Shopping in Panama

One of the most pleasant surprises for people moving to Panama is discovering how well-developed the retail landscape is — especially in Panama City, but increasingly across the country as well. Panama is a major international trade hub, and its shopping options reflect that. You will find everything from international luxury brands and US chain stores to membership warehouse clubs, large hardware and home stores, electronics retailers, furniture showrooms, and open-air artisan markets.

Panama City is undeniably the shopping capital of Central America and the Caribbean — home to more than a dozen major shopping malls, including Albrook Mall, the largest shopping mall in Latin America. Whether you are setting up a new home, outfitting a wardrobe, or simply looking for the same brand-name products you are used to, Panama City can accommodate almost everything. Outside the capital, David, Chitré, and Santiago have solid retail infrastructure that covers daily needs without requiring a trip to Panama City.

Panama City's Major Shopping Malls

Home to Central America's most impressive mall portfolio — with options for every budget and taste

Largest in Latin America

Albrook Mall

Panama City's crown jewel — the largest shopping mall in Latin America and ranked among the 25 largest malls in the entire world. Located next to the domestic airport and the Albrook Bus Terminal, it is a true all-day destination with over 700 stores, 3 food courts, a cinema, bowling alley, and entertainment areas.

700+ stores, restaurants, and kiosks
Fashion, electronics, home goods, sports
Multiple food courts + sit-down dining
Cinema & bowling alley
Budget-to-mid range price point

Multiplaza interior Panama City luxury brands

Luxury Destination

Multiplaza Pacific

Panama City's premier luxury shopping mall — the place to find Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Swatch, Lacoste, Kenneth Cole, Levi's, Adidas, and 500+ other high-end and international mid-range brands. Features the MacStore (Apple reseller), upscale restaurants, and a cineplex.

500+ stores including top luxury brands
Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Hugo Boss, more
MacStore (Apple reseller)
Upscale dining & cineplex
Mid-to-luxury price point

SOHO Mall — Calle 50

Panama City's newest and most exclusive luxury retail address on Calle 50. Features the world's most prestigious brands in a boutique, high-end atmosphere — fashion, watches, jewellery, and fine dining.

Ultra-luxury international brands
Boutique scale and premium experience
High-end restaurants and lounges
Located in the heart of the financial district

AltaPlaza Mall

A newer mall in the Via Dorado area featuring family-oriented fashion and retail, restaurants, entertainment, and the city's first 4D cinema. Popular with Panama City's residential northern neighborhoods.

Fashion for the whole family
4D cinema — first in Panama City
Good food court selection
Serves Via Dorado / northern area residents

El Dorado Mall

Panama's oldest continuously operating mall — an open-air-style complex popular with local residents and budget-conscious expats. Home to Saks (Panama's TJ Maxx-style store), Chinese electronics vendors, and a great food scene.

Saks discount department store (like TJ Maxx)
Budget-friendly clothing and shoes
Chinese-run electronics stores
Good local dining options

Los Pueblos Mall

Large, affordable shopping destination in the Las Mañanitas area with an emphasis on value — budget clothing, sports apparel, department stores, and everyday household items at local prices.

Budget fashion and sportswear
Department stores and discount shops
Popular with local Panamanian families
Lower price point than mall average

Costa del Este & Brisas

Shopping centers serving the Costa del Este expat and professional community east of the city — modern, well-curated, and walkable from Costa del Este's residential towers. Mix of international brands and local stores.

Accessible to Costa del Este residents
Mix of international and local brands
Supermarkets, restaurants, services
Convenient for east-side expats

Chiriquí Mall (David) + Regional Malls

Major malls exist outside Panama City too. David has the Chiriquí Mall with anchor stores, cinema, and fashion. Chitré and Santiago have comparable regional shopping centers — all with PriceSmart nearby.

David: Chiriquí Mall — full shopping center
Chitré: Los Portales and nearby retail
Santiago: Santiago Mall
All have supermarkets and national chains

Warehouse / Membership Shopping

PriceSmart — Panama's Costco

If you are familiar with Costco in the United States, PriceSmart will feel immediately comfortable — because PriceSmart literally was Costco in Latin America. When Costco decided to exit Central America, they sold their stores to PriceSmart, which retained the same warehouse club model, membership structure, and buying philosophy. PriceSmart is consistently one of the top shopping destinations for expats in Panama, particularly for stocking up on quality goods at bulk prices.

PriceSmart carries groceries, produce, meat and seafood, household goods, electronics, clothing, furniture, sporting goods, pharmacy items, and seasonal products — all in a large warehouse format at membership prices. The quality and brand selection are notably higher than typical Panamanian supermarkets, and you will find many US brands you recognize. The annual membership runs approximately $45–$55 per year.

7+Panama City locations

$45–55Annual membership

DavidLocation outside capital

CostcoOriginal parent company

PriceSmart locations in Panama City include Costa Verde, Via España, the Albrook area, Bethania, San Miguelito, Las Cumbres, and more. The David location serves the entire western province and Boquete community.

PriceSmart warehouse interior Panama produce section

PriceSmart warehouse shelving aisles interior

Supermarkets — Day-to-Day Grocery Shopping

Panama has a well-developed supermarket landscape with both local chains and internationally oriented stores. The major chains differ significantly in price and product selection — knowing which to use for which purpose is part of settling into Panamanian life.

Chain	Character / Level	Best For	Price Level
Riba Smith	Premium / expat-oriented	Imported goods, US brands, full deli & wine	$$$
El Rey	Mid-range, wide selection	Large stores, general everything, 24-hour locations	$$
Super 99	Local / budget-friendly	Everyday items, Panamanian brands, affordable staples	$
Felipe Motta	Wine & gourmet specialty	Excellent wine selection, international cheeses, deli	$$$
Romero	Budget / local chain	Interior towns — solid selection at local prices	$
Machetazo	Budget / general merchandise	Cheap clothing, household goods, bulk basics	$
PriceSmart	Warehouse club	Bulk purchasing, US brands, great value on quality	$$

Tech & Electronics

Electronics Stores

Panama is one of the best places in Latin America to buy electronics — with a combination of major national chains, US brands, and no shortage of competitive pricing. The Colón Free Trade Zone (the second largest free trade zone in the world) means that electronics often flow into Panama at lower import costs than neighboring countries.

Panafoto

Panama's largest and most well-known electronics chain — cameras, TVs, phones, computers, home theatre systems, and appliances. Multiple locations including a flagship on Calle 50 with a Bose showroom. One of the first stops for any major electronics purchase.

Audiofoto

Long-established electronics retailer with a broad selection of home electronics, audio equipment, phones, and tablets. Multiple branches throughout Panama City. Competitive pricing and regular promotional sales.

Multimax

Strong selection of flat-screen TVs (often at the lowest prices in Panama), gaming systems, and consumer electronics. The Via Brasil location is well-regarded for pricing. Popular with gamers and home theatre buyers.

MacStore (Multiplaza)

Panama's Apple reseller — MacBook, iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, and accessories. Located inside Multiplaza Mall. Prices are comparable to Apple retail in the US (no major duty premium on Apple products). Authorized service center on-site.

Rodelag

Home appliances specialist — refrigerators, washers, dryers, stoves, dishwashers, and large household appliances. Multiple locations including Via España and Avenida Balboa. Good prices on Whirlpool, Panasonic, and Frigidaire.

Farmacia Arrocha

Panama's leading pharmacy chain — but also carries an extensive selection of small appliances, kitchen gadgets, beauty tech, and home goods. Ubiquitous throughout Panama City and useful for quick purchases without a mall trip.

Home & Furniture

Furniture Stores & Home Goods

Whether you are furnishing a new condo in Panama City or setting up a home in Boquete, Panama has a solid selection of furniture retailers across every price range — from affordable local stores to imported European luxury showrooms. Most expats find they can source everything they need without shipping furniture from abroad.

Jamar

One of Panama's most popular mid-range furniture chains — sofas, dining sets, bedroom furniture, mattresses, and home décor. Good quality for the price. Best showrooms on Via España. Financing available. Comparable to Bob's Furniture or Ashley HomeStore.

Furniture City

Large selection, reliable quality, competitive pricing across all categories of home furniture. Multiple Panama City locations. Frequently cited by expats as a go-to for first-home furnishing. Good Via España showroom.

Casa Suarez

Furniture, home textiles, décor, and accessories at mid-range prices with a good style selection. Popular with Panama City residents for accessible home decorating without going full luxury-tier pricing.

Roche Bobois

The pinnacle of Panama's furniture market — French luxury brand with a Panama City showroom near Multiplaza. For those furnishing a high-end property who want European designer pieces without waiting for overseas shipping.

Novey

Panama's version of a hardware-home goods hybrid — similar to Ace Hardware but significantly larger. Tools, building materials, paint, plumbing, electrical, garden supplies, and a section of home appliances. Essential for home improvement projects.

Do It Center

Panama's closest equivalent to Home Depot — full hardware, building supplies, tools, garden center, and home improvement materials. Multiple locations throughout Panama City plus branches in Coronado and Penonomé, making it accessible for coastal and interior expats.

Fashion & Clothing

Panama's fashion retail spans the entire spectrum — from H&M, Zara, and Gap in the major malls, to US mid-range brands like Levi's, Adidas, Puma, and Kenneth Cole, to designer boutiques carrying Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Hugo Boss, and Armani. The Multiplaza / SOHO area is the luxury fashion destination; Albrook Mall is the best for affordable international and local fashion brands at accessible prices.

Brand Category	Where to Find	Price Range
Luxury — LV, Gucci, Hermès, Hugo Boss	Multiplaza, SOHO Mall	$$$$$
Premium — Lacoste, Tommy, Polo, Calvin Klein	Multiplaza, AltaPlaza	$$$$
International mid — Zara, H&M, Gap, Levi's	Most major malls	$$$
Sports — Nike, Adidas, Puma, Under Armour	Albrook Mall, Los Pueblos, most malls	$$–$$$
Budget / discount — Saks Panama, local	El Dorado Mall, Los Pueblos	$–$$
Children's brands — Zara Kids, Carter's, H&M	Most major malls	$$–$$$

🚢 Colón Free Trade Zone

The Colón Free Trade Zone — opened in 1948 — is the second largest free trade zone in the world, after Hong Kong. Located at the Caribbean entrance to the Panama Canal, it hosts over 2,500 companies and does billions of dollars in trade annually. The Zone primarily serves wholesale buyers, not individual consumers — but for adventurous shoppers, it is possible to visit and purchase directly after presenting documentation and receiving permission at the main office.

Products available include perfume, watches, jewelry, high-end clothing, handbags, electronics, cosmetics, liquor, and cigarettes — often at significantly lower prices than in retail stores. The Zone is an experience unto itself — a massive trading city within a city, bustling with international commerce. It is not a typical shopping trip; come prepared with your passport, patience, and a specific shopping list. Many expats make an annual trip to stock up on items where the Zone's pricing makes a meaningful difference.

⚠️ Important Note on Colón

Colón city itself has high crime rates and requires care when visiting. Go directly to and from the Free Trade Zone, preferably in a group or with an organized tour. The Zone itself is secure and professionally managed. Take the Canal Railway or hire a private car rather than relying on street taxis in the city.

Local Markets, Artisan Shopping & Beyond

Beyond the malls and big-box stores, Panama has a rich local shopping culture worth exploring — both for the experience and for finding things you simply will not find in a mall.

🧺

Mercado Nacional de Artesanías

Panama City's main artisan market near the Miraflores Locks — molas (Guna textile art), tagua carvings, pollera dresses, woven baskets, ceramics, and authentic Panamanian crafts. One of the best places to find quality artisan goods at fair prices.

🏛️

Casco Viejo Boutiques

Panama City's historic district has become a hub for independent boutiques, gallery shops, artisan jewelry, designer homeware, and one-of-a-kind pieces. A very different shopping experience from the malls — intimate, creative, and international in character.

🌽

Mercado de Abastos

Panama City's main wholesale produce market — the freshest fruits, vegetables, meats, and seafood at the lowest possible prices. An early-morning visit is an experience in Panamanian food culture. This is where restaurants and serious home cooks shop.

☕

Boquete Coffee & Artisan Markets

Boquete is Panama's coffee country — and the source of Geisha, one of the world's most expensive and coveted coffees. Local markets and farm stores offer single-origin coffee, fresh produce, handmade preserves, and highland crafts. The Tuesday Boquete market is a weekly highlight for residents.

🎨

Penonome & Azuero Crafts

The Azuero Peninsula is Panama's cultural heartland — home of the pollera (Panama's national dress), intricate woven sombreros pintados, and hand-painted ceramics. The towns of La Arena (near Chitré) and Penonome are renowned craft shopping destinations.

🖥️

Online Shopping in Panama

E-commerce is booming. DoItCenter.com, Titan, and Novey.com offer online ordering with delivery. Many expats also use US-based freight forwarding services (like MBE Panama or Cargo Service) to have Amazon and US retailers ship to a Miami address and forward to Panama — adding modest freight costs but opening the full US online retail market.

Shopping Outside Panama City

What to expect in Panama's major expat and regional towns

Area	Shopping Available	Gaps / What Requires Panama City
David	Chiriquí Mall, PriceSmart, Do It Center, Romero, Multi-Supermercado, national chains	Luxury brands, specialty electronics, high-end furniture
Boquete	Local supermarkets, artisan/coffee shops, small hardware, PriceSmart David (45 min)	Most major retail requires a trip to David or Panama City
Coronado	Rey Supermarket, Do It Center, PriceSmart Costa Verde (30 min), Coronado shopping center	Specialty stores, luxury, most electronics — Panama City
Chitré	Los Portales mall, Romero, local markets, craft stores, pharmacy chains	Major electronics, furniture, luxury brands
Santiago	Santiago Mall, PriceSmart, Do It Center, national supermarket chains	Similar to Chitré — routine needs covered locally
Bocas del Toro	Small local grocery stores, artisan shops, basic provisions	Most significant shopping requires travel to David or Panama City

Shopping Tips for Expats

Get the PriceSmart membership first

One of the first things most expats do. It pays for itself quickly on quality US-brand groceries, household goods, and bulk basics. Annual fee: ~$45–$55.

Malls open daily including Sundays

Most Panama City malls are open 7 days a week, typically 10 a.m. to 8–9 p.m. Sunday hours are often slightly shorter. This is very convenient compared to countries with restrictive retail hours.

Freight forwarding for Amazon

Set up an account with a US address freight forwarder (MBE Panama, Cargo Service, AeroPost). Order from Amazon or US retailers to your Miami address, then forward to Panama. Adds $5–$25 per package but opens up virtually unlimited product access.

Suitcase runs pay off

Many expats pack extra suitcase space on US trips to bring back specialty items — niche kitchen gadgets, specialty medications, specific clothing brands not available in Panama. Customs allows reasonable personal use amounts duty-free.

Albrook requires a day — or two

With 700+ stores, Albrook Mall is genuinely enormous. First-time visitors often underestimate the scale. Plan enough time, wear comfortable shoes, and enjoy the food courts when you need a break.

ITBMS — Panama's sales tax

Panama's VAT (ITBMS) is 7% on most goods and services — significantly lower than US state sales taxes in most states and far below EU VAT rates. Displayed prices may not include tax, so expect a 7% addition at checkout.