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Cell phones in Panama: A great convenience for your travels
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It is advisable to confirm reservations ahead of your next stop when traveling around the Republic of Panama. An easy way to do such is to call from a cell phone you purchased upon arriving in the country. Here are some tips on the purchase and usage of cell phones in Panama.
Purchasing a phone
Although contracts are available, most people use cell phones that are recharged by purchasing phone cards or tarjetas. This makes it easy for a guest to purchase a phone while visiting. Cell phones come in a variety of models and prices, but start at $10 to $15 for a fully functional model. Phones allow for local and international phone calls and at least local text messages. Phone kiosks and stores are located through the cities in the Interior of the country, Albrook Bus Terminal, and at the malls in Panama City.
In general
Phone cards range from $2 to $12 in value. Companies (see below) constantly offer promotions that will triple or quadruple the value of the card you purchase. Promotions are advertised through text messages sent to your phone. Prices are about $0.25 a minute to call within Panama (calling to a landline is somewhat cheaper) and about $0.70 a minute to call the United States. Text messages are $0.10 to send. Incoming calls and text messages are free.
Companies for service
Three main companies service Panama.
Digicel is the newest company and does not have towers in all areas of Panama. Their charges are a little cheaper, but if you are left without a signal, you will not be able to use your phone.
MasMovil has good signal in most areas of the country and is one of the most popular companies.
Movistar is another popular company, though signal for the service may not be received in rural areas.
Your personal phone, if equipped with an international calling plan, will likely work in Panama. Check your phone details to see if you have the international plan before traveling or you may be charged $2 or more per minute to call home. I recommend trying your phone for signal strength before purchasing a cell phone.
Tips:
After you purchase your phone and the clerk has activated it, ask them to switch the language to English; this is much easier for the non-native Spanish speaker, even for people with a fair knowledge of the Spanish language.
Some people have purchased an international SIM chip to use in their phone and found that it did not function in Panama. For the price of a cell phone it is probably best to wait until you have arrived in Panama to purchase one.
You can recycle your phone by passing it along to another guest or a local person when you are ready to leave Panama.
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