Before you start

Unlocked handset
Passport
Residency card and bank account, for postpaid

Step-by-step

1
Buy a prepaid SIM
Available at the airport, in malls and from operator shops. Registration against your passport is done at purchase.
In personWho: YouCommonly USD 5–15 including credit
2
Load a data plan
Panamanian plans are inexpensive with generous data. Top up through the operator app, shops or online.
Mobile appWho: YouCommonly USD 15–35 per month
3
Consider an eSIM for the first weeks
If you want connectivity from landing without a shop visit, a regional eSIM covers the gap and can be arranged before departure.
OnlineWho: You
4
Switch to postpaid once settled
Contracts need a residency card and usually a Panamanian bank account for direct debit, so this waits until both exist.
In personWho: You

Documents you’ll need

Passport
Residency card and bank account, for postpaid

Things most newcomers don’t know

Prepaid is the only realistic option until residency lands.

Postpaid needs the residency card and a bank account — both of which are the slow parts of the Panama process. Plan on prepaid for your first several months, which is no hardship given the pricing.

Source: Operator postpaid requirements

The market consolidated, so older comparisons are stale.

Panama had four operators and now effectively has two. Guides naming Movistar or Claro as current Panamanian options are out of date, which matters if you're trying to compare plans.

Source: Panamanian telecoms market consolidation

US-style plugs and a US-style dollar make devices easy.

Your US phone, charger and appliances all work without adapters or transformers. It's a small thing that removes a whole category of relocation friction.

Source: Panamanian electrical standard, 120V Type A/B

Common mistakes to avoid

Trying to arrange postpaid before residency and a bank account exist.
Comparing plans against operators that no longer serve Panama.
Buying an expensive airport package when city shops are cheaper.

Some of this may be out of date. Spotted something inaccurate? Help us keep it right for the next newcomer.

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