Infrastructure

Panama is considered to have a first world infrastructure. Modern amenities are everywhere and readily and easily available. Telephone lines, once antiquated are now state of the art and provide reliable communication to anywhere in the world. The internet is common as are fax machines and computers. Utilities are available everywhere in the country and every household, including the poorest have water and electricity.

The large cities in Panama are often referred to as technological hubs providing every modern convenience for every need. Many international businesses now call Panama home. These companies enjoy state of the art high rise buildings and every conceivable convenience.

Medical services are higher in cost and the facilities are mostly modern in the larger towns. You’ll find well educated doctors and staff who usually speak English. The health care system in Panama provides health care facilities for residents and tourists but foreigners and tourists should purchase a travel package that includes medical evacuation.

Transportation is important in Panama and the country takes pride in its many modes of transportation including safe roadways spanning the country from one shore to the other. The canal provides cargo ships, cruise ships and other ships both large and small easy passage from the Pacific to the Atlantic. A national railway system provides important access to most of the country and is used by tourists and locals alike.

1 Security

Panama boasts itself as the safest country south of the American border and in reality Panama is a very safe country with little to no violent crime. In fact most crimes that can be labeled as violent often occur between people who know each other rather than strangers or tourists.

Despite Panama’s relatively safe atmosphere many foreigners are used to a more proactive police presence, while the Panamanian police prefer to concentrate on what they consider real crime. These offenses include drug dealing and exporting and money laundering. Minor offenses such as crimes of opportunity including theft are often viewed by the police in Panama as avoidable and usually are slow to respond to these types of crimes. These minor offenses can easily be avoided with a little common sense and some obvious preventative measures.