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Panama
17 scams
In Panama, you can take a cruise along the Panama Canal, visit the Embera Indian Villages and enjoy outdoor activities such as zip lining or jungle trekking!
The country is also safe to visit though there are some potential pitfalls to watch out for.
Note: vast majority of trips are trouble free and there is no need to be paranoid. That said, it always pays to be aware, careful, and prepared.
Emergency numbers
- Emergency hotline: 911
- Police: 104
- Fire, ambulance: 103
Travel resources
Sob story scammer in Panama
6 2How it works: Situation: One notorious scammer is “Carl Baker”, who has been ripping tourists and expatriates from English speaking countries off for years. Although Carlos Beckles Thompson is his…
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Fake tour operators in Panama
6 0How it works: Fraudulent operators will charge you a high price for these tours and then claim to give you a discount if you pay in full upfront. Once you…
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Port Colon security officer scam in Panama
6 0How it works: At the Colon Cruise Port, official port security officers may try to set you up with unofficial tour guides or unlicensed taxis. Places to beware: Colon: Port…
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Transport scams to Bocas del Toro in Panama
6 0How it works: Situation: You can get to Bocas del Toro from most towns in Panama by taking a bus to Almirante. Scam 1: However, the bus will drop you…
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Unlicensed taxis in Panama
3 0How it works: There are a few risks involved with unlicensed taxis, namely the lack of insurance coverage, unsafe driving practices and being overcharged. Places to beware: Colon: Port Panama…
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Fake cigars in Panama
3 0How it works: Panama is known for selling Panamanian and Cuban cigars although many of these are fakes. Often the cigars have a high mark-up of 60-75% of the normal…
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Vacation rental scams in Panama
2 1How it works: Situation: this is not a problem unique to Panama, but cases of accommodation fraud have been growing exponentially globally. Similarly, there are such cases in Panama where…
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Counterfeit currency in Panama
2 0How it works: Panama’s official currency is the USD and counterfeit USD, particularly $50 and $100 notesis often circulated by shady money changers. Places to beware: Panama City: Old Town…
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Pickpockets in Panama
2 0How it works: They work in a gang – one onlooker, one blocks, pushes, distracts, or engages you, one grabs and the final hides the loot under a cover (e.g….
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Would you like a drink bar scam in Panama
2 0How it works: Opening: a friendly young woman engages you and claims that this is because she wants to practise her English or some other reason. She then suggests going…
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Taxi scams in Panama
1 0How it works: Version 1: taxis in Panama do not use meters. Hence, some will quote you inflated fares even though they are supposed to calculate the price according to…
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ATM skimming in Panama
1 0How it works: Situation: the vast majority of tourists would probably not fall for this but on the off-chance that you do, you need to know how to spot the…
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Corrupt traffic police in Panama
1 0How it works: Cars are often stopped for spot checks, where police will ask to see your license and passport. However, there are a few crooked ones who will hold…
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Rental car “damages” scam in Panama
1 0How it works: Opening: When returning your car, rogue agencies will find damages on your car one way or another. E.g. minor scratches beneath the car’s front bumper; tiny chip…
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Flat tire scam in Panama
1 0How it works: Situation: this is rare/uncommon, but you need to be ready to react if it happens. Opening: a scammer first slashes the tires of your parked car. When…
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