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 21 PAB (21.05 USD) or 35 PAB (35.10 USD) from +móvil (Cable & Wireless). Claro, Digicel & Tigo (formerly Movistar) SIM cards are free if purchased together with a plan. SIM cards are also sold at Panama City-Tocumen International Airport (PTY – at inflated prices).
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: 30th of November 2023.
Table of Contents
What is the 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 once won an award for being the fastest. Consider Claro (and Digicel) for plans with unlimited 4G/LTE data.
So, who are all these mobile operators and what options are available for you?
Panama has four mobile operators offering prepaid services that are easily accessible to travelers:
- +movil (Cable & Wireless Panama)
- Claro Panama
- Digicel Panama
- Tigo Panama (formerly Movistar Panama)

Anyone living in or visiting Panama can buy a Panamanian SIM card with some restrictions.
- Find out which countries have SIM card registration regulations and what is required from you (lookup tool)

Where Can You Buy a Panamanian SIM Card (+Prices)?
You can get a Panamanian SIM card in +móvil (Cable & Wireless), Claro, Digicel & Tigo (formerly Movistar) stores. Resellers, like post offices, newsstands & grocery stores, also sell SIM cards. Some Panamanian airports sell (tourist) SIM cards (at inflated prices).
You can expect to pay the following for Panamanian SIM cards:
- +móvil (Cable & Wireless): 21 PAB & 31 PAB
- Claro Panama: free when purchased with a plan. Else, up to 3 PAB
- Digicel Panama: free when purchased with a plan. Else, up to 3 PAB
- Tigo Panama: free when purchased with a plan. Else, up to 3 PAB
Note that Panamanian SIM cards can be more expensive than those listed above when purchased at an airport.
Use the Wise Currency Converter tool (free) for up-to-date PAB (Panamanian Balboa) to your currency (let's say USD – US Dollar) exchange rates.
For your convenience, below are some exchange rates between PEN and USD (US Dollars):
- 1 PAB = 1 USD
But for any other currency, the Wise Currency Converter tool.
(Travel) eSIMs for Panama
In recent years, (travel) eSIMs have become extremely popular.
Especially after Apple made iPhones (14- & 15 series) sold in the United States eSIM-only, forcing its users to use eSIMs – even when abroad.
As a result, the adoption of eSIM technology by mobile operators worldwide rose impressively quickly.
Currently, no Panamanian mobile operator offers eSIMs to prepaid customers.
In my Panama eSIM buying guide, I analyze various eSIM options of eSIM providers I have tested extensively worldwide.

Surprisingly, travel eSIMs can be cheaper than a Panamanian SIM card or eSIM in specific scenarios.
Moreover, Latin (Central- and South) America-wide and global eSIM options are also available at competitive prices (without having to deal with expensive international roaming rates).
In this Panama SIM card buying guide (the one you are reading), I will stick to the local SIM cards and eSIM, but you can read my Panama eSIM buying guide for more information about travel eSIMs covering the country.
But here is a quick overview already + applicable discount codes if you are interested in purchasing a travel eSIM for Panama:
- Airalo: Pancell Digital (Panama only), Latamlink (19 countries in Latin (Central- and South) America) & Discover+ (130 countries worldwide + up to 200 worldwide minutes & 200 worldwide SMS)
- Alosim: Panama
- Holafly: Panama – options include unlimited data
- Nomad: Global (109 or 139 countries, depending on the variant)
Here are some discount codes to sweeten the deal:
- Airalo: DEC15 for 15% off (if you have never bought an Airalo eSIM before). Otherwise, DEC10 for 10% off (for existing users) – only the first 3000 users can redeem either discount code)
- Alosim: PTW for 5% off (as many times as you wish for as many eSIMs as you want)
- Holafly: PHONETRAVELWIZ for 5% off (as many times as you wish for as many eSIMs as you want)
- Nomad: ADU123 for 3 USD off (on your first-ever Nomad order only)
Once again, check out my Panama eSIM buying guide to learn more about these eSIM options.

The eSIM guide is as comprehensive as this SIM card buying guide, but it solely focuses on travel eSIMs (while the guide you are reading focuses on local SIM cards and eSIMs for prepaid users (where applicable).
Panamanian Prepaid SIM Cards Explored
Below, I will guide you through, +móvil (Cable & Wireless), Claro Panama, Digicel Panama & Tigo Panama (formerly Movistar Panama), and go through:
- Background information
- Mobile coverage
- SIM card types, prices & availability
- Recharge/top-up information
- Combo plans, data plans & special packs (such as social media packs)
With that said, let's see what Panama offers us.
+móvil (Cable & Wireless Panama)

+móvil (Mas Móvil) by Cable & Wireless Panama is the largest mobile operator in Panama.
Cable & Wireless, using the Flow brand, is also active in the Caribbean.
+móvil uses the following frequencies:
- 2G: 850 MHz
- 3G: 850 MHz
- 4G/LTE: 700 MHz (Band 28)
- VoLTE: Yes
- VoWiFi: Yes
This is what you will learn about +móvil:
* Coverage
* How to Get a +móvil SIM Card & SIM Card Price
* Topping Up Options & Methods + Balance Check
* Plans & Packages
* APN/Internet Settings
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.
Below is +móvil's coverage map produced by Speedtest:
SIM Card Price – +móvil (Cable & Wireless Panama)
You can buy a +móvil SIM card 5 PAB with 1 GB of data and unlimited on-net minutes for 7 days or 15 PAB with 3 GB of data, unlimited WeChat and WhatsApp & unlimited on-net minutes for 30 days in Cable & Wireless stores and from resellers, like grocery stores, gas stations & convenience stores. +móvil SIM cards are also sold at Panama City-Tocumen International Airport (PTY – at inflated prices).
Below is an overview of the two +móvil SIM cards:
Price | SIM Card | Data | On-Net Minutes 1 | Off-Net Minutes | Validity |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
21 PAB | Plan Especial Sin Limites Data Ilimitada | Unlimited | Unlimited | 150 minutes | 30 days |
27 PAB | Plan Conectado Sin Limites Data Ilimitada | Unlimited | Unlimited | 250 minutes | 30 days |
35 PAB | Plan Data Sin Limites Data Ilimitada | Unlimited | Unlimited | 450 minutes | 30 days |
1 also for Claro

- Find out how much SIM cards cost in every country, including data-only SIM cards and tourist SIM cards, offered by each mobile operator + information about starter benefits (lookup tool)

You may have to dial *131# to activate 4G/LTE.
+móvil has no eSIMs – not even for postpaid customers.
Note that +móvil offers VoLTE (Voice over LTE (4G)) if your phone supports it and you have enabled it in the settings.
Oh, you can also use VoWiFi (Voice over WiFi).
Top-Up, Recharge & Balance Check – +móvil (Cable & Wireless Panama)
Plans, Packages, Bundles & Offers – +móvil (Cable & Wireless Panama)
+móvil has one data-featured prepaid plan: Planes de Data Prepago. It is a combo plan with data (without 5G NR access), minutes & SMS.
I will list all the prices in PAB (Panamanian Balboa).
To convert PAB to your currency (let's say AUD – Australian Dollar) with up-to-date exchange rates, use the Wise Currency Converter tool.

Planes de Data Prepago can be activated by dialing *456#:
Price | Plan | Data | Data To Share | On-Net Minutes | Off-Net Minutes | On-Net SMS | Validity |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
3.50 PAB | Todo, Todito x 3 Días | Unlimited | 500 MB | 10 minutes | Shared with on-net call allowance | N/A | 3 days |
5 PAB | Todo, Todito x 7 Días | Unlimited | 1 GB | Unlimited 1 | 25 minutes | 100 SMS | 7 days |
7 PAB | Todo, Todito x 10 Días | Unlimited | 2 GB | Unlimited 1 | 25 minites | 100 SMS | 10 days |
1 also to Claro Panama phone numbers

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 in Central America and South 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)
- VoLTE: No
- VoWiFi: No
This is what you will learn about Claro:
* Coverage
* How to Get a Claro SIM Card & SIM Card Price
* Topping Up Options & Methods + Balance Check
* Plans & Packages
* APN/Internet Settings
Coverage – Claro Panama
Claro has extensive coverage throughout Panama.
Coverage will be close to excellent in populated areas.
However, 4G/LTE reception vanishes in rural areas.
Below is Claro's coverage map produced by Speedtest:
SIM Card Price – Claro Panama
You can buy a Claro SIM card for free, but a plan purchase is required (1 PAB to 15 PAB), in Claro stores and from resellers, like grocery stores, gas stations & convenience stores. Claro often hands out SIM cards for free at mall stands (like the Multiplaza Mall). Claro SIM cards are also sold at Panama City-Tocumen International Airport (PTY – at inflated prices).
Dial *123# to access the Claro menu.
Dial *555# to see your Claro phone number.
- Find out how much SIM cards cost in every country, including data-only SIM cards and tourist SIM cards, offered by each mobile operator + information about starter benefits (lookup tool)

Claro has no eSIMs – not even for postpaid customers.
Be aware that there is no VoLTE or VoWiFi with Claro.
Top-Up, Recharge & Balance Check – Claro Panama
Plans, Packages, Bundles & Offers – Claro Panama
Claro has three data-featured prepaid plans:
Most Claro plans can be activated by dialing *123#.
I will list all the prices in PAB (Panamanian Balboa).
To convert PAB to your currency (let's say AUD – Australian Dollar) with up-to-date exchange rates, use the Wise Currency Converter tool.

Click on the links above to jump to the plan you are interested in.
Superpacks – Claro Panama
The Superpacks are combo plans with data (without 5G NR access), minutes & SMS.
Text the Activation Code to 456 to activate Superpacks:
Price | Plan | Data | Social Data | On-Net Minutes | Off-Net Minutes | International Minutes 4 | On-Net SMS | Validity | Activation Code |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 PAB | Superpack Ilimitado 1 | Unlimited | Unlimited 1 | 20 minutes | N/A | N/A | N/A | 1 day | Plan 1 |
3 PAB | Superpack Ilimitado 3 | Unlimited | Unlimited 1 | Unlimited | 10 minutes | 10 minutes | Unlimited | 3 days | Plan 3 |
5 PAB | Superpack Ilimitado 5 | Unlimited | Unlimited 2 | Unlimited | 15 minutes | 15 minutes | Unlimited | 7 days | Plan 5 |
7 PAB | Superpack Ilimitado 7 | Unlimited | Unlimited 2 | Unlimited | 20 minutes | 20 minutes | Unlimited | 10 days | Plan 7 |
10 PAB | Superpack Ilimitado 10 | Unlimited | Unlimited 2 | Unlimited | 30 minutes | 30 minutes | 50 SMS | 15 days | Plan 10 |
15 PAB | Superpack 15 | 4 GB | 1 GB 3 | 150 minutes | 150 minutes | 150 minutes | 75 SMS | 28 days | Plan 15 |
1 for undisclosed social media apps – probably the ones listed below
2 for Facebook, Instagram, Twitter & WhatsApp
3 for Facebook & WhatsApp
4 toBrazil, China, Colombia, Costa Rica, the Dominican Republic, France, Israel, Mexico, Nicaragua, Peru, Puerto Rico, Spain, the United States & Venezuela

Paquetes de datos Local (Local Data Packages) – Claro Panama
The Paquetes de datos Local (Local Data Packages) are, as the name implies, are data plans (without 5G NR access).
Dial *123# to activate Paquetes de datos Local:
Price | Plan | Data | Validity |
---|---|---|---|
4.99 PAB | Paquete de datos Local 800 MB | 800 MB | 30 days |
5.99 PAB | Paquete de datos Local 1.5 GB | 1.5 GB | 30 days |
7.99 PAB | Paquete de datos Local 2 GB | 2 GB | 30 days |
12.99 PAB | Paquete de datos Local 5 GB | 5 GB | 30 days |
15.99 PAB | Paquete de datos Local 8 GB | 8 GB | 30 days |
19.99 PAB | Paquete de datos Local 10 GB | 10 GB | 30 days |
24.99 PAB | Paquete de datos Local 13 GB | 13 GB | 30 days |
29.99 PAB | Paquete de datos Local 17 GB | 17 GB | 30 days |

Internet Móvil (Mobile Internet) Plans – Claro Panama
The Internet Móvil (Mobile Internet) plans are, as the name implies, are data bundles (without 5G NR access).
Internet Móvil can be activated online:
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 the third-largest mobile operator in Panama.
It won the Panama Speedtest Fastest Mobile Network Award in 2018.
However, things have changed since then. Still, it is (often) the fastest mobile operator in Panama.
A reader, who wished 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, as a company, is active in the Caribbean nations, Central America & Oceania.
Digicel uses the following frequencies:
- 2G: 1800 MHz & 1900 MHz
- 3G: 1900 MHz
- 4G/LTE: 700 MHz (Band 28)
- VoLTE: Yes
- VoWiFi: Yes
This is what you will learn about Digicel:
* Coverage
* How to Get a Digicel SIM Card & SIM Card Price
* Topping Up Options & Methods + Balance Check
* Plans & Packages
* APN/Internet Settings
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 produced by Speedtest:
SIM Card Price – Digicel Panama
You can get a Digicel SIM card for free, but a plan purchase is required (5 PAB, 10 PAB, or 20 PAB), in Digicel stores and from resellers, like grocery stores, gas stations & convenience stores. Digicel SIM cards are also sold at Panama City-Tocumen International Airport (PTY – at inflated prices).
Dial *129# to see your Digicel phone number.
- Find out how much SIM cards cost in every country, including data-only SIM cards and tourist SIM cards, offered by each mobile operator + information about starter benefits (lookup tool)

Digicel has no eSIMs – not even for postpaid customers.
Note that Digicel offers VoLTE (Voice over LTE (4G)) if your phone supports it and you have enabled it in the settings.
Oh, you can also use VoWiFi (Voice over WiFi).
Top-Up, Recharge & Balance Check – Digicel Panama
Plans, Packages, Bundles & Offers – Digicel Panama
Digicel has one data-featured prepaid plan: Planes Prepago (Prepaid Plans). It is a combo plan with data (without 5G NR access) and minutes.
I will list all the prices in PAB (Panamanian Balboa).
To convert PAB to your currency (let's say AUD – Australian Dollar) with up-to-date exchange rates, use the Wise Currency Converter tool.

Dial *111# to activate Planes Prepago:
Price | Plan | 4G/LTE Data | 3G Data | On-Net Minutes | Off-Net Minutes | International Minutes 2 | Validity |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
5 PAB | Plan Ilimitado 7 Días | Unlimited | 3 GB | Unlimited | 25 minutes | Share with off-net call allowance | 7 days |
10 PAB | Plan Ilimitado 14 Días | Unlimited | 6 GB | Unlimited | 50 minutes | Share with off-net call allowance | 14 days |
20 PAB | Plan Ilimitado 30 Días | Unlimited | 12 GB | Unlimited | 120 minutes | Share with on-net call allowance | 30 days |
1 for Billo, BiP, D'Music & GoLoud
2 for in China, Colombia, Costa Rica, México, USA, & Venezuela

Note that if your device supports the 4G/LTE frequency used by Digicel (700 MHz on Band 28), you will get unlimited LTE data (although subject to a fair use policy).
If not, the data allowance under the 3G data column applies.
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

Note that if your device supports the 4G/LTE frequency used by Digicel (700 MHz on Band 28), you will get unlimited LTE data (although subject to a fair use policy).
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)

Tigo Panama, just Tigo and formerly Movistar Panama, is the smallest 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.
Tigo was Panama's second mobile operator to offer 4G/LTE services back in 2015.
Tigo, as a company, is active in various countries in Latin America and 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)
- VoLTE: No
- VoWiFi: No
This is what you will learn about Tigo:
* Coverage
* How to Get a Tigo SIM Card & SIM Card Price
* Topping Up Options & Methods + Balance Check
* Plans & Packages
* APN/Internet Settings
Coverage – Tigo Panama (formerly Movistar)
Tigo has extensive coverage in Panama. It has the second-best 4G/LTE coverage.
Below is Tigo's coverage map produced by Speedtest:
SIM Card Price – Tigo Panama (formerly Movistar)
You can get a Tigo SIM card for free, but a plan purchase is required (3 PAB, 5 PAB, or 10 PAB), in Tigo stores and from resellers, like grocery stores, gas stations & convenience stores. Tigo SIM cards are also sold at Panama City-Tocumen International Airport (PTY – at inflated prices).

- Find out how much SIM cards cost in every country, including data-only SIM cards and tourist SIM cards, offered by each mobile operator + information about starter benefits (lookup tool)

You may have to dial *312 to activate your Tigo SIM card.
Tigo has no eSIMs – not even for postpaid customers.
Be aware that there is no VoLTE or VoWiFi with Tigo.
Top-Up, Recharge & Balance Check – Tigo Panama (formerly Movistar Panama)
Plans, Packages, Bundles & Offers – Tigo Panama (formerly Movistar)
I will list all the prices in PAB (Panamanian Balboa).
To convert PAB to your currency (let's say AUD – Australian Dollar) with up-to-date exchange rates, use the Wise Currency Converter tool.

Dial *888# to activate Paquetes Prepago:
Price | Plan | Data | Social Media Data | On-Net Minutes | Off-Net Minutes | On-Net SMS | Off-Net SMS | Validity |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
3.50 PAB | Data Ilimitada 3 días | Unlimited | Unlimited | 10 minutes | Shared with on-net call allowance | Unlimited | Shared with on-net SMS allowance | 3 days |
5 PAB | Paquete 30 días WhatsApp | 1.5 GB 1 | Unlimited 2 | 20 minutes | Shared with on-net call allowance | Unlimited | N/A | 7 days |
5 PAB | Data Ilimitada 7 Días | Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited | 25 minutes 3 | Unlimited | 25 SMS | 7 days |
10 PAB | Paquete 15 Días | 2.5 GB 1 | Unlimited 2 | Unlimited | 25 minutes 3 | Unlimited | N/A | 15 days |
1 @ 3G speeds
2 WeChat & WhatsApp free for 30 days
3 25 minutes can be used for calls to any operator, including international long distance calls (Canada, China, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador (Tigo), El Savlador (Tigo), Guatemala (Tigo), Hong Kong, Nicaragua (Tigo), Puerto Rico, Taiwan, the United States & Venezuela

APN/Internet Settings – Tigo Panama (formerly Movistar)
- Name: Internet
- APN: internet.tigo.pa
Note: APN “internet.movistar.pa” has been retired. Unlike Movistar's APN settings, Tigo does not require a username or password anymore (movistarpa) – so leave those fields empty. Leave anything not mentioned above untouched.
Jump back to the Table of Contents.
The Preferred Way to Stay Connected When Traveling in Panama
Getting a SIM card from Tigo would do you well when considering a Panamanian SIM card.
Going to other places around the world? You should also check out my SIM card buying guides for other destinations worldwide.
Next Steps to Enhance Your Travel Experiences
Looking for the next steps to enhance your phone travel experiences? Here is what to do:
Support Phone Travel Wiz
It takes a lot of time to analyze, translate & review the SIM card options worldwide (especially to test them out).
Your support helps me keep producing impartial content by eliminating the need to recommend international SIM cards as the best local SIM card (but some of them CAN be useful).
Every Ko-Fi donation, one-time or monthly, helps me to spend more time creating local SIM card buying guides.
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 & 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 & 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!
Sign Up for the Phone Travel Wiz Newsletter
Get updates related to the newest guides, videos & recommended products and services.
Moreover, I send you many tips and tricks on saving money while traveling every now and then.
Let's Be Social
Did you know that I have a YouTube channel covering everything you need to know about traveling with your phone?
A lot of useful videos are uploaded multiple times a week, and you do not want to miss out on them!
Learn More About Who Adu Actually Is
Who is the guy behind Phone Travel Wiz? Well, find out on the Ernest Adu about page!