Shopping

There are some huge malls in and around Panama and you can find all your bargain outlets, although the names may change, the idea remains the same; high fashion at a fraction of the cost. Check out Albrook Mall and Los Pueblos. People come from all over Latin America for the opportunity to shop at Albrook. If you are feeling nostalgic for cooler climes they even have a huge skating rink.

You also have the designer malls like MultiPlaza, with all the trendy names. GNC, Bacho, Miss Kitty, Jones, New York to name but a few. Want your designer latte at a fraction of the cost, try the Duran Coffee bar.

There are so many places to shop you will never grow tired and there is always somewhere new to look.

The large all purpose grocery stores start with the American Big Box store, PrisceSmart and there are the local supermarkets, Super 99, El rey and riba Smith are all good choices and you will find everything you are used to finding. It may be packaged a little differently, but it is here.

If you are seeking fresh fish there is the Fish Market or for fruit and vegetables, the original Farmer’s Market are both located at the west end of town.

In each small town and larger city you will find a farmer’s market where you can get fresh chicken and fish, sometimes pork or beef, and the fruit and vegetables that are in season. Shopping for clothes and houseware items outside of Panama City can be challenging, but get curious and you will find the new experiences fun.

Ferreterias provide hardware items and construction materials. Each one has different items so shopping can be time consuming. Don’t be afraid to ask questions and ask for help. Panamanians are great at offering a hand.

Car Dealerships offer everything from Audi’s to Kia’s and there are even Russian models and Chinese models. Land Rover and Ferrari are here so are Porsche and Lexus. Toyota has a big presence as does Nissan. Most of the cities of any size have car dealerships so you can find the car you are looking for and with a Penionado visa you can buy without taxes, some restrictions apply.

So don’t worry you can still “shop ’til you drop.”

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