Panama is a duty free haven and luxury goods from all over the world can be bought at a saving of at least one-third. Local items include leatherware, patterned, beaded necklaces made by Guaymí Indians, native costumes, jewels and precious stones, straw products, electrical equipment, handicrafts of carved wood, ceramics, papier mâché artifacts, macramé and mahogany bowls.

Shopping hours
Mon-Sat 0900-2000. Some supermarkets are open 24-hours.

Currency Information:

Currency
Balboa (PAB) = 100 centavos. There is no Panamanian paper currency; coins exist in denominations of PAB10 and 1, and 50, 25, 10, 5 and 1 centavos. US currency was adopted in 1904 and exists alongside the Balboa coinage: PAB1 = US$1.

US Dollar (US$) = 100 cents. Notes are in denominations of US$100, 50, 20, 10, 5, 2 and 1. Coins are in denominations of US$1, and 50, 25, 10, 5 and 1 cents.

Currency Exchange
Banks and cambios are available for changing currency. There is no need to exchange US Dollars.

Credit/Debit Cards and ATMs
MasterCard and Visa are the most commonly used, but American Express and Diners Club are also accepted.

Traveller's Cheques
To avoid additional exchange rate charges, visitors are advised to take traveller’s cheques in US Dollars.

Banking Hours
Mon-Fri 0800-1500, Sat 0830-1200.