Shopping in Panama is an experience, all by itself. It is a duty free paradise for shoppers. Every brand of luxury goods is available here. Brands from all over the world find their way into the markets of Panama, and while you are shopping in Panama, you can save at least one-third the cost. Much coveted items are leather ware, patent or otherwise, necklaces made of beads by the Guaymí Indians, colorful and authentic native costumes, jewels made of precious and semi precious stones etc. other things which you can find in the local markets of Panama are handicrafts made out of straw, carvings of wood, ceramics, papier mâché, and handicrafts made from mahogany. Panama still has a very rich tribal culture, and primitive handicrafts made by the tribes of Kuna, are very beautiful. Via España and Central Avenue, are the longest shopping streets in the world. There is no dearth of options here, with shops offering the latest fashions, to ones selling daily necessities.
Shopping Centers of Panama City
Some of the places where you can go shopping in Panama are Plaza Paitilla, Obarrio Galleries, El Dorado Mail, La Alambra Plaza California, Panama Hotel's Gardens, New York Plaza, La Florida Plaza, Regency Plaza, Bal Harbor, and Tocumen Plaza. The Colon Free Zone is a place for wholesale distribution, where you can find goods of all kinds. It is the best place to go if you are looking to buy raw material for your retailing or manufacturing needs.
Things to know about Shopping in Panama
The Shopping hours in Panama are from Monday to Saturday, extending from 0900 hours to 2000 hours. Some of the larger supermarkets are open all day and night. US currency is accepted here. If you are coming from anywhere else other than the United States, then you can get your money exchanged in the banks and cambios. When it comes to credit cards MasterCard, Visa, American Express and Diners Club are also accepted. If you are planning to carry traveler’s cheques then it is better to do so in US Dollars. Banking hours are Monday to Friday, extending from 0800 hours to 1500 hours. On Saturdays working hours are from 0830 to 1200.