Zona libre in Panama?

Question

Currently I am on vacation in Panama, so far it has been great, I will stay until Sunday, but I need some info about the "Zona Libre" Also can anyone go I mean the age? What kind of goods do they sell in there?

Answer 1

Anyone can go. You will show your passport and register. They sell everything! I mean everything, from clothing and electronics to building supplies and auto parts. Everything you can think of is sold there.

You can take the train over. It is crowded and will cost you about $75 bucks for the round trip ticket and then a taxi to the zone.  Reverse the process to get back.

You can hire a taxi by the day (I think that's the best way - cheaper if you split it and much more safe and convenient) and visit the Free Zone. You will show your passport, register as a "buyer" and then they will permit your taxi with you inside to enter.  

Remember, the Free Zone is meant for wholesale markets. There is some sales at a retail level, but you really have to know where to go.  It is a city with narrow streets and warehouses and bristling with cars, truck traffic and people.

Then, let's say you buy a SONY TV, you put it in the taxi and you leave, but you must pass by the customs inspectors who will charge you duty, because you are bringing it back into Panama.  If you ship it to the airport for your flight home, that's another story and you won't pay duty.

If you bribe the inspector, you might get it out. That happens a lot, but the parties involved know each other and know what to do.  You might not fare so well in that kind of an exchange. We bought some clothes and stuffed them under the seat. But these guys aren't dumb, they will search your car.  Our driver said something and we got by.

It's an adventure for one day.