Knowing whether Panama City is safe for remote workers will be important to anyone considering making the move here. Indeed, this Central American city suffers its fair-share of inequality and poverty in the same way other capitals around this region do. However, Panama City is consistently touted as the safest capital in Central America and this is reflected in the large number of tourists, business executives and expats which come here throughout the year.

The city has an established security infrastructure and many neighborhoods will feel as modern and safe as those holding business districts in the United States. Having said that, all visitors and remote workers will want to take the usual precautions relevant to living in a major capital city to ensure an enjoyable and incident-free time in Panama City.

While Panama City is safe for remote workers, it will be important for all visitors to be acquainted with some of the most common forms of crime here in order to be better equipped to avoid them. This city is diverse and large - neighborhoods vary widely in terms of security and vibe. As such, violent crime such as mugging and armed robbery is not unheard of in Panama City but it is certainly less likely to affect remote workers living in the city’s more affluent and secure neighborhoods. Pick-pocketing and bag-snatching are perhaps the most common forms of crime remote workers should be weary of - it is always a good idea to carry only necessary valuables with you and avoid flashing expensive devices or jewelry, as this can make you a target. Due to Panama City’s importance in the business world, organized crime and kidnapping may also be issues here, although these are rare and unlikely to affect remote workers directly.

Keeping safe in any city sometimes means avoiding certain areas and situations. Most of Panama City is safe for remote workers, but it is a good idea to stay away from certain areas where crime is known to be more common and where visitors may be targeted. These areas include suburbs to the north and east of the city such as Juan Diaz and San Miguelito, but also areas close to the Historical Center such as El Chorrillo. Indeed, the Historical Center itself can often feel desolate at night, and it is always a good idea to avoid walking alone at night in this area. Visitors should also avoid taking part in any political demonstrations, which are common along the Transistmica, as these have the potential to become unruly and even violent. In general, it is also a good idea to avoid the consumption of drugs and excessive alcohol as a visitor in a foreign country.

In general, Panama City is also safe for remote workers in terms of water, food and transportation. Water is relatively clean in the city, although remote workers with a sensitive digestive system will prefer bottled water. Equally, food is safe across the city and visitors will certainly want to try some of the local delicacies - as a general rule, take care when consuming street food and always find places where other people are eating or have left good reviews. Transport options (including taxis and ubers) in Panama City are also safe, although during peak hours it will be a good idea to avoid the Metro and Metrobus as these can get really packed.

For more information about living in Panama City as a remote worker, check out our complete Panama City guide.