BASICS - The Rough Guide to Panama - page 66

(without drinks) in one of the city's top restaurants averaging $40. For advice on tipping, see
Bargaining and tipping .
Crime and personal safety
The presence of FARC guerrillas and cocaine smugglers in the Darién jungle has helped pro-
mote the popular misconception that Panama is a dangerous country to visit. In fact it is much
safer than most other Central American states, with only a few areas to avoid or take special
care.
The eastern strip of the Darién and Guna Yala that borders Colombia tops the danger list
as a no-go area; it contains the fabled Darién Gap, which has long held a fascination for trav-
ellers seeking adventure by hacking through jungle to the border. While this was difficult
but feasible, it is now very dangerous and prohibited; since the 1990s several travellers at-
tempting the overland route have been kidnapped or killed. There are still ways of visiting the
Darién safely both in an organized group and as an independent traveller, and for crossing to
Colombia on the Caribbean side by boat , all of which can provide excitement without putting
your life in acute danger.
The second major trouble spot is Colón , where extreme caution needs to be exercised
even during daylight hours. Panama City also has several areas to avoid, generally poor
neighbourhoods with inadequate housing and high unemployment rates. As with many cities
worldwide, violent crime is on the increase, but ninety percent of this is estimated to be
drug-related, often among rival gangs; petty crime too is on the rise in some areas, especially
where there are significant economic disparities between the general population and those
who are making decent money from tourism, such as in Bocas. That said, by far the vast ma-
jority of visitors enjoy their time in Panama without incident, with the main issues being theft
of money and/or passport and the odd traffic accident. The usual common-sense guidelines
apply.
The police
If you are a victim of crime , report to the Policía de Turismo (Tourist Police) in Panama
City or the main police station in other towns. Even though your possessions are unlikely to
be recovered, a police report ( denuncia ) will be required to make an insurance claim. At the
police station, you will probably need to present your ID, which by law you should always
carry with you, though it is acceptable to carry a photocopy of your passport details provided
it also includes a copy of the entry date stamp on the same page.
Culture and etiquette
No society is homogenous but Panama is particularly diverse, and customs vary widely.
Overall, though, people are very courteous - driving in Panama City aside - and quite formal;
greetings are customary before any exchange, such as asking for information, and the “usted”