Panama – Landlines and Mobile Phones

What are the international dialling codes for Panama, and what are the area codes for the most popular expat destinations?

Panama’s assigned country code is 507, entered after your international exit code when dialling from outside the country. From most nations, you would dial your exit code (frequently 00 or 011) followed by 507 and then the full local number. On a mobile phone, simply enter +507 before the complete local number and your call will connect.

All Panamanian telephone numbers are either seven or eight digits in length, and no area codes exist anywhere in the system. This catches many newcomers off guard: unlike countries such as France or the United Kingdom, where a different prefix identifies the city you are calling, Panama requires you to dial the complete number every time, regardless of where in the country you happen to be.

Every mobile number in Panama is eight digits long and begins with 6. Panama City landlines commonly start with 2 or 3, while fixed-line numbers in western regions such as David and Chiriquí, or in Colón, follow different digit patterns — yet because there are no formal area codes, the rule is simply to dial the entire number as it appears.

Since no area codes are dropped or added, the dialling format is identical whether you are placing a local call or connecting from abroad: use the full national number after the +507 country code. Panama’s numbering plan does not include a leading zero, so there is nothing to omit when dialling internationally.

For the most authoritative and current numbering information, refer to Panama’s official telecoms regulator, the Autoridad Nacional de los Servicios Públicos (ASEP), which administers the national numbering plan and oversees all aspects of telecommunications regulation.

Who are the major landline providers in Panama, and how can you contact them?

Cable & Wireless Panama (CWP), now part of Liberty Media, delivers mobile, fixed-line, broadband and pay-TV services across the country. Its mobile operation trades under the brand +Móvil (commonly spoken as Más Móvil). CWP holds market leadership in mobile, broadband and fixed-line services nationwide and is the principal residential fixed-line provider in Panama City and the major provincial centres.

CWP’s product range includes attractively priced bundled packages: “double play” combinations of TV and broadband, and “triple play” bundles adding a fixed-line voice service. This all-in-one offering makes it a practical solution for expats equipping a new home. Tigo, the second significant player, also provides fixed-line and fibre services, with its strongest presence in Panama City and other urban locations. Both operators run retail outlets in major shopping malls and city centres across the country.

Always consult each provider’s official website for up-to-date tariffs, as plan pricing and bundle promotions are revised regularly. As of 2024, both operators offer bundled home packages incorporating fixed-line voice, internet and pay-TV, with introductory rates available at sign-up. Confirm current pricing directly with each provider before committing to any contract.

Panama’s national telecoms regulator, ASEP, publishes guidance on consumer rights, complaint procedures and regulatory standards. If you cannot resolve a dispute with a provider directly, ASEP is the appropriate authority to approach.

Who are the major mobile phone providers in Panama, and how can you contact them?

Panama’s mobile market is led by two main operators: Más Móvil and Tigo. Both companies offer extensive 4G/LTE coverage across the country and broadly comparable pricing and plan structures. Claro and Digicel are also active in the market and provide meaningful competition, particularly in the prepaid data segment.

A 2024 survey identified Tigo as the top-of-mind mobile operator in Panama, selected by close to half of respondents, with Más Móvil following at around 27 percent. That said, independent network performance assessments and feedback from expat communities frequently point to Más Móvil as holding an advantage in rural and remote locations.

+Móvil is broadly regarded as offering the most dependable and far-reaching network across both urban and countryside settings. Independent testing in Q4 2023 found +Móvil achieving the highest median download and upload speeds among Panamanian mobile operators, surpassing Tigo and Digicel, and also leading on connection consistency.

Tigo expanded into Panama by acquiring Movistar, and its network coverage in cities and towns is effectively on a par with Más Móvil, with broad LTE availability throughout the country. In truly remote locations, there are isolated spots where Tigo has no signal while Más Móvil maintains coverage, but for the overwhelming majority of users this distinction will not be noticeable day to day. Tigo is well regarded for its customer support infrastructure.

Reliable service from both major providers can be expected in Panama City, other urban centres and along most highways and populated rural corridors. Dropped calls or signal gaps are uncommon except in deep rural pockets, some indigenous comarcas, thick jungle terrain or certain offshore islands.

As of 2024, prepaid SIM starter packs and data bundles are on offer from all four operators. Specific plan pricing changes frequently — always verify current tariffs on each provider’s official website before buying. All prices in Panama are subject to a 7% sales tax.

In April 2024, Panama joined the 5G era when Más Móvil, operating as Cable & Wireless Panamá, began 5G deployment. Rollout is currently concentrated in Panama City and selected surrounding areas, with coverage set to expand progressively over time.

How do I get a landline connected in Panama?

Arranging a fixed-line telephone connection in Panama is a manageable process, handled primarily through Cable & Wireless Panamá (Más Móvil) as the leading fixed-line provider, or through Tigo where its infrastructure is available. The procedure broadly resembles setting up any utility connection — you approach the provider, submit documentation and wait for an installation visit.

1. Choose your provider and package. Browse the websites of Más Móvil or Tigo to explore current fixed-line offerings, which are often packaged alongside broadband and pay-TV. Compare plans carefully and note any promotional pricing. As of 2024, both providers offer triple-play bundles; visit their websites for current rates.
2. Contact the provider. Applications can be submitted through the provider’s website, by phoning their customer service line, or by attending a retail store in person. Visiting a store inside a major shopping centre — such as Multiplaza or Albrook Mall in Panama City — gives you the opportunity to speak face to face with an agent, which often speeds up the process for new connections.
3. Prepare your documents. Documentation typically required includes: a valid passport or national identity card; proof of your address in Panama (such as a utility bill, lease agreement or written confirmation from a landlord); and, for postpaid or contract services, evidence of income or a local bank reference may occasionally be requested. Both tenants and property owners can apply; a rental contract or property title will serve as proof of address in either case.
4. Complete the application. Submit the service request form — in store, online or through the provider’s mobile app. You will receive a customer account number and a provisional installation date.
5. Installation appointment. A technician will attend your property to install the line and any required equipment, such as a router if a broadband bundle is part of your package. Lead times range from a few days to a couple of weeks, depending on your location, the provider’s current schedule and the infrastructure already in place in your area.
6. Deposit and activation. New customers without an established local credit history may be asked to pay a refundable deposit, particularly for bundled postpaid contracts. Check the current deposit requirements directly with your chosen provider at the time of application.

If you are renting or buying in a managed apartment block or gated community (urbanización), it is worth speaking to your building administrator first — some properties already have fibre or cable infrastructure installed, which can shorten the connection process considerably. Always confirm current documentation requirements and expected timelines with your chosen provider, as these can change. For regulatory guidance or to raise a formal complaint, contact ASEP.

How do I get a mobile phone SIM card or contract in Panama?

Acquiring a mobile SIM card in Panama is one of the least complicated tasks you will encounter as a newcomer. The process is considerably more accessible than in numerous other countries, where registration hurdles or credit checks can create difficulties for recent arrivals.

Anyone residing in or visiting Panama can purchase a Panamanian SIM card with only minimal restrictions. SIMs are sold in +Móvil (Cable & Wireless), Claro, Digicel and Tigo (formerly Movistar) shops. On arrival at Tocumen International Airport in Panama City, self-service kiosks sell SIM cards, though airport prices tend to be higher than elsewhere. Waiting until you reach the city centre is generally the better option.

Prepaid top-up cards and SIM starter packs are stocked at supermarkets, convenience stores and many pharmacies across the country. A SIM card in Panama costs around $3 (as of 2024), making it a minor outlay — and some operators, including Tigo and Claro, have at times given SIM cards away free of charge at mall promotional stands. Always check the current starter pack price on the relevant provider’s website.

Prepaid (Prepago): Prepaid is the most popular and versatile option, especially for those newly arrived. Panamanian prepaid mobile service is highly flexible — packages are available for periods as short as one day or as long as a month, depending on your requirements. Common durations include 1-day, 3-day, 7-day, 10-day, 15-day and 30-day plans. Credit (saldo) is added as needed, and for most providers any credit you load will expire within two months.

Postpaid (Pospago): Postpaid plans are monthly subscription arrangements. You typically sign a service agreement with the carrier, present a passport or local ID for registration, and receive a monthly bill for a fixed plan that may include unlimited data or a set data allowance together with calls. The plan remains live until you cancel it. Securing a postpaid plan usually requires a local billing address or payment method and is generally unsuitable for tourists or anyone staying only a matter of weeks. For long-term residents, postpaid offers the convenience of uninterrupted service as long as payments are kept up to date.

Compared with countries such as Germany — where strict ID registration and sometimes proof of address are enforced even for prepaid SIMs — Panama’s prepaid process is comparatively uncomplicated. SIMs can be purchased at mall kiosks and neighbourhood shops with minimal formalities. That said, formal registration requirements can be updated by ASEP at any time, so confirm the current rules at the point of purchase.

Your handset must be unlocked to accept a Panamanian SIM. Panama operates on GSM technology — consistent with the rest of the Americas and Europe — so any compatible unlocked smartphone will function normally. If your device is locked to a foreign carrier, contact that carrier before you travel to arrange an unlock.

How do I pay my telephone bill in Panama?

Panama provides a wide variety of convenient payment channels for both mobile and fixed-line accounts, on a par with what you would find in most well-developed telecoms markets. Postpaid mobile and fixed-line bills are ordinarily issued on a monthly cycle.

Online and app payments: Tigo, +Móvil and Digicel accounts can all be topped up through each provider’s respective app. Postpaid customers can also settle their monthly invoices via the same apps or through each provider’s website using a credit or debit card. This is typically the fastest and most convenient payment route.

In-person payment: Bills and top-ups can be paid face to face at provider retail stores, as well as at a broad range of third-party payment points including supermarkets, pharmacies and convenience stores (often referred to locally as “chinos”). Payment kiosks situated in shopping malls also handle mobile and utility bill transactions.

Bank transfers and direct debit: Most major Panamanian banks — including Banco Nacional de Panamá, Banistmo and BAC Credomatic — provide online and mobile banking platforms through which telephone and utility bills can be settled directly. Setting up automatic payment (débito automático) with your provider eliminates the risk of an overlooked payment.

Prepaid top-up (recarga): Prepaid customers can add credit via the provider’s app, online, by buying a physical voucher in a shop, or by entering a USSD code on their handset. All providers award a x5 bonus (known as quintuplica) on any top-up of $3 or more, though this bonus credit applies to voice calls and text messages only — it cannot be used for data passes or balance transfers.

Late payment and disconnection: For postpaid and fixed-line accounts, providers normally issue a late payment notice before suspending service. Reconnection following a suspension may attract a fee. Unlike some markets where a failed direct debit triggers a lengthy grace period, Panamanian providers can move relatively quickly to suspend services after a missed payment — setting up automatic payment is strongly advisable to avoid any interruption.

Are there any practical tips for using phones in Panama as a newcomer?

Coverage reliability: Both Más Móvil and Tigo deliver dependable service in Panama City, other urban centres, along most highways and in populated rural zones. Dropped calls and dead spots are uncommon except in deeply remote pockets, certain indigenous comarcas, dense jungle or some outlying islands. If you intend to live in or regularly travel to areas such as the Darién, the Ngäbe-Buglé comarca or remote highland communities, review each provider’s coverage map carefully before selecting a network.

Roaming with a foreign SIM: Using an overseas SIM in Panama on roaming is possible but can prove costly, particularly for data usage. Switching to a local plan or using prepaid cards makes far better financial sense if you will be in Panama for more than a few weeks. Most major international operators offer travel day passes or roaming bundles — scrutinise the terms carefully before relying on roaming for any extended stay.

eSIMs: No Panamanian mobile operator currently offers eSIMs to prepaid customers (as of 2024). International eSIM providers that include Panama in their coverage do exist, offering software-based SIMs installed directly on your device. These international eSIMs operate on prepaid terms, so there are no unexpected charges and no roaming fees. Providers such as Airalo and Saily use local network infrastructure and represent a practical bridging solution while you are arranging a physical Panamanian SIM. Most long-term residents switch to a physical local SIM once settled, for better value.

Number porting: Panama supports mobile number portability (portabilidad numérica), enabling you to retain your existing Panamanian number when switching operators. The process is coordinated through your new provider and typically takes several days to complete. Unlike some countries where porting is finalised within a single working day, timelines in Panama can vary — confirm the current process with your new carrier. It is not possible to port a foreign number into the Panamanian network; you will need to obtain a new local number.

Balance transfers: Credit can be transferred between two accounts on the same carrier through a service called Pasa Saldo. Transfers can be initiated via text message, USSD code or provider apps, with a minimum transfer amount of $1. This is a handy feature that is not universally offered in other countries.

Phone compatibility: Panama runs on GSM technology, in line with the rest of the Americas and Europe. CDMA has been phased out, and both major operators support LTE across multiple frequency bands. The vast majority of modern unlocked smartphones purchased anywhere in the world will function in Panama without any technical difficulties.

WhatsApp culture: WhatsApp is the dominant communications platform in Panama for personal and professional interaction alike. It is routinely used for business dealings, customer service enquiries, property searches and everyday social contact. Activating WhatsApp immediately after obtaining a local SIM will greatly ease your adjustment to daily life in Panama.

Building-specific signal: If you are living in Panama City, it is worth asking neighbours and colleagues which provider they find most reliable, as certain buildings are known to receive noticeably better service from one operator than another. Dense high-rise construction can impair indoor signal strength, and the degree of impact varies by building and network.

Frequently asked questions

Can I keep my foreign number when I move to Panama?

No — porting an overseas number into the Panamanian mobile network is not possible. When you get a local SIM, you will be assigned a new Panamanian number starting with 6. If you need to remain contactable on your foreign number, you can keep it active on a second device, a travel SIM, or through a VoIP service such as Google Voice or Skype.

Do I need a local address to get a SIM card in Panama?

For prepaid purchases, SIM cards are available at mall kiosks and corner shops without any registration requirement. For postpaid contracts, a local billing address or payment method is generally needed. If you are initially staying in a hotel or short-term rental, prepaid is the sensible choice until you have a permanent address.

Can tourists and visitors get a mobile SIM in Panama?

Whether you are a tourist or a newly arrived expat, a local SIM gives you access to maps, ride-hailing apps, social media and more without depending on Wi-Fi. Prepaid SIMs are readily available to visitors without any residency requirement. Postpaid contracts are better suited to long-term residents who have a local address and a suitable payment method.

What is the emergency number in Panama?

The emergency number in Panama is 911, connecting you to police, fire and ambulance services. This mirrors the emergency number format used in the United States and Canada, making it familiar to many newcomers. The number functions from both mobile phones and landlines.

How long does it take to get a landline connected in Panama?

Installation timelines depend on your location and the provider’s current workload. In urban areas such as Panama City, connection can sometimes be arranged within a few days of applying, particularly when the necessary infrastructure is already in place in your building. In less central or rural locations, the wait may extend to one or two weeks or longer. Ask your chosen provider for an estimated lead time when you submit your application.

Is 5G available in Panama?

Panama joined the 5G era in April 2024, when Más Móvil (operating as Cable & Wireless Panamá) began rolling out its 5G network. As of early 2025, +Móvil has stepped up 5G deployment in Panama City and surrounding areas, while Tigo’s 5G footprint remains very limited. For the majority of locations, 4G/LTE continues to be the standard technology. Check each provider’s current coverage map for the latest information on 5G availability in your specific area.

Are prepaid top-ups widely available outside Panama City?

Yes. Vouchers for all major operators are stocked in grocery stores, corner shops and electronics retailers throughout Panama. The same broad retail distribution applies to Más Móvil and Tigo as to Claro. In provincial towns and many smaller communities, top-up cards can be found in local shops. For truly remote areas, topping up via a provider app or online is the most reliable approach.

Who regulates telephone services in Panama, and how do I make a complaint?

Panama’s telecoms and public services regulator is the Autoridad Nacional de los Servicios Públicos (ASEP), which governs the telecoms sector including consumer protection and number portability. The official ASEP website at asep.gob.pa provides regulatory information, consumer guidance and a mechanism for submitting a formal complaint if you are unable to resolve a dispute directly with your service provider.