Our country has stood out as a regional shopping destination by having the most modern and varied malls and shopping centers. A true retail paradise that can be compared with that of more developed countries. However, before this “shopping boom”, the Colon Free Zone on the Atlantic coast was created in 1948, the second largest in the world. A specia l area that imports, stores and re-exports products mainly from China, Singapore and the United States to South America, Central America and the Caribbean. A place that occupies 1,064 hectares and where tourists can go buy wholesale.
Wholesale Purchases
If a foreign Visitor wishes to purchase products in large quantities either for personal use or to resell, the Colon Free Zone is the right place. More than 2,600 companies offer all kinds of products (furniture, clothes, perfumes, toys, practically everything) and duty-free brands.
This special area is only 40 minutes away by car from Panama City, using the Panama-Colón highway. Upon arrival it is important that every Visitor knows the process to enter and certain useful advice.
• Bring passport and car rental papers to enter (Each person receives a free entry card).
• Arrive early (8:30 a.m.) eager to buy.
• Wear comfortable shoes and clothes to walk a tons.
• Acquire map of the free zone to locate places of interest.
Once inside you have full access to exclusive stores such as Lacoste, Columbia, Levis, Nike, Adidas, Rebook, New Balance, Puma and much more. In jewelry there is a great variety of places to acquire either gold and silver of all kinds, as well as perfumes with the best of this industry. However, the most sought after products are electronics: video games, cell phones, laptops, computers, tablets of the most recognized brands such as XBOX, Nintendo, IPhone, Nokia, Motorola, LG, Samsung, Sony, Toshiba, Compaq, Dell and many plus.
Export from Colon
At the end of the purchases, by law you can only carry up to $60.00 of the purchased, the rest must be transported directly to the airport or a sea port of departure to send it to any country you want.
The Colon Free Zone has quick access to shipping ports such as Cristobal and Manzanillo, as well as rail, which guarantees fast and expedited transportation of the products that have been purchased.
Buying here is an experience unlike any other, you will find what you are looking for and much more, at special prices. Going “shopping” has become a cultural experience of modern and cosmopolitan Panama that every Visitor has to experience in our country. For more information go to www.zolicol.gob.pa.
