'cell phones' Travel

Pia Aluli (66.91.38.172) -

I will be in Panama in November. I would like to inquire about acquiring a temporary cell phone.

Thnank you.

Comment #1 Tracy from Canada (Contact Member) -

You can purchase cell phones in Panama without service agreements. These phones range from $20.00 for basic models into the hundreds for models with all of the latest features. The phone will have a Panama number and you can use a prepaid network to make your calls. Phone cards are widely used in Panama; you can purchase them for as little as $1.00. You simply call your new provider, enter your PIN and you will receive credit for the amount of your card. Then just use your phone like any other; the company will send you text messages to notify you how much you have credit left. When you need more, just purchase another card and do the same. This is also a great feature for that person working on the Panama Canal; you have a local number to contact your contractors here and your incoming calls are free. After you finish your work in Panama, you don’t have to worry about cancelling a contract because you don’t have one!

• www.panama-health.com/Cell_Phones.htm

Comment #2 Kylea from America (Contact Member) -

That's good to know - our neighbors will be traveling there and staying for about a month. I'll have to let them know about this.

Comment #3 Sweetness from Earth, the Universe (Contact Member) -

I think that it is great that they have this deal in Panama where you can get a phone and phone cards there. I also think it's great that they do it without a contract.

Some of these "contracts" have hidden clauses whereby if you cancel before such and such a date you have to pay $100 to get it cancelled.

So what they are doing in Panama is a super idea.

Comment #4 Ali Buh (63.176.159.30) -

I don't think that Panama's system of cellphone acquisition is that great. Anonymous numbers can be used in malicious deeds like bomb threating and dissipating wrong information. No contract for a phone means that you can use your phone with anyone knowing who you are.

Comment #5 Jim from New York (Contact Member) -

As if the bad guys wouldn't get a contract in someone else's name?!?!?!

Comment #6 Celeste (63.176.159.166) -

I am not impress or do not notice anything special or unique about these phonecards or mobile phone numbers or tangible phones. As a matter of fact, these are more just a common needs or part of the daily lives of the people of Philippines, a country in Asia. Changing a prepaid mobile number is just like buying a candy out of the local store. Mobile sim cards are cheap thus people may have multiple prepaid cellular phone numbers.

Comment #7 pale_o (63.176.159.10) -

How about carrying your own phone then getting a card there. Or are the phones there not the GSM type? Call back service is not for temporary service or travelling tourists. There are no area codes in Panama and the telephone system controlled as a government monopoly. Moreover, if your home country service has a roaming agreement with a carrier in Panama and your phone compatible then you can use your phone while there

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