With more and more people choosing to relocate to countries in Central America, the question of whether Panama is safe to live is one that comes up often. Safety is a key concern for anyone, anywhere, however when moving far from your home country, it rises to the top. There are a lot of factors as to why, but the most understandable reason is the perfectly natural fear of the unknown. When we leave our comfort zone, we tend to be more cautious and having a safe and happy home is tantamount to a good life no matter where you are, or where you鈥檙e going. The short answer to the question 鈥淚s Panama safe?鈥 is 鈥測es.鈥 Let鈥檚 explore this in more detail, though, so you can better understand why and get a realistic expectation before retirement or relocation.
Panama鈥檚 Safety by the Numbers
As far as personal safety from violent crime, Panama ranks as the 2nd safest in the region, just behind Costa Rica. Panama has a murder rate that is nearly 50% lower than the average in Latin America and the Caribbean, comparable to places like Latvia and Lithuania in Europe, or New Mexico and Alabama in the United States. Violent crime against tourists and expats is rare in Panama City and most of the country with a few minor exceptions like Colon and certain areas outside of the capital鈥檚 central core. Petty crime in Panama is generally low too, with a rate of about 38 reported robberies per annum per 100,000 people. To put this in perspective, the United States has a rate of roughly 146 reported robberies per annum per 100,000 people.
Few Natural Disasters
Though small earthquakes and heavy rains are common in Panama, catastrophic or large-scale natural disasters are very rare in Panama. There are almost no hurricanes that affect Panama significantly, and it is extremely rare that a hurricane will hit as the country is located south of the 鈥渉urricane belt鈥. The same can be said about forest fires, due to the tropical, wet climate, as well as volcanic disturbances, or severe floods. While flooding is common, particularly in rural areas, the damage is rarely a sever threat to life, and the country is well prepared to respond when they do happen.
Law Enforcement
Panama is well-known for having a strong, well-funded, and robust police force, especially when compared to other similar-sized countries in the region. There is no standing army in Panama, so to compensate, the police force is large and covers all aspects of local and broader domestic safety. In Panama City there are even tourist police who are stationed in popular tourist spots like Casco Viejo, ready to help with a softer touch. Police patrols in the interior of the country are also highly effective, and strict laws and punishments aid in deterring crime before it鈥檚 committed. You will rarely be able to go anywhere in public in Panama City鈥檚 main districts without seeing a strong police presence. The same goes for the main roads and Panamerican Highway, as well as expat-heavy towns like Boquete, Coronado, and El Valle.
Private Security in Panama
If you are an expat who is relocating to Panama or retiring in Panama to live full-time, chances are you will live in a building or complex with private security. This is not limited to luxury condos and homes but extends to almost all moder developments in Panama City and beyond. Private security services typically consist of guards at gates in suburban or rural residential developments, doormen in the city, and mobile patrols in cars or golf carts in many areas. These companies are highly vetted for the most part and add an extra layer of security to give residents peace of mind. Police and private security companies will often work together when an incident does occur and work regularly together in crime prevention.
Is Panama Safe to Live as an Expat?
Absolutely, yes. This does not mean that there are no safety risks for living in Panama or visiting Panama, either. Like anywhere on earth, there are risks involved when it comes to safety at every level. Being aware of these risks and understanding your surroundings is key to living well, even when out of your comfort zone. The perception of safety is very powerful too. Once you know that there is a good network of prevention and solutions to crime and other safety risks, you鈥檒l find that you will worry less and enjoy the moment more. In the end, that will make your overall experience that much better in Panama.
For more info on how to get your Panama residency, start a Panama corporation, or relocate to Panama, please contact us for a consultation.
