Is Panama City Safe?

"Via Veneto [El Cangrejo neighborhood] is a known place for pickpockets. No wallets in back pockets, zipped up bags over the shoulder and held in front of you. Ignore the guys who offer to show you around. They have ulterior motives. No real danger, they just grab, run and hand off to their partner in crime in case someone runs after them," cautioned one expat.

"Report crimes to the local police by dialing 104 (National Police) or 511-9260 (Tourist Police in Panama City) and contact the U.S. Embassy at +507-317-5000. Use only licensed and registered taxis. Avoid taxis with passengers and instruct the driver not to pick up additional fares while en-route to your destination. Regular taxis are yellow in color. Many hotels also have “tourist taxis” that are not yellow but only pick up passengers in front of well-known hotels. Taxis in Panama do not use meters so agree on a fare before getting into the taxi," wrote the US State Department.