Street Scams in Panama City, Panama
Pickpockets, distraction thieves, fake petitions, and street hustles in tourist areas. Below are the street scams scams reported in Panama City — how they work and how to avoid them.
For broader context, compare this scam type with nearby destinations like Willemstad, Havana, and Montego Bay.
Last updated: April 2, 2026
1
Street Scams Scams
10
Total in Panama City
How it works
At the souvenir concession area adjacent to the Miraflores Locks visitor centre, vendors sell mass-produced items labelled as handmade Emberá or Kuna indigenous crafts at prices that imply authenticity. The goods are factory imports from China or low-cost regional manufacturers with no connection to Panamanian indigenous communities. Tourists pay USD 30–80 for items worth a fraction of the price, believing they are supporting local artisans. The packaging and vendor patter specifically invoke indigenous culture to justify the premium.
See all scams in Panama City
10 total warnings across all categories