When traveling to the Dominican Republic, staying connected is essential, and having the right SIM or eSIM can make all the difference. Whether you’re exploring Punta Cana’s beautiful beaches, enjoying the vibrant life of Santo Domingo, or touring the island’s breathtaking countryside, reliable mobile service ensures that you can navigate, stay in touch, and access travel resources without interruptions.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through the best SIM cards and eSIM providers specifically tailored for travelers heading to the Dominican Republic, giving you the insights to make an informed decision.
iRoamly - #1 Travel Sim Card for Domican Republic (Network Coverage Everywhere)
As someone who’s traveled extensively across the Caribbean, I know how overwhelming it can be to choose the right mobile service while abroad. With so many options out there, it’s crucial to understand what each offers in terms of coverage, pricing, and data speeds. In this article, I’ll cover everything from prepaid SIM cards to the flexibility of eSIM technology, so you can choose the best option for your needs. I’ll also highlight the best carriers, and provide a comparison to help you make an informed choice that fits your travel style, whether you're on a budget or need high-speed data for work.
By the end of this article, you'll have a clear understanding of which SIM or eSIM is the best for your trip to the Dominican Republic. Stay connected with ease, and enjoy your Caribbean adventure without worrying about your mobile service!
How to have internet in the Dominican Republic
With its heavenly beaches, vibrant culture and cheerful, hospitable people, traveling to the Dominican Republic is an incredible experience . However, to fully enjoy the trip, it is essential to have internet access on your phone . And, not only to be able to share unforgettable moments on social networks (which is also the case).
On a day-to-day basis, you will have to consult maps, see other travelers' opinions, ask for transportation, or simply keep in touch with your loved ones. Without a doubt, having internet will make your adventure much more comfortable, complete and safe. And to clear up your doubts, we are here: below we detail all the options for having internet in the Dominican Republic .
First of all, there are the free WiFi networks in hotels and restaurants . However, they are usually of low quality, with slow speeds and even very limited or non-existent in less touristy areas. Therefore, to guarantee a more stable internet connection throughout your trip through the Dominican Republic, it is essential to explore the other options, which are basically two:
- Purchase a local prepaid SIM card upon arrival with a data and calling package.
- Order an eSIM for the Dominican Republic with unlimited data before your trip.
We are going to analyze them in depth, comparing their advantages and disadvantages, to finally find the option that is most interesting according to our preferences.
1. Buy a SIM card in the Dominican Republic
This is one of the most popular options for travelers who want to have a reliable and affordable connection in the Dominican Republic . The process consists of first researching which are the most recommended operators in the country, analyzing their prepaid plans accessible to tourists, and finally, finding the place to buy the SIM card that we will install in our phone.
In the Dominican Republic there are 3 major telecommunications companies that offer prepaid SIM cards for tourists: Claro , Altice and Viva . We tell you a little more about each one:
– Claro : This is the largest operator on the entire continent, with a presence in other countries such as Argentina, Brazil, Colombia and Peru. It offers excellent coverage throughout the country, including rural areas, although prices may be slightly higher than the competition.
- Claro prepaid plans
– Altice : although it may not sound familiar to us, this company (with Dutch capital) acquired Orange Dominicana back in 2014 and since then has achieved certain milestones in the world of telecommunications, such as offering speeds never seen before or being the first to launch the 5G network in the country. It offers competitive prices and its quality and coverage are good, especially in cities.
- Altice prepaid plans
– Viva : Of the three, it is the smallest operator, with much more limited coverage, however its plans may be attractive to tourists at first glance.
- Viva prepaid plans
We show you the coverage maps that these 3 companies currently have. As you can see, Claro is the one with the best coverage, followed by Altice , both highly recommended. On the other hand, Viva 's coverage is quite poor and is limited to the metropolitan areas of Santo Domingo and other major cities, so it is not the best alternative if you are planning a trip through rural or somewhat remote areas.
✓ How much does a SIM card cost in the Dominican Republic?
The price of the SIM card will depend on the operator you choose and the prepaid plan you purchase (here they are known as "packages"), with those that include more Gb of internet and are valid for more days being obviously more expensive.
For reference, you can find packages from 5 USD for 3-5 GB of data with a validity of 5 days , suitable for short stays. For longer trips where we will need a more complete plan, the price can be around 10-15 USD . These rates usually include additional services , such as minutes for national calls, messages, free use of social networks, etc.
If you run out of data and need to top up , you can always do so at your operator's official points, in supermarkets (such as La Sirena or Jumbo) and neighborhood stores, in popular pharmacies, at gas stations, at the lottery booths that are on almost every corner, or through the app or the website.
Remember to get the Revolut card ( with a €10 promo ), the best option to avoid commissions when paying and withdrawing money abroad
✓ Where to buy a SIM card in the Dominican Republic?
The first opportunity will be to do so at the airport where we land . However, it may not be as easy as in other destinations, where SIM card stations are spread throughout the arrivals hall.
The latest information we have is that at Santo Domingo's Las Américas airport there are two telephone shops (Claro and Altice) on the ground floor, but with limited hours. As for Punta Cana airport , there are no telephone kiosks and the closest is the BlueMall Puntacana shopping centre, with Altice and Claro shops.
Please note that prices charged at airports or nearby shops may be higher than normal, a practice that is unfortunately widespread throughout the world.
The alternative is to find an official store of the operator , which will not be difficult. In popular destinations such as Santo Domingo, Santiago or Punta Cana there are many, both in shopping streets and in shopping centres. In these places it is easier to get better rates, which are much closer to those published on their websites.
Remember that you will need to bring your original passport and an unlocked phone with an available SIM slot. Before you leave, make sure that the activation has been completed , that your phone can connect to the Internet and check that the contracted data corresponds to what has actually been loaded (by checking the “available megabytes” through the short codes).
2. Buy an eSIM before traveling to the Dominican Republic
If you've become a bit comfortable and prefer to avoid the hassle of getting a SIM card when you arrive at your first destination, you can always buy an eSIM before starting your trip to the Dominican Republic. With this option you can be sure to have internet from the moment you land , making it an increasingly popular alternative among travelers due to its convenience and ease of purchase.
eSIM cards are virtual chips that have a specific SIM profile loaded (in this case, the one that allows us to have internet while traveling) and that are installed in the mobile phone using a QR code. The purchase and installation process is simple, and the best thing is that you will have instant internet and unlimited data. On the other hand, it is a somewhat more expensive solution than local SIM cards.
→ Don't know what an eSIM is? We'll tell you here
Currently, Holafly seems to us to be the most interesting option for getting eSIM cards with unlimited data for many destinations around the world, including the Dominican Republic. As for the price, it will depend on the number of days you need connection during the trip, which you will choose at the time of purchase.
It is important that before placing your order you check that your phone is compatible with this type of technology ( you can see the list here ).
✓ SIM vs eSIM
Perhaps you still have doubts about which option to choose, so let's analyze what advantages and disadvantages the eSIM has compared to the traditional SIM card to have internet in the Dominican Republic:
+ The eSIM can be purchased online from anywhere in the world and without documentation.
+ You don't need to physically change SIM cards, so you can continue using your main SIM (receive calls and SMS on your usual number) by applying the relevant settings.
+ You'll be connected from the moment you land, saving you time and hassle upon arrival.
+ Data is unlimited, so you don't have to worry about mobile usage or recharging.
+ 24-hour assistance via WhatsApp.
– The price is higher.
– Not compatible with all mobile models.
– Only allows you to share 500 MB per day with other devices.
– You will not be able to make local calls, but you will be able to use WhatsApp, Telegram, etc., without any cost or adjustment.
Frequently asked questions about the Internet in the Dominican Republic
Now that we have everything clearer, we will conclude our guide on how to have internet in the Dominican Republic by answering some questions that usually arise when searching for this information:
› Will I lose my phone number?
It depends on your phone's settings. If it has dual SIM, you can use a local SIM or an eSIM to get data, and keep your regular line active. But remember to change the settings to avoid roaming charges.
› Will I be able to use WhatsApp?
Yes, with both the local SIM and the eSIM. Please note that applications such as WhatsApp work simply by having an internet connection, regardless of the source of the connection, so you can use it without having to make any adjustments or pay extra.
› How does the internet work in the Dominican Republic?
In recent years, the Dominican Republic has implemented improvements in terms of internet quality and coverage, however there are still certain remote areas where the line is poor or non-existent.
› Which operator has the best coverage in the Dominican Republic?
Claro is the company that offers the best coverage, Altice is also a good option, while Viva is only recommended in certain urban areas.
› What option do we recommend for having internet on your mobile?
If convenience and avoiding hassles are your priority, your option is to buy an eSIM and have it installed before your trip. However, if you prefer to save some money, the local SIM is the cheapest alternative. We ruled out the pocket WiFI due to price and inconvenience.
› How do I know if my phone is compatible with eSIM?
You should check your device's specifications. More modern and mid-range models usually have this system, and it is becoming more common to even use eSIM with your usual operator.
We hope you now know how to stay connected during your trip to the Dominican Republic . Evaluate your needs and budget to choose the best solution, and most importantly: enjoy your adventure with peace of mind and without disconnecting from the world.
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