Panamá City Shopping

Mercado de Artesanias of Plaza 5 de Mayo is a complex of 132 spaces, 88 of which are occupied by artisans. The rest are beauty saloons, shoe repairs and small restaurants. Most things are sold at the lowest prices I have seen in Panama. This happens because the place is less visited by tourists as the area is considered a 'red Zone'. I frequented this area for photos, food and shopping and believe me, not in one occasion did I feel unsafe. On the contrary people were friendly and helpful. And the prices were just great! I give you information about one of the shops but a personal visit is recommended.
' Rincon Panameno' has a great variety of souvenirs at excellent prices. Very cheap hammocks, tagua sculptures, Panama hats, dominoes, wooden sculptures and a lot more...

For electronic goods one of the best places in Panama city is the shopping center in Albrook airport. It is a very modern airconditioned complex with many nice and trustworthy shops. Prices are very good and the variety of goods is quite large. There are all kinds of electric and electronic devices, clothes, and household goods. A lot of buses passing from every corner of the city can take you there for 0,25$. If you are ...loaded when leaving take a taxi. Give no more than 2$-3$ for any destination in the city.
As for traditional good and souvenirs there are a lot all over Panama. Carvings of tagua ( a kind of coconut tree seed), molas, painted ceramic, polleras (traditional Panamanian dresses), baskets and painted hats are the most common artisan products. Lately there is an increase in the flow of tourists so there is also an increase in artisan industry. The state is trying to help the artisan markets by remodelling their shops, making them more attractive and accessible. They also guide the artisans to diversify and modernise their products thus selling a greater variety of more useful objects at more reasonable prices. So, for example, the molas come now not only in squares but in purses, shirts, cell phone holders, bags and oven mitts. The best prices are in the Market of 5 de Mayo in Panama City . There are some in Plaza de Francia and also in Central Avenue. And in the shops in Panama Viejo. More expensive in the good neighbourhoods of the city.
Finally you can buy a house or a luxurious ...apartment at a very good price...!

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Hardrock Cafe and gift shop.
I have read they have a lunch special . I did not eat hear I ate at the Lenos and Carbon Steak place.
I just came here to buy gifts.

What to buy: I bought t shirt,caps, metal mini Guitars.

What to pay: Expensive. hear is what i paid. mens leather t shirt $ 26, Gothic cap $ 27, metal Mini Guitars=3er anniversary $ 14,breast cancer $ 12,Canal Bottle opener $ 14.

Very large shopping mall alot of everything .
I was told not to go on Sat or Sunday because its very crowded because its next to bus terminal and airport where people are arriving.

I went on a Monday it was not that crowded.

What to buy: Everything

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While strolling along the waterfront in the old city of Panama we were attracted to these colorful Molas, made and sold by native Kuna women. The designs and colors of these native works of art make a perfect souvenir of Panama. The women seemed reluctant to let me take their photograph, but when Karen was actually in the process of making a purchase that resistance was broken. I suppose it was worth it to let me take a pictrue as long as they were making a sale. We had our mola framed and today it is hanging in our den - a great reminder of our trip.

Panama in general is great for shopping ( except for electronics , from the prices I saw)

Clothings, shoes especially name brand sneakers, souvenirs items such as Mola, and other Indian made accessories, even luxurious items such as Cartier, Luis Vuitton, Chanel which they have their own boutiques at Multiplaza, Bvlgari is opening as well. Retail taxes at malls and larger stores is about 5%, while buying from the street stalls you don't get officially taxed with cash purchase.

Prices for your reference
- Cuban cigar ( Trinidad ) $ 18 USD. I paid $ about 11 in Cuba, and in Canada it is going for $45 plus tax a piece.
- sales tax about 5%
- brand name sneakers such as Puma, Nike, Addidas are about 30% cheaper than in Canada at least.
- no name fashion hand bags go from about $ 8 and up. back home they'd be listed at at least $30 at discounted store.

At stores outside the malls you can find ladies tops from $1 to 4 a piece, high heels from $6 and up.

My wife has a favorite store called Picara, there is one at Multicentro mall and on Avenida Central, the one in Central has much more discounted things ( style wise for ages between 18 to 25 ) think Paris Hilton, ha :D

This is one of our favorite store we found in Panama City. Tendencies sell colourful fashion accessories such as rings, key chains, neckless made from natural material such as plant seed,beans, south american palm nut, leather.

We bought a few things for souvenirs.

What to buy: one of a kind rings, key chains, belts, purses.

What to pay: $6 and up

Most ladies will go crazy here if they love their bargains and shopping. We did what the locals do and walked the Avenida Central stretch. You can find almost anything there, cell phones shops, clothing accessories stores, electronics store ( not exactly cheap ), shoes stores, eateries. Pricings for ladies clothes and shoes are very good. 2,3 4 USD for a top, 6 USD and up for a pair of high heels which we'd have to pay at least $ 40 plus tax back home.

Knowing some Spanish helps.

Can get quite crowdy, so take necessary cautions regarding your personal belongings. Stay on the main street.

What to buy: Clothings, shoes, accessories, souvenirs.

What to pay: quite cheap