Rosie Bell

Rosie Bellhttps://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/about/contributors/rosie-bellRosie Bellhttps://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/explore/central-america/first-timers-guide-to-learning-spanish-in-central-americaTo really harness the art of learning Spanish in Central America, you’ve got to start by finding the right school. Here’s the low-down on picking the good from the bad.2017-10-24T11:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/explore/central-america/first-timers-guide-to-learning-spanish-in-central-americahttps://www.worldnomads.com<p><span>Thanks to my fascination with Latin culture and a language that’s spoken in over 20 countries, I'd always longed for membership to the 400 million strong club of Spanish-speakers.</span></p> <p>Two years ago I hopped on a flight from London to Central America. Stopping off at several Spanish schools along the way, I enjoyed the experience so much that I decided to stay-put and live permanently in Panama, while working at <a href="http://spanishatlocations.com/" target="_blank">Spanish at Locations</a>. </p> <p>Along the way, I spoke to many students about their wants, needs, joys, and frustrations of learning the lingo. I learned how to spot an Argentinean instantly. I learned about the chilling Mexican legend of the Nahuales; creatures which are said to bite the big toe of children to retain their youth. I learned that the way to get the attention of a server in a Panamanian restaurant is by shouting, “young person” (<em>joven</em>).</p> <p>I gained much more than language skills. I met the world. And so can you.</p> <ul> <li><a href="#good-from-bad"> How to Choose a Good School from the Bad</a></li> <li><a href="#different-experiences"> Different Schools Offer Different Experiences </a></li> <li><a href="#recommendations"> Recommendations </a></li> </ul> <h2 id="good-from-bad">How to Choose a Good School from the Bad</h2> <p>Choosing the right Spanish school for you may be daunting given all the potential factors to weigh in. Are you looking to take classes as a means of establishing roots in one place, or is mobility your preference?</p> <h3>Exploring as a Preference</h3> <p><a href="http://spanishatlocations.com/packages/travelling-classroom/" target="_blank">Spanish at Locations’ one-month Travelling Classroom</a> sees you spending a week in four places: Panama City (with a weekend jaunt to the San Blas Islands), Boquete, Bocas Del Toro, and Turrialba in Costa Rica. Their program was designed for people seeking enriching travel experiences, without stopping and starting from scratch with different teachers at each school.</p> <p>A good Spanish school should also care about where you live. Even if they don’t directly provide living quarters, they should have reputable lodging affiliations. The icing on the cake is if they also offer airport pick-up, as <a href="http://spanishatlocations.com/" target="_blank">Spanish at Locations</a> does. The school, based in both Costa Rica and Panama, owns its own hostels in Boquete, Bocas del Toro, Turrialba and Puerto Viejo. They also offer home stays and recommend other hotels and hostels.</p> <h3>Ease of Getting to Know Other Students</h3> <p>Another factor, which will add greatly to your experience, is how easy it is getting to know other students. I’ve spent a considerable amount of time in Central America over the years, much of that was at <em>Spanish at Locations’</em> hostel in Bocas del Toro, <em>Spanish by the Sea</em>.</p> <p>When you stay here, you feel a sense of community unlike any other hostel in Bocas. You meet your tribe and find yourself having shared dinners and conversations over Cards Against Humanity.</p> <h3>Local and Foreign Providers</h3> <p>It helps if your course providers are both local and foreign. It’s great getting lessons from locals, but you may appreciate a teacher that isn’t a native Spanish speaker and thus, may better understand common pitfalls you might make, as they too were once in your shoes.</p> <p>Having teachers from a mix of countries exposes you to location-specific cultural titbits, as well as the different accents in Latin America, which will be crucial to your future career as a Spanish speaker.</p> <h3>Watch Out for Additional Fees</h3> <p>Some schools charge for anything and everything, including books. Many schools afford their students with volunteering opportunities, which you must pay through the nose for.</p> <p><a href="http://cascospanish.com/" target="_blank">Casco Antiguo Spanish School</a> in Panama City places you with their NGO affiliates absolutely free of charge. The school was founded by a former Peace Corp volunteer who would never dream of charging students for the privilege.</p> <h3>Freedom to Swap</h3> <p>You should be able to swap teachers, levels or class times at any given point if you so desire. If you’re not an early bird, why be forced to take morning classes?</p> <p>There shouldn’t be too many students in your class either, so your voice doesn’t get drowned out, and group discussions aren’t daunting.</p> <p>Does the idea of speaking out loud fill you with dread? Then you should probably opt for an institution that enforces Spanish-only in class to bolster your speaking skills. </p> <h3>Accreditation</h3> <p>Check each schools’ accreditation (Instituto Cervantes, DELE, Bildungsurlaub) and think about all your likes and loathes when choosing where to situate yourself.</p> <h2 id="different-experiences">Different Schools Offer Different Experiences</h2> <p>A common thread among Spanish schools in Central America is an awareness that students want more than just a language class – they want an immersive experience to connect deeper with their location.</p> <p>Subsequently, many offer some form of social-cultural activity beyond the classroom. <a href="http://cascospanish.com/" target="_blank">Casco Antiguo</a> has a healthy roster of (free) extra-curricular activities in the evenings, including salsa classes, beach volleyball, happy hour and sunset bike rides.</p> <p><a href="http://spanishatlocations.com/accommodation/hostel-bocas-del-toro/" target="_blank">Spanish at Locations</a> in Bocas del Toro will even take you to Filthy Friday, Central America’s first Island Party Crawl – if that sort of thing floats your boat.</p> <p><a href="http://spanishatlocations.com/" target="_blank">Spanish at Locations</a> is unique in that its traveling class spans two countries. Niels, a fellow student there confided in me, stating, “I really got the best of both worlds: we had city, amazing beaches, mountains, nature and wildlife. We had beautiful night rain in San Blas and wonderful sunsets in Bocas. I couldn’t believe my luck”.</p> <p>Students at Panama City’s <a href="http://cascospanish.com/" target="_blank">Casco Antiguo</a> cite attending the school as a cultural experience in itself being situated in Casco Viejo, with its narrow streets, colonial architecture and stunning vistas left and right. Their classrooms extend to the streets of Panama City, as teachers have been known to go shopping with students to assist them with their purchases.</p> <p>My favorite lesson here was when my Mexican “profesora” Deya, brought in some chili lollipops and Mazapán from her recent trip to Oaxaca for us to try. The latter is a Mexican sweet, which literally translates as “peanut cheese”. It’s always nice to get a taste of the world you’re learning about.</p> <p>At some schools, you don’t actually have to go to class at all. <a href="https://www.hablayapanama.com/" target="_blank">Habla Ya</a> is one such institute that offers online lessons conducted on Skype, alongside their group courses, private lessons, basic travellers crash courses, part-time Spanish for ex-pats and even business Spanish programs.</p> <h2 id="recommendations">Recommendations</h2> <p>If you’re considering joining a Spanish school on your travels, find the best of the bunch by reading Trip Advisor reviews to see what previous students had to say first hand.</p> <p>Decide which country (or countries) you would like to situate yourself in. Do the Pacific Mountains in Panama call your name, or will your ocean addiction draw you to Costa Rica?</p> <p>How about both? Taking an online placement test on the school’s website will be your next port of call. This is usually followed by an oral test in person.</p> <p>Some great Spanish schools in the region include <a href="https://www.hablayapanama.com/" target="_blank">Habla Ya</a> Panama, <a href="http://cascospanish.com/" target="_blank">Casco Antiguo Spanish School</a> in Panama City, <a href="http://www.icomexico.com/" target="_blank">Instituto Cultural Oaxaca</a> in Mexico, <a href="http://hondurasspanishschool.com/" target="_blank">Honduras Spanish School</a> in Utila, <a href="http://cooperativeschoolsanpedro.edu.gt/" target="_blank">Cooperative Spanish School</a> in San Pedro la Laguna, Guatemala, and <a href="http://spanishatlocations.com/" target="_blank">Spanish at Locations</a> in Panama and Costa Rica.</p> <p>As my classmate Emily put it, “There is just so much richness within the Spanish language; from the music to the films. The people and the culture as a whole are so stunning. It’s spoken in so many places as well, so its usefulness is unquestionable”.</p> <p>One thing is for sure, Central America is a rivetingly beautiful place to learn Spanish – even if it’s only to be able to understand the words to <em>Despacito</em>. <em>Vamos</em>!</p>iStock/Joel Carillet 0459223041 iStock Three travelers at an outdoor table looking at pictures on a MacBook in Panama

https://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/explore/central-america/panama/the-ulitmate-guide-to-exploring-panama-like-a-localFrom cultural experiences to adventures in little-known jungles, local Nomad Rosie lets us in on all the secrets Panama has to offer.2017-10-24T11:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/explore/central-america/panama/the-ulitmate-guide-to-exploring-panama-like-a-localhttps://www.worldnomads.com<p>I left the hustle and bustle of London to find paradise in the <a href="/explore/caribbean">Caribbean</a> two years ago on a solo trip, and oh boy did I find countless treasured discoveries and adventures in Panama. So much so, I decided to call it home.</p> <p>Its capital city is an urban wonderland filled with majestic, cloud-caressing skyscrapers on the banks of the Pacific Ocean. It enjoys over 1,500mi (2,414km) of shoreline and boasts some of the world’s most alluring beaches. But where do you start?</p> <ul> <li><a href="#culture"> Where to go for culture in Panama </a></li> <li><a href="#unique"> Unique experiences off the beaten track </a></li> <li><a href="#adventure"> Where to go for adventure in Panama </a></li> <li><a href="#relocating"> Relocating to Panama </a></li> <li><a href="#view"> How Panama has changed my view of the world </a></li> </ul> <h2 id="culture">Where to go for culture in Panama</h2> <h3>Panama Canal</h3> <p>Visiting Panama without witnessing the Panama Canal is equal to omitting the Sistine Chapel from a Roman pilgrimage. The best way to get close to the action is at the Miraflores Locks visitor center, where there are observation decks and an interactive exhibit showcasing the canal’s history and the area’s biodiversity.</p> <p>While the Panama Canal is indeed a monstrous feat of engineering, many find the experience a tad disappointing, particularly if they don’t see any ships going by – so it’s best to check the ship schedule before making the trip. Even more spectacular is crossing the canal by boat. Now that’s something.</p> <h3>Panamá Viejo</h3> <p>Any visit to Panama City must include a stopover at Panamá Viejo, also known as Panamá la Vieja. Panama City was actually located at this archeological site until English pirate Henry Morgan (of rumored <em>Captain Morgan</em> fame) destroyed it in the 1670s. What’s left of the monument is now a museum and tourist attraction. Don’t go on a Monday when the museum closes, as many Panamanian businesses also do.</p> <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/Explore/central-america/cinta-costera-at-sunset-rosie-bell.jpg" alt="Cinta Costera at sunset, Panama City." /> <figcaption> Cinta Costera at sunset, Panama City. Photo credit: Rosie Bell </figcaption></figure> <h3>Casco Viejo</h3> <p>The old quarter of Casco Viejo is a cultural event in itself and indisputably holds the lion’s share of Panama City’s magic. Many fall in love with the city, largely due to Casco’s collection of narrow streets, dreamy balconies and Spanish colonial architecture.</p> <p>The area goes by several names: Casco Viejo, Casco Antiguo and San Felipe. Fret not, however; your Uber driver will know exactly where you mean.</p> <p>Perhaps one of the most exciting things about Casco Viejo is the juxtaposition of old and new. It was bestowed with UNESCO World Heritage status in 1997 and is a place of contrasts: dilapidated buildings alongside regal modern structures. The streets are quiet and all yours to peruse in the afternoon but will come alive in the evenings, as most of the city’s nightlife has moved here.</p> <h3>Celebrate Carnival in Panama</h3> <p>Thought Carnival was only for the Brazilians? Every February Panama comes alive for this 4-day celebration that’s deeply entrenched in the country’s culture.</p> <p>Nation-wide, there are street parties, parades, fireworks and <em>mojaderas</em>– water balloons, buckets and even fire hoses spraying you till you’re soaking wet.</p> <p>For the ultimate carnival experience, visit the carnival queens in the town of Las Tablas, which hosts the most extravagant celebration in the country.</p> <h2 id="unique">Unique experiences off the beaten track</h2> <h3>Ancon Hill</h3> <p>Panama City is the only capital in the world with a rainforest within the city limits. Take the brisk 30-minute hike up Ancon Hill (Cerro Ancon) and spot Keel-billed Toucans without even leaving the city.</p> <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/Explore/central-america/ancon-hill-panama-rosie-bell.jpg" alt="View of Panama city from Ancon Hill." /> <figcaption> View of Panama city from Ancon Hill. Photo credit: Rosie Bell </figcaption></figure> <h3>El Cangrejo neighborhood</h3> <p>The capital is a pleasure to discover on foot, and a stroll around the El Cangrejo neighborhood will introduce you to a giant statue of Albert Einstein’s head – yes, just the head.</p> <h3>Explore the archipelagos</h3> <p>Once you’re ready to leave Panama City behind, head further afield to one of Panama’s many spellbinding archipelagos. Panama is warm 365 days a year and has just two basic seasons: the rainy season from May-November and the dry season, which runs from December-April.</p> <p>Speaking of 365, island-hop between 365 pristine islands of perfection and simultaneously connect with an indigenous tribe at the San Blas Islands. The region (also referred to as <a href="/explore/caribbean/nomads-share-their-favorite-festivals#guna">Guna Yala</a>) is inhabited by the Kuna Indians who control all tourism. The archipelago has around 100 nameless islands and islets in which to get splendidly lost. </p> <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/Explore/central-america/people-swimming-san-blas-panama-rosie-bell.jpg" alt="Frolicking in the clear water of the San Blas Islands." /> <figcaption> Frolicking in the clear water of the San Blas Islands. Photo credit: Rosie Bell </figcaption></figure> <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/Explore/central-america/san-blas-islands-rosie-bell.jpg" alt="Starfish on the shore of the San Blas Islands." /> <figcaption> Starfish on the shore of the San Blas Islands. Photo credit: Rosie Bell </figcaption></figure> <h3>Discover the little-visited Darien jungle</h3> <p>Explore the unknown with a hike through the remote <a href="/explore/south-america/colombia/end-of-the-road-darien-gap" target="_blank">Darien jungle that stretches from Panama to Colombia</a> – it’s one of the least visited places on earth.</p> <p>The Darien National Park is also a UNESCO World Heritage site (one of five in Panama) and here, bird watchers can have a field day every day. Proceed at your own risk, however, as the not-so-friendly neighbors here including jaguars, fire ants, pit vipers, botflies and paramilitary groups.</p> <p>Friendlier neighbors are the Embera people who live in the Darién province. A day trip or overnight tour can grant you insight into their way of life and distinctive pastimes.</p> <h3>Watch the sun rise and set in Boquete</h3> <p>For a truly unique experience, see the sun rise on the Pacific and set on the Atlantic. This magical feat is possible in only one place in the world: the dormant Barú volcano in Boquete, western Panama.</p> <p>Geisha Coffee, the “champagne of coffees”, is grown on the mountains of Boquete and will put quite a dent in your wallet. It is, however, a must-try in Panama.</p> <p>While in Boquete, secure the services of a tour guide to accompany you on the Quetzal trail in order to spot this famed and rare bird of Mesoamerican cultures.</p> <h3>Wildlife encounters</h3> <p>Panama is a hotbed of biodiversity. Only here can you meet the pygmy three-toed sloths that live on Isla Escudo de Veraguas. There are said to be only 79 in existence.</p> <p>Explore your boundaries by scuba diving and whale watching on the Pacific Coast at Isla de Coiba or at the Gulf of Chiriqui between July and October when Humpback Whales migrate here to give birth and build fat depositories prior to the winter. The area is also home to Hammerhead sharks.</p> <h2 id="adventure">Where to go for adventure in Panama</h2> <p>Unlike neighboring Costa Rica, Panama is not earmarked as a travel destination centered solidly around eco-adventures. Notwithstanding, Panama is almost completely covered in rainforest and home to some 976 species of birds, more than the US and Canada combined. The country is still largely undiscovered so you won’t find many package tourists here, and it’s a great place to explore solo or enroll in Spanish classes.</p> <p>Panama is heaven for lovers of lush <a href="/travel-insurance/activities/hiking-travel-insurance">jungle treks</a>, snorkeling, waterfall hikes and <a href="/travel-insurance/activities/surfing">surfing</a>. Santa Catalina in the province of Veraguas is one of Central America’s longest beach breaks and Playa Venao, on the Pacific coast, attracts wave and sun-worshippers in droves. Swim in the wild at Los Cajones de Chame, a small canyon 90 minutes from Panama City.</p> <h3>Bocas del Toro</h3> <p>Paradise beaches, nature expeditions and nightlife exist in perfect symmetry in the archipelago of <a href="/explore/caribbean/5-unforgettable-experiences-in-the-caribbean">Bocas del Toro</a>. You’ll often hear through the grapevine about places where travelers tend to get “stuck”. Bocas del Toro is one such place, trapping travelers with its sweet nectar of party excess and incredible tropical beauty.</p> <p>In Bocas, there is an island to suit every craving. Isla Colon is where the bulk of the action happens: restaurants, bars, and<a href="/travel-insurance/activities/scuba-diving-travel-insurance"> diving</a> schools, as well as tour operators. Isla Colon also has two famed surf beaches – Paunch and Bluff. Stop off at Paki Point on the way there to cool off and rent surfboards.</p> <p>Isla Carenero conversely suits those in search of a little peace and quiet. The Zapatilla islands are the pristine gems you will dream about once you return home. Isla Bastimentos, the largest of the nine islands, attracts those longing for postcard beach views with a bit of rough jungle in the background.</p> <p>There are three bat caves on <span>Bastimentos</span>: Nivida, Bat’s Mouth and La Gruta. Wade through waters 4-5 feet deep to discover the various vampire species that call these caves home. It’s far more enjoyable than it sounds. </p> <p>Tours between the different islands often include snorkeling stops at Coral Cay (Cayo Coral) or Dolphin Bay for the chance to see schools of dolphins getting along swimmingly. October is Bocas’ slowest month just before the high season kicks off in November, so be sure to plan your trip accordingly.</p> <p>Bocas is my favorite part of Panama, and the country’s number one beach destination for a reason. I’d never heard of Bocas before a friend coerced me to book a flight there on a whim. The element of surprise when I stumbled upon this unknown nirvana honeyed the experience considerably. I have since returned to Bocas on eight occasions. The novelty never fades.</p> <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/Explore/central-america/bocas-del-toro-rosie-bell.jpg" alt="On Isla Carenero, enjoying the view from Bibis on the Beach, Bocas del Toro." /> <figcaption> On Isla Carenero, enjoying the view from Bibis on the Beach, Bocas del Toro. Photo credit: Rosie Bell </figcaption></figure> <h2 id="relocating">Tips for relocating to Panama</h2> <p>Panama comfortably hosts around 190,000 foreign nationals of out its four-million-strong population.</p> <p>Tocumen international airport in Panama City may not be the prettiest, but it has the best connections in Central America. The currency here is the US Dollar, making your purchases that much easier to navigate.</p> <p>Panama also has an attractive visa scheme whereby Americans, Canadians, Australians, and most EU citizens can stay in the country without a visa for 180 days. Panama City is also increasingly becoming a <a href="/explore/work-from-anywhere-6-travel-tips-for-digital-nomads">hub for digital nomads</a> in the region, as evident by the slew of co-working spaces popping up in recent years.</p> <p>If you are based in Panama City, countless lush weekend jaunts are yours for the taking within mere minutes. Bocas del Toro is a 50-minute flight away; the surf breaks of Coronado are an hour's drive from Panama City; the island of Contadora in the Pearl Archipelago can be explored after a 90-minute ferry ride from the city, while escaping to the mountains, waterfalls, butterfly farms and hot springs of El Valle de Antón takes just two hours by car.</p> <h2 id="view">How Panama has changed my view of the world</h2> <p>I stepped foot on this soil on a solo trip, two years ago. Emotionally (and now physically) I have been pleasantly stuck here ever since. Before coming to Panama, I wish I knew that the waters were this blue, nature this wild, and the people this warm. Panama changed my perceptions by exposing me to the raw beauty of the world.</p> <p>Travel challenges you, and solo travel, in particular, leaves you teetering on a tightrope between excitement and agonizing fear. You’ll have to face yourself. You’ll be pushed out of your comfort zone. You’ll grow, get a fresh start and make lifelong connections.</p> <p>In Panama, I have been forever touched by the feeling of community, the culture and, of course, the exquisite beaches. Locals will tell you that Panama is one of the most beautiful countries in the world. Fortunately, I too can now call myself a local.</p> <p></p>iStock/diegocardini 0537741127 iStock Arriving at a Caribbean tropical Island, San Blas, Panama.

https://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/travel-safety/central-america/panama/crime-and-drugs-panamaPanama is one of the safest countries in Central America and an important trade zone due to its namesake canal. Here’s what to know when traveling here.2025-10-08T11:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/travel-safety/central-america/panama/crime-and-drugs-panamahttps://www.worldnomads.com<p>Panama is an <a href="https://www.worldnomads.com/explore/central-america/panama/the-ulitmate-guide-to-exploring-panama-like-a-local">incredibly beautiful country that's well worth exploring</a>. It’s not without dangers, however. If you keep your wits about you and avoid well-known danger zones, you can lessen the chances of falling victim to crime.</p> <ul> <li><a href="#crime">Crime in Panama</a></li> <li><a href="#hot">Crime hot spots</a></li> <li><a href="#laws">Alcohol and drug laws in Panama</a></li> <li><a href="#darien">Safety in the Darien Gap</a></li> <li><a href="#narco">Narco boats and coastal crime in Panama</a></li> <li><a href="#female">Safety for female travelers</a></li> <li><a href="#taxis">Taxis and public transport in Panama City</a></li> <li><a href="#scams">Car rental and purchase scams</a></li> <li><a href="#tips">General safety tips for travelers</a></li> </ul> <h2 id="crime">Crime in Panama</h2> <p>Crime in Panama is moderate. <a href="https://www.numbeo.com/crime/rankings_by_country.jsp" target="_blank">According to Numbeo</a>, as of 2025 the crime index in Panama is 42.7, considerably lower than the rest of Central America, including Costa Rica. The most common crimes are <a href="/travel-insurance/whats-covered/baggage">robbery, purse snatching, pickpocketing, and theft from automobiles</a>. Violent crime is not frequent, and tourists are rarely the target, but it does occur.</p> <h2>Crime hot spots in Panama</h2> <p>There are some really beautiful beaches and towns to visit in Panama. However, there are also some areas to avoid. These include: </p> <h3>Colón, Panama</h3> <p>Colón is known for its high crime rate both day and night, and some government agencies have issued warnings about travel to the coastal city.</p> <h3>Bastimentos Island, Bocas del Toro</h3> <p>Bastimentos is the largest island in the Archipelago of Bocas del Toro, one of Panama’s top tourism destinations. There have been reports of muggings and violent attacks of tourists after dark. It's better to stay on the main island (Isla Colon), which has a police station or nearby Isla Carenero which is smaller with a tight-knit community of locals.</p> <h3>Panama City</h3> <p>In<a href="https://www.smartraveller.gov.au/destinations/americas/panama"> Panama City</a>, visitors should exercise extra caution after dark in certain neighbourhoods such as Calidonia, El Chorrillo and San Miguelito, where higher‑than‑average crime rates have been recorded. While most incidents involve opportunistic muggings or theft rather than targeted violence, reports of robberies and assaults in poorly‑lit or less‑patrolled zones do occur. For your safety, avoid walking alone at night, steer clear of the busy bus stations and shopping districts like Avenida Centra.</p> <h3>Tips to aviod theft </h3> <ul> <li>Keep your possessions close – smart phones are a particular target.</li> <li>Keep your bags shut and try to carry them on your front at all times.</li> <li>Mobile phones and wallets should never go in your back pocket.</li> <li>Only use ATMs in banks or shopping centers.</li> </ul> <h2 id="laws">Alcohol and drug laws in Panama</h2> <p>Panama is on the route from the <a href="/travel-safety/south-america/colombia/why-you-shouldnt-do-cocaine-in-colombia">cocaine-growing areas of South America</a> to the largest consumer country, the USA. Trafficking is a serious business and as such poses a real threat to unwitting travelers.</p> <p>It is a serious crime to be in possession of even very small quantities of drugs – including marijuana. Simply being in the company of someone using drugs is sufficient grounds for arrest. 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.</p> <p>Due to the prevalence of drugs in the isthmus, police checkpoints are commonplace on weekends on roads between cities. Use your common sense and stop when requested. You might see or hear of locals doing it, but don’t attempt to bribe police officers.</p> <p>The drinking age in Panama is 18. Public consumption of alcohol is common in certain places such as beaches, but it’s prohibited in some parts of Panama City, including family-friendly Parque Omar. Do take this seriously because if you are seen you can be arrested and jailed.</p> <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/Explore/central-america/casco-viejo-panama-city-istock.jpg" alt="Colonial architecture on a sunny street in Panama" /> <figcaption> Casco Viejo street in an historic part of Panama City. Photo credit: iStock </figcaption></figure> <h2 id="darien">Safety in the Dari<span>é</span>n Gap</h2> <p>The Darién Gap is a perilous, narrow swathe of land that engineers omitted when building the Pan American highway from Argentina to Alaska in the 1930s. This was due to its inaccessibility, rough rivers, challenging vegetation, and deadly creatures. Today, it’s dangerous for other reasons.</p> <p>Drug traffickers frequent this lawless area on Panama’s border with Colombia. There have been numerous reports of kidnappings and murders, armed robberies, mysterious deaths, and disappearances.</p> <p>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. Even agents from Panama’s National Border Service (Senafront) have been shot at by drug and people smugglers. Migrants have been sexually assaulted and extorted, too.</p> <p>The dangerous zone begins at the end of the Pan American Highway (at Yaviza, about 230km southeast of Panama City) and ends at the Colombian border. This area includes the Darién National Park, privately owned nature reserves, and tourist resorts. <a href="https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories/panama-travel-advisory.html" target="_blank">The US State Department has issued "do not travel" warnings for some parts of the region</a>.</p> <p>Natural threats in the Darién jungle include impassable swamps, disease-carrying insects, and venomous spiders and snakes. If you visit, do so with a local guide during the dry season. The Darién is one of the least visited places in the world for a reason.</p> <p><em>Planning a trip to Panama? Find out <a href="/travel-insurance">how travel insurance can cover</a> medical emergencies, lost or stolen baggage, or other travel mishaps.</em></p> <h2 id="narco">Narco boats and coastal crime in Panama</h2> <p>Drug trafficking is not isolated to land. 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.</p> <p>If you travel between Colombia and Panama by sea, it isn't unheard of that the crew may take drugs with them, too. Remember, you may pay the price for even being in the company of someone in possession of drugs.</p> <p>When traveling by boat or along the coastline, if you see any bales or wrapped packages floating in the sea or lying on remote beaches, avoid them at all costs. These are likely to be drugs ready for pick-up so do not touch them.</p> <h2 id="female">Safety for female travelers</h2> <p>Wolf whistles and catcalls are prevalent around Panama. Even taxi drivers will honk at women on the street – to signal both their availability and admiration.</p> <p>Despite this, Panama is generally safe for female travelers, but it’s important to stay vigilant. Stick to well-traveled areas, especially at night. Always use a rideshare app at night rather than a yellow cab and share your live location with a friend.</p> <h2 id="taxis">Taxis and public transport in Panama City</h2> <p>Taxis in Panama City move at Formula One speed and drivers are known to remove seat belts from the back seats or hide them under fabric. It is also customary for yellow cabs to pick up multiple passengers going along the same route.</p> <p>To minimize the risk of being taken somewhere you don’t know, don’t get into a cab that already has passengers or request that the driver doesn’t pick up any additional people while you’re in the car.</p> <p>Taxis in Panama City aren’t metered so confirm your fare before you get in to avoid any disagreements.</p> <h2 id="scams">Car rental and purchase scams</h2> <p>There has been an increase in scams, robberies, or fraud when trading low-cost cars online. Take extra precautions when meeting people from social media or Facebook groups to buy or sell any items. Always meet in safe, public locations and consider using established agencies for transactions.</p> <h2 id="tips">General safety tips for travelers</h2> <ul> <li>Blend in with the locals -- try not to stand out like a lost tourist.</li> <li>Avoid flaunting valuables.</li> <li>Respect local laws.</li> <li>Keep updated with travel advisories from your government.</li> <li>Know the location of your embassy or consulate.</li> <li>Learn some basic Spanish before you go so you can communicate with locals.</li> <li>You are required to have a form of photo ID on you at all times. Make sure you have one on your person or at least a copy of your passport and the page with your entry stamp.</li> </ul> <h3>Emergency contact numbers</h3> <p>For fire and rescue services or medical emergencies, call 911.</p> <p>For police, call 104.</p> <p>The <a href="https://cascospanish.com/" target="_blank">Casco Antiguo Spanish School</a> in Panama City old town has an express <a href="https://cascospanish.com/portfolio-items/spanish-for-travelers/" target="_blank">Spanish for Travelers</a> program to learn the basics during a half-day class.</p>iStock/DavorLovincic 0696246008 iStock View over Panama City