If you use Tmobile, then you don’t have to make any changes to your phone or phone service at all.
You really should download Whatsapp before you come to Panama. Which is why everyone communicates with messaging apps – esp. Sending a normal text in Panama is expensive because unlimited texting plans do not exist. Whatsapp is a messaging app only available on smartphones. People in Panama do not text, they Whatsapp. Not a simple phone that can only call and text. So far, I have only used iPhones.) Buy a Smartphone If you don’t have coverage with one provider, you could switch to your other SIM card provider. (Maybe you can do this in the States as well. The dual SIM card option enables you to use 2 different Panama service providers.
One option in Panama is to buy an Android smartphone that takes 2 SIM cards. You can also buy an unlocked smartphone in Panama. However, I’d recommend getting it done before you come to Panama. Most locations have someone who can unlock your phone. Check their reviews to choose a good one.ģ. There are plenty of services available online that will unlock your phone.
Once they do their part of the unlocking process, they will give you a code or a few things to enter into your phone for the unlock to take effect.Ģ. Don’t let them talk you into signing up for their international roaming plan. Explain to them that you need it unlocked so you can use a local SIM card in Panama. You need to call the 1-800 number for your service provider.
They most likely won’t be able to help you. Call your provider. Don’t go to your nearest cell phone store and ask them to unlock your phone. However, the company is only required to do so if you don’t owe money on your contract or phone.ġ. The best way to get an unlocked phone is to get your current phone unlocked, if it isn’t already.įor instance, back in 2015, the USA passed a law requiring providers to unlock customers’ phones upon their request. Universal phones accommodate both technologies. But these companies have been switching to GSM or Universal phones. For example, Verison, Sprint, and US Cellular have CDMA phones. Most phones in the world do. There are some phones in the US that do not. Keep in mind, to use a SIM card, your phone must use GSM technology. You can keep all your info, even as you change to a new provider in Panama. Which is why unlocking your phone is the best option. Changing your SIM card does not affect any of your contacts, photos, apps and other information you have stored on your phone. Thankfully, the SIM card is independent of your phone storage. You need a new SIM card whenever you change service providers. It is inserted into your phone and determines your phone number. Some background info: A SIM card is the little chip your service provider gives you.
When you have an unlocked phone you are free to use any service provider. Which means it will only work with your current service provider. However, most phone plans these days don’t require a contract. What is an unlocked phone? If you signed a 2-year contract to get a cheaper phone, it’s probably locked. One of the main advantages of using your current (and unlocked) phone while in Panama is you will have access to all your contacts and other information that you store on your phone. Having an unlocked phone allows you to buy a SIM card from the provider of your choice and start using their service. They offer unlimited texting and 3G data in 210 countries, automatically. Then you can simply get data and minutes from one of Panama’s cell phone companies. You have 3 options to avoid paying international roaming charges while in Panama. Luckily, it is easy to avoid paying those high roaming charges. If you use your current phone, know that paying your plan’s expensive international roaming charges is not your only option. Your 1st step is to decide on the cell phone you will use in Panama. Find out more about getting products mailed to Panama. Shipping to Panama cost only $13! I used Hot Express. I strongly recommend that you figure out your phone situation before you move to Panama.Īn aside: When my iphone died (above), I bought a refurbished one off ebay and had it sent to me in Puerto Armuelles. It will help you feel less lonely and alone as you find your place in your new country. My screen was a mass of colorful lines in motion.Ĭell phones are the easiest way to connect with friends and family – no matter where you are.įor people newly transplanted to Panama, having that connection is very important. Updated: JYou have some simple decisions to make when you set up your cell service My cell phone recently died.