Quick Guide to Expat Phone Plans and Internet in Panama

Are you an expat or traveler looking for internet in Panama? The below guide covers what you need to know: home internet setup, mobile plans, public wifi, and essential tips for reliable connectivity.

You may or may not know this, but Panama has the fastest internet in Central America, making it an attractive destination for both remote working expats and visitors who need reliable connectivity. But in a foreign country, knowing how to get connected can be daunting. This guide for travelers and expats in Panama covers everything you need to know about getting online.

Getting Residential Internet in Panama

While many travelers in Panama won’t need to worry about this, long-term residents renting or buying a home certainly do, so here’s the lowdown on getting hooked up at home. Setting up home internet in Panama requires a valid ID (passport for foreigners) and proof of address, typically your rental agreement or utility bill.

To start the process, you can visit any provider’s website, retail store, or call their service line. Although most providers offer online signup, visiting a store in person often proves easier for foreigners who might need help with documentation. Installation fees and the first month’s service are usually paid upfront. The installation typically takes between 3-7 business days and involves a technician visit to your home.

Types of Home Internet Available

Fiber optic internet represents the fastest and most reliable choice, with speeds ranging from 20 Mbps to 300 Mbps. Major providers offer fiber services primarily in urban areas, with monthly costs typically running between $25 and $100 depending on speed.

ADSL broadband remains common in areas where fiber hasn’t yet reached. This technology uses existing telephone lines and, while slower than fiber, provides sufficient speeds for basic internet needs like email, web browsing, and video calls. ADSL typically costs less than fiber but offers lower speeds.

In areas beyond the reach of traditional infrastructure, mobile and portable internet provides an alternative solution. This option works well for those who need flexibility or live in areas without fixed-line services. While speeds can vary, 4G coverage is widely available in urban areas.

Satellite internet serves as the primary option for remote locations where other services aren’t available. While this technology ensures you can get connected almost anywhere in Panama, it typically comes with higher costs and can be affected by weather conditions.

Discover the latest, country-by-country @Speedtest rankings for internet speeds in Central America. Find out which countries offer the fastest connections for travelers and digital nomads.https://t.co/eroUGc0iIT

— Central America Living (@VidaAmerica) September 27, 2024

Getting Mobile Internet in Panama

If you’re not renting or buying your own place, then you’ll still need internet unless you plan on using other people’s wifi everywhere you go. Panama offers three main ways to get mobile service: prepaid SIM cards (prepago), postpaid plans (postpago), and eSIMs.

Prepaid SIM Cards (Prepago)

Prepaid service offers flexibility with no long-term commitment, making them perfect for short term travelers. You can buy a SIM card at official carrier stores in shopping malls like Albrook or Multiplaza Pacific, though they’re also available at airports and corner stores. Official stores will register your SIM with your passport and help set up your phone before you leave.

Once you have a prepaid SIM, you can reload it in two ways. The most convenient method is through the carrier’s mobile app, which can link directly to your Panamanian bank account (if you have one). You’ll find various plans offering different combinations of data, minutes, and validity periods (1 day to 30 days). Alternatively, you can buy reload cards at supermarkets or corner stores, where you’ll receive a scratch-off code to activate your chosen plan.

Postpaid Plans (Postpago)

For more long term visitors to Panama, a postpaid plan might work better. Setting this up is straightforward and only requires your passport. Visit any carrier store to sign up. You’ll receive a monthly bill via email or text/WhatsApp message with a payment link for your credit or debit card. You can also pay through the carrier’s mobile app.

These plans run indefinitely until cancelled and typically offer unlimited data. While they cost about the same as 30 days of prepaid service, they save you from having to reload regularly.

Choosing Between Prepaid and Postpaid

Postpaid plans offer convenience with automatic monthly renewal and consistent service. However, prepaid options give you more control over spending and let you pay only when needed. If you don’t need data every day, prepaid can be more economical. For daily users, both options cost about the same over a month. It’s also worth noting that some providers now offer 5G in Panama City for faster connectivity.

⏱️Somos el conejo blanco detrás del reloj…
💨Somos el correcaminos queriendo superarse…
⏩Somos lo que sientes cuando pones los audios 2x…

📶Disfruta la red 5G en Ciudad de Panamá.
📲🇵🇦Verifica el mapa de cobertura y valida tu celular ingresando a: https://t.co/kgRy8eug1v pic.twitter.com/1iH1tTL336

— MasMovilPanama (@MasMovilPanama) October 21, 2024

eSIMs

For short-term visitors and travelers to Panama, eSIMs offer a convenient alternative to physical SIM cards. These digital SIMs work with most modern smartphones and provide flexibility without the need to swap physical cards. You can easily switch between your home number and your Panama line, making them particularly useful if you’re planning to explore other parts of Central America during your stay.

Free Wifi and Alternative Connections

Most cities in Panama offer various ways to get online beyond mobile data. Shopping malls, cafes, and restaurants typically provide free wifi, with major chains like Starbucks offering reliable connections.

Panama City has several free public wifi spots in parks and tourist areas, though these connections can be slow and aren’t secure. Hotels, hostels, and vacation rentals usually include WiFi, but speeds vary significantly. Always check the wifi quality beforehand if you’re planning to work from your accommodation.

For remote workers and digital nomads, Panama City offers several co-working spaces with reliable internet. These provide a more professional environment than cafes and often include meeting rooms and printing facilities. Outside of Panama City, tourist areas like Bocas del Toro also have plenty of places to plug in online and work.

Looking to settle in Panama City, Panama? Check out our guide to six of the most best Panama City neighborhoods for expats.https://t.co/2jMe3ffdZ9

— Central America Living (@VidaAmerica) June 1, 2024

Practical Tips for Staying Connected in Panama

When setting up your internet in Panama, in whatever form that takes, find some basic yet essential tips to help you stay connected efficiently and securely:

• Location counts. Coverage quality varies significantly between urban and rural Panama. Cities like Panama City, David, and Colón offer excellent fixed internet and mobile coverage. Rural and mountainous areas often rely on slower connections, while some remote locations may only have satellite options. Check coverage maps and ask locals about connection quality before choosing long-term accommodation if reliable internet is important to you.
• Security. Internet security matters in Panama, especially when using public wifi. Always use a VPN for sensitive online activities, avoid accessing banking sites on public networks, and keep your devices’ security software updated. Two-factor authentication adds an extra layer of protection for your accounts.
• Useful apps. Like everywhere else in Latin America, WhatsApp is essential in Panama. People use it for everything from family chats to business communications. Also, Waze provides better navigation than Google Maps in Panama, offering real-time traffic updates and local road knowledge. Your carrier’s mobile app helps manage your account and buy data packages.
• Language. Language can be a challenge when dealing with technical issues. While major providers have some English-speaking staff, technical support generally operates in Spanish. Save key Spanish phrases for reporting internet or phone problems, and consider using WhatsApp for support as it’s easier to use translation apps if needed. Long term visitors and expats should consider learning Spanish to make this (as well as all) aspect of life easier.
• Emergency numbers. Keep emergency numbers readily available: 911 for general emergencies, 104 for police, and 103 for firefighters. Also save your internet and mobile providers’ customer service numbers – they often respond faster through WhatsApp than phone calls.
• Back it up! Having a backup connection plan is important, especially if you work online. Consider keeping a mobile hotspot device or setting up dual SIM capability on your phone. Know the locations of reliable WiFi spots near your home or workplace. Many restaurants and cafes will share their WiFi passwords with paying customers, even if you’re just buying a coffee.

Making the Most of Panama’s Connectivity

Staying connected in Panama is easy and straightforward once you understand the basics. Urban areas offer fast, reliable connections comparable to what you’d find in major global cities. Rural areas may require more planning, but options exist for every situation.

For most expats and visitors, a combination of home internet and a mobile plan provides the best coverage. Start with a prepaid SIM when you arrive, then consider switching to a postpaid plan or setting up home internet once you’re more settled. We hope this article clears up any concerns about getting connected to the internet in Panama!