How safe is Panama City, Panama, for a single 30something woman?

I live in Panama, and I also had the opportunity to live (on & off) for 10 years in the US (just for reference).

Panama City, as many have said, is like any major city in the world. The same could be said about Miami, New York, LA, etc.

The fact that you look like a North American tourist won't make a great deal of problems if you know what you're doing, or if you're being guided by a professional. Trust me, most likely you won't be the only North American / European tourist in the country at any given time, so you won't be the only one with your looks.

There's not really more to say about that. Most of the other contributors have said it best. Keep away from trouble spots, specially at night. Try to go around places with someone else. Try contacting a travel agent that can arrange for guided tours of the places you want to visit. Oh and if you want to get a taste of the night life of Panama City, you won't be dissapointed. Trust me as a blonde you're going to get a lot of attention, and a lot of dancing proposals, free drinks, and the like. If you're into that try the bars and clubs near Calle Uruguay, and a club called Next on Balboa Avenue. Also try the lounge at the Decapolis Hotel, specially on Friday nights.

Panama City is great for shopping and night life. Sure there are some tourist spots in Panama City, such as the Old Panama Ruins, and the Panama Canal, but there are other places to go that are far more beautiful than Panama City.

Try to get your travel agent to arrange a weekend at the Decameron Beach Resort, or at Playa Blanca Beach Resort. Those are 2 all included beach resorts that cater to tourists, so you will feel comfortable. They have a lot of stuff to do, water sports, night clubs, shows, etc.

If you're more into nature, then you can get into nature tours so you can bird watch, or see some virgin rainforest, etc.

Also if you can spend a couple of days in Bocas del Toro. It's an island on the western end of the country. The ambiance there is quite a mix between Caribbean, Europe and the US. In fact that's the ethnic mix you'll find. Some people I've talked to say that it looks like Jamaica when it was starting out to develop their tourist infrastructure, just in a smaller island. The place is fun, and they have stuff to do throughout the week. However the fun really begins on the weekends, so try to go on a weekend. Nice place to scuba dive or snorkel.

I've been to Panama City, Panama, and I have fair skin, red hair, and blue eyes, and I'm young. It's pretty safe, and I don't think you have to worry about such extreme things as kidnapping or robbery. The unwanted attention you get is for looking exotic compared to the native population. You would get that kind of attention almost anywhere you might vacation. I think the most that might happen is that people will stare at you, and someone may even whistle at you. Just use common sense when you are walking around. Try to use the buddy system, and don't walk alone at night in strange alleys.

Very safe, I have lived here for all my life (except for 7 years in college in the states), and have been fortunate to travel to other countries in Latin America and Asia so I can compare the security situation to other countries.

It could be considered as safe as Miami, Florida, but like other people have commented it also has it bad parts as any other city in the world.

I would advise just to use common sense and avoid any situation that you could consider dangerous. Also, keep in mind that the Latin culture does look at women in a different way that the Anglo culture. Women tend to be more looked at that in the North, and you could a verbal complement once in a while from a passerby, but overall is harmless, believe me my sister is a fashion model...

Here are a few tips to follow:

1. Try not to use public buses (diablos rojos), they are extremly bad drivers and are extremly crowded.

2. When taking a Taxi always try to take exact change (1 dollar bills). Fares run from 1.50 to 4.00 in Metropopitan Panama.

3. Always tell the Taxi driver where you are going before you hop into the taxi, if not they can drop you off before starting the drive ( I know it is weird, and I it is the only country in the world that I have seen this hapening but we have to live with it... the Transit Authority it trying to change that).

4. Try to avoid the following neighborhoods: Chorrillo, San Miguelito, Salsipuedes, Santa Ana, Boca La Caja.

5. Always carry your passport with you.

6. Try not have a lot of jewelry when walking in the street.

7. In the summer (jan to March) try to not walk outside for more than 30 minutes, between 10:00 am and 3:00 pm, (the heat is unberable).

8. There is no curfew. (Bars stay open till ???).

9. Marbella is the best area for Restaurants and Bars.

10. Best Malls: Multiplaza and Albrook.

I lived in Panama City for several years. I had long blond hair and was in my 20's.

It is like any other big city, it has its good parts and its bad. Just be careful. Don't go out alone at night. Ask for a map of the city that highlights the parts of town you may want to avoid.

While living there, I had my windshield smashed by someone tossing a rock at my car (the trick is to smash your windshield while you drive, wait until you pull over and then rob you). Another time, I had my drivers side window smashed and the guy was trying to start my car with a filed down key when the cops got him. I know of people who have had groceries taken out of their car, purses stolen, jewelry taken while at stop lights in a car with the window down. I had a man get mad at me and beat on my car window while I was stopped at a light (I did not want to roll down my window and give him money) - that was kinda scary.

OK, I know that list sounds bad, but I want you to realize that yes, your looks may get you targeted, but don't let that stop you from going. Just remember, there are some very poor folks out there who may see you as rich and decide to take advantage of that. I never had inappropriate comments or rude men ogle at me, the crimes were just petty.

I had some of the best experiences of my life in Panama - I would love to go back again!

Try to contact the Ministry of Tourism in the Republic of Panama.

Go to www.wikipedia.org then type in Ruben Blades (Minister of Tourism), then go to the bottom of his page and click on the official link to the Ministry of Tourism.

Talk to a different travel agent; one who will tell you what's what.

you will certainly get a lot of attention from the guys, however it is unlikely that anyone will get violent.

ask somebody else