How to Get a SIM Card
in Panama 2026
Everything you need to know about Claro, Movistar, Cable Onda, eSIMs, and where to buy before you leave the airport.
Getting a local phone number in Panama is one of the first things every expat needs to do — and it is shockingly simple. You can walk out of the airport with a working SIM card, a local number, and data within 20 minutes. This guide covers every option: the three main carriers, where to buy, eSIM for travelers, international calling, and dual SIM setup for keeping your US number.
Bottom line: Get a Claro SIM card at Tocumen Airport before you leave baggage claim. You will have cell service for your entire journey from the airport. Here is why, and all the other options available.
The 3 Main Carriers in Panama
Panama has three nationwide mobile carriers: Claro, Movistar, and Cable Onda Mobile. Each has different strengths depending on where you are living and what you need. Here is the breakdown:
Claro
- •Best coverage nationwide (even in Boquete, Bocas, Coronado)
- •4G LTE across most of the country
- •Available at any supermarket or Claro store
- •Most reliable outside Panama City
- •Customer service can be frustrating
Movistar
- •Strong in Panama City and Coronado
- •Solid 4G LTE
- •Competitive pricing
- •Good customer service reputation
- •Weaker coverage in rural areas
Cable Onda Mobile
- •Excellent if you have Cable Onda home internet
- •Bundle discounts available
- •Competitive pricing for city dwellers
- •Good for Panama City and Coronado
- •Limited rural presence
For traveling & rural areas: Claro has the best nationwide coverage. If you are splitting time between Panama City and Boquete, Coronado, or Bocas — choose Claro.
For Panama City + home internet bundle: Cable Onda Mobile wins if you already have Cable Onda home internet. Bundle discounts make it the best value.
Solid second choice: Movistar is a great option if Claro is sold out or if you prefer their customer service.
Where to Buy a SIM Card in Panama
You can buy a SIM card at Claro stores, supermarket kiosks, or — best option — at Tocumen International Airport when you land. Here are all your options:
Claro Store
Supermarket Kiosk
Tocumen Airport
All three carriers have kiosks at Tocumen International Airport in the arrivals area. They are open 24/7. Buy your SIM here — it is the same price as the stores, you avoid lines, and you have data the moment you walk out. Your phone will connect to Claro's network automatically and you can start using WhatsApp, Google Maps, and Uber before you even leave the airport.
eSIM Options for Travelers
If you have a modern unlocked phone (iPhone 14+, most newer Android), you can use an eSIM — a digital SIM that downloads directly to your phone. This is perfect for the first week before getting a local physical SIM. You can activate it before you even board your flight.
Airalo
Holafly
Nomad
Claro Panama eSIM
- •Activate before you leave for Panama — data is live when you land
- •No physical SIM card to lose or lose
- •Perfect for the first week while you settle in
- •Then switch to local Claro SIM for better long-term rates
How to Buy a SIM Card: Step by Step
Calling & Texting the USA from Panama
One of the first questions expats ask: How do I call the United States without going broke? Here are your options, ranked by cost and convenience:
Data Speeds & Coverage by Location
Panama City
Excellent. Fast enough for streaming and video calls.
Coronado
Very good for a beach town. Fine for most tasks.
Boquete
Decent. Improving every year. Works for most needs.
Bocas del Toro
Slowest option (island signal). Starlink recommended for reliability.
5G is rolling out in Panama City in 2025–2026. It will be available in select neighborhoods first. For now, 4G LTE is more than fast enough.
International Roaming
If you are keeping your US phone number for the first few weeks or months while you settle in:
Dual SIM Setup: Keep Your US Number + Get a Panama Number
The smartest setup for expats: a dual SIM phone lets you keep your US number AND have a local Panama number.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my US phone in Panama?
Yes! Most US phones work fine in Panama. Just make sure your phone is unlocked (not carrier-locked to AT&T, Verizon, etc.). Unlocked phones work with any SIM card worldwide.
Do I need a passport to buy a SIM card?
Yes. Panama requires biometric SIM registration by law. You must show a valid passport or cedula (Panama ID).
Can I call the USA for free?
Use WhatsApp calls — they are completely free with wifi or data. Regular international calls are $0.10–$0.50/minute from any carrier. Google Voice (free to US) is also great.
What is an eSIM and do I need it?
An eSIM is a digital SIM that downloads directly to compatible phones (iPhone 14+, most newer Android). You can activate it before arriving in Panama. Great for the first week before getting a local physical SIM.
Should I keep my US phone number?
Many expats keep their US number via Google Voice (free) while getting a local Panama number. Dual SIM phones let you do this. Others get a local number and forward their US number to Google Voice.
Ready to Move to Panama?
Getting connected is the first step. Our team can help you navigate mobile plans, home internet setup, and every other practical question about settling in Panama. Let us guide you through the move.