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Phone service in Panamá, Republic of Panamá.

Phone service used to be expensive, but now, after new companies were allowed into the Panamanian market, there are several options and all of the companies compete for customers, offering multiple services.   The main ones are:

1. Cable & Wireless: Offers home phone line, cellular, cable and internet. Includes an inexpensive home line based on minutes.  Many locals has more than one...

Phone service in Panamá, Republic of Panamá.

Phone service used to be expensive, but now, after new companies were allowed into the Panamanian market, there are several options and all of the companies compete for customers, offering multiple services.   The main ones are:

1. Cable & Wireless: Offers home phone line, cellular, cable and internet. Includes an inexpensive home line based on minutes.  Many locals has more than one phone line, for their convenience.  This was the first company established in Panamá after this service became privately owned in 1995.
2. ClaroCom: Has a very interesting service, especially for US residents. They offer a US line in Panamá by which the person can make an indefinite number of calls to other countries as well, and people can also call free to your phone.  The package includes a home line as well, which is based on internet, but not through the computer.  You can use it even with the computer off.  We have this service, it is wonderful, and we don´t pay more than $35 / month. It works very much like an 800 number.  US residents have to have a nationwide phone plan, otherwise they have to pay the specific  state- to -state long distance call rate.
3. Digicel: Mainly offers cellular services.
4. Cable Onda:  Offers TV cable, internet, residential / commercial phone line, and is pretty much the main company in the TV cable field.
5. Claro:  Cellular service.
6. Movistar:  Cellular services.
7. Telecarrier: Basic phone lines and internet.

Usually, residents take advantage of special promotions and purchase a package., but this option has to be carefully reviewed, because it is not always is  the best option.   Sometimes is better to split services. Other things to consider include the substantial turnover in services, due new options becoming available on what seems like a daily basis.  The options for cable are the minimum, medium and full package.  Internet is based on features and memory.  Phone is based on either flat rate with indefinite time, or by minutes.  Cellular plans are based either on prepaid time, or contract.  The charge for cellular data is on a monthly fee, usually from $10 to $20, depending on the company.

Panamá offers an extensive variety of communications companies and services...and the most complex and advanced optical fiber system, and phone / cellular service is available across country.

Usually a package including full home service could be around $80, including the US line, unless you are seeking top of the line, with extra benefits, which is optional.

But as always, when searching for a service, always use your best criteria on the services you are looking for.  Get references, spend time looking for valid  promotions (specially look at the fine print), search for the best package at the best price, and negotiate prices.  On contracts... read every line of it.  Do not sign anything until you are positive of what you are getting.  If possible, go with a Spanish-speaking friend, or local, even though the majority of company staff speaks fluent or some English.

Regarding cellular service, you can get information at the airport; and prepaid cards on every grocery shop or other little stores.