Panama – Retail and Consumer Issues

What are the typical opening hours for shops in Panama?

By international standards, Panama’s retail sector maintains generous trading hours. Smaller and independent stores generally open Monday through Saturday from around 09:30 to 20:00, though owners frequently take a one- to two-hour midday break — a custom shared across much of Latin America and Southern Europe. Sunday trading faces no legal restrictions, so the majority of retailers operate throughout the week without closing on the weekend.

Riba Smith branches in Panama City commonly welcome shoppers from 7 AM through to 10 PM. Super 99, one of the country’s oldest and most far-reaching chains, keeps most of its stores open from 6 AM to 9 PM. Certain branches push this further still: the Nuevo Tocumen location runs around the clock, making it one of the rare 24-hour supermarkets in Panama — a genuine advantage for night-shift workers or anyone with unconventional schedules.

PriceSmart, a membership-based warehouse retailer with large-format outlets in Panama City and David, typically opens at 9 AM and closes at 8 PM. Panama City’s shopping malls follow a broadly comparable rhythm. Albrook Mall — the country’s largest shopping centre — encompasses a hotel, casino, bars, a supermarket, and diverse dining options alongside spacious walkways and stadium-style cinemas. Los Pueblos, another much-frequented destination, is open to visitors daily from 10 AM to 8 PM.

During public holidays, many smaller independent businesses close their doors completely, and even large supermarket chains may operate on curtailed schedules. Panama observes a considerable number of national holidays over the course of the year, so it is prudent to check ahead before travelling specifically to shop. In rural areas and smaller communities, trading hours tend to be shorter and less predictable, and local festivals or patron saint celebrations can prompt unscheduled closures.

What forms of payment are typically accepted in Panama?

A notable convenience for newcomers is that Panama’s official currency is the US dollar, used in parallel with the locally issued Balboa — which is fixed at parity with the dollar. This eliminates any currency conversion headache and makes day-to-day budgeting far more predictable than in countries with unfamiliar or fluctuating currencies.

Visa and Mastercard credit and debit cards are accepted broadly across supermarkets, malls, restaurants, and hotels in Panama City and other urban centres. American Express is honoured at many larger establishments, though less consistently than the two main networks. Chip-and-pin contactless transactions are standard at most major retailers. Mobile payment options such as Apple Pay and Google Pay are gaining ground but remain inconsistently supported; upscale Panama City venues are more likely to accept them than smaller or provincial outlets, so carrying a physical card as a backup is always sensible.

Beyond the cities, cash is indispensable. In rural communities, smaller towns, local markets, and the compact neighbourhood convenience stores known as chinos, cash is frequently the only option. Chinos are often the more practical choice over a full supermarket — they will sell you individual quantities of items, even as few as two eggs — but payment will almost invariably be expected in notes and coins. Keeping small denominations readily available is wise, since informal vendors may struggle to make change for larger bills.

Many outdoor market vendors and informal stalls operate entirely on a cash basis. Residents have also embraced Yappy, a widely used Panamanian mobile payment app linked directly to bank accounts, for both peer-to-peer transfers and payments to small businesses. Once you have opened a local bank account, setting up Yappy is well worth the effort.

What are the major supermarkets in Panama, and how do they differ?

For such a compact nation, Panama supports a remarkably varied array of supermarket chains, and virtually every town of any size has at least one or two outlets to choose from. Familiarising yourself with how these chains compare in terms of price and product range will make your shopping more efficient and cost-effective.

Riba Smith occupies the top end of the market. It is currently Panama’s most prestigious full-scale supermarket chain, targeting both expatriates and the premium domestic segment. Found primarily in Panama City, Riba Smith is especially popular among expats for stocking a broad spectrum of American, European, and Asian products — specialty cheeses, vegan ice creams, and plant-based milks among them. In terms of market positioning, it sits alongside the likes of Waitrose or Whole Foods. The chain operates around half a dozen locations across the capital.

El Rey (Grupo El Rey) sits in the mid-to-premium tier. El Rey holds an exclusive partnership with El Corte Inglés, the Spanish retail group, which means ingredients suited to European cooking are relatively easy to find here. Grupo El Rey operates 108 stores nationally, including mini-market outlets trading under the ZAZ brand, and owns Metro Pharmacies frequently located within its supermarkets. El Rey stores are recognised for their orderly layouts, reliable produce sections, and good bakeries. Their imported product range is broader than Super 99’s but narrower than Riba Smith’s, and prices fall in the mid-range bracket.

Super 99 is the most ubiquitous mid-budget option. It is among Panama’s most recognisable retail chains, offering an extensive grocery selection at prices below both El Rey and Riba Smith. The chain is built around an affordability-first model, and its stores are spread throughout the country, with many locations keeping late hours that provide greater flexibility than some competitors.

PriceSmart functions as Panama’s warehouse membership club, comparable to Costco or Sam’s Club, and is the largest such chain in Central America. With five stores nationally — three in the Panama City area — members can purchase imported and local goods in bulk at discounted rates. Annual membership is priced at $35 USD (as of 2024) and grants access to bulk groceries, household staples, tyres, an optician, garden products, furniture, and electronics.

El Machetazo is a distinctly Panamanian institution. It blends supermarket and department store functions under one roof, offering groceries, household goods, clothing, toys, tools, and even musical instruments in its larger branches — all at low prices. In terms of the sheer breadth of merchandise, it bears comparison to a budget hypermarket such as a large Carrefour or a Big W.

Xtra Supermercados (Super Xtra) is the most budget-oriented chain of all. It concentrates on cost-conscious shoppers and consistently undercuts Super 99, El Rey, and Riba Smith on price, while still offering a practical range that includes fresh produce, meat, dairy, packaged goods, and household supplies. With 46 stores and more on the way, a Super Xtra outlet is rarely far away.

One feature shared by almost all of Panama’s supermarket chains is the presence of an in-store pharmacy. Whether you are visiting a Rey, Super 99, Riba Smith, or Machetazo outlet, a pharmacy is typically on the premises, and prescription prices at these in-store outlets tend to be notably lower than one might encounter elsewhere.

How popular is online shopping in Panama, and what are the main platforms?

Supermarket chains are continuing to expand into populated areas while simultaneously rolling out online grocery ordering and home delivery services. E-commerce in Panama has grown considerably, with the pandemic acting as a strong catalyst for adoption, and several dependable options are now available to residents.

PedidosYa stands as Panama’s foremost on-demand delivery platform, connecting users with restaurants, supermarkets, and pharmacies for rapid delivery. Operating as part of the Delivery Hero group, it functions as a logistics intermediary rather than a product retailer, meaning customers can order from major supermarkets, convenience stores, and specialist shops through a single app. Delivery can arrive within an hour depending on the location and the chosen outlet, with service coverage naturally stronger in urban centres than in outlying areas.

Riba Smith has developed its own online shopping portal, setting a high benchmark for digital retail innovation in Panama. El Rey facilitates home delivery through the Tipti app, which enables customers to shop for groceries online and have their orders brought to their door, primarily serving major urban zones. Uber Eats and comparable platforms also incorporate grocery and retail shopping alongside their restaurant offerings.

For broader retail and marketplace purchases, international platforms including Amazon.com are accessible in Panama, but cross-border orders are subject to customs duties and import taxes that can meaningfully inflate the total cost. Delivery timescales for international shipments vary considerably and may span anywhere from one to several weeks depending on the courier and point of origin. Many expats use mail forwarding services based in the Colón Free Trade Zone or in Miami to consolidate purchases and navigate customs more smoothly — a well-established practice worth investigating once you are settled. Domestic delivery coverage outside Panama City can be inconsistent, so confirm your address falls within a serviceable zone before placing an order.

Are there shops or products in Panama catering specifically to expats or international tastes?

Panama’s long history as a commercial crossroads means international products are considerably more accessible here than in many neighbouring Central American nations. That said, availability is concentrated heavily in Panama City, and expats based in rural areas or smaller towns may need to plan their shopping in advance.

Riba Smith remains the first port of call for imported goods, stocked primarily for Panama City shoppers and valued by expats for its extensive selection of American, European, and Asian products — ranging from artisan cheeses to vegan ice creams and plant-based milks. For even more specialised fare, Grand Deli Gourmet and Super Gourmet in Panama City are dedicated imported food markets offering premium wines, aged meats, fine cheeses, and freshly prepared sandwiches, soups, salads, and baked goods.

Panama is unusually well-equipped for those observing a kosher diet. Super Kosher in Panama City has served the community for over 50 years and carries more than 10,000 kosher-certified products originating from Panama, Israel, the United States, and Europe. Situated in the Pacific Center Mall, some observers regard it as the largest kosher supermarket outside Israel. For shoppers prioritising organic and health-conscious produce, Organica stocks exclusively organic items — including fresh and frozen foods, spices, oils, packaged goods, and plant-based meat alternatives — across five locations: three in Panama City and individual outlets in Coronado and Boquete.

Panama is home to roughly 11,000 independent grocery and convenience stores, many operated by Panamanian-Chinese families who stock a solid range of Asian pantry staples alongside general groceries. Middle Eastern ingredients can be sourced from specialist delis, and South American products — particularly those from Colombia and Venezuela — are widely available given the size of the resident diaspora communities. Traditional open-air markets are less prevalent in Panama City than in other regional capitals, though brand-name luxury goods from the United States and Europe can be found at discounted prices. Common US food and beverage franchises represented in Panama include Krispy Kreme, McDonald’s, Starbucks, Olive Garden, KFC, Burger King, Domino’s Pizza, Pizza Hut, and Taco Bell. No major European supermarket chain — such as Carrefour or Lidl — currently operates in the country; all supermarket brands are either local or regional. The Colón Free Trade Zone, one of the world’s largest of its kind, is primarily a wholesale environment, but for those who learn to navigate it, it can be a source of competitively priced merchandise.

What are your rights as a consumer in Panama?

Consumer protection in Panama rests principally on Law 45 of 2007, which sets out standards for consumer protection and competition defence and is regulated by Executive Decree 46 of 2009. Amendments introduced in 2018 strengthened existing protections and broadened the enforcement powers of the relevant authority. These rights apply to all residents, regardless of nationality, including expats.

Consumer protection regulations cover all contracts or transactions involving the purchase of personal property (goods), real estate, and the provision of professional or technical services to the consumer that take place within Panama. As a resident making purchases in the country, you are therefore protected irrespective of where you come from.

Among the rights enshrined in the consumer protection law is the right to be effectively shielded against products and services that, under normal or reasonably foreseeable conditions, pose a risk or threat to life, health, or physical wellbeing. Consumers also have the right to receive from suppliers clear and truthful information about the characteristics of any product or service on offer.

Panamanian law entitles consumers to warranties on goods they purchase. The Consumer Protection Law requires businesses to offer warranties on specified products and obliges them to repair, replace, or refund items found to be defective. For warranty purposes, each participant in the supply chain is accountable to its own client; manufacturers, importers, distributors, and suppliers all bear responsibility for the quality, suitability, and accuracy of their commercial advertising and the authenticity of product labelling.

For online and distance purchases, Panama provides a revocation right: the consumer may cancel a purchase within three business days, counted from either the date the transaction is made or the date the goods are received, whichever falls later. This is conceptually similar to the 14-day withdrawal right under EU consumer law, though the Panamanian window is considerably shorter — it is always advisable to check the seller’s own returns policy for any supplementary protections they may offer.

Law 45 also prohibits unfair and monopolistic trading practices, regulates commercial relationships, specifies consumer entitlements, and works to control economic concentration while preventing practices such as price-fixing or collusion. Panama’s Criminal Code additionally contemplates offences against consumer rights, including the insertion of false information into product offers and advertising where significant harm to the consumer could result — these offences carry custodial sentences.

Always verify the current legal position with ACODECO’s official website or seek guidance from a qualified Panamanian lawyer, as legislation evolves and individual circumstances differ.

Which organisations protect consumers in Panama, and how can you contact them?

Panama has a well-defined institutional framework for consumer protection, centred on one principal authority and supplemented by various sector-specific regulators.

ACODECO — Authority for Consumer Protection and Defence of Competition

ACODECO’s core mission is to safeguard and uphold consumer rights while preserving the conditions necessary for free economic competition — eliminating monopolistic practices and other constraints that impede the efficient operation of goods and services markets, and thereby protecting the interests of consumers. ACODECO is responsible for investigating complaints, ensuring business compliance with the Consumer Protection Law, educating the public about their rights, and playing a central role in resolving disputes between consumers and businesses through mediation or formal legal channels.

A consumer may lodge a complaint with ACODECO, which then notifies the business concerned. ACODECO has jurisdiction to rule on complaints with a value not exceeding USD $5,000, or up to USD $30,000 in cases involving motor vehicles. Where the claim surpasses these thresholds, the consumer must pursue the matter before the civil circuit courts. These figures apply as of 2018 — verify current limits at the official website.

ACODECO is located at Vía Fernández de Córdoba, Plaza Córdoba, Panama City. Tel: +507 510 1313. Website: www.acodeco.gob.pa

Dispute Resolution and Mediation

ACODECO offers alternative dispute resolution mechanisms — including mediation and conciliation — to help settle consumer disagreements without resorting to formal legal proceedings, which is typically a quicker and less expensive route to resolution. Where a formal dispute does proceed, consumers may also appeal to the Consumer Protection Tribunal, a specialised judicial body dedicated to adjudicating consumer complaints and ensuring that consumer rights are upheld.

Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MICI)

The Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MICI) works in close collaboration with ACODECO to ensure businesses operate in accordance with consumer protection legislation. Consumers who believe their rights have been infringed may lodge complaints with either ACODECO or MICI. MICI’s official website is www.mici.gob.pa.

Sector-Specific Regulators

For complaints concerning public services — including electricity, telecommunications, water supply, sanitary sewage, radio and television broadcasting, and the transmission and distribution of natural gas — oversight responsibility falls to the National Authority of Public Services (ASEP) rather than ACODECO. If your grievance relates to utilities or telecoms, contact ASEP directly at www.asep.gob.pa.

As a practical note, when submitting any complaint to ACODECO, gather all supporting documentation including receipts, warranties, correspondence, and photographs of any faulty goods. Complaints may generally be filed in person at ACODECO offices, and the authority maintains regional offices in provinces outside Panama City. Check ACODECO’s official website for the most current contact information and complaint procedures, as these are subject to change.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do supermarkets in Panama open on Sundays?

Yes. Panama imposes no legal restrictions on Sunday trading, and the great majority of major supermarkets, shopping centres, and many independent retailers operate seven days a week. Sunday hours are broadly in line with those on other days, though some smaller businesses may start later or finish earlier. It is always worth confirming specific hours around national public holidays, when reduced trading is common.

Is it safe to use credit and debit cards in Panama?

Card payments are broadly accepted and generally secure at established supermarkets, malls, hotels, and restaurants. Standard vigilance at ATMs applies regardless of location — opt for machines inside bank branches or secured shopping centres, shield your PIN when entering it, and review your statements on a regular basis. Contactless card payments are becoming increasingly widespread in urban settings.

Can I find familiar international food brands in Panama?

Supermarket chains have steadily expanded their international product ranges over the years. Riba Smith offers the richest selection of imported goods, with a wide variety of North American and European brands. PriceSmart is also a strong source of international products available in bulk quantities. Be prepared to pay a premium: the price markup on imported food items can reach as high as 30 percent.

How do I make a consumer complaint in Panama?

Consumers who consider their rights to have been breached can submit complaints to either ACODECO or MICI. ACODECO provides a dedicated channel for reporting issues covering product defects, misleading advertising, fraud, and other violations of consumer rights. Retain all receipts, warranties, and written communications as supporting evidence. ACODECO can be reached on +507 510 1313 or through www.acodeco.gob.pa.

Are there loyalty card schemes at Panamanian supermarkets?

El Rey invests in promotions and loyalty programmes that can produce real savings for regular shoppers over time. Many grocery chains offer discount or membership cards that unlock lower prices at the checkout. PriceSmart operates on an annual membership subscription basis. It is worth enquiring at the customer service counter of your preferred supermarket to find out what loyalty or savings schemes are currently on offer.

Can I return a faulty product in Panama?

Consumers in Panama are entitled to warranties on purchased goods, and the Consumer Protection Law requires businesses to repair, replace, or refund defective products. For purchases made online or through distance selling, consumers additionally hold the right to revoke within three business days of the transaction date or delivery date, whichever comes later. Should a seller decline a legitimate return request, the matter can be escalated to ACODECO for resolution.

Is online shopping reliable in Panama?

PedidosYa, the country’s leading on-demand delivery platform, frequently completes deliveries within an hour in urban areas, though coverage quality varies and is strongest in cities. International e-commerce orders typically take considerably longer to arrive and may be subject to customs duties. Many expats manage their international purchasing more efficiently by using Miami-based mail forwarding services to consolidate shipments and handle customs requirements.

Are there markets where I can buy fresh local produce cheaply?

Panama’s outdoor markets are among the most rewarding places to source fresh fruits, vegetables, seafood, and meat directly from farmers and fishers. The Mercado de Abastos, for example, is a well-known wholesale market offering a diverse range of fresh produce and herbs at affordable prices. Patronising local butchers, fishmongers, and market stalls can reduce your food costs significantly while also providing a more authentic connection to local culinary culture.