TIGO vs Mas Móvil: Which Cell Carrier is Better in Boquete?

Both TIGO and Mas Móvil offer reliable service in Boquete, but coverage varies dramatically by specific location due to mountainous terrain. TIGO provides free international roaming and established network infrastructure, while Mas Móvil offers competitive pricing (often 20-30% cheaper), 4G+ coverage in many areas, and highly-rated fiber internet that bundles well with cell service. Many expat couples keep phones on both carriers to ensure consistent connectivity across Boquete's challenging valleys and ridges.

The honest answer is that both have their strengths and weaknesses, and the "best" choice often depends on where exactly you live and what you prioritize.

The Terrain Challenge

Boquete's mountainous terrain creates unique challenges for cell coverage. All the ridges, valleys, and hills make predicting coverage nearly impossible. What works perfectly for your neighbor might be a dead zone at your house just a few hundred meters away.

This is why many expat couples actually keep phones on different carriers. If one loses signal, the other often still works. It's not the most elegant solution, but it's practical.

Learn more about living in Boquete and connecting with the local expat community for neighborhood-specific carrier recommendations.

TIGO: The Established Player

TIGO has been in Panama longer and has a larger overall network. Many expats report good experiences with TIGO, particularly for:

• Free roaming while traveling abroad (a significant advantage for frequent travelers)
• Reliable coverage in downtown Boquete
• Good customer service history

However, TIGO has known dead zones, particularly in lower Volcancito and some areas of Bajo and Alto Boquete. Some users report dropping to 3G in certain spots, which makes WhatsApp (the primary communication method in Panama) unreliable.

Mas Móvil: The Growing Competitor

Mas Móvil (also written as +Móvil) has been gaining ground with competitive pricing and expanding coverage. Expats report:

• Often less expensive plans than TIGO
• 4G+ coverage in many areas of Bajo and Alto Boquete
• Free roaming on some plans when traveling abroad
• Fiber internet options that can be bundled for savings

Some expats who switched from TIGO report being much happier with Mas Móvil's coverage and pricing. However, Mas Móvil also has its own dead spots in different locations.

Internet Service Comparison

Both carriers offer home internet service, which is worth considering if you're bundling:

• TIGO: Some customers report ongoing frustration with internet reliability
• Mas Móvil: Their fiber service gets consistently positive reviews, with reliable uptime as long as there's electricity

Some expats use Mas Móvil for internet but TIGO for cell service, or vice versa, depending on what works best at their specific location.

Considering a move to Panama? Explore our comparison of Panama City for urban connectivity options.

The Practical Solution

Many experienced expats recommend this approach:

1. Ask your neighbors which carrier works best in your immediate area
2. Consider getting a dual-SIM phone or keeping phones on both networks
3. Test both carriers before committing to a long-term plan
4. Use WiFi calling at home to supplement spotty cell coverage

WiFi Calling: The Great Equalizer

If you live in an area with poor cell coverage (common in the "boonies" around Boquete), WiFi calling is your friend. Most modern smartphones support this feature, allowing you to make and receive calls over your home internet connection when cell signal is weak.

The Bottom Line

There's no universal "best" carrier in Boquete. Both TIGO and Mas Móvil have satisfied customers and frustrated ones. The terrain here is simply too challenging for either carrier to provide perfect coverage everywhere.

Your best bet is to check with neighbors in your specific area, test both services if possible, and don't be afraid to switch if your current carrier isn't working for you. Competition is good, and both carriers want your business.