Panama

Greet people with a polite 'buenos dias' or 'buenas tardes' when entering shops or interacting with locals.

Dress modestly when visiting churches or rural communities to show respect for local traditions.

Punctuality is often flexible in social situations, so do not be surprised if events start a bit later than scheduled.

Avoid discussing sensitive political topics, especially regarding the history of the Canal or U.S. relations.

Always ask for permission before taking photographs of indigenous people or their traditional crafts.

Tipping is appreciated in restaurants, usually around 10 percent if a service charge is not already included.

Avoid carrying large amounts of cash and keep your valuables in a secure money belt while exploring crowded areas.

Only use official, marked radio taxis or ride-sharing apps like Uber to ensure your transportation is tracked and safe.

Stay within well-lit, populated tourist areas at night, particularly in Panama City, and avoid wandering into unknown neighborhoods.

Drink only bottled or filtered water, as tap water quality can vary significantly outside of the major urban centers.

Use insect repellent consistently to prevent mosquito-borne illnesses like Dengue or Zika when traveling in tropical or forested areas.

Keep digital and physical copies of your passport and travel insurance documents in a separate, secure location.