I am visiting Colon (Panama) for one day. What should I do?

Question

I'm interested in anything, especially if it sounds odd. Despite enjoying it, the last thing I want to be doing is lying on a beach.

Thanks.

Answer 1

Like many port cities around the world, Colon is a dangerous city.  In some respects, it is more dangerous than most. If you go to Colon, do not walk around the streets alone.  If you do, you will probably be robbed at knife point. I'm not kidding. It is a bad place to hang out.  You can go to the Colon Free Trade Zone and look around there. You will have to prove to the officials when you exit with your purchases that you are taking them out of the country. If you cannot prove that, you will have to pay duty. I would recommend that you do not go to Colon. The prices for smaller, retail sized purchases and the hassle of getting them out are not worth the effort. The danger of walking around, not much to see, is also not worth the effort.

There is no beach in the City. If you go to Portobello, there is a beach, an old Spanish Fort and and old Museum. They are the only things worth seeing. Stay clear of the city.

Answer 2

Please, Ryan, permit me to answer this question for you.

Considering that you only one day to be in the Zona Libre (or the Free Zone) may I highly recommend that you arrive there early so that you can get good prices for the items that you want to buy.

Please keep in mind that you must tell the salesperson that everything is for export  in which you must be at the airport between 4 to 5 hours ahead of time of departure.

Welcome to Panama where the people are friendly except for the guy who is above me!