Before purchasing a phone, you need to decide with which carrier you want to be.  Once you have decided this factor, then you purchase the phone that has the SIM card reflecting your choice.  This will give you a telephone number.

Various companies may offer a phone free of charge or for a minimal charge depending on the program you choose (contract).  Or you may opt to purchase a phone and go with the ‘pay as you go’ system, where you buy a card worth X amount of dollars that are good for a  predetermined time frame.  Often the company offer ‘specials’ as per example: you activate a phone card on a certain day, you can get 4 times the amount. 
 

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The following are the Internet sites of the most popular phone systems in Panama:

CELLULAR COMPANIES:

DIGICEL –  A new company in Panama.  Is popular in the Caribbean’s.  Offer plans or card options.  The plan works by the second versus by the minute. 
www.digicelpanama.com

MOVISTAR –
www.movistar.com.pa

MAS MOVIL – Cable and Wireless – This Company can offer you cellular service, Internet as well as a home phone.
http://www.masmovil.com.pa/