SHOPPING TIPS FOR PANAMA

Shopping in Panama

Due to Panama´s strategic position between North and South America and its central role as an international trade transit, you can find almost all of the best products from all corners of the world. Panama City has American-style large shopping malls and department stores as well as local boutiques and markets where you sure to find something you would like. Many tourists go to Panama for shopping.

Cash

It is important to have cash when shopping in Panama especially if you plan to go to local markets and boutiques which may not have facilities for accepting credit cards. Cash is also needed especially when spending money in small towns and remote areas in Panama such as the San Blas Islands, paying for taxi/ bus fares, tipping and others. The US dollar is the official currency and smaller denominations are better, when buying in smaller towns and handicraft centers.

Best Buys

Panama is a place where you can buy practically everything. However, when visiting Panama, there are certain items that you should include as part of the must-buy list. You can opt to buy locally-branded shoes and shirts from Panama, here are items that you should buy that are truly Panamanian.

Panama Hats

Although Panama hats are originally from Ecuador, these items have become a cultural identity of Panama across the world. These hats popularly worn by aristocrats in Panama became popular during the construction of the Panama Canal. Although you buy Panama hats in practically every popular shopping center in Panama, Victor’s Panama Hats in Casco Viejo has become a popular place to buy this world-famous hat.

Molas

These gorgeous and exquisite textiles from the Kuna people from the San Blas Islands of Panama come in a variety of items. It features in intricately woven clothes that make multi-colored and vivid images using different designs like animals, butterflies, and birds.

Seco

Dubbed as the national drink of Panama, this liquor made from sugarcane extract and is mixed with milk and fruits to make different types of cold cocktails.

Diabolico Mask

These masks which are used as wall decors are usually used in the celebration of the Corpus Christi Festival.

Embera Bowls

These handmade bowls by Embera Indians are made of natural fibers and dyes and can be used as containers and decorations to brighten up your lounge back home.

Gourmet Coffee

Panama Coffee is known to be among the best in the world. Buying a Panama coffee is one of the best souvenirs you can bring for your friends and relatives back home to literally get a taste of Panama.

South America Items

Serving as the doorway to South America, you can buy the best products from South America in Panama. This includes authentic leather bags, shoes, and belts from Colombia and Argentina, genuine cigars from Cuba and other popular products from the Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico or Jamaica without visiting these countries.

Best Markets

Mercado Artesano Cinco de Mayo

The Artisan Market is the best place to buy souvenirs and other traditional items from Panama. What makes this place great is that artisans and vendors from across the country, come here to sell their products. In this way, you can buy various items that represent the diverse ethnicity, culture, and regions of Panama in a single location. When shopping here, you should go inside the market to get the best deals instead of the exterior shops or its crowded entrance.

Mercado Artesano El Valle de Anton

If you plan to buy Panamanian handicrafts, El Valle is the place to go. This market offers the largest collection of handicrafts, clothing, figurines and other artworks from different indigenous tribes in Panama. One popular handicraft that is bought by tourists is the batea, a carved tray from the Ngöbe-Buglé tribes, traditionally used for tossing rice. This market is also a great place to buy fresh produce.

Mercado de Artesanías de Balboa

Founded in 1998 near the Panama Canal, this market offers artisan crafts that exemplify the different culture and indigenous tribes in Panama such as paper masks, handmade figurines and bags, Guana molas, and accessories.

Mercado de Artesania Panama Vieja

The National Handicraft Market in Panama Vieja is another great place to shop for Panamanian souvenirs including items from the indigenous people in Panama like Embera bowls, masks and molas.

Amador Causeway

This beautiful stretch of the boardwalk which is home to some of Panama’s top activities and attractions is also home to a flea market that sells artisan handicrafts. Most of the crafts sold and made by the vendors themselves so you can bargain to get the best deal.

Reprosa

With a mission to preserve and promote Panama’s history, cultural traditions, ecological beauty, and ethnic diversity, Reprosa is the most popular handicraft store in the country which has been operating for over 30 years. It is famous for its collection of high-quality handcrafted jewellery and native art inspired by Panama’s flora and fauna, traditional culture, and heritage.

Super Mini Diablo Rosso

If you are staying in Sortis Hotel and have no more time to go and explore the markets, then you can visit the mini boutique inside the hotel to get a select and limited number of handicrafts, glassware, t-shirts and other artistic pieces from local artists and artisans in Panama.

Recommendations

You can do your shopping and simultaneously take a cultural trip to Panama by visiting the local markets or visiting stores in heritage sites in Panama. This will not only save you time by hitting two birds in one stone but also allows you to immerse yourself in the impressive and unique culture of the Panama people.