InsidePanamaComparisons
Where to grocery shop in Panama? Comparison of the 7 main chains: imported European products, freshness, price per kilo, vibe and location. Tested in person across Panama City + Boquete + David.
Updated : May 2026
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| Service | Score | Price | Action |
|---|---|---|---|
 Riba SmithWinnerLa référence pour expats européens. Rayon fromages, charcuterie, vins, produits importés FR/UE. | 4.6 | 0 USD | See offer ↗ |
PriceSmartL'équivalent Costco au Panama. Carte de membre 35 USD/an, format gros, marque Kirkland. | 4.5 | 35 USD | See offer ↗ |
Super 99Le best-of rapport qualité-prix. 70+ magasins partout au Panama. Marques nationales bien représentées. | 4.3 | 0 USD | See offer ↗ |
El ReyConcurrent direct de Riba Smith. Rayon importés bien fourni, bonne boulangerie maison. | 4.2 | 0 USD | See offer ↗ |
XtraChaîne moyen-de-gamme appartenant à Riba Smith. Bon compromis prix-qualité pour le quotidien. | 4.0 | 0 USD | See offer ↗ |
RomeroChaîne provinciale (David, Boquete, Las Tablas). Bon choix si vous vivez hors Panama City. | 3.9 | 0 USD | See offer ↗ |
Mr PrecioDiscounter local. Le moins cher du Panama pour les produits panaméens de base. | 3.8 | 0 USD | See offer ↗ |
Riba Smith
4.6
La référence pour expats européens. Rayon fromages, charcuterie, vins, produits importés FR/UE.
Pros
Cons
PriceSmart
4.5
L'équivalent Costco au Panama. Carte de membre 35 USD/an, format gros, marque Kirkland.
Pros
Cons
Super 99
4.3
Le best-of rapport qualité-prix. 70+ magasins partout au Panama. Marques nationales bien représentées.
Pros
Cons
El Rey
4.2
Concurrent direct de Riba Smith. Rayon importés bien fourni, bonne boulangerie maison.
Pros
Cons
Xtra
4.0
Chaîne moyen-de-gamme appartenant à Riba Smith. Bon compromis prix-qualité pour le quotidien.
Pros
Cons
Romero
3.9
Chaîne provinciale (David, Boquete, Las Tablas). Bon choix si vous vivez hors Panama City.
Pros
Cons
Mr Precio
3.8
Discounter local. Le moins cher du Panama pour les produits panaméens de base.
Pros
Cons
Our pick
Winning combo for European expats: Riba Smith for daily shopping (FR/EU products), PriceSmart for monthly bulk runs. Super 99 stays unbeatable on value if you eat more local.
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Mr Precio is the cheapest for basic Panamanian goods (rice, beans, milk, chicken) — roughly 15-20% cheaper than Riba Smith. Super 99 comes next with a good price/quality balance. Romero is competitive in the provinces.
Riba Smith is the reference: European cheese aisle (Comté, Brie, Roquefort), charcuterie, French/Italian/Spanish wines, Bonne Maman, LU biscuits. El Rey follows with a smaller but decent range. PriceSmart imports some European goods in bulk format.
Yes — it's the Latin American Costco equivalent. Membership required (~$35/year). Bulk format (5L oil cans, 24-pack toilet paper). Excellent imported Kirkland items. Ideal for families or roommates.
Yes, several options: Riba Smith and Super 99 have their own delivery apps. Rappi (the Panamanian Deliveroo equivalent) delivers from most supermarkets. PedidosYa does the same. Typical price: $2-4 delivery fee.
Yes — all large chains accept foreign Visa and Mastercard. American Express is rarer. Wise and Revolut cards work everywhere. Count on 1-3% fees from your issuing bank.
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