The two biggest cell phone providers in Panama are Movistar and Cable and Wireless. They both offer “cards” (more commonly known as pay as you go wireless) in multiple denominations. Here is what they look like:
Ok so you are going to Panama and want to be able to stay connected to the world (plus if you want to survive in Panama – you need a cell phone – they are everywhere). Here is the process:
1. Have your cab driver or better yet call CARLOS (driver of Panama Gringo 001-507-6645-7075) take you to a store and buy the cheapest phone you can find. It is usually about $20 or so. (In the case of Carlos, call him and tell him to have a phone fully charged and waiting for you when you arrive at airport – cmon we gringos like service and speed – why torture yourself? While he is at it – have him set all the guides and settings to ENGLISH – practicing your Spanish is better when you are not trying to make phone calls).
2. Buy a few cards (buy a few $5 cards and one $12 or $15 card.
3. Now here is the trick… Movistar and Cable and Wireless run 2x, 3x and quadruple days every month – i.e. a $15 card is worth $60 worth of minutes. If you buy right, you can get your calls down to less than 10 cents a minute. Unreal cheap, convenient and you are now a wired gringo.
4. Once you buy cards, you need to scrap off the back of card and input number into your phone.
Once your phone is active, you will get messages all the time about promos etc.
Congratulations, welcome to the 21st century and keep hunting those 4x days.
Your truly, the Panama Gringo
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Don’t top up too much. After 10 days, credit is frozen until you top up again. However, even if your credit is frozen, you can still receive calls at no cost.
Incredible,you come from the U.S because
you cannot afford to live in the U.S right?
That is why you are looking for CHEAP stuff
in Panama?
You’re worst than us.At least we live
in our own country.You don’t.
If you travel to Panama as much as you do, maybe you should purchase a cheap cell phone and buy recharge cards to put minutes on your phone….That way you keep the phone and only need to charge the phone when you are in the country…
It really surprises me that you put yourself out to be an expert…when financially, you really aren’t that smart.
Panameno,
No offense meant. Please chill out. We Americans understand that we are a little more aggressive than most others but we are a caring, generous and hard working group who deeply appreciates the vast beauty and goodness of Panama and it’s people.
The Gringo