How To Dial Panama From Us

Ever dreamed of exploring the Panama Canal, relaxing on Bocas del Toro's beaches, or connecting with family and friends in this vibrant Central American nation? Before you pack your bags, you'll likely need to make a phone call! Dialing internationally can sometimes feel like deciphering a secret code, and getting it wrong can lead to frustrating connection errors and unexpected charges. Knowing the correct procedure for calling Panama from the United States ensures you can easily communicate with loved ones, book accommodations, or conduct business efficiently.

Whether you're planning a vacation, managing a business relationship, or simply want to stay in touch, understanding the dialing format for Panama is essential. Incorrect dialing can waste your time and money, and in some cases, might even prevent you from reaching the intended recipient. This guide provides a clear and concise breakdown of the steps involved in making a successful call from the US to Panama, eliminating the guesswork and allowing you to connect with confidence.

What are the area codes, and what if I'm calling a mobile phone?

What's the correct exit code to dial Panama from the US?

The correct exit code to dial Panama from the US is 011. You must dial this code before the country code and phone number to connect your call internationally.

When dialing internationally, you first need to dial an exit code (also known as an international access code or international direct dialing (IDD) code). This code signals to your phone carrier that you're about to dial a number outside of the United States. Different countries use different exit codes. Since you are calling from the US, you will use 011.

Following the exit code, you will dial the country code for Panama, which is 507. Then you dial the local Panamanian phone number. Therefore, the complete sequence you need to dial is 011 + 507 + the Panamanian phone number. For example, to call a Panamanian number 6XXX-XXXX, you would dial 011-507-6XXX-XXXX.

What is Panama's country code?

Panama's country code is 507.

When calling Panama from the United States, you first need to dial the exit code for the US, which is 011. This tells the US telephone network that you are making an international call. Following the exit code, you dial Panama's country code, 507, then the local Panamanian number. Therefore, the complete dialing sequence to call a Panamanian number from the US is: 011 + 507 + the eight-digit local Panamanian number. Make sure you have the correct local number, including any area codes that may be necessary within Panama itself, to ensure your call goes through successfully.

Do I need to drop the leading zero when dialing a Panamanian cell phone?

Yes, when calling a Panamanian cell phone from the United States, you must drop the leading zero from the Panamanian cell phone number after the country code (507). So, if the Panamanian cell phone number is 0000-0000, you would dial 011-507-0000-0000.

The reason for dropping the leading zero is that it's generally a domestic dialing prefix used within Panama. When calling internationally, the international access code (011 from the US), followed by the country code (507 for Panama), already designates that you're calling outside of the United States and directly to Panama. Including the leading zero in this scenario would confuse the international dialing sequence, potentially resulting in a failed call.

Therefore, the complete sequence for dialing a Panamanian cell phone from the US is: 011 (US exit code) + 507 (Panama country code) + the Panamanian cell phone number *without* the leading zero. For example, if a Panamanian cell phone number is 6XXX-XXXX, you would dial 011-507-6XXX-XXXX.

Are there cheaper alternatives to calling Panama than using my US cell plan?

Yes, there are significantly cheaper alternatives to using your US cell plan to call Panama. Most US cell plans charge high per-minute rates for international calls, making them a costly option. Utilizing VoIP services, international calling cards, or apps that leverage internet connectivity are generally far more economical.

Using Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) services like Skype, WhatsApp, Google Voice, or Viber is a popular and often free (or very low cost) method. These services allow you to make calls to Panamanian phone numbers through the internet. If the person you're calling also uses the same app, the call is often completely free. Even calling a landline or mobile number in Panama through these apps is typically much cheaper than a traditional phone call. Just ensure you have a stable Wi-Fi connection or sufficient mobile data to avoid call quality issues. International calling cards are another option, offering prepaid minutes at competitive rates. You can purchase these cards online or at various retail locations. Be sure to compare the rates and any associated fees before purchasing a card. Finally, consider that many modern cellular plans now offer international calling add-ons or packages that can be more cost-effective if you make frequent calls. It's worth investigating whether your provider offers such a plan, comparing it to the cost of VoIP or calling cards. Here's a simple breakdown:

How do I dial a Panama landline from the United States?

To call a Panama landline from the United States, you need to dial the following sequence: 011 (the exit code for the US) + 507 (the country code for Panama) + the 8-digit Panama landline number.

When making international calls, it's important to understand the different codes involved. The exit code (011 in the US) tells your phone network that you are about to dial an international number. Following the exit code is the country code (507 for Panama), which identifies the country you are calling. Finally, you enter the specific landline number in Panama, which typically consists of eight digits. For example, if the Panama landline number is 212-3456, you would dial 011-507-212-3456 from the United States. Keep in mind that calling Panama from the US might incur international calling charges. Check with your phone service provider about their rates for calls to Panama before dialing. You might also consider using alternative calling methods like VoIP services (e.g., Skype, WhatsApp, Google Voice) which may offer cheaper rates for international calls, but these typically require an internet connection for both the caller and the recipient.

Will calling Panama cost extra fees from your phone provider?

Yes, calling Panama from the US will almost certainly incur extra fees from your phone provider. Panama is an international destination, and standard domestic calling plans generally do not include international calls. These calls are typically subject to per-minute charges or require a separate international calling plan add-on.

The specific fees associated with calling Panama will vary depending on your phone provider and the type of plan you have. Many providers offer international calling plans that can significantly reduce the cost per minute compared to standard rates. If you call Panama frequently, investing in such a plan could save you money in the long run. Be sure to check your provider's website or contact their customer service to understand the exact rates and available international options for calling Panama. Alternatives to direct dialing, which can often be cheaper, include using VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) services like Skype, Google Voice, WhatsApp, or FaceTime. These services generally rely on an internet connection rather than your cellular network for the actual call transmission, potentially avoiding costly international calling fees. The recipient in Panama will also need to have the same application for some VoIP services like Whatsapp and Facetime. To dial Panama from the US, you would typically follow this format: 1. Dial the US exit code: 011 2. Dial Panama's country code: 507 3. Dial the local Panama number (which is generally 8 digits). Therefore, the full dialing sequence would be: 011 + 507 + [8-digit Panama Number]. Remember to always verify rates with your provider before making an international call to avoid unexpected charges.

What's the dialing format for Panama City numbers from the US?

To call a Panama City phone number from the United States, you need to dial the following sequence: 011 + 507 + the 8-digit local Panama City number. The '011' is the exit code for the US, '507' is the country code for Panama, and the 8-digit number is the specific number you are trying to reach in Panama City.

When dialing Panama City, or any number in Panama, it's crucial to remember that Panama uses an 8-digit numbering system for local calls. Unlike some countries, there are no area codes within Panama that you need to include in addition to the country code and local number. Make sure you have the correct 8-digit number to avoid misdials or failed calls. It is also worth verifying that the number you have is still active, as phone number assignments can change. Be mindful of the time difference between the US and Panama. Panama observes Eastern Standard Time (EST) year-round and does not observe Daylight Saving Time. Therefore, depending on the time of year and where you are calling from in the US, there could be a time difference to consider, ensuring you don't call at inconvenient hours.

And that's all there is to it! Hopefully, you're now ready to connect with your friends, family, or business contacts in Panama. Thanks for reading, and we hope this guide made dialing a little less daunting. Come back any time you need a quick refresher on international calling!