Panama City

[Meat Loaf]

Would you say the same about Caracas?

Many on this board say its dangerous, are they exaggerating?

I'm not one to tow the U.S. Department of State advisory too closely, but they say...

"SAFETY AND SECURITY: Violent crime in Venezuela is pervasive, both in the capital, Caracas, and in the interior. The country has one of the highest per-capita murder rates in the world. Armed robberies take place in broad daylight throughout the city, including areas generally presumed safe and frequented by tourists. A common technique is to choke the victim into unconsciousness and then rob them of all they are carrying. Well-armed criminal gangs operate with impunity, often setting up fake police checkpoints. Kidnapping is a particularly serious problem, with more than 1, 000 reported during the past year alone. According to press reports at least 45 foreigners have been kidnapped in the first eight months of 2007. Investigation of all crime is haphazard and ineffective. In the case of high-profile killings, the authorities quickly round up suspects, but rarely produce evidence linking these individuals to the crime. Only a very small percentage of criminals are tried and convicted.

Maiquetía Airport, the international airport serving Caracas, is dangerous and corruption is rampant. Concerns include personal property theft, mugging, and "express kidnapping" in which individuals are taken to make purchases or to withdraw as much money as possible from ATMs, often at gunpoint. The Embassy has received multiple, credible reports that individuals with what appear to be official uniforms or other credentials are involved in facilitating or perpetrating these crimes. For this reason, American citizen travelers should be wary of all strangers, even those in official uniform or carrying official identification. There are also known drug trafficking groups working from the airport.

Because of the frequency of robberies at gunpoint, travelers are encouraged to arrive during daylight hours if at all possible. If not, travelers should use extra care both within and outside of the airport. The Embassy strongly advises that all arriving passengers make advance plans for transportation from the airport to their place of lodging. If possible, travelers should arrange to be picked up at the airport by someone who is known to them. The Embassy has received frequent reports recently of armed robberies in taxicabs going to and from the airport at Maiquetía. There is no foolproof method of knowing whether a taxi driver at the airport is reliable. The fact that a taxi driver presents a credential or drives an automobile with official taxi license plates marked "libre" is no longer an indication of reliability. Incidents of taxi drivers in Caracas overcharging, robbing, and injuring passengers are common. Travelers should take care to use radio-dispatched taxis or those from reputable hotels. Travelers should call a 24-hour radio-dispatched taxi service from a public phone lobby or ask hotel, restaurant, or airline representatives to contact a licensed cab company for them.

While visiting Venezuela, Americans are encouraged to carry as little U. S. Currency on them as possible and to avoid wearing expensive or flashy watches and jewelry. Due to the poor security situation, the Embassy does not recommend changing money at the international airport. Visitors should bring a major credit card, but should be aware of widespread pilfering of credit card data to make unauthorized transactions. Travelers’ checks are not recommended as they are honored in only a few locations. It is possible to exchange U. S. Currency at approved exchange offices near major hotel chains in Caracas (personal checks are not accepted) and at commercial banks with some restrictions. Due to currency regulations, hotels cannot provide accommodation exchange. There are ATM machines throughout Venezuela. Malfunctions are common, however, and travelers should be careful to use those only in well-lit public places. ATM data has also been hacked and used to make unauthorized withdrawals from user’s accounts.

Popular tourist attractions, such as the Avila National Park, are increasingly associated with violent crime. Americans planning to participate in outdoor activities in potentially isolated areas are strongly urged to travel in groups of five or more and to provide family or friends with their itineraries prior to departure.

Cross-border violence, kidnapping, drug trafficking, smuggling, and cattle-rustling occur frequently in areas along the 1, 000-mile long border between Venezuela and Colombia. Some kidnap victims have been released after ransom payments, while others have been murdered. In many cases, Colombian terrorists are suspected. Colombia's National Liberation Army (ELN) has had a long history of kidnapping for ransom, and the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) are active in the kidnapping trade.common criminals are also increasingly involved in kidnappings, either dealing with victim's families directly or selling the victim to terrorist groups. In-country travel by U. S. Embassy employees, both official and private, within a 50-mile area along the entire Venezuela/Colombia border, is prohibited. The State Department warns American citizens not to travel within a 50-mile area along the entire Venezuela/Colombia border. U. S. Citizens who elect to visit areas along the border region with Colombia against this warning, apart from the Colombian terrorist threat, could encounter Venezuelan military-controlled areas and may be subject to search and arrest.

Political marches and demonstrations are frequent in Caracas and often pass without incident. Nevertheless, travelers should be aware that violence, including exchanges of gunfire, has occurred at political demonstrations in the past. Demonstrations tend to occur at or near university campuses, business centers, and gathering places such as public squares and plazas. Marches generally occur on busy thoroughfares, significantly impacting traffic. Most major tourist destinations, including coastal beach resorts and Margarita Island, have not in the past been generally affected by protest actions. However, the city of Merida, a major tourist destination in the Andes, has been the scene of frequent student demonstrations, some of them violent, including the use of firearms.

Harassment of U. S. Citizens by pro-government groups, Venezuelan airport authorities, and some segments of the police occurs but is quite limited. Venezuela’s most senior leaders, including President Chavez, regularly express anti-American sentiment. The Venezuelan government’s rhetoric against the U. S. Government, as well as American culture and institutions, is slowly affecting attitudes in what used to be one of the most pro-American countries in the hemisphere.

*** Now, I don't know if this is "rhetoric" to keep our US dollars away from Chavez in an attempt to break him as we did Cuba or if it's true, but Iraq sounds more inviting! By the way, Caracas is full of metro-sexuals (fresas,) so if you're not a phony how much fun would it be? ***

[JohnnyDh]

Yep!

I am just back from USA. Believe me: many big US cities are way more dangerous than most places in Central/South America (and Panama is overall safer than most other Latin America capitals). Who would walk alone in bad areas of Washington, East St. Louis, etc?

Would you say the same about Caracas?

Many on this board say its dangerous, are they exaggerating?

[Meat Loaf]

Hi,

Sorry for additional posting - but does anyone have the address of Golden Times? Do you know what the cross streets are? What neighborhood of Panama City?

Thanks in advance!

Perform a "google" search for the the above MP and you'll receive lots of ISG hits.

Address: (Plaza Mirage,Tumba Muerto, Local a-7 Tel 260-0329).

A little homework goes a long way.

[Black Page]

I've never heard of anyone being paranoid about Panama, especially since we owned the country via the canal for 100 years with an army here. But I do understand your point. I'm American for over 300 years and we're actually stupid-ass people when it comes to traveling beyond our borders. Even worse when it involves Latin America. You might not look weird if you visit Europe, but Latin America: What's your problem? Are you a Narco is the common question.
¡Qué tonto! (How stupid.)

Yep!
I am just back from USA. Believe me: many big US cities are way more dangerous than most places in Central/South America (and Panama is overall safer than most other Latin America capitals). Who would walk alone in bad areas of Washington, East St. Louis, etc?

[Black Page]

I still agree with "Black Page" earlier comments (posts) about hotels and "Los Arcos."

It's been a while I've been not reading posts here. I liked so much to see this acknowledgment by my favorite poster in this forum!
Have fun, all, you lucky guys that can hang around this area of the world. I am sincerely envious.... I am too far from there. Wish I could be back there once a month :-)

[United1]

Hi,

Sorry for additional posting - but does anyone have the address of Golden Times? Do you know what the cross streets are? What neighborhood of Panama City?

Thanks in advance!

[Johan007]

No, I have NEVER given a tip. I mean, you are paying top dollars for a service! Girls sometimes demand a tip, to me that's a red flag.

Girls asking for a tip? Oh man. That sucks. 94 bucks allready aint cheap! No tip here.

Johan

[Pty Seminole]

No, I have NEVER given a tip. I mean, you are paying top dollars for a service! Girls sometimes demand a tip, to me that's a red flag.

[United1]

Sorry, this is probably a dumb question, but do you need to tip these ladies? Or is $94 the only amount you pay?

Thanks all for your help! Can't wait to sample goods!

[Tbuss]

There is no tourist tax, the $10 is like you said a commission to the cab driver. If you're going to Miami tell the taxi guy Nkos in El Dorado, for Golden Times tell them Novey in El Dorado. That will put you pretty much next door to these places and you'll avoid the extra $10 charge.

[JohnnyDh]

If you're like me and money isnt an issue I highly recommend Le Palace.

Its simply the best strip club in PC

Its not cheap but the women are first class

[Pty Seminole]

The price in both places is $80 + taxes = $84 for 1 hour. I have heard that the charge a $10 "tourist" tax, meaning that if you don't look Panamenian you will get bitten with this tax. I think they use that money to pay the commission of the taxi driver that takes you there, it's a good bussiness model!

Both places are located in a nice and safe area of the city. Has reported, both places are also very clean and the girls (99% colombian) are very hot.

If you go to Club Miami, I recommend that you limit the amount of drinks you buy for the girls to a bare minimum, that way you will not get a nasty surprise when they bring you the bill.

[Regulr Travlr]

Hey P.S.

Great report on the massage places in Panama City. I am heading over there in 2 weeks and wanted to know what the prices are like. Door fee? 'Service' fee?
What services do they offer?

Also, I am a bit nervous of safety at these places - do these places feel safe? are they in safe neighborhoods? how is the cleanliness?

Any help would be greatly appreciated! thanks!

Both places are in El Dorado and you can safely walk between them. The area itself is safe, but you will need to taxi there from most hotlels Lots of discussion here on how to deal with the taxi fee. The places are safe and clean inside, I have never encountered any issues. Just watch the volume of girls drinks on your bill at Miami.

Read some of Rodeos reports for detailed operations. GT is basically a massage parlor with full service in the rooms. Take out is available but very pricer. Top notch talent. Miami is a strip club with on-site full service and take out on the menu. Someone else can tell you the current pricing more accurately than I.

[United1]

Hey P.S.

Great report on the massage places in Panama City. I am heading over there in 2 weeks and wanted to know what the prices are like. Door fee? 'Service' fee?
What services do they offer?

Also, I am a bit nervous of safety at these places - do these places feel safe? are they in safe neighborhoods? how is the cleanliness?

Any help would be greatly appreciated! thanks!

[Pom001]

Johnny: Las Vegas gave me absolutely no troubles, no charges not even an evil eye (maybe in my back, I wouldn't know). Late at night it was a guy and he didn't seem to care.

One warning though, when I was checking in, the police was there and it seems like some guy got his passport and some money stolen from his room. I assume that it was from a girl. There is a small safe but you have to bring your own lock . Its basically a small metal box at the bottom of the closet. It wasn't big enough for my laptop which is the only valuable thing that I travel with. You can put your passport in there if you want.

Meat Loaf: could be post baby fat but the girls seemed young so it may just be regular fat. Anyway I am pretty anal about fat, its just something that I do not like on my women. I was thin as a rake until my early 20s which may explain it. It would suck if everyone liked the same type of women.

Next stop: probably Morocco. Lets see if I get out of the country with my dick still attached!