Best Mobile Service Options for US Expats in Panama

US expats in Panama have 5 primary mobile service options: Google Voice paired with local SIM cards (around $28/month), AT&T International Day Pass ($10/day), Verizon Unlimited Ultimate with international roaming, Magic Jack for business calls, or local carriers like Mas Movil starting at $15-20/month.

Keep Your US Number with Google Voice

Many expats swear by Google Voice as the foundation of their phone strategy. The key is to set it up before you leave the US. Port your existing US number to Google Voice, then pair it with a local Panama SIM card for data.

This combination gives you the best of both worlds: you keep your US number for calls and texts (which work over WiFi or data), while having affordable local data for day-to-day use. The cost? Around $28/month for a decent Panama data plan, plus whatever you were already paying for Google Voice (which is free for most personal use).

AT&T International Day Pass

If you're an AT&T customer, their International Day Pass lets you use your regular plan abroad for $10/day. This can work well for short trips or occasional travelers, but the costs add up quickly if you're living here full-time. At $300/month, it's only practical as a temporary solution.

Verizon Unlimited Ultimate

Verizon's Unlimited Ultimate plan includes international roaming as a standard feature. For about $10 more per month than their base unlimited plan, you get unlimited talk, text, and data in over 210 countries, including Panama.

The main benefit is simplicity: you keep your US number, your phone just works, and you don't need to manage multiple SIMs or apps. For expats who travel frequently between the US and Panama, this can be worth the premium.

Magic Jack for Business Calls

If you run a US-based business or need to make frequent calls back home, Magic Jack remains a popular option. The device connects to your internet and gives you a US phone number with unlimited calling to US and Canadian numbers. Some expats keep this specifically for business purposes while using local service for everything else.

Going Local with Mas Movil

For expats who are fully committed to Panama life, getting a local SIM from Mas Movil or another Panamanian carrier makes the most sense. Plans are affordable (starting around $15-20/month for generous data), and you'll have the best local coverage.

The downside is you'll have a new phone number, which can complicate things with US banks, two-factor authentication, and contacts who have your old number. This is why many expats combine a local SIM with Google Voice.

The Recommended Setup

Based on community feedback, the most popular combination is:

• Port your US number to Google Voice before leaving the US
• Get a Mas Movil SIM card when you arrive in Panama
• Use Google Voice over WiFi or data for US calls/texts
• Use your Panama number for local contacts and WhatsApp

This setup typically costs around $25-30/month total and gives you the flexibility most expats need.

For more Panama expat resources, check out our guides on healthcare in Boquete and staying fit in Panama's highlands.

Final Tips

Whatever you choose, make sure to update your two-factor authentication settings before making any changes to your US phone number. Many banks and services will send verification codes to your phone, and you don't want to get locked out of important accounts.

Also, remember that WhatsApp is the primary communication method in Panama. Almost everyone uses it, so make sure that's set up regardless of which phone plan you choose.