International phone calls to and from Panama

newsnviews2.jpg(examiner.com) Before you arrive in Panama you may want to make some reservations by phone. Alternatively, you may want to call home while on your trip. How can you place the international call to or from Panama?

If you would like to call Panama from your home country, it is simple. Most travel guides or websites will list a seven or eight digit number. The eight digit numbers will begin with a “6”. This designates that you are calling a cell phone. Note that rates may be higher to call a cell phone. The country code for Panama is “011” and the area code for the whole country is “507”. To call any number, dial the country code, then the area code, and then the seven or eight digit number.

If you are in Panama and would like to call internationally, you can purchase a “teléfono internacional” card or “Telechip” (Cable and Wireless company) from most any store. Denominations include $3, $5, and $10. Scratch off the panel on the back to reveal your pin or pass-code. Then follow the directions (printed on the card and spoken on the phone in English and Spanish) to place your call. The international calling card will work from any public pay phone. You must dial the entire number, including the appropriate country code, to connect your call.

If you are calling the United States, the country code is “001”. You must dial this before entering the area code and the number. When in the States and calling long distance we do not dial the two zeros in front, but start with the one.

Note that you cannot connect to toll free numbers (1-800, 1-888, etc.) while in Panama, either with or without an international calling card. It is a good idea to have the in-country or alternative (collect, non-toll free) numbers for your airline, credit card companies, work office, etc. with you in case of emergency or change in plans.

If you are dialing another country, be sure to dial the entire number, beginning with your country code. Country codes can be found on clicking here.

Hopefully these simple tips will make communication between your country and Panama a breeze!

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Original Source: http://www.examiner.com/x-12916-Norfolk-Panama-Travel-Examiner~y2009m7d20-International-phone-calls-to-and-from-Panama
Date Retrieved: September 16, 2009.