• Language barriers and foreign currency can make traveling abroad overwhelming, but Panama is an exception since English is considered a second language and the U.S. Dollar is the currency. The country, which is most famous for being the home of the Panama Canal, offers travelers a chance to enjoy beautiful beaches and the inspiring ecology of the local rain forests. Though travel in Panama is generally safe, Americans should take care to avoid certain areas and be aware of the other potential hazards that exist.
  
  

Crime

• Remote areas of Panama pose the greatest risk to American travelers. Specifically, the Darien Province and the city of Colon should be avoided due to the frequency of violent crime, including kidnapping and murder. Travel to areas along the Colombian border should be limited because violence related to drug-trafficking is common there.
  
  Other locations that pose a risk are areas around the University of Panama campus and the Presidential Palace, which are often sites of protests. Some protests are anti-American in nature, and these should obviously be avoided.
  
  American travelers should also be wary in the tourist areas of Panama where crimes such as robbery and purse snatching are more common. Leaving valuables at home can help limit your risk of being targeted.
  
  

Safety Concerns

• Important safety measures to consider while visiting the beaches along the Pacific Ocean and in the Bocas del Toro province, include being wary of dangerous currents and using appropriate sun protection. Beaches in Panama may not have the kinds of warning flags that are common on American beaches, and vacationers should be cautious upon entering the water.
  
  In addition, driving at night is particularly dangerous due to lack of signs, lighting and poor road conditions.
  
  

Health Concerns

• Fortunately, Panama City provides good hospitals and clinics should medical attention be necessary, however those seeking care in the outer regions may not be as fortunate. Medical attention and evaluation may require payment in advance with cash only. Uninsured travelers will have difficulty finding and affording medical care in Panama. Before traveling to Panama, Americans should consult their physicians for appropriate vaccinations, such as those for Hepatitis B, Typhoid and malaria.
  
  Travelers who experience a fever or become ill upon returning from Panama should seek immediate medical help and advise physicians of their recent travels to rule out the possibility of malaria, which is common in Panama.
  
  

Emergencies

• Should an emergency arise while you are vacationing in Panama, it's important to notify local police and the U.S. Embassy or Consulate. In addition to crime, emergencies also include loss or theft of a passport and medical and legal issues. The U.S. Embassy or Consulate can arrange for your family to be contacted and can assist with providing information on money transfers and local attorneys who can help. Carrying emergency contact numbers with you, including the phone number for the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate, can save valuable time and stress in the event of an emergency.