Where to Shop in Panama
Traditional Markets
Mercados tradicionales
Local markets like Mercado de Mariscos and Mercado San Felipe Neri offer fresh produce, seafood, and authentic experiences. Perfect for bargaining practice!
Shopping Malls
Centros comerciales
Modern malls like Albrook Mall and Multiplaza offer fixed prices, air conditioning, and international brands. No bargaining here!
Street Vendors
Vendedores ambulantes
Street vendors sell everything from fresh fruit to handmade crafts. Great for practicing bargaining and discovering local treasures.
Textile Markets
Mercados de textiles
Via España and other areas offer clothing, fabrics, and accessories at negotiable prices. Perfect for finding unique pieces.
Artisan Markets
Mercados artesanales
Casco Viejo and tourist areas feature local crafts, molas, and souvenirs. Support local artisans while practicing Spanish!
Supermarkets
Supermercados
Super 99, Riba Smith, and other chains offer groceries at fixed prices. Great for everyday shopping vocabulary practice.
Essential Shopping Phrases
Basic Shopping
¿Cuánto cuesta esto?
How much does this cost?
KWAN-toh KWES-tah EHS-toh
¿Dónde puedo encontrar...?
Where can I find...?
DOHN-deh PWEH-doh ehn-kohn-TRAHR
¿Tienen esto en otra talla?
Do you have this in another size?
tee-EH-nehn EHS-toh ehn OH-trah TAH-yah
¿Puedo probármelo?
Can I try it on?
PWEH-doh proh-BAHR-meh-loh
¿Dónde está el probador?
Where is the fitting room?
DOHN-deh ehs-TAH el proh-bah-DOHR
Bargaining Essentials
¿Es su mejor precio?
Is that your best price?
ehs soo meh-HOHR PREH-syoh
¿Me puede hacer un descuento?
Can you give me a discount?
meh PWEH-deh ah-SEHR oon dehs-KWEHN-toh
Está muy caro
It's very expensive
ehs-TAH mwee KAH-roh
¿Qué tal si pago...?
How about if I pay...?
keh tahl see PAH-goh
Si compro dos, ¿cuánto me cobra?
If I buy two, how much do you charge me?
see KOM-proh dohs KWAN-toh meh KOH-brah
Payment & Checkout
¿Aceptan tarjetas de crédito?
Do you accept credit cards?
ah-SEP-tahn tar-HEH-tahs deh KREH-dee-toh
¿Puedo pagar en efectivo?
Can I pay in cash?
PWEH-doh pah-GAHR ehn eh-fehk-TEE-voh
¿Tienen cambio para un billete de 20?
Do you have change for a 20 bill?
tee-EH-nehn KAM-bee-oh PAH-rah oon bee-YEH-teh deh VEHN-teh
¿Me puede dar el recibo?
Can you give me the receipt?
meh PWEH-deh dahr el reh-SEE-boh
¿Hay garantía?
Is there a warranty?
ah-ee gah-rahn-TEE-ah
Quality & Comparison
¿Es de buena calidad?
Is it good quality?
ehs deh BWEH-nah kah-lee-DAHD
¿Tienen algo más barato?
Do you have something cheaper?
tee-EH-nehn AHL-goh mahs bah-RAH-toh
¿Este es el original?
Is this the original?
EHS-teh ehs el oh-ree-hee-NAHL
¿Cuál me recomienda?
Which one do you recommend?
kwahl meh reh-koh-mee-EHN-dah
No me convence
I'm not convinced
noh meh kohn-VEHN-seh
Bargaining Strategies
Starting the Negotiation
- Always ask '¿Es su mejor precio?' first
- Show genuine interest in the product
- Start with a friendly greeting
- Compliment the quality before discussing price
- Ask about bulk discounts if buying multiple items
Effective Bargaining Phrases
- Use 'Está muy caro' (It's very expensive) politely
- Offer a specific lower price: '¿Qué tal 15 dólares?'
- Mention you're a tourist: 'Soy turista'
- Ask for a 'precio especial' (special price)
- Suggest cash payment for better deals
Closing the Deal
- Be prepared to walk away if price isn't right
- Meet somewhere in the middle
- Agree on final price before paying
- Check the item carefully before purchase
- Thank them: 'Muchas gracias' builds goodwill
Cultural Etiquette
- Bargaining is expected in markets, not stores
- Be respectful and patient during negotiations
- Smile and maintain friendly demeanor
- Don't be offended by initial high prices
- Small vendors depend on sales - be fair
Essential Shopping Vocabulary
Clothing & Sizes
- Camisa: Shirt
- Pantalón: Pants
- Vestido: Dress
- Zapatos: Shoes
- Talla pequeña/mediana/grande: Small/Medium/Large size
- ¿Tienen talla XL?: Do you have size XL?
- Me queda bien/mal: It fits me well/badly
Food & Market Items
- Frutas: Fruits
- Verduras: Vegetables
- Pescado: Fish
- Carne: Meat
- Por libra/kilo: Per pound/kilo
- Fresco: Fresh
- Maduro: Ripe
Souvenirs & Crafts
- Molas: Traditional textile art
- Artesanías: Handicrafts
- Recuerdos: Souvenirs
- Hecho a mano: Handmade
- Típico: Traditional/typical
- Auténtico: Authentic
- Para regalo: For a gift
Popular Markets Guide
Mercado de Mariscos
Seafood Market
Best early morning for freshest selection
Mercado San Felipe Neri
Traditional Market
Practice your Spanish with friendly vendors
Via España Markets
Textile & Clothing
Check quality carefully before buying
Artisan Markets
Crafts & Souvenirs
Ask about the cultural significance of items
Shopping Culture in Panama
Cultural Shopping Insights
Shopping Hours
Markets open early (6AM) for best selection. Malls typically open 10AM-10PM. Sunday shopping is limited in some areas.
Payment Customs
USD is widely accepted. Small vendors prefer cash. Always have small bills for markets. Credit cards accepted in malls and larger stores.
Vendor Relations
Building relationships matters. Regular customers get better prices. Be polite and patient. A friendly 'Buenos días' goes a long way.
Quality & Authenticity
Inspect items carefully before buying. Ask about return policies. For crafts, learn to identify authentic vs. mass-produced items.
Bargaining Do's & Don'ts
DO These Things
- ✓Start with a friendly greeting and smile
- ✓Show genuine interest in the product
- ✓Be patient and respectful during negotiations
- ✓Learn basic Spanish phrases for better rapport
- ✓Be prepared to walk away if needed
DON'T Do These
- ×Don't be rude or aggressive during bargaining
- ×Don't try to bargain in established stores or malls
- ×Don't offer insultingly low prices
- ×Don't buy without checking quality first
- ×Don't forget to thank vendors regardless of purchase