If you are renting a car

• Always follow traffic signs, especially the speed limits.


• Never leave luggage or other belongings in sight in the car if it is unattended.


• Keep doors locked and windows closed while driving or parked.

• Avoid stopping when a stranger asks for a ride.


• If you are lost or need to check your map or ask for directions, find a public and safe place to do it.


When using a taxi service

• Always ask an employee of your hotel to get you a taxi from a reputable company.


• Verify that it meets the legal requirements, such as the yellow triangles on the doors and the taximeter on the front.

  
  

Traveling in bus

• Plan your trip in advance, especially your transportation from the hotel to the airport.

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If you plan to sleep while traveling by bus or any other means of transportation, keep your belongings close to you.

• Do not rely on someone who is very friendly, keep in mind that it could be a distraction while somebody else robs you.

• Police officers are available to help you, in case of an emergency call 911.

• Our currency is the Colón.

• The exchange rate varies slightly from day to day.


• Use only banks or authorized exchange booths to change your money. These transactions require your original passport. 

• Use ATMs located in safe, well-lit places.


• 13% sales tax is always charged on the price of items you are buying. In restaurants and bars there is a 10% tip. An extra tip is optional but it is a frequent custom.

• Buy only from established suppliers (car rental companies, tour operators, etc.) They can provide you adequate security and support if needed. 

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Keep an eye from people offering services on the street. They can be scams or unsecured informal services.

• Always ask for a bill with the details of your purchase.


• Always ask for an explanation of the cancellation policies of the company before paying.

• Always ask local people about rip currents, waves, weather or dangerous animals on the beach you visit.


• Watch for sea or river conditions. Muddy water can mean dangerous currents or a head of water.

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Avoid swimming alone.

• Remember that some rivers and beaches are inhabited by crocodiles. Avoid swimming in estuaries or in rivers you don’t know.


• If you like water sports, practice them only with certified companies.

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Leave your values in the safe of the hotel (passport, airline tickets, reserve money and credit cards, etc.)


• Keep your wallet with you in a safe place out of sight.

• Be always alert and aware of what happens around you. We suggest not to use fine jewelry and not to carry large amounts of money with you.

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Leave your room key at the front desk when you leave.
 

• Never let a stranger get too close to you under no circumstances; it could be a robbery attempt.  

• If harassed by a hostile individual, do not resist and do what he asks. Your belongings are not worth your life.


• If your credit card gets lost or stolen, cancel it immediately.