📞 How to Setup a Local SIM Card in Panama
As a digital nomad, having reliable and fast internet is crucial to being able to work remotely from anywhere in the world. Since WiFi in Panama can be unreliable, and internet speed can vary greatly, it's not the wisest choice to depend on.
When it comes to being abroad in Panama, getting a local prepaid SIM card is the best option for ensuring the best coverage and quickest data speeds. Fortunately, getting a prepaid SIM card in Panama is simple and inexpensive.
In this article, we'll walk you through the steps of getting connected and provide details on each provider to help you make an informed decision. We'll also share our pick for 2023... So, let's dive in.
Make sure you're covered before you depart!
Lau
Factors to consider when selecting a local sim in Panama
When selecting a phone company in Panama, there are certain factors we consider. Below are the most important ones:
- 📡 Coverage – Before deciding, ensure the provider you choose offers coverage in the areas where you plan to live the most.
- 💰 Price – Compare the rates different providers offer and consider the services included in each package.
- 📃 Contract terms – To determine if there are penalties for terminating the contract prematurely or any hidden fees, it is essential to review the contract terms carefully.
- 😇 Reputation – Check the provider's reputation by reading reviews of current and previous customers.
Mobile Providers in Panama We'd Recommend
#1 +Móvil
+Móvil is the largest mobile phone network in Panama.
It has the best coverage throughout the country, providing good reception in urban areas and most rural areas. But reception may be poor in the mountains.
Different Options:
- 5 PAB for a SIM card and unlimited data, unlimited minutes to +Movil and Claro, 25 minutes to all operators and 1GB of data to share for 7 days.
- 7 PAB for a SIM card and unlimited data, unlimited minutes to +Movil and Claro, 25 minutes to all operators and 2 GB of data to share for 10 days.
- 20 PAB for SIM card and unlimited data, unlimited minutes to +Movil and Claro, 250 minutes to all operators and 2 GB of data to share monthly.
#2 Claro
Claro is the second-largest mobile phone network in Panama. The coverage is extensive across the country, with stronger coverage in urban areas compared to rural areas.
Different options:
- 5 PAB for a SIM card and unlimited data, unlimited minutes to +Movil and Claro, 25 minutes to all operators and 1GB of data to share for 7 days.
- 7 PAB for a SIM card and unlimited data, unlimited minutes to +Movil and Claro, 25 minutes to all operators and 2 GB of data to share for 10 days.
- 20 PAB for SIM card and unlimited data, unlimited minutes to +Movil and Claro, 250 minutes to all operators and 2 GB of data to share monthly.
#3 Digicel
Digicel is the third-largest mobile phone network in Panama. The signal of Digicel SIM cards is strong in cities but weaker in rural areas.
Different options:
- 5 PAB for a SIM card and unlimited 4G data, unlimited minutes to Digicel, 20 minutes to all operators and 1 GB of data to share for 7 days.
- 10 PAB for a SIM card and unlimited 3G data, 150 minutes to Digicel, 50 minutes to all operators and 2,5 GB of data to share for 14 days.
- 20 PAB for a SIM card, unlimited 4G data, 120 minutes to Digicel and all operators and 5 GB of data to share for 30 days.
#4 TIGO
TIGO is the smallest mobile phone network in Panama. However, it has the second-best 4G coverage.
Different Options:
- 5 PAB for a SIM card, unlimited data, unlimited calls and SMS to Tigo Móvil and 25 minutes and 25 SMS to all operators for 7 days.
- 10 PAB for a SIM card and 2,5 GB 4G data, free WhatsApp, unlimited minutes and SMS to Tigo Móvil and 25 minutes to all operators for 15 days.
- 5 PAB for a SIM card and 1,5 GB 4G mobile data, unlimited SMS to Tigo Móvil and 20 minutes to all operators for 30 days.
Where to Buy a SIM Card in Panama?
✈️ International Airport
Although getting a prepaid SIM card at the airport may seem like the most convenient option, it is good to know the potential costs.
At Panama City-Tocumen International Airport (PTY), purchasing a SIM card at the vending machines can cost anywhere from 30 PAB to 50 PAB, while the price for the same card in town is only 5 PAB.
✔️ Official Store
We highly recommend visiting an official store to buy your local SIM card. The staff will be able to do a sim card registration properly and ensure that everything is correctly set up before you leave the store with your new sim card.
Remember to wait until everything is working and you have a strong 4G data connection before walking away.
What Do You Need To Buy a Prepaid SIM Card In Panama?
🪪 Passports
To purchase a SIM card in Panama, don't forget to bring your passport with you.
How to top up your Panama SIM Card?
Adding credit to your phone in Panama is a straightforward process that can be done in various stores around the country. From official stores to grocery, corner or electronic shops, you can purchase top-up vouchers with instructions on how to recharge your phone.
After a successful recharge, you will receive a text message with the updated balance of your phone.
Best Panama Prepaid SIM Card in 2023?
By using +Móvil, you will get the best mobile internet coverage in Panama.
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Lau
📵 Conclusion
In summary, getting a prepaid SIM card in Panama is fast, easy, and hassle-free. You have 4 providers to choose from: Mas Móvil, Claro, Digicel, and Tigo, with our recommendation for 2023 being Mas Móvil due to its superior mobile coverage.
When setting up your SIM card, remember to bring your passport with you and always make sure that everything is correctly set up before leaving the store.
By following these simple steps, you can set yourself up with a reliable hot spot for remote work whilst enjoying local call & data rates in no time. Good luck, and reach out to us on Instagram if you have any questions - @remotevagabond