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The Colon Free Zone is a duty free area established in the city of Colón, which is 50 miles north of Panama City.
The Colon Free Zone was established to promote free trade, and to promote this area as a major import - export center for Latin America. Now a days it has lot some of its luster due to allegations of money laundering, contraband and counterfeits. Regardless of that it still remains the 2nd. largest duty free zone in the world (Hong Kong is still 1st.)
The free zone (as it's called in Panama) is certainly not a tourist destination. Yes you can go in as long as you show them your passport, proving that you're not a Panamanian (we're not allowed to go in unless we're on business).
Now the trick for buying things in the free zone is the following: First, try to go with clothes you can dispose of, because they don't actually allow you to take the stuff out. You should actually ship them with one of the free zone shippers to the airport so you could pick them up when you leave the country. So if you happen to wear some old shorts, or a beat up t-shirt, etc., you can buy new clothes and just throw the old ones in the trash.
Second, try not to wear jewelry or watches, in case you might want to buy a necklace, or a new watch, you can just put them on and say you brought it in.
Third, if you're a woman go with a big purse, and if you're a man go with a woman with a big purse so you can put some perfumes, or other stuff in there. They usually don't check purses for contraband. However do take the perfumes and the make up from their boxes so they look used.
Fourth, don't buy appliances, TV's, or any big item unless they come with an international warranty or if you're willing to send them to Panama if they break down. Ask this before you buy anything like I mentioned above.
Fifth, if you plan to buy something expensive (Rolex, Omega, Cartier, Mont Blanc, etc.) ask if they are a certified retailer to see if the warranty will be covered outside of Panama, if not try to find out who is the certified retailer in the free zone and buy it from them. Most of the expensive brands are carried by Motta International.
And finally, this is from personal experience, sure there are some good deals if you buy stuff at the free zone. Mont Blanc, Omega, Cartier, etc. but usually most of the regular stuff you might want to buy are actually at the same price if you buy them in Panama City. The good reseller prices are only offered you buy at wholesale, and then the prices drop down dramatically, but face it you're not going to buy a 40 feet container full of clothes for you.
However going to the Colon Free Zone is certainly a once in a lifetime experience to see how world trade is really done. Oh, before I forget, please go with someone that knows how to get around, as Colon is not the safest city in Panama. Try go get there early around 9 AM, and leave around 3 PM to avoid the rush, as there is a heavy commute at 4 PM when people start leaving Colon to drive back to Panama City. |
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