Panama – mostly known for the Panama Canal, for being the bridge between North– and South America, and being a tropical country.
You most likely will not be staring at the canal the whole time during your trip (or you may not visit it at all). Worry not, there are more fascinating things to do and see in the country.
Panama City has the Colonial Casco Viejo. If you are more interested in relaxing, Coiba Island is a nice spot away from the busy city life of Panama City. Do not forget about Barú Volcano.
You will most likely share your travel experiences online on social media to make your friends and family jealous – I am not judging ;)
But you should know that international roaming can be expensive. So expensive that it could cost you more than your accommodation in Panama. Or even worse, your whole trip!
Luckily, using a local SIM card is a way to stay connected at low costs. Instead of paying your home operator a premium for the privilege of using your main SIM card, you can instead enjoy local rates.
And SIM cards are not too expensive in Panama.
You can buy a Panamanian SIM card for up to 3 PAB (3 USD) from +móvil (Cable & Wireless), Claro, Digicel & Tigo (formerly Movistar) in their stores and from resellers. Claro even hands out SIM cards for free at times (mostly in malls). Daily unlimited data plans are available for as little as 1 PAB (1 USD).
See – not too bad, huh?
But before you try to get yourself a free SIM card from Claro, you may want to know if Claro is any good. Or what type of packages all the operators have to offer.
In this guide, I will tell you everything you need to know about buying a SIM card in Panama. Let's go.
Original publication: 10th of January 2020. Last updated: 18th of August 2021.
Table of Contents
Can You Buy a SIM Card in Panama?
Everyone living in or visiting Panama, for whatever purpose, can get a Panamanian SIM card from +móvil (Cable & Wireless), Claro, Digicel, or Tigo (formerly Movistar) in their stores or from resellers without any restrictions.
Be aware that you need a phone that supports the frequencies used in the country (preferably all of them to have the most optimal experience while in Panama).
Where Can You Buy a SIM Card in Panama?
You can get a Panamanian SIM card in the official stores of +móvil (Cable & Wireless), Claro, Digicel & Tigo, and also from authorized dealers, including corner stores (chinos). It is also possible to buy SIM cards at Panama-Tocumen International Airport at self-service machines.
Cannot see the video above? Watch it on YouTube.
You can expect to pay the following for Panamian SIM cards:
- +móvil (Cable & Wireless): Up to 15 PAB
- Claro Panama: free up to 3 PAB
- Digicel Panama: Up to 3 PAB
- Tigo Panama: Up to 3 PAB
Can You Use Your Phone in Panama?
Panama uses GSM for its cellular communications, meaning that you need a GSM-capable phone to use your phone in the country. CMDA-phones will not work in Panama, but there is about a 99% chance you have a GSM phone anyway.
You also need to be aware of the ITU regions to determine whether your phone will work in other parts of the world.
Although there are three ITU regions, you only need to know these two terms: American Frequencies and European Frequencies.
Panama uses American Frequencies, which are used in the Americas (North-, Central, and South America + the Caribbean – ITU Region 2). Phones sold in the Americas typically have no issues when using their phone in other ITU Region 2 countries.
In Africa, Asia (including the Middle East), Europe, and Oceania (ITU Regions 1 & 3), they typically use European Frequencies, meaning phones bought in those regions can be used in countries using European Frequencies without issues.
If you purchased your phone in the Americas (ITU Region 2), you should not experience any issues with using your phone in Panama. Do note that Panama uses Band 28 for frequency spectrum 700 MHz. This band for 700 MHz is more common in Latin America but not at all in North America.
If you bought your phone in Africa, Asia, Europe, or Oceania (ITU regions 1 & 3) and have a low/medium-end device without Tri-Band or Quad-Band support, you want to go with Digicel Panama. It supports traditional European frequencies on 2G. However, 2G is too slow for modern data browsing.
If you have a medium/high-end device with Tri-Band or Quad-Band support, you can go with any operator because your phone will support both American and European frequencies – also on 4G/LTE.
Mobile Operators, Networks & Frequencies in Panama
Panama has four mobile network operators:
- +movil (Cable & Wireless Panama)
- Claro Panama
- Digicel Panama
- Tigo Panama (formerly Movistar Panama)
The following frequencies are used in Panama:
- 2G: 850 MHz, 1800 MHz & 1900 MHz
- 3G: 850 MHz & 1900 MHz
- 4G/LTE: 700 MHz (Band 28) & 1900 MHz (Band 2)
You can learn more about frequencies in the video below.
Cannot see the video above? Watch it on YouTube.
You can learn more about frequencies in the video below.
To check whether your phone will work in Panama, check out this page by Will My Phone Work (may be outdated or inaccurate at times).
Again, make sure your phone is unlocked. Otherwise, you will not be able to use any SIM card except the one from your home operator (meaning you have to roam internationally or buy another unlocked phone that does support the frequencies listed above).
If you want to learn how international roaming works, this guide explains it in-depth. If you wonder why it is often so expensive to roam, this article explains the hidden reason they do not want you to know.
5G NR in Panama
5G NR is not available in Panama as of 2021, and the Panamanian government has not made any indications of when they will auction 5G licenses.
Best SIM Card in Panama
If you want to buy the best card in Panama, I recommend going with +móvil or Digicel. +móvil is regarded as the best mobile operator in Panama. Digicel has won an award for being the fastest mobile network. Consider Claro (and Digicel) for plans with unlimited LTE data.
SIM Card Registration in Panama
SIM card registration with your passport information may be required in Panama.
Together with Nicaragua, Panama used to be the only Central American country where SIM card registration was not mandatory. This may have been changed somewhere in 2019 or 2020.
I have asked my contacts in Panama for more information regarding SIM card registration, but none of them were aware of this new regulation. I even asked a reader whether he needed to register his SIM card, but he did not. He also asked around, but nobody knew.
So SIM card registration may still not be mandatory in Panama, but this could change at any time. Keep me posted.
Panama Mobile Speeds, Mobile Internet Prices & Insights
Mobile data rates in Latin America are quite affordable, especially when looking at it from a global perspective.
Central America, for that matter, also has low mobile dates rates.
But how cheap is mobile data in Panama?
The average price for 1 GB of data in Panama is 4.49 USD, above the Central American average of 2.40 USD. The world average is 4.07 USD.
This makes Panama the Central American country with the highest mobile data rates in the region.
Even then, the Panamanian average is around the global average, so it could be worse.
But do you get faster speeds by paying more for data plans? Not at all.
Panama's average mobile download speed is around 20 Mbps, less than half the global average.
To make things worse, Panama has the slowest average download speeds in Central America. Costa Rica represents the region with an average download speed of 33 Mbps, but that is still not around or higher than the global average.
What makes this even more surprising is that fixed broadband speeds are crazy high in the country, especially compared to mobile speeds.
In fact, Panama is in the top 40 countries with the fastest broadband download speeds worldwide, with speeds reaching 125 Mbps.
To me, this was a surprising revelation because fixed broadband speeds hover around 100 Mbps, placing Panama in the top 40 fastest countries worldwide.
When speaking about mobile coverage, it is decent – for regional standards. 4G/LTE coverage is fine but not excellent. This can be an issue because some operators offer unlimited data with their plans, as long as you are connected to 4G/LTE.
If you are in an area where 4G/LTE is not available, data will be used from your 3G data allowance, which can be small.
Overall, you should have a decent network experience in Panama.
Currency in Panama
Panama uses the Panamanian Balboa with the symbol PAB (which will be used throughout this guide) and the US Dollar (USD).
PAB is pegged 1:1 to the USD, meaning that 1 PAB = 1 USD.
Both currencies are used interchangeably in the country, which means that you can pay USD without any issues. If you pay in USD, you may get your change back in PAB in some situations.
If your credit/debit card charges you foreign exchange fees, get yourself a Wise Borderless Account and Debit Card. Their fees are MUCH lower than banks, and credit card companies charge you (and Wise is transparent about their fees, unlike banks).
I have saved literal THOUSANDS of Euros, my main currency, when using Wise abroad when traveling compared to my debit and credit cards. Open a Wise account FREE!
Panamanian Prepaid SIM Cards
Below, I will guide you through, +móvil, Claro Panama, Digicel Panama & Tigo Panama, and go through:
- Background information
- Mobile coverage
- SIM card types, prices, and availability
- Recharge/top-up information
- Combo plans, data plans, and special packs (such as social media packs)
With that being said, let’s see what Panama has to offer.
+móvil (Cable & Wireless Panama)
+móvil, also known as mas móvil, is the mobile brand of Cable & Wireless Panama. It is the largest mobile operator in the country.
+móvil uses the following frequencies:
- 2G: 850 MHz
- 3G: 850 MHz
- 4G/LTE: 700 MHz (Band 28)
This is what you will learn about +móvil:
Click on the links above to jump to the section you are interested in.
* Coverage
* How to Get a +móvil SIM Card & SIM Card Price
* Topping Up Options & Methods + Balance Check
* Plans & Packages
* APN/Internet Settings
Jump to: Claro | Digicel | Tigo
Coverage – +móvil (Cable & Wireless Panama)
+móvil has the best 4G/LTE coverage in Panama.
Coverage and reception will be fine in urban areas and most rural ones. However, your reception will suffer out in the mountains.
+móvil has a map showing its 4G/LTE towers:
Although it is nice to look at, it is rather useless. Below is the coverage map produced by Speedtest:
SIM Card Price – +móvil (Cable & Wireless Panama)
You can get a +móvil SIM card for up to 15 PAB in Cable & Wireless stores and other dealers (Distribuidores). It is also possible to get SIM cards at Panama-Tocumen International Airport.
The following two SIM cards are available:
| Price | SIM Card | Data | Social Data 1 | On-Net Minutes | Validity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 PAB | Chip Ilimitado Todo, Todito x 7 días | Unlimited | N/A | Unlimited | 7 days |
| 15 PAB | Chip Data & Minutos x 30 Días | 3 GB | Unlimted | Unlimited | 30 days |
1 WeChat & WhatsApp
You may have to dial *131# to activate 4G/LTE if you are in a 4G/LTE covered area and are limited to 2G or 3G.
Top-Up, Recharge & Balance Check – +móvil (Cable & Wireless Panama)
+móvil top-up vouchers, in values between 2 PAB to 15 PAB, are sold in Cable & Wireless stores and other dealers (Distribuidores), but also at other places like corner shops (chinos), grocery shops, pharmacies, and gas stations.
Remember, 7% sales tax will be deducted from each top-up.
To top up your +móvil SIM card, dial *166*VoucherCode#.
For example, if your voucher code is 123456, you would dial *166*123456#.
You can also tell the salesperson how much credit you want, your phone number, pay, and they will top up your SIM card with the POS system.
You can also recharge online with (international) debit and credit cards.
Dial *165# to check your +móvil balance.
You can also top up and check your balance on the Mi Más (My More) app (Android/iOS/Huawei AppGallery).
Plans, Packages, Bundles & Offers – +móvil (Cable & Wireless Panama)
+móvil has two data-featured plans: Planes de Data Prepago/Prepaid Data Plans (combo) & Servicio de Datos Prepago/Prepaid Data Service (data-only).
Planes de Data Prepago (Prepaid Data Plans) – +móvil (Cable & Wireless Panama)
The Planes de Data Prepago (Prepaid Data Plans) are combo plans with data and minutes.
You can activate Planes de Data Prepago on the Mi Más app:
| Price | Plan | Data | Social Data | On-Net Minutes | Off-Net Minutes | Validity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 PAB | Plan Redes Ilimitadas x 4 Días | 400 MB | Unlimited 1 | 100 minutes | 10 minutes | 4 days |
| 5 PAB | Todo, Todito x 7 Días | Unlimited | N/A | Unlimited | 20 minutes | 7 days |
| 15 PAB | Plan Data Y Minutos x 30 Días | 3 GB | Unlimited 2 | Unlimited | N/A | 30 days |
1 Facebook, Instagram, WeChat, WhatsApp & YouTube
2 WeChat & WhatsApp
Servicio de Datos Prepago (Prepaid Data Service) – +móvil (Cable & Wireless Panama)
The Servicio de Datos Prepago (Prepaid Data Service) are data-only plans.
The following Servicio de Datos Prepago plans are available, which can be activated by dialing *456#:
| Price | Data | Validity |
|---|---|---|
| 0.99 PAB | 150 MB | 1 day |
| 1.99 PAB | 400 MB | 2 days |
| 2.99 PAB | 650 MB | 3 days |
| 4.99 PAB | 800 MB | 7 days |
| 8.99 PAB | 1 GB | 15 days |
| 14.99 PAB | 2 GB | 30 days |
Planes Prepago (DISCONTINUED) – +móvil (Cable & Wireless Panama)
The Planes Prepago are combo plans with data, social data, and on-net minutes.
The following Planes Prepago are available, which can be activated by dialing *456#:
* Speed is reduced to 1 Mbps after reaching 8 GB with Data Ilimitada 7 Días (5 PAB) and 30 GB with Plan Siempre 30 Días (42 PAB)
To check your plan's balance, dial *131#.
APN/Internet Settings – +móvil (Cable & Wireless Panama)
- Name: Mas Movil Internet
- APN: apn01.cwpanama.com.pa
Note: leave anything not mentioned above untouched.
Jump back to the Table of Contents.
Claro Panama
Claro Panama, just Claro, is the second-largest operator in Panama. Claro, as a company, is active throughout the entirety of Latin America.
Claro uses the following frequencies:
- 2G: 850 MHz & 1900 MHz
- 3G: 850 MHz & 1900 MHz
- 4G/LTE: 700 MHz (Band 28) & 1900 MHz (Band 2)
This is what you will learn about Claro:
Click on the links above to jump to the section you are interested in.
* Coverage
* How to Get a Claro SIM Card & SIM Card Price
* Topping Up Options & Methods + Balance Check
* Plans & Packages
* APN/Internet Settings
Jump to: +móvil (Cable & Wireless) | Digicel | Tigo
Coverage – Claro Panama
Claro has extensive coverage throughout Panama.
Coverage will be close to excellent in populated areas. 4G/LTE reception vanished in rural areas.
Below is Claro's coverage map:
SIM Card Price – Claro Panama
You can buy a Claro SIM card for up to 3 PAB in Claro stores and many third-party sellers, like chinos. It is possible to get SIM cards for free at Claro mall stands. Claro SIM cards are also available at Panama-Tocumen International Airport.
Dial *555# to see your Claro phone number.
Claro SIM cards get deactivated if there has been no activity for 80 days (no top-up for 80 days or no activity for 80 days).
Top-Up, Recharge & Balance Check – Claro Panama
Claro top-up vouchers are sold in denominations of 3 PAB, 5 PAB & 10 PAB in Claro stores, grocery stores, corner shops, and electronics shops throughout Panama.
The following (online) top-up options are available:
| Top-Up | Validity |
|---|---|
| 2 PAB – 2.99 PAB | 15 days |
| 3 PAB – 4.99 PAB | 30 days |
| 5 PAB – 9.99 PAB | 45 days |
| 10 PAB – 14.99 PAB | 60 days |
| 15 PAB – 29.99 PAB | 90 days |
| 30 PAB – 50 PAB | 120 days |
Remember, 7% sales tax will be deducted from each top-up.
To top up your Claro SIM card, dial *106*VoucherCode#.
For example, if your voucher code is 123456, you would dial *106*123456#.
You can also tell the salesperson how much credit you want, your phone number, pay, and they will top up your SIM card with the POS system.
You can also recharge online with (international) debit and credit cards.
Dial *103# to check your Claro balance.
You can also top up and check your balance on the Mi Claro (My Claro) app (Android/iOS).
Plans, Packages, Bundles & Offers – Claro Panama
Claro has two data-featured plans: Superpacks (combo) & Internet Móvil/Mobile Internet (data-only).
Superpacks – Claro Panama
The Superpacks are combo plans with data, minutes, and SMS.
You can activate Superpacks by texting the Activation Code to 456:
| Plan | Data | Social Data 2 | On-Net Minutes | Off-Net/International Minutes 1 | On-Net SMS | Activation Code | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 PAB | Superpack Ilimitado 1 | Unlimited | Unlimited | 20 minutes | N/A | N/A | 1 day | Plan 1 |
| 3 PAB | Superpack Ilimitado 3 | Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited | 10 minutes | Unlimited | 4 days | Plan 3 |
| 5 PAB | Superpack Ilimitado 5 | Unlimited | 5 GB | Unlimited | 15 minutes | Unlimited | 7 days | Plan 5 |
| 5 PAB | Nuevo Superpack 5 | 2 GB | 3 GB 3 | Unlimited | 15 minutes | Unlimited | 7 days | PAQ5 |
| 10 PAB | Nuevo Superpack 10 | 3 GB | 5 GB 3 | Unlimited | 25 minutes | 50 SMS | 15 days | PAQ10 |
| 10 PAB | Superpack Ilimitado 10 | Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited | 30 minutes | 50 SMS | 14 days | Plan 10 |
| 15 PAB | Superpack Ilimitado 15 | 4 GB | 1 GB 4 | 150 minutes | 150 minutes | 75 SMS | 28 days | Plan 15 |
1 to Brazil, China, Colombia, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, France, Israel, Mexico, Peru, Puerto Rico, Spain, United States & Venezuela
2 Facebook, Instagram, Twitter & WhatsApp
3 30 days
4 only Facebook & WhatsApp
Internet Móvil (Mobile Internet) – Claro Panama
The Internet Móvil (Mobile Internet) plans are data-only bundles.
You have the following options, which can be activated on the Mi Claro app:
| Price | Plan | Data | Validity |
|---|---|---|---|
| 16 PAB | Plan Internet Móvil Plus B/.16.00 | 20 GB | 1 month |
| 20 PAB | Plan Internet Móvil Plus B/.20.00 | 40 GB | 1 month |
| 25 PAB | Plan Internet Móvil Plus B/.25.00 | 60 GB | 1 month |
APN/Internet Settings – Claro Panama
- Name: Claro
- APN: web.claro.com.pa
- Username: claroweb
- Password: claroweb
Note: leave anything not mentioned above untouched.
Jump back to the Table of Contents.
Digicel Panama
Digicel Panama, just Digicel, is one of Panama's mobile operators. It won the Panama Speedtest Fastest Mobile Network Award in 2018. However, things may have changed since then. Digicel as a company is active in many other Caribbean nations, Central America, and Oceania.
A reader, who wishes to remain anonymous, was kind enough to send me a recent speed test done in 2021 – you can send me your speed tests too!
Digicel uses the following frequencies:
- 2G: 1800 MHz & 1900 MHz
- 3G: 1900 MHz
- 4G/LTE: 700 MHz (Band 28) & 1900 MHz (Band 2)
This is what you will learn about Digicel:
Click on the links above to jump to the section you are interested in.
* Coverage
* How to Get a Digicel SIM Card & SIM Card Price
* Topping Up Options & Methods + Balance Check
* Plans & Packages
* APN/Internet Settings
Jump to: +móvil (Cable & Wireless) | Claro | Tigo
Coverage – Digicel Panama
Digicel has extensive coverage in Panama.
Its 4G/LTE reception is great in urban areas, but it lacks in rural places.
Below is Digicel's coverage map:
SIM Card Price – Digicel Panama
You can buy a Digicel SIM card in Digicel stores and many third-party sellers. It is also possible to get them at Panama-Tocumen International Airport.
Dial *129# to see your Digicel phone number.
Top-Up, Recharge & Balance Check – Digicel Panama
Digicel top-up vouchers are sold in Digicel stores, corner shops, gas stations, and grocery stores throughout Panama.
Remember, 7% sales tax will be deducted from each top-up.
To top up your Claro SIM card, dial *121*VoucherCode#.
For example, if your voucher code is 123456, you would dial *121*123456#.
You can also tell the salesperson how much credit you want, your phone number, pay, and they will top up your SIM card with the POS system.
You can also recharge online with (international) debit and credit cards.
Dial *120# to check your Digicel balance.
You can also top up and check your balance on the Digicel app (Android/iOS).
Plans, Packages, Bundles & Offers – Digicel Panama
Digicel has two data-featured plans: Paquetes Prepago/Prepaid Packages (combo) & Planes LTE Pro Prepago/LTE Pro Prepaid Plans (combo)
Paquetes Prepago (Prepaid Packages) – Digicel Panama
The Paquetes Prepago (Prepaid Packages) are combo bundles with data and minutes.
You can activate Paquetes Prepago by dialing *111#:
| Price | Plan | 4G/LTE Data | 3G Data | On-Net Minutes | Off-Net/International Minutes 2 | Validity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 PAB | Plan Ilimitado 7 Días | Unlimited | 3 GB | Unlimited | 25 minutes | 7 days |
| 5 PAB | Plan Ilimitado 8 Días 3 | Unlimited | 3 GB | Unlimited | 25 minutes | 8 days |
| 10 PAB | Plan Ilimitado 14 Días | Unlimited | 6 GB | Unlimited | 50 minutes | 14 days |
| 20 PAB | Plan Ilimitado 28 Días | Unlimited | 12 GB | Unlimited | 125 minutes | 28 days |
1 Billo, BiP, D'Music & GoLoud
2 to China, Costa Rica, Colombia, Mexico & United States
3 app activation only
Digicel has the Prepago Paquetes, which are combo plans with unlimited LTE data, limited 3G data, separate data allowances for select Digicel apps, and international minutes.
The following Prepago Paquetes are available:
You can download any Prime Bundle app by visiting the links below:
- Listen More (Music) with D'Music
- Listen More (Radio) with GoLoud
- Share More with Bip
- Store More with Billo
Do note that if your device supports the 4G/LTE frequencies used by Digicel Pamana (700 MHz on Band 28 & 1900 MHz on Band 2), you will get unlimited LTE data (although subject to a fair use policy – in Spanish). If not, the data allowance under the 3G data column applies.
Planes LTE Pro Prepago (LTE Pro Prepaid Plans) – Digicel Panama
The Planes LTE Pro Prepago (LTE Pro Prepaid Plans) are combo bundles with data, minutes, and SMS.
You can activate Planes LTE Pro Prepago by dialing *111#:
| Price | Plan | 4G/LTE Data | 3G Data | On-Net Minutes | Off-Net/International Minutes 2 | Local SMS | Validity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 PAB | Ilimitado 3 Días | Unlimited | Up to 12 GB | Unlimited | 10 minutes | Unlimited | 3 days |
| 5 PAB | Ilimitado 7 Días | Unlimited | Up to 12 GB | Unlimited | 25 minutes | Unlimited | 7 days |
| 10 PAB | Ilimitado 14 Días | Unlimited | Up to 12 GB | Unlimited | 50 minutes | Unlimited | 14 days |
| 20 PAB | Ilimitado 28 Días Lite | Unlimited | Up to 12 GB | Unlimited | 125 minutes | Unlimited | 28 days |
| 35 PAB | Ilimitado 28 Días | Unlimited | Up to 12 GB | Unlimited | 125 minutes | Unlimited | 28 days |
Do note that if your device supports the 4G/LTE frequencies used by Digicel Pamana (700 MHz on Band 28 & 1900 MHz on Band 2), you will get unlimited LTE data (although subject to a fair use policy – in Spanish). If not, the data allowance under the 3G data column applies.
APN/Internet Settings – Digicel Panama
- Name: Web Digicel
- APN: web.digicelpanama.com
Note: leave anything not mentioned above untouched.
Jump back to the Table of Contents.
Tigo Panama (Formerly Movistar Panama)
Tigo Panama, just Tigo and formerly Movistar Panama, is another mobile operator in Panama. Millicom, with the mobile brand Tigo, acquired Movistar Panama's (Telefonica Moviles Panama) operations in 2019 and phased out the Movistar brand. The operator was Panama's second telco to offer 4G/LTE services in 2015. Tigo as a company is active in various countries in Latin America and also in Tanzania.
Tigo uses the following frequencies:
- 2G: 850 MHz
- 3G: 850 MHz & 1900 MHz
- 4G/LTE: 700 MHz (Band 28) & 1900 MHz (Band 2)
This is what you will learn about Tigo:
Click on the links above to jump to the section you are interested in.
* Coverage
* How to Get a Tigo SIM Card & SIM Card Price
* Topping Up Options & Methods + Balance Check
* Plans & Packages
* APN/Internet Settings
Jump to: +móvil (Cable & Wireless) | Claro | Digicel
Coverage – Tigo Panama (formerly Movistar Panama)
Tigo has extensive coverage in Panama. It has the second best 4G/LTE coverage.
Below is Tigo's coverage map:
SIM Card Price – Tigo Panama (formerly Movistar Panama)
You can get a Tigo SIM card for up to 3 PAB in Tigo stores and many third-party resellers. It is also possible to get them at Panama-Tocumen.
You have to dial *312 to activate your Tigo SIM card.
Top-Up, Recharge & Balance Check – Tigo Panama (formerly Movistar Panama)
Tigo top-up vouchers are sold in Tigo stores, grocery stores, corner shops, and electronics shops throughout Panama.
Remember, 7% sales tax will be deducted from each top-up.
To top up your Tigo SIM card, dial *312VoucherCode#.
For example, if your voucher code is 123456, you would dial *312123456# – there is no * between 312 and the Voucher Code.
It is also possible to recharge by dialing *888# -> option 4 -> option 4 -> option 1 and entering the Voucher Code.
You can also tell the salesperson how much credit you want, your phone number, pay, and they will top up your SIM card with the POS system.
You can also recharge online with (international) debit and credit cards.
Dial *312# -> option 1 or *888# -> option 4 -> option 1 to check your Tigo balance.
You can also top up and check your balance on the Mi Tigo Panamá (My Tigo Panama) app (Android/iOS).
Plans, Packages, Bundles & Offers – Tigo Panama (formerly Movistar Panama)
APN/Internet Settings – Tigo Panama (formerly Movistar Panama)
- Name: Tigo
- APN: internet.movistar.pa
- Username: movistarpa
- Password: movistarpa
Note: leave anything not mentioned above untouched.
Jump back to the Table of Contents.
Other Ways to Stay Connected When Traveling in Panama
The cheapest way to get online in Panama is to get a SIM card from one of the four mobile operators. However, that is not your only method of staying online.
Below are some other options to consider.
International Roaming
Roaming is the most convenient way to stay connected. You do not have to buy a new SIM card, and people at home can easily reach you on your current phone number.
However, roaming has many downsides as well. It can be insanely expensive.
International/Travel SIM Cards
International SIM cards or travel SIM cards are SIM cards made for travelers. The rates charged are often lower than international roaming, but they are almost always higher than what local operators will charge you.
Get to know more about international and travel SIM cards.
Mobile hotspots, or pocket WIFI, are small devices that connect to the local operators of the country you are visiting. Mobile hotspots are ideal for families or those traveling in a large group, as they allow you to connect multiple devices to one hotspot without the need of each traveler having to buy a SIM card.
You can either buy a mobile hotspot or rent one.
Free WIFI Networks
Nothing beats free, right? Paying nothing to stay connected may be the best option. Until you remember that free hotspots are not available everywhere (especially when on the move) and that free connections are often extremely slow.
Just make sure to protect your internet traffic with a VPN when connected to open WIFI connections. It is worth it.
The Preferred Way to Stay Connected When Traveling in Panama
Getting a SIM card from +móvil or Digicel would do you well when considering a Panamanian SIM card.
Local Prepaid SIM Cards in Other Central American Countries
Visiting other countries in Central America? Check out my Central America SIM card buying guide, covering other Central American nations, such as:
Next Steps to Enhance Your Travel Experiences
Looking for the next steps to enhance your phone travel experiences? Here is what to do:
Check Out My Resource Page
Looking for the best companies and gadgets to enhance your travel experience? Check out my travel resources page for the best companies to use when you travel! Save money with international SIM cards, on plane tickets, bus rides, cruises, and accommodation. Besides that, I also list services and items I use to make my life easier – and I believe they will help you too!
Start Your Own Online Business – Make Money While Traveling
Do you want to learn how I started an online business that allows me to generate income while traveling? In my starting an online business guide, I tell you which tools, services, and products I have for this site and my YouTube channel. If I can start a business about something I am passionate about (phone travel), then you can do it too!
Learn About Your Phone Travel Options
You can buy local prepaid SIM cards, international SIM cards, mobile hotspots, or roam internationally. Each of these options has its pros and cons. Learn more about them, and find the best option for you.
Phone Travel Tips, Tricks & Hacks
I have written many articles with tips and hacks to save money on mobile costs while abroad. You surely want to check them out!
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