Digicel Panama and the San Blas Islands

     Panama and the San Blas Islands have several options for cell service and internet.  I used Digicel there and it is the only provider I have information for.  There are some islands and anchorage's that cannot receive cell service in the San Blas, those that can are always more crowded.  While we used the iPhone primarily for internet and phone calls, we discovered that often iPad's had a better signal, and could oftentimes be surfing the web while the iPhone had no signal at all.

     For Digical in Panama all the codes are input using the phone dial pad.  To use the internet the APN must be set first.  If you have been using a cell phone or dongle for internet in other countries then you may already be familiar with this setting.  On an iPhone after, you have installed the Digicel sim card, the setting should be found under; Settings > General > Network > Cellular Data Network.  On an iPad it should be under; Settings > Cellular Data > APN Settings.
The settings are:  APN:web.digicelpanama.com
    Access# *99#

     The easiest way to add money to a Digicel prepaid sim card is to buy scratch off recharge cards available in several denominations.  Buy extras and only put the money on the sim card when you need it.  The instructions to use the recharge cards are written on the card.

    After you have money on phone, to get internet access type in *142*number# then hit CALL/SEND.
The different packages available (all in US dollars) are:
1 day for $0.75 - number = 40
1 week for $4.95 - number = 60
2 weeks for $8.00 - number = 80
1 month for $14.95 - number = 100

For example to purchase 2 weeks of internet data, on the phone dial pad type:  *142*80# then hit CALL/SEND.  There will be a verification message that needs to be accepted activate the internet package.
To accept: *142*1#
To cancel: *142*9#

     Unfortunately, I didn't get around to writing this entry while I was still in Panama and able to double check my notes.  Going from my notes, to get 100 US minutes for $1.99 type: *134 CALL/SEND.  That may just sign you up for the plan, or it may give you a list of the different packages available for calling  different countries.  If it gives a list, the list will contain the code for the package you want.  This is where I think I should have taken better notes!

Several other useful codes to know are:
To Check Balance on Phone:  *120#
To Check Phone Number: *129#
To Call Customer Support:  *100
To Check remaining data (internet): *120*3#
To Check the remaining minutes in a US calling plan:  *120*5#
To Renew a US calling plan:  *134*5*31#