Panama · Step by Step
Key Facts
- Dollar economy. The US dollar circulates alongside the balboa, so budgeting and pricing feel instantly familiar to North Americans.
- Big supermarkets. Riba Smith, Super 99, El Machetazo and PriceSmart cover everything from premium imports to bulk basics.
- Mega-malls. Albrook Mall is one of the largest in the Americas; Multiplaza anchors the upscale end.
- Delivery and ride-hailing. PedidosYa, Uber Eats, Uber and inDrive are widely used in the city.
- Imports cost more. Many US brands are available, but anything imported carries a markup over local equivalents.
Shopping in Panama is one of the easiest parts of the expat transition, thanks to a US-dollar economy, familiar brands and modern malls and supermarkets. From mega-malls to neighbourhood markets and delivery apps, the practical rhythm of daily life is quick to learn.
The supermarket landscape
Panama’s supermarkets span every budget. Riba Smith is the go-to for imported and specialty goods (think familiar North American and European brands), while Super 99 is a large, mid-market chain with branches across the country.
El Machetazo is a sprawling, value-focused store that sells groceries alongside clothing, hardware and household goods, and PriceSmart is the membership warehouse club — the local equivalent of a big-box bulk retailer — popular with families and anyone stocking up.
Most expats end up shopping across two or three of these, using Riba Smith for imports they miss from home and Super 99 or local markets for everyday staples.
Loyalty cards and weekly promotions (ofertas) are common, and prices for the same product can differ noticeably between chains, so it pays to learn which store wins on which categories. Many supermarkets also offer in-store delivery, which is a lifesaver during the long rainy-season afternoons.
Malls and big-format retail
Panama City is famous for its malls. Albrook Mall, near the domestic airport and the main bus terminal, is one of the largest shopping centres in the Americas, with hundreds of stores organised by animal-themed sections to help you navigate.
Multiplaza Pacific is the upscale counterpart, home to international designer brands, while other centres like Metromall and Soho serve different price points and neighbourhoods.
Malls in Panama double as social and practical hubs — air-conditioned refuges from the heat with cinemas, food courts, banks, pharmacies and government service kiosks all under one roof.
For many families, a weekend mall trip is a genuine outing rather than a chore, combining shopping with dining, entertainment and errands like paying utility bills or renewing a phone plan. Albrook in particular is so large that first-timers should note the animal symbol of their parking section before wandering in.
Fresh markets and seafood
For fresh produce and local colour, neighbourhood fruit-and-vegetable markets and roadside stands offer better prices and seasonal variety than the supermarkets. In the city, the Mercado de Mariscos (the fish market) near Casco Viejo is the place for fresh seafood at good prices.
The Mercado de Mariscos is also a beloved spot for a cheap, fresh ceviche from the stalls outside — a local ritual as much as a shopping trip.
In smaller towns and the highlands, weekly markets and farm stands are central to daily life and a good way to meet neighbours and practise Spanish. The cool Chiriquí highlands around Boquete and Cerro Punta supply much of the country’s vegetables, so produce there is especially fresh and cheap.
Buying at markets rewards a little Spanish and a willingness to ask what is in season; tropical fruit, plantains, root vegetables and fresh fish are abundant and inexpensive compared with imported equivalents at the big chains.
Delivery apps and pharmacies
Food and grocery delivery are well established in the city. PedidosYa and Uber Eats are the dominant apps, covering restaurants, groceries and pharmacy items, with broad coverage in urban areas and patchier service further out.
Pharmacies are easy to find and often open long hours. Arrocha and Metro are major chains that function as part-pharmacy, part-convenience store, stocking medicines, cosmetics, snacks and household basics.
Many medications that require a prescription elsewhere are more readily available over the counter, though it is wise to confirm any rules around controlled medicines and bring documentation for anything you take regularly.
Pharmacies are a normal first stop for minor ailments, with pharmacists comfortable advising on common remedies, and several locations stay open around the clock in the city. Prices for medicines vary, so it is worth comparing between Arrocha, Metro and supermarket pharmacy counters for anything you buy often.
Getting around to shop
Ride-hailing makes errands easy. Uber and inDrive both operate widely in Panama City, and they are popular with expats for predictable pricing and the ability to pay or negotiate within the app.
For larger shops, having a car is convenient given the heat and the distance to warehouse clubs, but in central districts many people manage with ride-hailing, taxis and the Metro for daily needs.
If you do drive, malls and major supermarkets offer ample parking, and home delivery from supermarkets and apps reduces the need for big car trips altogether.
Traffic in Panama City can be heavy at peak hours, so many residents time their bigger shops for mid-morning or early evening and lean on delivery for routine top-ups. The Metro and Metrobus network connects several shopping areas, including Albrook, making car-free errands realistic in the central city.
The weekly rhythm and budgeting
Because prices are quoted in dollars (the balboa is pegged one-to-one and coins circulate alongside US currency), budgeting is refreshingly simple for anyone used to dollars. There is no mental currency conversion for everyday purchases.
A typical weekly rhythm mixes a larger supermarket run, top-ups at a neighbourhood store or market, and the occasional bulk trip to PriceSmart. Many households lean on delivery apps for convenience during the rainy-season downpours.
The main budgeting lesson is that locally produced and Latin American goods are affordable, while imported brands, electronics and specialty items cost noticeably more than in their country of origin.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I find familiar brands from home?
Yes, especially North American brands, which are widely stocked at Riba Smith and PriceSmart. Expect to pay a premium on imports, and you may need to switch some products for local equivalents.
Is cash or card better for shopping?
Cards are accepted at malls, supermarkets and most established businesses, but carry some cash for small shops, markets, taxis and rural areas. The US dollar circulates directly, so no currency exchange is needed.
How reliable is grocery and food delivery?
Very reliable in Panama City and other urban areas through PedidosYa and Uber Eats. Coverage thins out in the highlands, beach towns and rural areas, where you will rely more on local stores.
Do I need a car for shopping?
Not necessarily in central Panama City, where ride-hailing, taxis and the Metro work well. A car is more useful for warehouse clubs, beach communities and the highlands where distances are greater.
Are pharmacies easy to use as a foreigner?
Yes. Chains like Arrocha and Metro are widespread, with helpful staff and long hours.
Confirm the rules for any prescription or controlled medication and bring documentation for what you take regularly.
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