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-39204309', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');cruise ships started arriving in Colon in the year 2000, the crime incidents involving the passengers of these cruise ships are very few. When you do you rent your car, note down all of the preexisting damage, dents and scratches. In comparison to our neighbor countries, such as Venezuela (where crime and kidnapping is common), Panama is a overall safe country to visit and live in. First of all, you can have a relatively nice life for a relatively low cost. Get a special something for a special someone or just get it for yourself. Panama is on the route from the cocaine-growing areas of South America to the largest consumer country, the USA. My Experience Visiting Colon Panama - YouTube 0:00 / 11:49 My Experience Visiting Colon Panama Sly's Life 77.7K subscribers Subscribe 597 Share Save 26K views 1 year ago My Experience. When it comes to shopping, Coln has it all. Panama Canal Train, Agua Clara Canal Lock Center & Colon Fort. Not like Mexican tortillas, theyre also made from corn dough but are generally thicker. After reading some of the other comments I'm not sure about the shopping. And its perfectly safe, as long as you read the reviews. The city of Colon - don't walk, around without a local guide - unless you know the city know where you are going - I would not recommend it - bit like going to the Bronx and wandering around . We usually leave our passports in a safe and just travel with a copy or we use our drivers lic for Id. One is the Mercado Artisania on Avenida Balboa and the other is the old YMCA building. I don't think so. Some public transportation is to be avoided as well. It goes from Panama City to Colon and is basically a chance for luxury travel in the country, harking back to colonial times. The Darin is one of the least visited places in the world for a reason. Our office team can assist you for any further questions. Its a wild world out there. Articles like this, used to scare people, should have warning advisories at the beginning Of each article. More information. The public transportation system in Panama is actually pretty good. There are also some tours that offer the train ride as an activity. Prison terms for drug offences can be up to 15 years, and it can take up to two years to even appear before a judge for sentencing. I do agree with the writer above who mentioned ex-pat Americans. Here are some notorious crime hotspots to avoid while traveling in Panama: Coln is simply a no-go zone day or night, and most government agencies have issued stern warnings about travel to the coastal city. - but feel this article is somewhat misleading. Ive narrowed my areas down to Los Tablas, Puerto Armuellas, and Volcan. I am not a big fan of American colonialism. If you dont feel like living in Panama City which does, to be fair, offer up the amenities of a modern city but with the rainforest a day trip away there are smaller towns that might offer a chance for you to live a completely different lifestyle. A good place to go for cheap, filling and tasty food is a. If you keep your wits about you and avoid well-known danger zones, you can avoid falling victim to crime. Taxis in Panama City arent metered so check the price before you get in to avoid any disagreements. I consent to my personal information being processed in accordance with The Broke Backpackers. Is Colon, Panama Dangerous? But this article is written for savvy travellers from the perspective of savvy travellers. Postal 415 . We sailed under the bridge as we entered the Canal and we also crossed it from the Qua Clara Visitor Centre, before doubling-back and heading to the port of Colon. I heavily researched several places before narrowing down my choices to Belize, Costa Rica and Panama. You may well be asking, How Safe is Panama? and this is why we have created this insiders guide to staying safe in Panama. So yes you are safe, but I am not so sure if everyone who reads this is coming with an attitude of fitting in, here in their new home. Look up PanaBocas Express (Chiriqui Grande) on Google Maps and you will see. One of them is a coffee shop, where you can have a quick snack and something to drink. The Darin Gap is a perilous, narrow swathe of land that engineers omitted when building the Pan American highway from Argentina to Alaska in the 1930s. But its pretty damn special too. There are a few reputable radio taxi companies that you can call up, however. Before you do anything, you should definitely do your research. Having lived and been to the dangerous parts of panama, this article is incredibly bias. Save. First off, visiting the country will help. When youre looking for a place to eat, especially in rural areas, make sure that food has been cooked in front of you, and that meat especially is served up hot throughout. You would not save much over going to the (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? What safety advice do you have for travelers in Panama? Is Colon Panama dangerous? Renting an Airbnb in Panama is a great idea. We look at why Diablos Rojos were taken off the streets and how to get around now. Youll find our favorite accommodation sorted by neighborhood in the following guides: Taxis are plentiful in Panama. Ease yourself into the new cuisine and you should be fine. Shopping in Coln is a treat. There is violent crime for sure, just like in Toronto and New York. You need to be careful and aware of your surroundings pretty much anywhere you go in the world, and the same goes for visiting Panama. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-38991250', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Albrook mall in Panama City - if you did go - yes you need your passports and you need to get a pass outside of the gates. Theres plenty to do, but if its a cruise ship thats taking you to Coln, you will likely have just a day to explore the region and its beauties. To help you out, weve listed a couple of no-go or caution areas below: Side note: If you want to travel to Darien Province, you should only travel with an organised group even then, youll only be allowed to areas where Panamanian police are surveilling. Straddling two continents, with two distinct coastlines (the Caribbean and North Pacific) connected by a world-famous canal, Panama is definitely of interest. document.getElementById("ak_js_2").setAttribute("value",(new Date()).getTime()); This website uses cookies to improve your experience. Read on for more detailed information on how to have a safe trip to Panama. A mix of old and new, as well as a whole load of nature, its a great destination thats more than just its canal. It is not without dangers, however. The FTZ is huge - lots of one way streets - sometimes very hard to find parking and when it rains hard it is a mess( flooded streets) I have done some work there and I would prefer to avoid it. program to learn the basics during a half-day class. Even so, there are things about Panama that may make you think twice about visiting this country: theft from tourists is common, pickpocketing happens, muggings can occur too. We live in Belize, and spent two months in Panama, and clearly Panama is much safer than most of central America. Make sure you bring a refillable water bottle so that your trip to Panama is a sustainable, planet-friendly one. Regarding drinking, anyone over the age of 18 can buy alcohol in Panama. The. The prices for renting a car in Panama are generally pretty cheap, but if youre going to explore off the beaten track, then youll need a four wheeled drive. Panama has loads on offer for any kind of traveller. If youre looking for a place to travel with your children, somewhere thats definitely going to be an adventurous place to be, then this could be it. Its known for its beaches and nature, sure, but its also known for its partying side. You get the best of both worlds in terms of natural beauty on either side, you get the rainforest of the Darien Gap, but then again, its the funnel through which so much trafficking takes place, making a lot of the country unsafe to travel. The worst part of Panama City are the night club areas, and just like in EVERY country, if your going to go into nightlife area and you frequent places in the sex and drug trade, well you are going to meet bad people and you can't expect to be safe. You can watch and savor the Calypso music, and Congo dances, and experience the African Legacy. Thanks for this info I will share it with my friends. Criminal drug activity is not isolated to land. The question of Is Panama Safe? will ALWAYS have a different answer depending on the parties involved. Alongside her husband, Sasha, she co-founded the. Centrocomercial Colon 2000 Centro Comercial Colon 2000, Colon Panama +507 441-9308 Website + Add hours See all (80) Ratings and reviews RATINGS Food Service Value Atmosphere Details CUISINES Latin, Seafood, Central American, Caribbean, Spanish Meals Lunch, Dinner, Drinks FEATURES Those who want to relax in the jungle with a cup of organic, local coffee or enjoy adventure sport will like Boquete very much. To minimize the risk of being taken somewhere you dont know, dont get into a cab that already has passengers or request that the driver doesnt pick up any additional people while youre in the car. You can travel at your own pace, do what you want to do, and leave yourself open for an amazing experience. It is not even close to the way that it is said here. In general, Panama is safe for families. Unless youre really into your adventuring and part of your whole thing is to drive in rugged (or chaotic) places, we wouldnt say driving is something you should do here. Here's what you need to know before you go. Panama is an incredibly beautiful country that's well worth exploring and its notably safer than neighboring Costa Rica and Colombia. They had many illegal firearms, and a very warped outlook on the world. Colon. In other parts of the country, there are fancy highway buses that can take you comfortably from east to west, or north to south. Mexico is safe too, just keep your wits about you, and don't do anything stupid. It is one of the main factors in the countrys economy. Since you know exactly what you are looking for in the FTZ and you plan to buy at least a dozen, I will recommend the FTZ. The Email address or Password is incorrect, World Nomads Contributor - Fri, 1 Apr 2022, an incredibly beautiful country that's well worth exploring. Without further ado, lets look into the details of what makes this country tick. A lot of Panamanians are uneducated, rude, loud, gossipy, homophobic and hate foreigners. I would just recommend to avoid walking in some Colon streets but Panama city tourist circuit is absolutely fine: just don't " slide" from casco antiguo to the place called Chorrillo! So you can go adventuring while youre adventuring! They offer simple & flexible travel insurance, and safety advice to help you travel confidently. There you have it: the transport in Panama is safe, reliable and cheap. Many tourists visit to see the canal and some of the other historical sites. We heard that Colon has the 2nd largest duty free shopping in the world. Its an amazing destination. 2 years and. sponsored: . If you want to rent a car in Panama, you have to be over 25 years old and have a valid driving license. In fact, for longer trips, Uber actually works out cheaper than a taxi. This isnt like where youre from (most likely, anyway) and will, therefore, require you to be more careful and cautious than usual. Today, its dangerous for other reasons. Hiking From the city to the jungle: The 7 best hikes in Panama Jul 21, 2022 7 Min read We heard sordid tails of whole gated communities embroiled in law suites and even violence toward their fellow condo owners. Believe me, we know because we live in Panama and travel to Coln, Panama every week. But most of the people of Panama are friendly hard working, and just scraping by. I have never felt threatened or have I ever been threatened while in Panama. It did have to be rebuilt a few times in history as it has been burned to the ground and fired at by pirate cannons. Avoid the city centre at night. In general, you should only eat it at coastal locations where you can ensure that its been caught the same day. Located on the eastern side of the Panama Canal, this 300,000-acre park features the Chagres River and Lake Alajuela, which are popular spots for camping, rafting, fishing and other water sports. The most important thing to do is to ensure that you agree upon a price with the taxi driver before you leave. If you're cruising nearby, there's a high chance Coln will be one of your stops. This article is horribly biased and ignorant in regards to how life actually is here. By continuing to use the website, you agree to the use of cookies. While its not the most popular city in the country, it definitely has incredible sights and experiences to offer. in fact I have been living on the island of Bastimentos and I am very aware of what goes on here. Sleep safe! Two other excellent locations for local artwork produced by Emberra, Waunaan and Kuna indians are both in Balboa, in the old Canal Zone by (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? We had a great time. Though the buses are fancy and safe, the bus stations themselves are hotbeds for crime, so alighting and departing (and waiting) is when youll need to be vigilant. For adventurous and active families, Panama can be a great place. Theres nature to explore, beaches to admire, culture to soak up, locals to meet. Panama is statistically speaking one of the safest countries in Central and South America. Theres enough going on to keep you busy, and enough in terms of other travellers and friendly locals that you wont feel lonely, but it wont be 100% awesome all the time. I have lived in Colon all my life and there certain areas of the city that I definitely will NEVER go into. The northeastern region of the Darin Provincenear the Caribbean Sea is dangerous due to incidents of kidnapping, murder, and drug-running by Colombian guerrilla and paramilitary groups who have crossed the border into Panama. The tap water in Panama is mostly safe to drink. While the catholic church is still fighting against it, the overall attitude towards same-sex relationships is slowly improving. A drastic change in diet can cause you an upset stomach, so we would recommend that you dont go in too hard when you first get to Panama. Simply being in the company of someone using drugs is sufficient grounds for arrest. Colon. Trafficking is a serious business and as such poses a real threat to unwitting travelers. But one rule is just dont be flashy, stay off your phone most of the time, unless your in Panama City its fine but stay aware. It has been that way since I first visited the country in 1991. If you see any outdated information in this guide, we would really appreciate it if you could reach out in the comments below. The Panama Canal Railway could perhaps be one of the best train rides in the world. Home to the famous Panama Canal, as well as the very infamous Darien Gap, Panama is the place to go for you if you are looking for proper adventures. Colon. Like most countries there are zones known for being dangerous, here those zones are named Red Zones ("Zonas Rojas") where criminal groups (which may or may not be related to drug cartels) are based, you should avoid these zones or if visiting be careful. You can find everything, from dollar stores and small souvenir shops to designer suits, dresses, and perfume showrooms. The FTZ in Colon is for wholesale shoppers - you are much better off going to (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Theres nothing much to worry about. I didn't feel safe. Gatun Lake is a large artificial lake to the south of Coln. Not only that, but theyre also very cheap. It takes a major part in the Panama Canal, carrying ships and other vessels for 33 km of their transit across the Isthmus of Panama. On the Caribbean coast, the thick forests have high humidity, as do the northern regions of Panama, with temperatures in the 70s and 80s throughout the year. Often with English signage outside and maybe a tout trying to get you in, at these places the focus is on profit, not on hygiene or quality.