[2025 Update] Recommended SIM cards for traveling to Panama & 3 recommended local telecommunications carriers

¡Hola!

Getting ready for your trip to Panama is exciting!
Panama is a fascinating country where nature and cities are beautifully integrated. In the capital city of Panama City, the contrast between the futuristic skyscrapers and the historic Casco Viejo (old town) is striking. At the world-famous Panama Canal, you can see huge ships passing through up close, which is truly a spectacular sight. Furthermore, if you leave the city, you will find a wealth of nature and culture, such as the crystal clear waters of the San Blas Islands and the coffee plantations of Boquete.

When traveling, an internet connection is essential for finding local information and sharing memories on social media. So, in this article, we will clearly introduce the recommended SIM cards for traveling to Panama and the points to be careful about when choosing one. Please make use of this information to support a comfortable and safe trip!

1. Communication quality and charges

In Panama, relatively stable mobile communications are available, especially in major cities and tourist destinations such as Panama City, Colon, and David. 4G LTE is widely available, especially in areas frequented by tourists, and 5G services are also being introduced in some cities. However, communication speeds can be slow and connections unstable in the jungle and mountainous regions of the Isthmus of Darien and on remote islands. In such areas, offline maps and advance downloads of information will be useful. If your itinerary includes both urban areas and areas rich in nature, it is safer to choose a SIM card that takes into account the difference in communication quality.

Data capacity and communication speed

If you plan on using map apps and checking social media, a medium data plan will be sufficient, but if you plan on watching videos or uploading a lot of photos and videos, it's best to choose a large data plan. Be sure to choose a plan that is suitable for your length of stay and your usage style.

Pricing Plans

Panama offers a variety of prepaid SIM plans to travelers, with options to suit your needs, including day-based plans for short trips and monthly plans for longer stays.

Rates vary depending on the carrier and plan, but mobile data is available at relatively reasonable prices. Choose a plan that offers the best cost performance, taking into consideration your travel schedule and data usage.

2. SIM card types and sizes

There are many different types of SIM cards. Choose the SIM card that suits your smartphone. In addition to physical SIM cards (standard SIM , micro SIM , nano SIM ), the number of users of the latest " eSIM" that is built into smartphones is increasing.

However, depending on the model you are using, it may not be compatible, so be sure to check which SIM card your smartphone is compatible with before you travel.

3. How do I get a SIM card in Panama?

At Tocumen International Airport (Panama City), ready-to-use SIM cards for tourists are sold at kiosks and carrier counters near the arrivals lobby, allowing you to connect to the Internet immediately after arriving. SIM cards can also be purchased at large shopping malls such as Albrook Mall and Multiplaza, supermarkets such as Rey and Super 99, and pharmacy chains such as Arrocha. Major carriers include +Movil, Claro, and Tigo, each of which offers prepaid plans.

To use a SIM card, you will need a SIM-free (unlocked) smartphone. You may be asked to show your passport when purchasing, so it's a good idea to have one ready in advance. Please note that communication on-site will primarily be in Spanish, so if you are unsure about the language, please be careful.

To alleviate these concerns, we recommend purchasing and setting up an eSIM online before you leave for Japan. It can be easily installed using a QR code, and you'll be able to connect to the internet the moment you arrive, ensuring a smooth start to your trip.

■Can be purchased in advance in Japan! Click here to purchase the eSIM "VOYAGE eSIM" for overseas travel .

4. Recommended for traveling to Panama! Local SIM cards

📶 1. +Movil

+Movil, formerly known as Cable & Wireless Panama, is one of the largest telecommunications companies in Panama, has close ties with the government and boasts the most extensive network coverage in the country.

📌 Recommended points

• Wide communication coverage area

• Many prepaid eSIM plans available for short-term travelers

• 5G support in some cities

📌 Recommended Plans

• Unlimited LTE Data: 1GB/7 days, about $7.5
  

📶 2. Tigo Panama

Part of the Tigo brand, which is widely deployed in Latin America. It offers a high-speed 4G LTE network and is characterized by high communication quality in urban areas. It also offers plans for eSIM-compatible devices, making it a popular telecommunications business among travelers.

📌 Recommended points

• Formerly Movistar, with solid infrastructure

• High-quality communications available in major cities

• Easy online purchase

📶 3. Claro Panama

A major telecommunications company operating throughout Central and South America. It is known for its strengths in international roaming. It has a wide range of prepaid SIMs and data packs, and is a popular telecommunications company among short-term visitors, but please note that information for tourists must be confirmed at the local store, and that in rural areas and remote islands, it may be slightly inferior to the two companies mentioned above.

📌 Recommended points

• Wide range of prepaid plans available, popular with short-term travelers

• Good speeds in urban areas
  

*Please check the latest information on each official website.

5. Points to note when purchasing a SIM card

Where to get a SIM card

In Panama, prepaid SIM cards can be purchased at Tocumen International Airport (PTY), large shopping centers such as Albrook Mall, carrier stores (+Móvil, Tigo, Claro), convenience stores, and supermarkets (Rey, Super 99, etc.).
Airports often sell SIM cards for travelers that can be used immediately, making it possible to set up an internet connection as soon as you arrive.

To use a SIM card, you will need a SIM-free smartphone. You may also be asked to show identification such as a passport when purchasing, so it's best to prepare it in advance to make things smoother. It may take some time to activate and set up the SIM, so it's recommended that you do so well in advance.

Payment Method

Panama is also moving towards a cashless society, with credit cards, Apple Pay, Google Pay, and QR code payments being widely used in urban areas.
Paying with your smartphone is becoming more common, especially in shopping malls and chain stores.

However, in small local stores and markets, payment is often mainly in cash (Panamanian Balboa or US Dollars), so it is a good idea to carry some cash with you. When using credit cards or debit cards, you can avoid trouble by checking in advance whether international brands such as Visa or Mastercard are accepted.

Choose the data plan that's right for you

If you use your Japanese data plan overseas, you may incur expensive roaming charges. Therefore, it is safer to use a local prepaid SIM or eSIM while you are in Panama.

It is important to choose a plan that takes into account the data volume and communication speed you need depending on your purpose of use (map apps, SNS, watching videos, etc.) and the length of your stay. Check the plan contents and restrictions in advance and choose one that suits your style.

Check compatible SIM cards

Before you travel, be sure to check which SIM card your device is compatible with. If you need to replace your SIM card, it's a good idea to also have a pin to open the SIM card tray and a place to store your current SIM card in Japan.

Is the SIM locked?

Usually, devices purchased from a carrier are SIM-locked so that only the SIM card of that carrier can be used. Before traveling, check whether the smartphone you are bringing with you is SIM-locked by the carrier and whether it can be unlocked. If it is SIM-locked, you may not be able to use the SIM card purchased locally. It is recommended that you check in advance so that you do not panic in Panama.

6. If you're going to Panama, we definitely recommend an eSIM

■What is “eSIM”?

eSIM (embedded SIM) is a new technology that replaces the traditional physical SIM card. Instead of a physical SIM card, eSIM allows you to use mobile communication services by installing data on your smartphone or tablet.

■Benefits of using " eSIM " in Costa Rica

Unlike conventional real SIM cards, " eSIM " is a digital SIM that is built into your smartphone. This new technology eliminates the need to physically replace SIM cards, and allows you to communicate online in just a few steps. There's no longer the need to rent, carry, or charge a Wi-Fi router, which was previously inconvenient, and there's no need to return it either. Using "eSIM" is sure to make communication in Panama more comfortable.

■ Recommended for traveling to Panama! eSIM " VOYAGEESIM "

VOYAGEESIM FOR GLOBAL
Supported countries are here

1. Purchase : Purchase from a trusted eSIM provider such as VOYAGE eSIM.

2. Scan the QR code : Open your smartphone's camera, scan the QR code and install the app.

3. Switch on your data plan : Once you arrive at your destination, activate the eSIM in your device's settings menu. Reboot if necessary.

It only takes a few minutes to set up and you'll be connected to the Internet in no time.
For detailed instructions on how to use the product, please refer to the manual provided by each manufacturer .  

[Reference] VOYAGE eSIM: eSIM How to Use Manual

Click here for a list of products

You can choose from two plans: 10GB for 15 days and 20GB for 30 days.

With " VOYAGEESIM "

■No need to replace SIM cards currently in use in Japan!

■No waiting to purchase !

■Just buy it online and set it up in the local airport's Wi-Fi environment!

Your smartphone will be able to use data communications instantly when you are in the country! It's simple, convenient and smart !

*The communications service for this product is provided by Weitaige Technology Co. Ltd.

🌟Summary🌟

What did you think? This time, we have clearly explained how to choose a SIM card that will be useful for your trip to Panama, the characteristics of local telecommunications companies, and some tips for creating a comfortable internet environment.

If you are visiting Panama, a Central American country where diverse cultures and nature blend together, it is very convenient to use an easy-to-use "eSIM". In this article, we have touched on the benefits of eSIMs and points to note when setting them up. To smoothly use navigation, post on social media, and search for local information while traveling, use an eSIM or prepaid SIM to create a stress-free communication environment.

Experience the grand scale of the Panama Canal, the beautiful coastlines of the Caribbean Sea and the Pacific Ocean, and the historic streets of the old town of Casco Viejo in real time, and fully experience the charm of Panama.

We hope your trip will be safe, enjoyable and memorable!

¡ Buen viaje! (Have a nice trip!)