Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Panama City, Panama
1. Overpriced Taxis
Avoid overpaying for taxi rides by using apps like Cabif or Yellow Cab, or negotiate a fixed price before getting in.
- App Usage: Using taxi apps ensures fair pricing and a record of the trip
- Negotiation: Negotiating a fixed price prevents unexpected fare hikes during the ride
- Safety: Using official taxis provides an additional level of safety for tourists
2. Counterfeit Goods Markets
Avoid buying counterfeit goods from street vendors; head to licensed shops like Albrook Mall for legitimate merchandise.
- Legitimacy: Buying from licensed stores guarantees authentic and high-quality goods
- Safety: Avoiding counterfeit items helps prevent legal issues or health risks posed by substandard goods
- Consumer Protection: Licensed stores offer consumer protection and can address any issues with products or services
3. ATM Skimming
Choose ATMs inside banks or malls to minimize the risk of skimming. Cover the keypad when entering your PIN.
- Location: ATMs inside banks or secure locations have better security measures
- Cover the Keypad: Preventing others from seeing your PIN reduces the chances of skimming
- Card Monitoring: Regularly monitor bank transactions for any unusual activity to detect potential fraud
4. Fraudulent Tour Guides
Book tours through reputable agencies or hotels. Be wary of overly friendly locals offering 'cheap' tours.
- Reputation: Touring with a reliable agency ensures a quality experience and proper safety measures
- Agency or Hotel Booking: Booking through established channels helps avoid scams and guarantees a licensed guide
- Safety: Licensed guides are trained to handle emergencies and provide additional safety during tours
5. Golden Alley Scam
Avoid the 'Golden Alley' in Casco Viejo; it is known for pickpockets and con artists posing as police officers.
- Location: Stay away from high-crime areas to minimize the risk of theft or harassment
- Awareness: Being informed about potential scams helps prevent falling victim to them
- Safety in Numbers: Travel with others and stick together, especially in unfamiliar areas
6. Overcharging in Restaurants
Double-check prices before agreeing to dine in a restaurant; some may overcharge tourists.
- Price Verification: Asking for the menu and clarifying prices helps avoid unexpectedly high bills
- Location: Dining in touristy areas may lead to overcharging; consider exploring local, less-touristy eateries instead.
- Tipping: Research tipping norms before dining out, as overestimating tips may be misconstrued as an invitation to overcharge
7. Counterfeit Money
Use small bills and check for security features when receiving change. If possible, exchange money at banks or official exchange houses.
- Security Features: Checking for security features helps distinguish counterfeit bills from genuine ones
- Exchange Point: Exchanging money at official locations ensures you receive authentic bills
- Small Bills: Using small bills reduces the chances of receiving counterfeit money in change
8. Fake Charity Collectors
Be cautious when donating to street collectors; some may be part of scams. Donate to reputable charities instead.
- Reputation: Donating to well-known, reputable charities ensures your donations reach those in need
- Avoid Street Donations: Street collectors may not actually be associated with a charity; avoid donating to them directly.
- Verification: Research charities before donating, and verify their legitimacy to ensure your contributions are well-spent
9. Sim Card Scams
Avoid buying SIM cards from street vendors; go to official stores like Claro or Movistar instead.
- Legitimacy: Buying from official stores guarantees a legitimate SIM card and service
- Data Security: Avoiding street vendors helps protect personal data and avoid potential fraud
- Customer Support: Official stores provide customer support and assistance with any issues or questions
10. Timeshare Presentation Scams
Avoid attending unsolicited timeshare presentations; they may lead to high-pressure sales tactics and hidden fees.
- High-Pressure Sales Tactics: Avoiding unsolicited presentations helps prevent being manipulated into making a purchase
- Hidden Fees: Researching timeshare offers thoroughly helps identify hidden costs and fees
- Safety: Avoiding high-pressure sales scenarios reduces the risk of falling victim to scams or harassment
11. Lottery Scam Emails
Ignore lottery emails claiming you've won a prize; they are usually a scam. Never provide personal or financial information in response to these emails.
- Personal Information Safety: Refraining from providing personal information helps prevent identity theft
- Financial Security: Not sharing financial information protects your bank accounts and credit cards
- Awareness: Recognizing lottery scam emails helps avoid falling victim to them in the future
12. Fake Bus Drivers
Stick to official buses and metro; beware of unofficial drivers who may try to overcharge or direct you to scams.
- Official Transportation: Using official transportation ensures a safe, reliable ride
- Avoid Unofficial Drivers: Avoiding unofficial drivers helps prevent being taken advantage of or led to scams
- Know Your Route: Understanding your route and transportation options helps navigate the city more confidently
13. Coin Switching
Use exact change when making purchases to avoid coin switching scams; always double-check your change.
- Exact Change: Using exact change reduces the risk of being given the wrong change
- Double-Check Your Change: Always verify your change to ensure you receive the correct amount
- Stay Alert: Remaining vigilant helps detect potential scams and minimize financial loss
14. Ferry Scams
Avoid using unofficial ferries; stick to official ones for a safe crossing. Be aware of ticket prices and double-check your change.
- Official Ferries: Using official ferries guarantees a safe, reliable crossing
- Ticket Prices: Knowing the correct ticket price helps avoid overpaying or falling victim to scams
- Double-Check Your Change: Verifying your change ensures you receive the correct amount after paying for your ferry ride
15. Busking Scams
Be cautious when approached by performers asking for money; they may demand an unreasonable amount or insist on expensive gifts.
- Reasonable Amount: Offering a fair, reasonable amount helps avoid being taken advantage of
- Avoid Gift Scams: Refusing gifts helps prevent being pressured into buying expensive or unwanted items
- Stay Alert: Remaining vigilant helps detect potential scams and minimize financial loss