Panama Forum

expatpanama2016
Joined 2016
Posts: 215

7 years ago

PREPAID data-plans ????

7 years ago

Saludos amigos.

Quick question............

I use Movistar. I have a prepaid card (meaning, simple Pay-As-You-Go). I use it only for calling and texting.

A while back, I became curious about acquiring a data-plan/package. I already know about the contract-based options (where you sign a deal with them, and you pay a fixed monthly fee).

I also know about the "on-the-go" data-packages, where you purchase a package for: 1 day..........or 2 days.........3 days..........7 days..........14 days, etc, etc.

However, there doesn't seem to be any pay-as-you-go data-plans! By this, I mean: prepaid data-plans. The only prepaid-cards are for calling and texting (like the one I have right now). If you want to use DATA, you have no choice but to purchase one of the above-offered data-plans.

Meaning: it's not up to you how much you spend on Data. If you purchase a plan for, say, 7 days...........it lasts 7 days. Whether or not you even use it at all!

At first, I found it hard to believe that Panama does not offer prepaid data-cards, or plans. Is this even possible??? Even Bangladesh and Cambodia have these for sale in any kiosk!

I spoke to my lawyer, and he confirmed that this is indeed true. There's no such thing as a prepaid data option. You cannot simply buy a prepaid-card, and then top-up whenever you want, and with how much you want! This works only for texting and calling. If you want DATA, you have to purchase one of their offered plans!

My lawyer is someone who always knows what he's talking about, so I had to believe him when he said this. But, I'll be honest: I'm still in shock (LOL). I didn't think something so primitive was possible in the year 2016. I've traveled all over the world, and never seen this anywhere. Every country I've been to, you can use Data with prepaid cards.

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