Second in size only to Hong Kong’s, Colón’s free-trade zone is a huge fortresslike area of giant international stores selling items duty free. Most stores only deal in bulk merchandise and aren’t set up to sell to individual tourists. To enter the Zona Libre, you'll need to present your passport at the security office.
Individual purchases are sent to Tocumen International Airport in Panama City, where they may be retrieved upon the visitor’s departure. Hours vary depending on each store, with some open on weekends.