Panama Travel Safety Guide
What are the emergency numbers in Panama?
Panama emergency numbers: 911 (Police), 911 (Ambulance), 103 (Fire Department).
Is Panama safe for travelers?
There have been violent attacks, including sexual assault, in tourist destinations in Panama City and elsewhere. Avoid poorly lit areas and do not walk alone at night.
Gang related killings do happen, including in some tourist areas, even though most incidents are between criminal groups.
How is transportation in Panama?
Do not try to cross the Darién Gap by land between Panama and Colombia. It is dangerous and has no normal overland tourist crossing.
At night, use booked transport rather than walking in quieter areas.
What should travelers know about money in Panama?
Panama uses the balboa alongside the US dollar. Cards are common in Panama City and larger tourist areas, but cash is still useful outside major hubs.
City Specific Info
Panama City
Tourist districts can still see violent incidents. Do not relax your guard just because an area feels international or upscale.
Which embassies are in Panama?
Mostly in Panama City.
Argentina
Barbados
Belgium
Bolivia
Brazil
Canada
Chile
China
Colombia
Costa Rica
Cuba
Dominican Republic
Ecuador
Egypt
El Salvador
France
Germany
Haiti
Holy See (Vatican City)
Honduras
India
Indonesia
Israel
Italy
Japan
Mexico
Morocco
Netherlands
Nicaragua
Paraguay
Peru
Portugal
Qatar
Russia
South Korea
Spain
Trinidad and Tobago
Turkey
United Arab Emirates
United Kingdom
United States
Uruguay
Vietnam
Traveling Nearby?
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the emergency number in Panama?
In Panama, you can reach police at 911, ambulance at 911, fire services at 103. These numbers work from any phone, including mobile phones without a local SIM card.
Is Panama safe for tourists?
There have been violent attacks, including sexual assault, in tourist destinations in Panama City and elsewhere. Avoid poorly lit areas and do not walk alone at night.
What currency is used in Panama?
Panama uses the balboa alongside the US dollar. Cards are common in Panama City and larger tourist areas, but cash is still useful outside major hubs.
Get wayGard for iOS
Get all of Panama's safety info offline.
