Capital city, Panama
Is Panama City safe?
Safe in the main expat and tourist areas, with real risk in some neighbourhoods and after dark.
Is Panama City safe?
Safe in the main expat and tourist areas, with real risk in some neighbourhoods and after dark. Petty theft is the common problem; gang violence is concentrated in specific districts.
Key facts
- SoloSquare safety rating: 3/5, take real precautions.
- US travel advisory: Level 2: Exercise increased caution, updated 2026-08-18.
- Homicide rate in Panama: 11.7 per 100,000 people (2023, UNODC via World Bank).
- Road deaths in Panama: 13.9 per 100,000 people a year (2019, WHO).
- Emergency numbers: Police 104 · Fire 103 · All emergencies 911.
Safety in Panama City at a glance
| What to expect | |
|---|---|
| Overall | 3/5 · Take real precautions |
| Crime | Phone and bag theft in crowded areas, taxi and ATM-related robberies, and occasional street muggings, especially at night. |
| At night | Take Uber or a registered taxi after dark. Casco Viejo is safe on the main plazas at night, but stay off its edges. |
| Solo women | Solo women commonly travel here; catcalling is frequent. Use Uber late, avoid walking in less central areas at night and watch drinks. |
| Other risks | Heavy rainstorms and flooding, May–Nov; Aggressive traffic and few crossings; Dengue-carrying mosquitoes |
Scams, areas and local laws
Common scams
- Unmetered taxis quoting inflated fares at the airport and Casco Viejo
- ATM skimming and strangers offering to 'help' with cash machines
- Street sellers or tour hawkers charging more than the posted price
Take care
- El Chorrillo, Curundú, San Miguelito and Colón: avoid or go only with local advice
- Casco Viejo's edges after dark, especially near Santa Ana
- Using phones or cameras in open view on the street
Calmer areas to stay
Laws visitors break by accident
- You must carry your passport or official ID at all times; fines or detention otherwise.
- Smoking and vaping are banned in public places, with fines of US$25–100.
How Panama City compares in Panama
| Place | Safety |
|---|---|
| Boquete | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| San Blas Islands | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Santa Catalina | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Pedasí | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Panama City | 3/5 · Take real precautions |
| Bocas del Toro | 3/5 · Take real precautions |
Quick answers
Is Panama City safe for solo female travelers?
Solo women commonly travel here; catcalling is frequent. Use Uber late, avoid walking in less central areas at night and watch drinks.
Is Panama City safe at night?
Take Uber or a registered taxi after dark. Casco Viejo is safe on the main plazas at night, but stay off its edges.
What is the crime rate in Panama City?
Phone and bag theft in crowded areas, taxi and ATM-related robberies, and occasional street muggings, especially at night. Nationally, Panama records 11.7 homicides per 100,000 people a year (2023).
What number do I call in an emergency in Panama City?
Police 104 · Fire 103 · All emergencies 911.
More about Panama City
Going to Panama City solo?
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Sources
- US State Department travel advisory
- Metro de Panamá
- Tocumen International Airport
- Panama Tourism Authority (ATP)
- World Bank: intentional homicides (UNODC)
- World Bank: road traffic deaths (WHO)
Safety ratings are SoloSquare's editorial judgment from official advisories, crime data and local reporting. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.