Menu
Expat.com

Mobile phone plans in Panama

Last activity 29 August 2024 by Rush Alvarado

Post new topic

Cheryl

Hello everyone,

Staying connected while living in Panama remains a priority for expats, especially when choosing a mobile operator or to understand the local specificities of mobile plans.

Here some elements to consider:

How to choose your mobile operator in Panama?

What documents are required to subscribe to a mobile plan in Panama?

What criteria should you consider when choosing a plan matching your needs?

Are e-sim cards a suitable option for expats? What are the conditions?

What are your local tips for saving money on your mobile plan, especially for international calls (apps, operators, etc.) or mobile data?

Feel free to share your experiences and advice to choose your mobile plan as an expat in Panama.

Thank you for your contribution.

Cheryl
The Expat.com Team

panamawisecom

I have tried several operators, and TIGO is the best, in my opinion. If you have a recent iPhone (like the 14 or 15 model), e-SIM is not a problem. I have a bundle cell phone, WiFi, cable, and landline. I also have to travel from Panama to Florida, and my phone switches effortlessly to roaming, so I can use my favorite apps, such as Waze or WhatsApp, at no extra charge, just like if I were in Panama. I usually spend no more than two weeks abroad (and I recently went to Colombia), so I don't know if the same conditions would apply if I traveled for extended periods. I plan to go to Europe, and I have yet to find out if the same applies there, which would be nice.

Rush Alvarado

@Cheryl There are 2 companies: Más Móvil and Tigo.  Más Móvil has the largest network and what about Tigo? well... Tigo uses the same network! leased, of course. So it could be a difference of service quality in regions that aren't exclusive to one another.  You can pick any of the two and you'll have coverage almost nationwide.

Articles to help you in your expat project in Panama

  • Phones in Panama
    Phones in Panama

    Telecommunications trends in Panama are similar to those throughout the developed world, with mobile phones ...

  • Internet in Panama
    Internet in Panama

    There is good internet coverage in most parts of Panama, with wifi available in hotels and apartments, as well as ...

  • Customs in Panama
    Customs in Panama

    It is advisable to seek customs information through the official channels before travelling to Panama. Because ...

  • Childcare in Panama
    Childcare in Panama

    Education in Panama is compulsory for children from 6 years. In general, children attend pre-primary school as ...

  • Sports in Panama
    Sports in Panama

    A country as conducive to the outdoor life as Panama almost inevitably develops sport-lovers. In this case the ...

  • Communicating in the local language
    Communicating in the local language

    As a Panamanian who was fortunate enough to learn English and have some exposure to other different cultures ...

  • Visas for Panama
    Visas for Panama

    There are different types of residency visas in Panama, including those for retirees and others for people wishing ...

  • Transport in Panama
    Transport in Panama

    There are different means of transport in Panama: planes, trains, subway, bus, taxi, etc. You can choose among ...

All of Panama's guide articles