Certainly, having a Mobile internet connection in Panama has become a basic need. All the travelers who go to this destination need to have a connection to be able to check basic information about this country, maps, tourist hotspots or tours, event information, and much more.
It’s not about going only to the Panama Canal. You can also visit the outstanding maritime points, the clubs and casinos of Panama City, and even the most modern skyscrapers in the city. That, without casting aside a must-go to visit to the Old Quarter and the Metropolitan Natural Park. But how do you know when and how to go to each of these places? To get there, you need internet access to guide yourself.
If you’re a traveler going to Panama and need to search for information, then this article is for you. Here you’ll learn how to get cellular internet in Panama and detailed information about roaming, cellular data, international SIM card, eSIM, portable WiFi, and public WiFi networks. In detail, each of these data packages, along with their rates, can be seen below.
Contents
Mobile Internet in Panama with data usage
It’s important to realize to have internet in Panama with data included, you must pay for the international roaming offered by your domestic operator. In fact, some companies have this service included in their plans, depending on where you come from. But most companies offer it as an additional service, so roaming usually comes at a high cost.
As it is an expensive alternative and not pocket-friendly, few travelers choose it. In addition, there are many complaints about the quality of coverage at the destination. Therefore, many prefer data cards or WiFi.
How can I connect to cellular internet in Panama with international roaming?
You can also have internet in Panama with the international roaming services of your domestic cellular operator. With it, you will be able to make calls and send text messages, as well as have a high-speed cellular data connection, just as if you were at home!
To find out if you will be able to enjoy international roaming from your local operator, or if it is available, then we recommend you to contact them to learn more about the service. However, below we will talk about the roaming services for Panama with the following operators:
- AT&T
- O2
- T-Mobile
On the other hand, before talking about the roaming services of each operator, we would like to comment that, the roaming service is usually quite expensive. The price varies according to each operator, since each one offers different plans and benefits.
Internet in Panama with AT&T
Indeed, AT&T is one of the most famous operators in the United States. So if you happen to be a customer of this operator, then you can use their roaming for your trip to Panama through different plans. First, you can purchase the International Day Pass, which is a plan that will allow you to enjoy cellular data, calling and messaging for only $10 a day.
On the other hand, you will also be able to use roaming with the pay-per-use option. This means that you will have to pay only for your data, calls or messages consumption. The prices are $2.05/MB, $3 per minute of call, and $0.5 per text message sent.
Mobile Internet in Panama with O2
O2 is a European cellular provider, and most of its users are based in the UK. So if you are traveling to Panama soon, and you are an O2 customer then they will offer you the Travel Bolt On Plan. With it, you’ll have to pay $6 per day, and you will be able to enjoy 500 MB of daily usage, as well as unlimited calls and text messages.
Internet in Panama with T-Mobile
Finally, we will discuss another very famous American company, which is T-Mobile. The good thing about this operator is that they offer free roaming services to all its users with Simple Gold plans. This means that you will be able to use your phone services without paying extra.
However, this is not the case with the other T-Mobile plans, so if you have any other T-Mobile plan, then you will have to pay for your consumption during your trip. In case of cellular data, the cost is $15 per MB, which is quite high.
Cellular international roaming rates for Panama
In the following table, you can see the international roaming rates for Panama. So, this table will help you to compare with other services and choose the one you prefer.
| Service | Internet rates in Panama |
| AT&T roaming | $2.05/MB or $10 per day |
| O2 roaming | $6 per day |
| T-Mobile roaming | $15/MB |
SIM card to have cellular internet in Panama
On the other hand, you have the possibility of buying a SIM card to have internet in Panama. You not only get these cards at a good price, but you can also buy them from the comfort of your home. Surely, with Holafly, you can have one of these chips with international data, and they will deliver it to your home in a very short time. Easy-peasy!
SIM card prices to have internet in Panama
- 8 GB / 30 days for $34.00
- 12 GB / 30 days for $44.00
Data eSIM in Panama
Similarly, you have the option of a data eSIM for Panama. In general, these are virtual cards that can be obtained at a low cost. Also, they include data to use at the destination, depending on the days of your stay. So, you don’t have to worry about stressful terms and conditions to get a virtual chip. With Holafly, you can have one in a few steps from their virtual store. The QR code to activate it will arrive at your email, and you’ll only have to scan it with your cellphone to be able to enjoy it!
eSIM prices in Panama
- 6 GB / 15 days for $47.00
How to have portable WiFi in Panama?
There’s also the possibility of having portable WiFi in Panama. This is a router that you can take wherever you want because, thanks to its battery, you will have a cellular connection wherever you go. However, this is not a good choice for those who don’t want to bring an extra device for their trip or have to deal with the hassle. Moreover, you must consider the high costs of renting or buying a portable WiFi. Some of the options available in Panama are:
- WiFiVox. It’s a router that works on the 4G network and allows you to connect up to a maximum of 5 devices with 1 GB internet access per day.
- My Webspot. With this router, you have up to 512 MB/day. In addition, you can share the internet connection with up to 5 people. It works on broadband (4G/LTE).
Public WiFi in Panama
For its part, public WiFi in Panama is one of the options most used by travelers. These are free networks that we can find distributed in different places, such as:
- Airports
- Coffee houses
- Restaurants
- Hotels
- Malls
- Zona de ala – Avenida Centenario
- Rock Burger – Costa del Este
- Sushi Express – Costa del Este
- Carbón de Mangle – Avenida Centenario
In these places, you can have free internet in Panama. Although, in most cases, you’ll have to buy something so that you can get the WiFi password. However, we remind you that this is not a reliable alternative and that your data may be at risk.
Comparison table of internet rates in Panama
In the following comparative table of internet rates in Panama, you can get an idea of the option that best suits you according to its benefits and costs.
| Service | Internet rates in Panama |
| SIM card in Panama | From 8GB / 30 days for $34.00 |
| eSIM for Panama | From 6GB / 15 days for $47.00 |
| Public WiFi | Free |
| WiFiVox Pocket WiFi | From $7.95 every day |
| My Webspot Pocket WiFi | Rent for 8 days from $79.20 |
Internet coverage map in Panama
We know that you’re also concerned about the quality of the network you will connect to Panama. Well, here we show you an internet coverage map in Panama, just for you to keep in mind and be aware of the quality connection.
3G, 4G, and 5G coverage in Panama
What we recommend to get cellular internet in Panama
Finally, our recommendation to have internet in Panama is and always will be when you’re looking for a reasonable price, but with guaranteed quality. Indeed, you can get this in the Holafly online store, just by selecting some of their cards and the plan that suits you best. That’s it!
FAQ about how to have cellular internet in Panama
The Holafly eSIM connects to the Tigo network, one of the country’s main cellular operators.
Yes. Just remember not to configure the app with the new card.
Write to customer service, which is available in English 24 hours a day.
