Albrook Bus Terminal: "Pickpocketing"

i was just in a restaraunt last night here in panama and saw a gringo paying for his dinner with his wallet out. his visa card in plain sight, he then put his wallet back into pants without even bother to button the flap. people are so naive at times.

Scoot is known for such antics, but he means well, just a tad jumpy at times...

I don't think that paying for your dinner with your wallet out and then putting it in your back pocket is a sign of being naive. I do it all the time!! More like being a bit stupid...... But it all depends on how you feel and where you are. Panama is not such a dangerous country that you have to fear getting robbed just cause you had your wallet out. Maybe it will happen, but there is no more risk here than in most countries, and probably less than in Costa Rica.

You should be sensible and take care with your safety but you can't spend all your time worrying that someone is going to rob you, how can you enjoy your trip? I'd take more care about not wondering into areas that you shouldn't go, rather than thinking that someone is going to follow you from a restaurant and rob you.

I agree with Stu. It's one thing to be less careful and rather confident of your surroundings. It's another to be naive. I find myself a bit less concerned with "personal security" in places like Panama City or even Cartagena for that matter, because I know that both of those places are relatively low-risk, provided you're not in the wrong part of town. San Jose? Guatemala City? Managua? Different stories entirely. Bus stations, train stations and airports ANYWHERE are high-risk. Pretty much every robbery attempt I've had happen to me while traveling anywhere in the world have been in one of those places. You just gotta be smart and aware of the risks, and behave accordingly.

Ah yes, reminds me of the last time... I was in Rome's central rail station, fall 2006, I was boarding a train for Fiumicino when some foul-smelling gypsy lady tried to pick my pocket while I was putting my rolling backpack up on the rack. I grabbed her and punched her in the face three times, and threw her off the train. She landed on the platform practically on her face, staggered up and hobbled away. First and probably only time I'll ever hit a woman, yes, but man, it was sweet. ;)

Hi, I'm God. Long ago, I issued a decree forbidding stealing in a communication with a dude called Moses. A halo to you, Tony! Be assured that what you did was nothing compared with what she, and the wicked Scoot, will suffer by the hand of El Diablo in the afterlife. Amen.

ps: I have lifted the restrictions on adultery and lusting after others' chicks

Edited by: scoot

Thanks for the kudos, God. And cool! Lusting is back on the A-list again! :)