Islands in Guna Yala, Panama
Internet in San Blas Islands: speed, SIM cards and coworking
Is the internet good in San Blas Islands?
Median fixed broadband in Panama is 233 Mbps and mobile is 40 Mbps (Speedtest Global Index, 2026-08). Almost no wifi on the islands; some lodges have a weak satellite link. Expect to be offline for days.
Getting online in San Blas Islands
| Details | |
|---|---|
| Cafés and coworking | Almost no wifi on the islands; some lodges have a weak satellite link. Expect to be offline for days. |
| Outages | Mobile coverage is patchy and often absent on remote islands. |
| Tourist SIM | +Móvil and Tigo sell prepaid SIMs at the airport and in malls with your passport; monthly data plans are affordable. |
| eSIM | Local carriers sell eSIMs to visitors. |
| Carriers | +Móvil, Tigo |
Coworking in San Blas Islands
There's no dedicated coworking scene here; people work from cafés and accommodation.
Internet speeds in Mexico & Central America
National medians, Speedtest Global Index.
| Country | Fixed | Mobile |
|---|---|---|
| Panama | 233 Mbps | 40 Mbps |
| Costa Rica | 182 Mbps | 71 Mbps |
| El Salvador | 137 Mbps | 38 Mbps |
| Mexico | 118 Mbps | 46 Mbps |
| Nicaragua | 103 Mbps | 28 Mbps |
| Guatemala | 100 Mbps | 63 Mbps |
| Honduras | 96 Mbps | 43 Mbps |
| Belize | 53 Mbps | — |
Quick answers
Is the internet fast in San Blas Islands?
Median fixed broadband in Panama is 233 Mbps and mobile is 40 Mbps (Speedtest Global Index, 2026-08). Almost no wifi on the islands; some lodges have a weak satellite link. Expect to be offline for days.
Which SIM card should I get in San Blas Islands?
+Móvil and Tigo sell prepaid SIMs at the airport and in malls with your passport; monthly data plans are affordable.
Can I use an eSIM in Panama?
Yes. Local carriers sell eSIMs to visitors, and travel eSIMs work too.
More about San Blas Islands
Going to San Blas Islands solo?
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Sources
Speeds are medians from Ookla's Speedtest Global Index, cited for reference. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.