Why an eSIM is Recommended for Panama
No Free EU Roaming
Unlike European countries, Panama does not benefit from free EU roaming. Your home plan will be expensive: between $2 and $5 per MB depending on your carrier. For a one-week trip with moderate usage (browsing, social media), you can easily spend $50 to $100 on roaming.
Free WiFi vs eSIM
Free WiFi is indeed widespread in Panama (hotels, cafes, shopping malls), but it has risks:
- Security: unsecured public networks, hacking risks
- Reliability: unstable connections, frequent dropouts
- Mobility: impossible to use while traveling (transport, excursions)
An eSIM offers secure and reliable connectivity everywhere, even in remote areas.
Network Coverage in Panama
Panama has good 4G coverage thanks to four major carriers:
| Carrier |
Coverage |
5G |
Used by |
| Cable & Wireless (Más Móvil) |
95% |
No |
GoMoWorld, Airalo |
| Claro Panama |
94% |
No |
LinkeSIM, Saily |
| Digicel |
90% |
No |
Holafly |
| Movistar |
88% |
No |
Various |
Coverage by destination
- Panama City: excellent 4G coverage throughout the capital
- Panama Canal: good coverage along the canal and in tourist areas
- Bocas del Toro: good coverage in tourist areas, variable in isolated islands
- San Blas: variable coverage by island, generally good in inhabited areas
- Boquete: good coverage in town, variable in remote mountainous areas
How to Install Your Panama eSIM
- Purchase your plan (QR code received by email in 2 min)
- Install 24-48h before departure from your WiFi
- Activate upon arrival in Panama (timer starts)
- Keep your home SIM for calls and texts
Compatibility: iPhone XS+, Samsung S20+, Pixel 3+, Xiaomi 12+, OnePlus 8+
Best Panama eSIM 2026
<BlogSummaryTable
title="Top 5 Panama eSIM 2026"
countryCode="PA"
countrySlug="panama"
plans={[
{
rank: 1,
providerId: "gomoworld",
data: "10 GB",
duration: "30 days",
price: "$6.80",
highlight: "Best value for money",
promoCode: "ESIMP",
},
{
rank: 2,
providerId: "airalo",
data: "5 GB",
duration: "30 days",
price: "$8.50",
highlight: "Global leader",
promoCode: "ESIMP15",
},
{
rank: 3,
providerId: "holafly",
data: "Unlimited",
duration: "15 days",
price: "$47",
highlight: "Unlimited data + hotspot",
},
{
rank: 4,
providerId: "linkesim",
data: "10 GB",
duration: "30 days",
price: "$4.50",
highlight: "Lowest price",
},
{
rank: 5,
providerId: "saily",
data: "3 GB",
duration: "30 days",
price: "$6.20",
highlight: "NordVPN included",
promoCode: "ESIMP",
},
]}
/>
Why these providers?
- GoMoWorld: Cable & Wireless (Más Móvil) network, code ESIMP (-10%), best value for money
- Airalo: global leader (8M+ users), Cable & Wireless network, code ESIMP15 (-15%)
- Holafly: unlimited + hotspot, ideal for heavy users and families
- LinkeSIM: cheapest, perfect for budget travelers
- Saily: built-in NordVPN to secure public WiFi connections
Conclusion
For all travelers to Panama, an eSIM is highly recommended as home roaming is very expensive ($2 to $5 per MB).
Best choice: GoMoWorld 10 GB at $6.80 with code ESIMP offers the best value for a typical trip.
For heavy users: Holafly unlimited eliminates any stress, even for streaming and hotspot.
Budget option: LinkeSIM 10 GB at $4.50 remains very economical.
Panama eSIM FAQ
