Is Panama safe for solo female travelers?

Panama is generally quite safe for solo female travelers. Most areas, especially tourist destinations, have noteworthy safety measures in place. However, like many travel destinations, it is crucial to remain vigilant, avoid isolated areas especially at night, and keep your valuables safe. Street harassment can occasionally occur, but this is not widespread. Regular caution, similar to any new place, is advised.

Safety rating

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How safe is Panama for female travelers?

Travel safety index

4.1 /5

based on 20 experiences from female travelers

Bocas Del Toro, Solo travel

I didn’t bring much money with me, and I found it quite expensive to get around and eat here, definitely tourist prices. Activities were also on the pricier side, and surfing wasn’t very accessible since you can usually only hire boards in town rather than at most of the surf beaches. That said, the diving is fantastic, the scenery is absolutely stunning, and Filthy Friday was a brilliant experience!

Posted: August 25, 2025
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San Blas Islands, Couple travel

Arguably one of the most beautiful places on earth. Only accessible by boat. The San blas islands are owned by the Guna natives who live there. They are extremely friendly and hospitable. They mostly fish and make tapestries called molas for income. There are a few places you can stay on land and a couple restaurants on a few islands. Best way to enjoy the islands is by boat. It is a very safe area and wonderful for snorkeling. They do not allow scuba diving or wind sports to preserve the region.

Posted: July 6, 2025Experienced: July, 2025
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Bocas Del Toro, Solo travel

I was in bocas del toro for 3 weeks and I can tell you the place is wonderful, it’s so preatty you won’t believe your eyes . The people over there are really nice although it can get a little bit dangerous at night in some streets. I wouldn’t recommend walking alone at night as a women but that is basically the same in every place . It’s pretty cheap place but be aware that there is a lot of tourist there

Posted: February 19, 2025
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Panama, Family travel

Going to panama with my family was an amazing experience I went to an island with my family where we snorkeled and we saw the most amazing reefs, fish in all colors and sizes and seaturtles. It is a beautifull place to visit if you love nature. There where dolfins swimming next to our boat on the way back:)

Posted: January 13, 2025
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Panama, Solo travel

I worked as an Au Pair for 3 months in Panama City. I used the uber and the metro for transportation which worked very well. In adittion uber is very cheap here. Panama City is not a city fot working around like in Europe but there are beautiful spots to visit. The nightlife in Casco viejo is very special and you need to experience it once you are there. I met a lot of other travelers at the Selina Hostel.

Posted: October 10, 2024Experienced: October, 2024
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How safe is Panama for women?

Local safety index

3.5 /5

Based on 14 local experiences

Local crime index

2.2 /5

Based on 14 local experiences

Dhar

Dhar

Panama

Rich areas are safe, beware of the red areas. (Lotería, 5 de mayo, Panamá oeste, Panamá este, Panamá norte, Curundú, Chorrillo, outskirts of Albrook, San miguelito, Los Andes, etc.), as a man you'll only get robbed, as a woman many have already been kidnapped and raped. DO NOT GO OUT AT NIGHT WITHOUT COMPANY (especially if you are from the LGBT community).

Posted: August 1, 2025
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Liz

Liz

Panama

Panama is safe overall if you're someone that is always aware of their surroundings and has their stuff in proper bags. Depending on some areas Panama can be safe in general but don't put yourself in situations or places that could make someone see you're not paying attention around. I don't know how to explain it but please do ask me any questions you want.

Posted: July 21, 2025
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Ximena

Ximena

Panama

I’ve been solo traveling in my country since I was 18 (11 years ago) and nothing has ever happened to me. I’ve never gotten anything stolen or had any weird situations luckily. Definitely since this is a Latin American country you will experience men being disrespectful sometimes in the streets, cat calling is very common, even though it’s illegal. You can always complain to authorities or honestly scream back at them, which is what I generally do and every single time they get scared and leave me alone.

Posted: March 11, 2025
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Panama

Panama can be a very safe country if you stay in the center of the city + touristic places. Like any other country it has its areas where even Panamanians can feel unsafe. I would always recommend doing research so you can choose wisely where to visit.

Posted: February 24, 2025
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Panama

Panama is an amazing country to visit with warm people! I stayed in less populated towns and had a great experience, never felt unsafe or worried when walking alone during the day. Was always cautious at night and never had any issues

Posted: February 9, 2025
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Safety in Panama