Imagine stepping into a grocery store where you don’t push your cart to the register, you pay for your cans of soda one at a time, and you even need your ID just to pay for groceries. Sounds a little different, right? Well, that’s grocery shopping in Panama for you! Whether you’re an expat trying to adjust …or a visitor curious about the local quirks…today, I’m breaking down the 8 must-know tips for navigating Panama’s grocery stores like a pro. And trust me, you’ll want to hear number one.
#8 – Weigh and Tag Your Produce
In Panama, before you head to checkout, you’ll need to make a quick stop in the produce section to weigh and tag your fruits and veggies. Yes, you have to do this BEFORE heading to the checkout line! There’s a dedicated staff member who weighs everything for you and adds a price sticker right on the bag. Forget this step, and you’ll hold up the line as they send your fruits and veggies BACK to the produce department to get bagged and tagged. So, next time you grab that papaya, make sure it’s properly weighed and tagged.
#7 – No Coupons Allowed
Are you used to clipping coupons and hunting for deals? Well, you can leave those at home because Panamanian grocery stores don’t accept coupons…not even digital ones. But here’s the good news: most stores offer loyalty programs, and signing up is easy. You’ll earn points that can be redeemed for discounts or even free items. So, while the coupon game might not be a thing here, you can still save by giving your loyalty number… usually your ID number or your phone number. After all, who doesn’t love free stuff?
#6 – Don’t Push Your Cart Through the Payment Line
One of the quirkiest things about grocery shopping in Panama is that you leave your cart behind at the checkout line. That’s right, you don’t push the cart through. A helpful bag boy will ask if you want help. If you nod your head yes, he’ll unload everything from your cart onto the conveyor belt for you. I remember the first time I stood there awkwardly, wondering why no one was moving their cart—rookie mistake!
Some of the cash register lanes aren’t even wide enough for the cart. So once your cart is empty, just push it next to the magazine rack. It seems disorganized, but within a few minutes, a store employee will round up all the empty carts and clear the aisles. So, once you’re at check-out, just park your cart, let the bag boys do their thing, and enjoy a few moments of doing absolutely nothing!
#5 – Bring Cash for Tips
Here’s something you’ll want to keep in mind: the bag boys who help you at checkout work solely for tips… they don’t get a base hourly wage. Because they’re hustling for tips, they’ll load your groceries onto the conveyor belt, bag them for you, and even carry them to your car. It’s customary to tip around 50 cents for small orders, $1 for larger loads, and a few dollars if you’re filling your entire SUV. Trust me, these guys are lifesavers when you have more bags than hands! Just make sure to have some small change ready—tipping is part of the culture here.
#4 - Show Your ID for Big Purchases
You’re at the checkout, the cashier rings up your items, and suddenly, you’re asked for your ID—whether you’re using a credit card or paying with a $100 bill, no ID… no groceries. Verifying your ID is a standard security measure here, so always have your ID handy. This might feel a little strange if you’re used to paying with plastic in other countries, but it’s just how things are done in Panama. Here’s a Bonus tip: you won’t need to show your ID when using smaller bills, so if you want to help speed things along, use twenties, tens, fives and ones.
#3 – No Free Bags, So BYOB!
In Panama, you’ll need to bring your own bag or buy one at checkout. That’s right, no free plastic or paper bags here. Panama is on the eco-friendly bandwagon, and it’s all about reusable bags. So, make sure you keep a stash in your car or backpack for those last-minute grocery runs. And if you forget, don’t worry—you can always buy a reusable or biodegradable bag at the store…but it’s better to save that dollar for ceviche later.
#2 – Local vs Imported Goods
Panama’s grocery stores are packed with choices, but here’s the deal: imported goods can be pricey. Think double the price for that box of your favorite U.S. crackers or tub of Philadelphia cream cheese. However, the local products are not only fresher but much more affordable. So, if you want to save some cash and try something new, stick to local brands. Whether it’s coffee, snacks or cream cheese, you’ll find plenty of high-quality Panamanian goods to fill your cart …without breaking the bank.
#1 – Everything is Sold in "Eaches"
And finally, here’s the number one thing you must know about grocery shopping in Panama: everything is sold in “eaches.” That’s right—no bulk packs of soda or water bottles here. Want a 12-pack of soda? You can pickup the case, but because they’re priced individually, the cashier may need to break open the case to scan one of the cans. Need only one carrot or one stalk of celery? You can break open a package and take out what you need. Just have it re-weighed and tagged. It’s an adjustment, but it’s all part of the quirky charm of shopping here. So, embrace the “eaches” lifestyle and take your time choosing the perfect carrot!
Closing:
There you have it—your grocery shopping adventure in Panama all wrapped up like a neatly bagged bunch of bananas. Whether you're weighing your veggies, tipping the bag boys, or pulling out your ID before they ask, you’re now fully equipped to shop like a local. Just remember: no coupons, no free bags, and definitely no cart-pushing at checkout! So, grab your reusable bags, a few coins for tipping, and maybe a little patience for those ID checks. Happy shopping, and don't forget—practice makes grocery-perfect!
See you in Panama!
#8 – Weigh and Tag Your Produce
In Panama, before you head to checkout, you’ll need to make a quick stop in the produce section to weigh and tag your fruits and veggies. Yes, you have to do this BEFORE heading to the checkout line! There’s a dedicated staff member who weighs everything for you and adds a price sticker right on the bag. Forget this step, and you’ll hold up the line as they send your fruits and veggies BACK to the produce department to get bagged and tagged. So, next time you grab that papaya, make sure it’s properly weighed and tagged.
#7 – No Coupons Allowed
Are you used to clipping coupons and hunting for deals? Well, you can leave those at home because Panamanian grocery stores don’t accept coupons…not even digital ones. But here’s the good news: most stores offer loyalty programs, and signing up is easy. You’ll earn points that can be redeemed for discounts or even free items. So, while the coupon game might not be a thing here, you can still save by giving your loyalty number… usually your ID number or your phone number. After all, who doesn’t love free stuff?
#6 – Don’t Push Your Cart Through the Payment Line
One of the quirkiest things about grocery shopping in Panama is that you leave your cart behind at the checkout line. That’s right, you don’t push the cart through. A helpful bag boy will ask if you want help. If you nod your head yes, he’ll unload everything from your cart onto the conveyor belt for you. I remember the first time I stood there awkwardly, wondering why no one was moving their cart—rookie mistake!
Some of the cash register lanes aren’t even wide enough for the cart. So once your cart is empty, just push it next to the magazine rack. It seems disorganized, but within a few minutes, a store employee will round up all the empty carts and clear the aisles. So, once you’re at check-out, just park your cart, let the bag boys do their thing, and enjoy a few moments of doing absolutely nothing!
#5 – Bring Cash for Tips
Here’s something you’ll want to keep in mind: the bag boys who help you at checkout work solely for tips… they don’t get a base hourly wage. Because they’re hustling for tips, they’ll load your groceries onto the conveyor belt, bag them for you, and even carry them to your car. It’s customary to tip around 50 cents for small orders, $1 for larger loads, and a few dollars if you’re filling your entire SUV. Trust me, these guys are lifesavers when you have more bags than hands! Just make sure to have some small change ready—tipping is part of the culture here.
#4 - Show Your ID for Big Purchases
You’re at the checkout, the cashier rings up your items, and suddenly, you’re asked for your ID—whether you’re using a credit card or paying with a $100 bill, no ID… no groceries. Verifying your ID is a standard security measure here, so always have your ID handy. This might feel a little strange if you’re used to paying with plastic in other countries, but it’s just how things are done in Panama. Here’s a Bonus tip: you won’t need to show your ID when using smaller bills, so if you want to help speed things along, use twenties, tens, fives and ones.
#3 – No Free Bags, So BYOB!
In Panama, you’ll need to bring your own bag or buy one at checkout. That’s right, no free plastic or paper bags here. Panama is on the eco-friendly bandwagon, and it’s all about reusable bags. So, make sure you keep a stash in your car or backpack for those last-minute grocery runs. And if you forget, don’t worry—you can always buy a reusable or biodegradable bag at the store…but it’s better to save that dollar for ceviche later.
#2 – Local vs Imported Goods
Panama’s grocery stores are packed with choices, but here’s the deal: imported goods can be pricey. Think double the price for that box of your favorite U.S. crackers or tub of Philadelphia cream cheese. However, the local products are not only fresher but much more affordable. So, if you want to save some cash and try something new, stick to local brands. Whether it’s coffee, snacks or cream cheese, you’ll find plenty of high-quality Panamanian goods to fill your cart …without breaking the bank.
#1 – Everything is Sold in "Eaches"
And finally, here’s the number one thing you must know about grocery shopping in Panama: everything is sold in “eaches.” That’s right—no bulk packs of soda or water bottles here. Want a 12-pack of soda? You can pickup the case, but because they’re priced individually, the cashier may need to break open the case to scan one of the cans. Need only one carrot or one stalk of celery? You can break open a package and take out what you need. Just have it re-weighed and tagged. It’s an adjustment, but it’s all part of the quirky charm of shopping here. So, embrace the “eaches” lifestyle and take your time choosing the perfect carrot!
Closing:
There you have it—your grocery shopping adventure in Panama all wrapped up like a neatly bagged bunch of bananas. Whether you're weighing your veggies, tipping the bag boys, or pulling out your ID before they ask, you’re now fully equipped to shop like a local. Just remember: no coupons, no free bags, and definitely no cart-pushing at checkout! So, grab your reusable bags, a few coins for tipping, and maybe a little patience for those ID checks. Happy shopping, and don't forget—practice makes grocery-perfect!
See you in Panama!
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