Question 1

What is the "Canal Tour Unofficial Ticket Sellers" scam in Panama City?

Accepted Answer

Touts near the Miraflores Locks visitor centre sell Canal admission tickets and tour packages at inflated prices, claiming official tickets are sold out or unavailable online. Buy Panama Canal visitor tickets directly at the official miraflores.com.pa website or at the on-site ticket desk.

Question 2

What is the "San Blas Islands Boat Tour Fraud" scam in Panama City?

Accepted Answer

Operators near the Casco Viejo advertise San Blas Island boat tours with "beach camping" and "pristine islands." Tourists arrive to find overcrowded boats, safety issues, and basic conditions far below what was advertised. Book San Blas tours through operators with extensive recent reviews on TripAdvisor or Lonely Planet. Ask specifically how many people are on the boat and see photos of the actual boat before paying. Request the license of the operation.

Question 3

What is the "Fake Jungle Tour Operator" scam in Panama City?

Accepted Answer

Individuals near major hotels sell day trips to the Darien jungle or San Blas islands, collecting full payment upfront and providing inferior or non-existent transport, meals, and activities vs what was described. Book adventure tours only through licensed, well-reviewed tour operators. Pay by credit card for charge-back protection.

Tour & Activity Scams in Panama City

Canal Tour Unofficial Ticket Sellers

San Blas Islands Boat Tour Fraud

Fake Jungle Tour Operator

Experienced a scam here?