Shopping in Panama offers everything from large modern malls and international retailers to supermarkets, neighborhood stores, specialty shops, and traditional markets. Whether you are visiting the country or preparing to relocate, knowing where to shop can make it easier to compare prices, find familiar products, and discover Panamanian goods.
This 2026 guide explains the main options for shopping in Panama, including popular malls, grocery stores, clothing and electronics retailers, local markets, payment methods, taxes, warranties, and practical buying tips. Store directories, operating hours, prices, and available brands may change, so shoppers should confirm current information directly with each business before visiting.
What Is Shopping in Panama Like?
Panama has a diverse retail market. Panama City contains the country’s largest concentration of malls, supermarkets, department stores, specialty retailers, and international brands. Smaller cities and communities generally have supermarkets, pharmacies, hardware stores, local retailers, and open-air markets, although the selection varies by location.
Prices are not universally lower than in the United States, Canada, or Europe. Locally produced food and household goods may be competitively priced, while imported products, electronics, vehicles, and specialty items can cost more because of transportation, distribution, warranty, and import expenses. Comparing several stores is usually more reliable than assuming that a particular mall, supermarket, or retailer will always be cheaper.
Families planning a move should consider access to supermarkets and shopping areas when selecting a neighborhood. Our guides to the cost of living in Panama and Panama City neighborhoods provide additional relocation context.
Best Places to Shop in Panama City
There is no single best shopping center for every shopper. The right choice depends on location, budget, transportation, preferred brands, and whether the visit is for clothing, groceries, electronics, home products, entertainment, or dining.
Albrook Mall
Albrook Mall is one of Panama City’s largest shopping destinations. It contains a broad selection of department stores, clothing retailers, footwear stores, electronics shops, restaurants, services, and entertainment options. Its location beside the Gran Terminal Nacional de Transporte and near the Albrook Metro station makes it accessible from many parts of the city.
Because the mall is extensive, visitors may want to review the official Albrook Mall store directory before arriving. Store availability and operating hours should be confirmed directly with the mall or retailer.
Multiplaza Panamá
Multiplaza is located in the Punta Pacífica area of Panama City. It offers international and regional fashion brands, restaurants, beauty and health retailers, home products, electronics, jewelry, banking services, and a dedicated luxury-shopping area.
Multiplaza may be convenient for residents of Punta Pacífica, San Francisco, Marbella, Obarrio, and nearby neighborhoods. Shoppers can consult the official Multiplaza Panamá directory for its current selection of stores and restaurants.
Metromall
Metromall is situated on Avenida Domingo Díaz near the Cerro Viento Metro station and the Los Pueblos commercial area. It provides clothing, footwear, electronics, restaurants, services, entertainment, and other retail categories.
Its location can be practical for residents of eastern Panama City and people traveling through the Tocumen corridor. Current stores and services are listed in the Metromall directory.
AltaPlaza Mall
AltaPlaza is located along Vía Centenario and serves communities in northern and western sectors of Panama City. Its retailers cover fashion, restaurants, electronics, home products, beauty, entertainment, and services.
Residents of areas such as Condado del Rey, Clayton, Panama Pacífico, and nearby communities may find its location convenient depending on traffic and their point of departure. The mall maintains an online store directory.
Town Center Costa del Este
Town Center is a commercial and social center in Costa del Este. It combines shops, restaurants, services, entertainment, health-related businesses, and spaces used by residents of the surrounding community.
It can be particularly convenient for people living or working in Costa del Este. Visitors should check the Town Center store directory for current businesses and operating information.
Where to Buy Groceries in Panama
Grocery shopping in Panama ranges from large supermarket chains and membership warehouses to neighborhood stores, specialty food shops, municipal markets, and roadside produce stands.
Common supermarket options include:
- Riba Smith: A supermarket chain known for local and imported groceries, prepared foods, household items, and specialty products.
- Rey: A widely recognized supermarket format operated by Grupo Rey, with locations in Panama City and other parts of the country.
- Super 99: A supermarket chain with numerous branches and a broad selection of groceries and household products.
- El Machetazo: A retailer offering groceries, clothing, household goods, and other general merchandise at selected locations.
- Xtra: A supermarket chain that serves customers seeking groceries and everyday household products.
- PriceSmart: A membership warehouse offering groceries, household products, appliances, and other goods, often in larger packages or quantities.
No supermarket is consistently the least expensive for every product. Promotions, package sizes, loyalty programs, imported-product availability, and store location can produce substantial differences. Residents often compare several stores or use different retailers for produce, imported products, bulk purchases, and household necessities.
Local markets may offer fruit, vegetables, meat, seafood, crafts, and other goods. Product selection, payment methods, sanitation conditions, and schedules vary, so shoppers should evaluate each market individually.
What Should You Buy in Panama?
What is worth buying depends on the shopper’s needs and whether the purchase is for everyday use, travel, relocation, or a gift. Popular categories include:
- Panamanian coffee from recognized growing regions.
- Locally produced chocolate, sauces, snacks, and food products.
- Handmade crafts and artwork purchased from reputable vendors.
- Traditional clothing and accessories.
- Local rum and other Panamanian products, subject to applicable age and travel restrictions.
- Clothing, footwear, home goods, and international brands available through malls and retailers.
Travelers purchasing traditional or Indigenous crafts should ask about the product’s origin and maker. A “Panama hat” is commonly associated with Ecuadorian production despite its name, while Panama has its own distinctive crafts and textile traditions.
Are Clothes and Electronics Cheaper in Panama?
Some shoppers find competitive prices on clothing, shoes, accessories, and seasonal promotions. However, Panama should not be described as universally cheaper. The final price depends on the retailer, brand, exchange rate relevant to the visitor, model, warranty, promotion, and whether the product was imported.
Electronics require particular care. Before buying, compare:
- The exact model and technical specifications.
- Whether the price includes ITBMS.
- The manufacturer’s regional warranty.
- The store’s return and exchange policy.
- Availability of authorized repairs in the buyer’s country of residence.
- Electrical voltage, plug type, mobile-network compatibility, and software region.
A product that appears less expensive may not provide the same warranty or service coverage available in another country. Request a written invoice and retain all warranty documents.
Sales Tax and Displayed Prices
Panama’s general Transfer Tax on Movable Personal Property and Services, known as ITBMS, is normally 7%. Different rates or exemptions can apply to specific products and services. A displayed price may or may not already include the applicable tax, so shoppers should review the invoice or ask the retailer before completing a purchase.
Some foods, medicines, health-related items, and other categories may receive different tax treatment. The rules depend on the specific product or service. The Dirección General de Ingresos provides official information about ITBMS.
Cash, Credit Cards and Digital Payments
Panama uses the balboa and the United States dollar at equal value. U.S. dollar banknotes circulate throughout the country, while Panamanian coins circulate alongside U.S. coins.
Major malls, supermarkets, hotels, restaurants, and established retailers commonly accept credit or debit cards. Smaller shops, markets, taxis, street vendors, and businesses outside major urban areas may prefer cash or have limited payment options. Carrying a reasonable amount of small-denomination cash can therefore be useful.
Before using a foreign card, check whether the card issuer charges international transaction or currency-conversion fees. Shoppers should also verify the amount shown on the payment terminal before authorizing a transaction and retain the receipt.
Returns, Exchanges and Warranties
Return and exchange policies vary by retailer and product. Do not assume that a store will accept a change-of-mind return simply because another retailer or another country normally does so.
Before purchasing clothing, electronics, appliances, furniture, or another high-value item:
- Ask for the return and exchange policy in writing.
- Confirm the number of days allowed.
- Determine whether the package must remain unopened.
- Check whether refunds, store credit, repairs, or replacements are available.
- Request a fiscal invoice or valid proof of purchase.
- Keep the packaging, serial number, warranty certificate, and payment record.
International manufacturer warranties may be limited by country or region. Confirm where repairs must be performed and who is responsible for transportation or shipping costs.
Online Shopping and Delivery in Panama
Many supermarkets, department stores, pharmacies, restaurants, and specialty retailers provide online ordering or delivery in selected areas. Coverage, delivery charges, minimum purchases, payment methods, and delivery times differ by business and location.
When buying online, use the retailer’s official website or verified application. Confirm the final price, delivery address, cancellation terms, and return procedure before paying. Availability shown online can change, particularly for imported products.
Practical Tips for Shopping in Panama
- Compare identical products. Check model numbers, package sizes, warranty coverage, and whether tax is included.
- Avoid relying on old store lists. Retailers and operating hours can change. Review the mall or store’s official directory before traveling.
- Plan around traffic. A mall that appears close on a map may require a lengthy trip during peak traffic.
- Keep receipts. They may be required for exchanges, warranty claims, or expense records.
- Ask about delivery. For furniture, appliances, and large purchases, confirm the delivery area, fee, installation, and building-access requirements.
- Inspect expensive items. Confirm the condition, included accessories, serial number, and warranty before leaving the store.
- Check customs rules before traveling. Visitors taking purchases abroad should confirm the allowances and restrictions imposed by their destination country.
- Protect your payment information. Review card terminals, transaction amounts, and account alerts, particularly when using a foreign card.
Frequently Asked Questions About Shopping in Panama
What are the best malls in Panama City?
Popular options include Albrook Mall, Multiplaza Panamá, Metromall, AltaPlaza, and Town Center Costa del Este. The best choice depends on the shopper’s location, budget, preferred stores, transportation, and reason for visiting.
Is shopping in Panama cheap?
Some local goods, promotions, clothing, and bulk products may be competitively priced, but Panama is not universally cheaper than other countries. Imported food, electronics, vehicles, and specialty products can cost more. Compare the same product at several retailers before purchasing.
What are good things to buy in Panama?
Travelers often consider Panamanian coffee, chocolate, local food products, crafts, artwork, rum, clothing, and gifts. The best purchase depends on authenticity, quality, price, transportation restrictions, and the recipient’s preferences.
Can I use U.S. dollars when shopping in Panama?
Yes. U.S. dollar banknotes circulate throughout Panama. The Panamanian balboa has equal value to the U.S. dollar, and Panamanian coins circulate alongside U.S. coins.
Do stores in Panama accept credit cards?
Many established retailers, malls, supermarkets, restaurants, and hotels accept major credit and debit cards. Smaller businesses and markets may prefer cash. Acceptance depends on the individual merchant and its payment system.
How much sales tax is charged in Panama?
The general ITBMS rate is 7%, although different rates and exemptions apply to certain products and services. Check the invoice and confirm whether the displayed price includes the applicable tax.
Can tourists receive an ITBMS refund?
Visitors should not assume that Panama operates a general tourist refund system comparable to the VAT-refund programs available in some other countries. Confirm any applicable rule directly with Panama’s tax or customs authorities before relying on a refund.
Planning Your Move to Panama
Shopping options are only one factor to consider when choosing where to live. Proximity to supermarkets, schools, healthcare, transportation, and essential services can significantly affect daily life, especially in areas with heavy traffic.
International Relocation Firm assists clients with relocation, immigration, real estate, corporate, and related legal matters in Panama. Review our Panama relocation guide or contact our team to discuss your plans.
