Panama: 4 Best Prepaid SIM Cards Buying Guide (2023)

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 5 PAB (5 USD) or 15 PAB (15 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: 31st of May 2023.

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Table of Contents

Can You Buy a SIM Card in Panama?

Anyone living in or visiting Panama can buy a Panamanian SIM card from +móvil (Cable & Wireless), Claro, Digicel & Tigo (formerly Movistar) in their stores with some restrictions.

Your phone has to support the frequencies used in Panama.

Furthermore, your phone needs to be unlocked (SIM-lock free) to use a Panamanian SIM card.

Where Can You Buy a SIM Card in Panama?

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. They are also sold at Panama City-Tocumen International Airport (PTY).

You can expect to pay the following for Panamanian SIM cards:

• +móvil (Cable & Wireless): 5 PAB & 15 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: you will spent 30 PAB to 50 PAB at the SIM card vending machines at Panama City-Tocumen International Airport (PTY).

Unless you have money to burn, you better get your SIM card in town.

For up-to-date PAB:your currency (let's say EUR) exchange rates, use the Wise Currency Converter tool.

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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.

Besides that, you need to be aware of the ITU Regions to determine whether your phone will work in other parts of the world.

Although there are 3 ITU Regions, you only need to know these two terms: American frequencies and European frequencies.

Africa, Asia (including the Middle East), Europe & Oceania (ITU Regions 1 & 3) typically use European frequencies, meaning phones bought in those regions can be used in countries using European frequencies without issues.

The Americas (North-, Central– & South America + the Caribbean), ITU Region 2, use American frequencies, which are different from the European frequencies.

Panama use a mix of American frequencies and European frequencies for 2G. 3G and 4G/LTE are exclusively on American frequencies.

If you bought your phone in the Americas (ITU Region 2) and have a low/medium-end device (without Tri-Band or Quad-Band) support, you can go with any mobile operator.

They support traditional American frequencies on 2G, 3G & 4G/LTE.

Do note that Panama uses Band 28 for frequency spectrum 700 MHz.

This band for 700 MHz is common in Latin America but not at all in North America.

If you purchased 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.

One of Digicel's 2G frequencies is an European frequency (1800 MHz).

However, you will not be able to use 3G or 4G/LTE, rending your phone useless for mobile data.

Suppose you have a medium/high-end device with Tri-Band or Quad-Band support. In that case, you can go with any mobile operator, as your phone will support both American frequencies and European frequencies, even on 4G/LTE.

Mobile Operators, Networks & Frequencies in Panama

Panama has four mobile network operators offering prepaid services easily accessible to travelers:

• +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.

To check whether your phone will work in Panama, check out this page by Kimovil or this one by Will My Phone Work (outdated, unfortunately, but extremely user-friendly – useful for phones launched in or before 2019. It does not check for 5G NR compatibility).

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.

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A Note about Digicel Panama & Claro Panama

In April 2022, Digicel Panama announced that it would withdraw from the Panamanian market.

Digicel stated that +móvil (Cable & Wireless) got permission to take over Claro Panama, resulting in a tripoly in the Panamanian telecommunications market (like in many countries worldwide, but mostly duopolies in Central America).

For now, Digicel SIM cards will still work for now, and it does not plan to change its offering before exiting Panama.

However, what will happen to current Digicel customers is unknown when it actually leaves.

Digicel's announcement also informed me that Claro will probably be no more soon because of +móvil's acquisition.

Just like with Digicel, Claro SIM cards will still work for now.

Current Claro customers may grandfather their current plans or have to eventually switch to +móvil's plans.

At least in Claro's case, its customers will just be absorbed by +móvil, and they should not experience any (significant) downtime when that happens.

5G NR in Panama

5G NR is not available in Panama as of 2022, and the Panamanian government has not made any indications of when they will auction 5G licenses.

Best SIM Card in Panama

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Best eSIM in Panama

Unfortunately, none of the mobile operators offer eSIM to prepaid customers in Panama yet.

Note that the Panamanian mobile operators require your identification (passport) for (future) eSIMs and physical SIM cards (will be discussed later).

However, you can also get a travel eSIM from various eSIM providers.

The list below is not exhaustive – many more providers have eSIMs for Panama.

But these are the ones I have tried and had pleasant experiences with.

Moreover, they are reasonably priced, which I find very important (you will not see me recommending an eSIM I would not buy myself).

So here are the four best eSIMs for Panama:

• Airalo's Panama Pancell Digtial eSIM with two choices between 1 GB and 3 GB (cheapest)
• Airalo's Latamlink eSIM with four choices between 1 GB and 5 GB (can be used in 19 Latin American countries)
• Holafly Panama eSIM (most generous data plan)
• Nomad Panama eSIM with three choices between 1 GB and 5 GB (most eSIM options)

Because this is the SIM card buying guide for Panama, I will not spend too much time about travel eSIMs here and throughout this guide (but I will still do here and there).

If you want to learn more about the best eSIMs for Panama, you better check out my Panam

a eSIM buying guide.

It is as helpful and comprehensive as this guide but about eSIMs instead 😜.

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 of Phone Travel Wiz whether he needed to register his SIM card during his recent visit (2021), 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.

It will be a while before I revisit Panama, which is why I cannot confirm this myself yet 🥲.

Panama Mobile Speeds, Mobile Internet Prices & Insights

Being redone.

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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.

For up-to-date PAB/USD:your currency (let's say EUR – Euro) exchange rates, use the Wise Currency Converter tool.

Panamanian Prepaid SIM Cards

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, 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.

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+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	Social Data 1	On-Net Minutes	Validity
5 PAB	Chip Ilimitado Todo, Todito x 7 días	1 GB	N/A	Unlimited	7 days
15 PAB	Chip Data & Minutos x 30 Días	3 GB	Unlimted	Unlimited	30 days

¹ for WeChat & WhatsApp

You may have to dial *131# to activate 4G/LTE.

+móvil has no eSIMs – not even for postpaid customers.

Note that the Panamanian mobile operators require your identification (passport) for (future) eSIMs and physical SIM cards.

Therefore, if you wish to use an eSIM for Panama (without personal detail capturing), you can get the Panama (Pancell Digital) from Airalo (1 GB/7 days – most popular with PTW readers & 3 GB/30 days – very popular with PTW readers).

The Airalo links will automatically get you the available Phone Travel Wiz exclusive offers – a code is unnecessary.

Finally, you can get Panama eSIMs from Holafly:

Use code PHONETRAVELWIZ for exclusive deals when getting Holafly eSIMs, AND get an additional 5% off!

Airalo has an eSIM for the Caribbean: Island Hopper. The Island Hopper eSIM can be used in 24 Caribbean countries.

The Island Hopper eSIM is not as valuable as other Airalo regional eSIMs (like Asialink for Asia, Eurolink for Europe & Latamlink for Latin America) because you only have one variant: 1 GB for 7 days, but top-ups are available (the -link eSIMs have at least four variants, up to 100 GB of data for 180 days, making top-ups often unnecessary).

¹ the Island Hopper eSIM included the Bahamas until February or March 2022, until it was mysteriously removed. But it was added back in October 2022
² the Latamlink eSIM covers French Guiana too – it has better options than Island Hopper (1 GB/7 days, 2 GB/15 days, 3 GB/30 days & 5 GB/30 days) in Central- and South America. However, if you do not visit those regions and stay in the Caribbean only, then stick with the Island Hopper eSIM instead
³ on 3G only

With the Island Hopper eSIM, you can save a lot of money by skipping the initial SIM card costs per country you visit in Latin America!

I am working with Airalo to turn the Island Hopper into a -link so that it offers you better value.

For now, you still have an eSIM covering almost all of the Caribbean, which is neat :).

Airalo introduced an eSIM for Latin America (Central- and South America): Latamlink eSIM. The Latamlink is following the popular Eurolink eSIM for 39 European countries and the fairly new Asialink eSIM for 13 Asian countries.

The Latamlink eSIM comes in four variants: 1 GB/7 days, 2 GB/15 days – very popular with PTW readers, 3 GB/30 days – most popular with PTW readers & 5 GB/30 days – very popular with PTW readers to be used in Panama and 18 other Latin American countries:

Note: Phone Travel Wiz reader popularity ranking was updated in May based on data up to the 17^th of May (2023 data only).

TIP: check out my Best Panama eSIMs Compared guide for an in-depth comparison of several eSIMs for Panama (including ones not mentioned above).

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).

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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 PAB	Todo, Todito x 3 Días	Unlimited	N/A	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.

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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.

Claro has no eSIMs – not even for postpaid customers.

Note that the Panamanian mobile operators require your identification (passport) for (future) eSIMs and physical SIM cards.

Therefore, if you wish to use an eSIM for Panama (without personal detail capturing), you can get the Panama (Pancell Digital) from Airalo (1 GB/7 days – most popular with PTW readers & 3 GB/30 days – very popular with PTW readers).

The Airalo links will automatically get you the available Phone Travel Wiz exclusive offers – a code is unnecessary.

Finally, you can get Panama eSIMs from Holafly:

Use code PHONETRAVELWIZ for exclusive deals when getting Holafly eSIMs, AND get an additional 5% off!

Airalo has an eSIM for the Caribbean: Island Hopper. The Island Hopper eSIM can be used in 24 Caribbean countries.

The Island Hopper eSIM is not as valuable as other Airalo regional eSIMs (like Asialink for Asia, Eurolink for Europe & Latamlink for Latin America) because you only have one variant: 1 GB for 7 days, but top-ups are available (the -link eSIMs have at least four variants, up to 100 GB of data for 180 days, making top-ups often unnecessary).

¹ the Island Hopper eSIM included the Bahamas until February or March 2022, until it was mysteriously removed. But it was added back in October 2022
² the Latamlink eSIM covers French Guiana too – it has better options than Island Hopper (1 GB/7 days, 2 GB/15 days, 3 GB/30 days & 5 GB/30 days) in Central- and South America. However, if you do not visit those regions and stay in the Caribbean only, then stick with the Island Hopper eSIM instead
³ on 3G only

With the Island Hopper eSIM, you can save a lot of money by skipping the initial SIM card costs per country you visit in Latin America!

I am working with Airalo to turn the Island Hopper into a -link so that it offers you better value.

For now, you still have an eSIM covering almost all of the Caribbean, which is neat :).

Airalo introduced an eSIM for Latin America (Central- and South America): Latamlink eSIM. The Latamlink is following the popular Eurolink eSIM for 39 European countries and the fairly new Asialink eSIM for 13 Asian countries.

The Latamlink eSIM comes in four variants: 1 GB/7 days, 2 GB/15 days – very popular with PTW readers, 3 GB/30 days – most popular with PTW readers & 5 GB/30 days – very popular with PTW readers to be used in Panama and 18 other Latin American countries:

Note: Phone Travel Wiz reader popularity ranking was updated in May based on data up to the 17^th of May (2023 data only).

TIP: check out my Best Panama eSIMs Compared guide for an in-depth comparison of several eSIMs for Panama (including ones not mentioned above).

Be aware that there is no VoLTE or VoWiFi with Claro.

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Top-Up, Recharge & Balance Check – Claro Panama

Plans, Packages, Bundles & Offers – Claro Panama

Claro has three data-featured plans:

• Superpacks (combo)
• Paquetes de datos Local/Local Data Packages
• Internet Móvil/Mobile Internet

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.

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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.

Digicel has no eSIMs – not even for postpaid customers.

Note that the Panamanian mobile operators require your identification (passport) for (future) eSIMs and physical SIM cards.

Therefore, if you wish to use an eSIM for Panama (without personal detail capturing), you can get the Panama (Pancell Digital) from Airalo (1 GB/7 days – most popular with PTW readers & 3 GB/30 days – very popular with PTW readers).

The Airalo links will automatically get you the available Phone Travel Wiz exclusive offers – a code is unnecessary.

Finally, you can get Panama eSIMs from Holafly:

Use code PHONETRAVELWIZ for exclusive deals when getting Holafly eSIMs, AND get an additional 5% off!

Airalo has an eSIM for the Caribbean: Island Hopper. The Island Hopper eSIM can be used in 24 Caribbean countries.

The Island Hopper eSIM is not as valuable as other Airalo regional eSIMs (like Asialink for Asia, Eurolink for Europe & Latamlink for Latin America) because you only have one variant: 1 GB for 7 days, but top-ups are available (the -link eSIMs have at least four variants, up to 100 GB of data for 180 days, making top-ups often unnecessary).

¹ the Island Hopper eSIM included the Bahamas until February or March 2022, until it was mysteriously removed. But it was added back in October 2022
² the Latamlink eSIM covers French Guiana too – it has better options than Island Hopper (1 GB/7 days, 2 GB/15 days, 3 GB/30 days & 5 GB/30 days) in Central- and South America. However, if you do not visit those regions and stay in the Caribbean only, then stick with the Island Hopper eSIM instead
³ on 3G only

With the Island Hopper eSIM, you can save a lot of money by skipping the initial SIM card costs per country you visit in Latin America!

I am working with Airalo to turn the Island Hopper into a -link so that it offers you better value.

For now, you still have an eSIM covering almost all of the Caribbean, which is neat :).

Airalo introduced an eSIM for Latin America (Central- and South America): Latamlink eSIM. The Latamlink is following the popular Eurolink eSIM for 39 European countries and the fairly new Asialink eSIM for 13 Asian countries.

The Latamlink eSIM comes in four variants: 1 GB/7 days, 2 GB/15 days – very popular with PTW readers, 3 GB/30 days – most popular with PTW readers & 5 GB/30 days – very popular with PTW readers to be used in Panama and 18 other Latin American countries:

Note: Phone Travel Wiz reader popularity ranking was updated in May based on data up to the 17^th of May (2023 data only).

TIP: check out my Best Panama eSIMs Compared guide for an in-depth comparison of several eSIMs for Panama (including ones not mentioned above).

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).

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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 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	20 minutes	Share with off-net call allowance	7 days
10 PAB	Plan Ilimitado 14 Días	Unlimited	6 GB	150 minutes	50 minutes	Share with off-net call allowance	14 days
20 PAB	Plan Ilimitado 30 Días	Unlimited	12 GB	120 minutes	Shared with on-net call allowance	Share with on-net call allowance	30 days
99 PAB	Plan Ilimitado 360 Días	Unlimited 1	12 GB	N/A	N/A	N/A	360 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.

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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).

You may have to dial *312 to activate your Tigo SIM card.

Tigo has no eSIMs – not even for postpaid customers.

Note that the Panamanian mobile operators require your identification (passport) for (future) eSIMs and physical SIM cards.

Therefore, if you wish to use an eSIM for Panama (without personal detail capturing), you can get the Panama (Pancell Digital) from Airalo (1 GB/7 days – most popular with PTW readers & 3 GB/30 days – very popular with PTW readers).

The Airalo links will automatically get you the available Phone Travel Wiz exclusive offers – a code is unnecessary.

Finally, you can get Panama eSIMs from Holafly:

Use code PHONETRAVELWIZ for exclusive deals when getting Holafly eSIMs, AND get an additional 5% off!

Airalo has an eSIM for the Caribbean: Island Hopper. The Island Hopper eSIM can be used in 24 Caribbean countries.

The Island Hopper eSIM is not as valuable as other Airalo regional eSIMs (like Asialink for Asia, Eurolink for Europe & Latamlink for Latin America) because you only have one variant: 1 GB for 7 days, but top-ups are available (the -link eSIMs have at least four variants, up to 100 GB of data for 180 days, making top-ups often unnecessary).

¹ the Island Hopper eSIM included the Bahamas until February or March 2022, until it was mysteriously removed. But it was added back in October 2022
² the Latamlink eSIM covers French Guiana too – it has better options than Island Hopper (1 GB/7 days, 2 GB/15 days, 3 GB/30 days & 5 GB/30 days) in Central- and South America. However, if you do not visit those regions and stay in the Caribbean only, then stick with the Island Hopper eSIM instead
³ on 3G only

With the Island Hopper eSIM, you can save a lot of money by skipping the initial SIM card costs per country you visit in Latin America!

I am working with Airalo to turn the Island Hopper into a -link so that it offers you better value.

For now, you still have an eSIM covering almost all of the Caribbean, which is neat :).

Airalo introduced an eSIM for Latin America (Central- and South America): Latamlink eSIM. The Latamlink is following the popular Eurolink eSIM for 39 European countries and the fairly new Asialink eSIM for 13 Asian countries.

The Latamlink eSIM comes in four variants: 1 GB/7 days, 2 GB/15 days – very popular with PTW readers, 3 GB/30 days – most popular with PTW readers & 5 GB/30 days – very popular with PTW readers to be used in Panama and 18 other Latin American countries:

Note: Phone Travel Wiz reader popularity ranking was updated in May based on data up to the 17^th of May (2023 data only).

TIP: check out my Best Panama eSIMs Compared guide for an in-depth comparison of several eSIMs for Panama (including ones not mentioned above).

Be aware that there is no VoLTE or VoWiFi with Tigo.

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Top-Up, Recharge & Balance Check – Tigo Panama (formerly Movistar Panama)

Plans, Packages, Bundles & Offers – Tigo Panama (formerly Movistar)

Tigo has only one data-featured prepaid plan: Paquetes Prepago (Prepaid Packages) (combo). It includes 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.

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 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.

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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.