Panama: canal free zone: how to take goods
 

So has anyone been in the Colon Free Zone? Is it worth going for retail stuff? I know there are customs requirements, but not sure how that works for overland travel.

Colon
 

Having been to Colon I can say that this city is quite something- a slum - but intersting. Watch your back.As for the the "Free Zone" it was intended originally for wholesalers from surrounding countries and more recently sales to individuals off cruise ships. At hotels you will run into a lot of middle eastern traders who work out of South American countries.
As a motorcycle tourist, and not committed to the buying of overpriced stuff I think it is highly overrated as to how much one can" save" on so-called designer fashions electronics and junk. How can you be sure you are not getting knock-offs, pirateria, or refurbished items? Then , how much does the shipping - home of such cost , and what surprises of import taxes etc. await you once you do get it home? Just because Panama waives taxes does not mean you are home-free.

I agree with you on the politics and danger and such. I'm not looking to go 'shop til I drop', just thought it would be worth looking around and perhaps finding some of the things we have destroyed on the trip and want to replace- like an mp3 player.