(The) Dominican Republic, sometimes confused with Dominica, is known for its beaches, wildlife, and its thrilling nightlife.
It is probably also (one of) the cheapest travel destination in the Caribbean, where spending less than 50 USD a day could get you dar.
The Dominican Republic is also the Caribbean nation with the third-largest population (10.8 million), behind Haiti (11.4 million) and Cuba (11.3 million), but far ahead Jamaica (3 million) – the country with the fourth-largest population.
But what can you do in this exciting nation?
Well, you can sunbathe on the many beaches throughout the country, including Playa Macao, Playa Rincon & Bavaro Beach.
You can also explore the Cayo Levantado beach, which has a lot of cool restaurants with tasty snacks.
Or you can explore waterfalls, including 27 Waterfalls.
As you can see, there is no reason to be bored in the Dominican Republic.
Before you post your beach-body photos on Instagram and Facebook, be aware that international roaming can be expensive.
That is why you are better off using a local SIM card, like a Dominican one, so that you can enjoy local rates.
Amazingly, SIM cards are cheap, and the cost of mobile data is low in the Dominican Republic.
You can get a Dominican SIM card for 100 DOP (1.75 USD) from Altice & Viva or 150 DOP (2.65 USD) from Claro in their official stores and authorized dealers. SIM cards are also sold at Santo Domingo-Las Américas International Airport (SDQ).
And I can already tell you that you never have to spend more than 1125 (20 USD) for the most expensive data-featured plan in this country. Not bad at all, right?
In this guide, I will tell you everything you need to know about buying a SIM card in the Dominican Republic. Let's do this.
Original publication: 23rd of October 2021. Last updated: 25th of September 2023.
Table of Contents
Can You Buy a SIM Card in the Dominican Republic?
You can buy a Dominican SIM card from Claro, Altice & Viva as a tourist. There is nothing preventing travelers from buying a SIM card in the Dominican Republic.
You do have to comply with the SIM card registration regulations.
- Find out which countries have SIM card registration regulations and what is required from you (lookup tool)
Moreover, our phone has to support the frequencies used in the Dominican Republic.
Finally, your phone needs to be unlocked (SIM-lock free) to use a Dominican SIM card.
Where Can You Buy a SIM Card in the Dominican Republic?
You can get a Dominican SIM card in the official stores of Claro, Altice and Viva. SIM cards are also available at Santo Domingo-Las Américas International Airport (SDQ).
You can expect to pay the following for Dominican SIM cards:
- Claro Dominicana (Compañía Dominicana de Teléfonos): 150 DOP
- Altice Dominicana (formerly Orange Dominican and Tricom): 100 DOP (regular) & 350 DOP (data-only)
- Viva Dominicana (Trilogy Dominicana): 100 DOP
For up-to-date DOP:your currency (let's say USD) exchange rates, use the Wise Currency Converter tool.
- Find out how much SIM cards cost in every country, including data-only SIM cards and tourist SIM cards, offered by each mobile operator + information about starter benefits (lookup tool)
Can You Use Your Phone in the Dominican Republic?
The Dominican Republic use GSM and CDMA technology for mobile telecommunications services. The three mobile operators are phasing out their CDMA networks, so you should not bank on them. Moreover, you would not be able to use their CDMA network unless you buy a phone from them or roam.
Fortunately, there is a 99% chance you have a phone that supports GSM.
Besides that, you need to be aware of the ITU Regions to determine whether your phone will work in other parts of the world.
Although there are 3 ITU Regions, you only need to know these two terms: American frequencies and European frequencies.
Africa, Asia (including the Middle East), Europe & Oceania (ITU Regions 1 & 3) typically use European frequencies, meaning phones bought in those regions can be used in countries using European frequencies without issues.
The Americas (North-, Central– & South America + the Caribbean), ITU Region 2, use American frequencies, which are different from the European frequencies.
The Dominican Republic uses a mix of American frequencies and European frequencies for 2G and 4G/LTE, depending on the operator. 3G is exclusively on American frequencies.
If you bought your phone in the Americas (ITU Region 2) and have a low/medium-end device (without Tri-Band or Quad-Band) support, you want to go with Claro Dominicana or Viva Dominicana.
They support traditional American frequencies on 2G, 3G & 4G/LTE, meaning that you can take full advantage of their networks.
If you purchased your phone in Africa, Asia, Europe, or Oceania (ITU Regions 1 & 3) and have a low/medium-end device (without Tri-Band or Quad-Band) support, you want to go with Altice Dominicana.
It supports traditional European frequencies on 2G and 4G/LTE (partially), but you will not be able to use its 3G network.
Suppose you have a medium/high-end device with Tri-Band or Quad-Band support. In that case, you can go with any mobile operator, as your phone will support both American frequencies and European frequencies, even on 4G/LTE (and 5G NR soon).
Mobile Operators, Networks & Frequencies in the Dominican Republic
The Dominican Republic has three mobile operators offering prepaid services easily accessible to travelers:
- Claro Dominicana (Compañía Dominicana de Teléfonos)
- Altice Dominicana (formerly Orange Dominican and Tricom)
- Viva Dominicana (Trilogy Dominicana)
The following frequencies are used in the Dominican Republic:
- 2G: 850 MHz, 900 MHz, 1800 MHz & 1900 MHz
- 3G: 850 MHz & 1900 MHz
- 4G/LTE: 850 MHz (Band 5), 1700 MHz (Band 4), 1800 MHz (Band 3), 1900 MHz (Band 2) & 2600 MHz (Band 7)
- 5G NR: 3500 MHz (n78) – not in use (yet)
You can learn more about frequencies in the video below.
To check whether your phone will work in the Dominican Republic, check out this page by Kimovil or this one by Will My Phone Work (outdated, unfortunately, but extremely user-friendly – useful for phones launched in or before 2019. It does not check for 5G NR compatibility).
Again, make sure your phone is unlocked. Otherwise, you will not be able to use any SIM card except the one from your home operator (meaning you have to roam internationally or buy another unlocked phone that does support the frequencies listed above).
If you want to learn how international roaming works, this guide explains it in-depth. If you wonder why it is often so expensive to roam, this article explains the hidden reason they do not want you to know.
VoLTE & VoWiFi in the Dominican Republic
Both VoLTE (Voice over LTE (4G) – also known as HD Voice) and VoWiFi (Voice over WiFi – also known as WiFI calling) are available in the Dominican Republic.
However, not all mobile operators in the Dominican Republic offer VoLTE and VoWiFi.
The following mobile operators offer VoLTE in the Dominican Republic:
- Claro Dominicana
- Altice Dominicana
The following mobile operators offer VoWiFi:
- Claro Dominicana
Viva Dominicana does not offer VoLTE or VoWiFi (yet).
This means that when you make a call with Viva Dominicana, your phone will downgrade to 3G (or 2G when 3G is not available) instead of staying connected to 4G/LTE.
This is also why you often cannot use mobile while calling if not connected to WiFi.
VoWiFi is, as the name implies, calling on a WiFi connection as opposed to on a cellular network.
5G NR in the Dominican Republic
5G NR is not available in the Dominican Republic as of 2022. However, Indotel, the regulator, held a 5G NR auction in August 2021. Mid-October, Indotel announced that Claro Dominicana and Altice Dominicana managed to acquire 5G NR spectrum. It is expected 5G NR will launch in early 2022.
Both mobile operators will run 5G NR on 3500 MHz (n78).
It is unknown whether 5G NR will be available to prepaid customers upon launch or not.
Best SIM Card in the Dominican Republic
If you want to buy the best SIM card in the Dominican Republic, I recommend going with Claro. It has the best (2G & 3G) coverage and the fastest speeds. If you plan on staying in urban areas, consider Viva for generous data allowances at slower speeds and worse coverage.
Best eSIM in the Dominican Republic
Unfortunately, none of the mobile operators offer eSIM to prepaid customers in the Dominican Republic yet.
Note that the Dominican mobile operators require your identification (passport) for (future) eSIMs and physical SIM cards (will be discussed later).
However, you can also get a travel eSIM from various eSIM providers.
The list below is not exhaustive – many more providers have eSIMs for Dominican Republic.
But these are the ones I have tried and had pleasant experiences with.
Moreover, they are reasonably priced, which I find very important (you will not see me recommending an eSIM I would not buy myself).
So here are the two best eSIMs for Dominican Republic:
- Airalo Dominican Republic Acuntel eSIM with one 1 GB option (cheapest <3.5 GB – use code PHONETRAVELWIZ for 5% off)
- Holafly Dominican Republic eSIM with four choices between 5 GB and 15 GB (cheapest 3.5 GB >)
Because this is the SIM card buying guide for Dominican Republic, I will not spend too much time about travel eSIMs here and throughout this guide (but I will still do here and there).
If you want to learn more about the best eSIMs for Dominican Republic, you better check out my Dominican Republic eSIM buying guide.
It is as helpful and comprehensive as this guide but about eSIMs instead 😜.
SIM Card Registration in the Dominican Republic
SIM card registration, with the use of your passport information, is mandatory in the Dominican Republic. This will be done at the point of purchase.
- Find out which countries have SIM card registration regulations and what is required from you (lookup tool)
Dominican Republic Mobile Speeds, Mobile Internet Prices & Insight
Earlier, we learned that mobile data prices in the Dominican Republic are low.
But how low are they?
The average price for 1 GB of data in the Dominican Republic is 1.51 USD, below the Caribbean average of 4.44 USD. The world average is 4.07 USD.
Unfortunately, the Dominican Republic is not one of the 53 nations where the average cost of 1 GB of data is less than 1 USD.
However, it is the third-cheapest country in the Caribbean for mobile data, so it has that going for itself.
Let's talk about mobile data speeds. Is mobile data fast in the Dominican Republic?
It is fast enough.
The Dominican Republic's average mobile download speed is around 31 Mbps, slightly less than the global average.
Currently, only Jamaica (44 Mbps) and Trinidad & Tobago (41 Mbps) have faster average mobile download speeds in the Caribbean, so things are not bad at all in the nation.
Except for the fact that speed development has been stagnant for a whole year.
Luckily, 5G NR is coming soon to the Dominican Republic.
So, which mobile operator is the fastest?
As mentioned in the introduction, that would be Claro Dominicana, with a speed score of 39.06. Followed by Altice Dominicana (18.16) and Viva Dominicana (12.37).
The fastest mobile download speed can be found in Santiago De Los Caballeros (20.97 Mbps). Followed by Santo Domingo (20.84 Mbps) and Santo Domingo Este (14.21 Mbps)
So while speeds are not in the three-digit zone (100 Mbps+), things are quite alright in the Dominican Republic.
With cheap SIM card prices, extensive nationwide coverage, fast mobile speeds, and insanely low mobile data rates, you should have a smooth network experience in the Dominican Republic.
Currency in the Dominican Republic
The Dominican Republic uses the Dominican Peso with the symbol DOP (which will be used throughout this guide).
Prices in the Dominican Republic are listed in just $ or RD$. For example, 25 DOP = $/RD$ 25.
For reference, below are some exchange rates between DOP and USD (US Dollars – Rounded):
- 1 DOP = 0.20 USD
- 10 DOP = 0.20 USD
- 100 DOP = 1.75 USD
- 1000 DOP = 17.60 USD
For up-to-date DOP:your currency (let's say USD) exchange rates, use the Wise Currency Converter tool.
If your credit/debit card charges you foreign exchange fees, get yourself a Wise Borderless Account and Debit Card.
Their fees are MUCH lower than banks and credit card companies charge you (and Wise is transparent about their fees, unlike banks).
I have saved literal THOUSANDS of Australian Dollars and Euros, my main currencies, when using Wise abroad when traveling compared to my debit and credit cards.
Dominican Prepaid SIM Cards
Below, I will guide you through Claro Dominicana, Altice Dominicana & Viva Dominicana, and go through:
- Background information
- Mobile coverage
- SIM card types, prices & availability
- Recharge/top-up information
- Combo plans, data plans & special packs (such as social media packs)
With that being said, let’s see what the Dominican Republic has to offer to us.
Claro Dominicana
Claro Dominicana, just Claro and officially known as Compañía Dominicana de Teléfonos, is the largest mobile operator in the Dominican Republic.
It is also the fastest mobile operator in the country – double the speed of Altice's.
Claro, as a company, is active in Central America and South America.
Claro uses the following frequencies:
- 2G: 850 MHz & 1900 MHz
- 3G: 850 MHz & 1900 MHz
- 4G/LTE: 1700 MHz (Band 4), 1900 MHz (Band 2) & 2600 MHz (Band 7)
This is what you will learn about Claro:
* Coverage
* How to Get a Claro SIM Card & SIM Card Price
* Topping Up Options & Methods + Balance Check
* Plans & Packages
* APN/Internet Settings
Coverage – Claro Dominicana
Claro has the best coverage in the Dominican Republic.
However, its 4G/LTE reception is not as good as Altice's.
Below is Claro's coverage map produced by Speedtest:
However, click here to see Claro's official coverage map.
SIM Card Price – Claro Dominicana
You can buy a Claro SIM card for 150 DOP in Claro stores. Claro SIM cards are also sold at Santo Domingo-Las Américas International Airport (SDQ).
Dial *111# to access the Claro menu.
- Find out how much SIM cards cost in every country, including data-only SIM cards and tourist SIM cards, offered by each mobile operator + information about starter benefits (lookup tool)
Claro has no eSIMs.
Note that the Dominican mobile operators require your identification (passport) for (future) eSIMs and physical SIM cards.
Therefore, if you wish to get an eSIM for the Dominican Republic (without personal detail capturing), you can get the Dominican Republic (Acuntel) eSIM from Airalo (1 GB of data for 7 days – top-ups are available).
The Airalo links will automatically get you the Phone Travel Wiz exclusive offers available – a code is unnecessary.
Or you can get Dominican Republic eSIMs from Holafly.
You have these four options:
- Dominican Republic 2.5 GB eSIM for 5 days – very popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
- Dominican Republic 3.5 GB eSIM for 7 days
- Dominican Republic 5 GB eSIM for 10 days – most popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
- Dominican Republic 7.5 GB eSIM for 15 days – very popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
Note: Phone Travel Wiz reader popularity ranking was updated in September based on data up to the 7th of September (2023 data only).
Use code PHONETRAVELWIZ for exclusive deals when getting Holafly eSIMs, AND get an additional 5% off!
For an in-depth analysis of the Holafly Dominican Republic eSIMs (covering pros and cons as well), check out my Dominican Republic eSIMs Compared guide.
Airalo has an eSIM for the Caribbean: Island Hopper. The Island Hopper eSIM can be used in 24 Caribbean countries.
The Island Hopper eSIM is not as valuable as other Airalo regional eSIMs (like Asialink for Asia, Eurolink for Europe & Latamlink for Latin America) because you only have one variant: 1 GB for 7 days, but top-ups are available (the -link eSIMs have at least four variants, up to 100 GB of data for 180 days, making top-ups often unnecessary).
The Island Hopper eSIM can be used in the following 24 Caribbean countries:
- Anguilla
- Antigua & Barbuda
- Aruba
- Bahamas
- Barbados
- Bonaire
- British Virgin Islands
- Cayman Islands
- Curaçao
- Dominica
- French Guiana 1
- Grenada 2
- Guadeloupe
- Haiti
- Jamaica
- Martinique
- Montserrat 2
- Panama
- Puerto Rico
- Saint Kitts & Nevis
- Saint Lucia
- Saint Vincent & the Grenadines
- Trinidad & Tobago
- Turks & Caicos Islands
1 the Latamlink eSIM covers French Guiana too – it has better options than Island Hopper (1 GB/7 days, 2 GB/15 days, 3 GB/30 days & 5 GB/30 days) in Central- and South America. However, if you do not visit those regions and stay in the Caribbean only, then stick with the Island Hopper eSIM instead
2 on 3G only
With the Island Hopper eSIM, you can save a lot of money by skipping the initial SIM card costs per country you visit in Latin America!
I am working with Airalo to turn the Island Hopper into a -link so that it offers you better value.
For now, you still have an eSIM covering almost all of the Caribbean, which is neat :).
As you can see, the Island Hopper eSIM cannot be used in the Dominican Republic (yet).
However, as many who visit the Dominican Republic do not just stay in the Dominican Republic (often go to Puerto Rico), you can consider it.
TIP: check out my Best Dominican Republic eSIMs Compared guide for an in-depth comparison of several eSIMs for the Dominican Republic.
- Find out about the best local eSIMs, local travel eSIMs & regional travel eSIMs for every country (lookup tool)
Top-Up, Recharge & Balance Check – Claro Dominicana
Claro top-up vouchers are sold in Claro stores, grocery stores, corner shops & electronics shops throughout the Dominican Republic.
The following (e)top-ups are available:
| Top-Up | Bonus Credit | Validity |
|---|---|---|
| 25 DOP – 49 DOP | N/A | 2 days |
| 50 DOP – 99 DOP | N/A | 7 days |
| 100 DOP – 149 DOP | N/A | 21 days |
| 150 DOP – 249 DOP | 20% | 30 days |
| 250 DOP – 499 DOP | 20% | 60 days |
| 500 DOP – 999 DOP | 24% | 60 days |
| 1000 DOP => | 24% | 60 days |
To top up your Claro SIM card, you would dial *111# or call 1133 and follow the instructions.
You can also tell the salesperson how much credit you want, your phone number, pay, and they will top up your SIM card with the POS system.
You can also recharge online with (international) debit and credit cards.
Dial *111# or #122# to check your Claro balance.
You can also top up and check your balance on the Mi Claro República Dominicana (Android/iOS).
Packages, Plans, Bundles & Offers – Claro Dominicana
Claro has three data-featured prepaid plans:
- Internet Por Horas/Hourly Packages (data)
- Paquetes Libres/Free Packages (data)
- Internet Para Chat & Redes/Internet For Chat & Networks (social media data)
All Claro plans can be activated through My Claro app or by dialing *112#.
I will list all the prices in DOP (Dominican Peso).
To convert DOP to your currency (let's say USD with up-to-date exchange rates, use the Wise Currency Converter tool.
Click on the links above to jump to the plan you are interested in.
Internet Por Horas (Hourly Packages) – Claro Dominicana
The Internet Por Horas (Hourly Packages) are data plans (without 5G NR access).
Internet Por Horas can be activated by dialing *112#:
| Price | Data | Validity |
|---|---|---|
| 10 DOP | 10 MB | 1 hour |
| 20 DOP | 40 MB | 3 hours |
| 30 DOP | 100 MB | 7 hours |
Paquetes Libres (Free Packages) – Claro Dominicana
The Paquetes Libres (Free Packages) are, unlike the name suggests, data plans (without 5G NR access) you have to pay for.
The following Paquetes Libres can be activated through the My Claro app or by dialing *112*:
| Price | Data | Validity |
|---|---|---|
| 50 DOP | 1 GB 1 | 1 day |
| 65 DOP | 2 GB 2 | 1 day |
| 95 DOP | 3 GB 2 | 3 days |
| 120 DOP | 5 GB 3 | 3 days |
| 145 DOP | 5 GB 3 | 5 days |
| 170 DOP | 8 GB 4 | 5 days |
1 unlimited data @ 256 Kbps after exhausting data allowance
2 unlimited data @ 512 Kbps after exhausting data allowance
3 unlimited data @ 768 Kbps after exhausting data allowance
4 unlimited data @ 1 Mbps after exhausting data allowance
Internet Para Chat & Redes (Internet For Chat & Networks) – Claro Dominicana
The Internet Para Chat & Redes (Internet For Chat & Networks) are data plans (without 5G NR access) for Facebook, Instagram, Twitter & WhatsApp.
The following Internet Para Chat & Redes can be activated through the My Claro app or by dialing *112*:
| Price | Social Data 1 | Validity |
|---|---|---|
| 40 DOP | 150 MB | 1 day |
| 75 DOP | 300 MB | 7 days |
| 250 DOP | 1 GB | 15 days |
1 for Facebook, Instagram, Twitter & WhatsApp
APN/Internet Settings – Claro Dominicana
- Name: Claro
- APN: internet.ideasclaro.com.do
Note: leave anything not mentioned above untouched.
Jump back to the Table of Contents.
Altice Dominicana (formerly Orange & Tricom)
Altice Dominicana, just Altice and formerly Orange/Tricom Dominicana, is the second-largest mobile operator in the Dominican Republic.
In terms of market share, it is closely following Claro Dominicana.
Altice is also active in Portugal and the United States.
Altice uses the following frequencies:
- 2G: 900 MHz, 1800 MHz & 1900 MHz
- 3G: 850 MHz & 1900 MHz
- 4G/LTE: 850 MHz (Band 5), 1700 MHz (Band 4) & 1800 MHz (Band 3), 1900 MHz (Band 2)
This is what you will learn about Altice:
* Coverage
* How to Get an Altice SIM Card & SIM Card Price
* Topping Up Options & Methods + Balance Check
* Plans & Packages
* APN/Internet Settings
Coverage – Altice Dominicana (formerly Orange & Tricom)
Altice has the best 4G/LTE coverage.
4G/LTE reception can be found in most of the Dominican Republic.
Below is Altice's coverage map produced by Speedtest:
However, click here to see Altice's official coverage map.
SIM Card Price – Altice Dominicana (formerly Orange & Tricom)
You can buy an Altice SIM card for 100 DOP in Altice stores. The data-only SIM card is sold for 350 DOP with 1 GB for 7 days. Viva SIM cards may be available at Santo Domingo-Las Américas International Airport (SDQ).
If you recharge at least 100 DOP within 72 hours of purchasing your SIM card, you will get 15 GB for 30 days and 200 on-net minutes for 5 days as a bonus.
- Find out how much SIM cards cost in every country, including data-only SIM cards and tourist SIM cards, offered by each mobile operator + information about starter benefits (lookup tool)
Altice has no eSIMs.
Note that the Dominican mobile operators require your identification (passport) for (future) eSIMs and physical SIM cards.
Therefore, if you wish to get an eSIM for the Dominican Republic (without personal detail capturing), you can get the Dominican Republic (Acuntel) eSIM from Airalo (1 GB of data for 7 days – top-ups are available).
The Airalo links will automatically get you the Phone Travel Wiz exclusive offers available – a code is unnecessary.
Finally, you can get Dominican Republic eSIMs from Holafly:
- Dominican Republic 2.5 GB eSIM for 5 days – very popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
- Dominican Republic 3.5 GB eSIM for 7 days
- Dominican Republic 5 GB eSIM for 10 days – most popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
- Dominican Republic 7.5 GB eSIM for 15 days – very popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
Note: Phone Travel Wiz reader popularity ranking was updated in September based on data up to the 7th of September (2023 data only).
Use code PHONETRAVELWIZ for exclusive deals when getting Holafly eSIMs, AND get an additional 5% off!
For an in-depth analysis of the Holafly Dominican Republic eSIMs (covering pros and cons as well), check out my Dominican Republic eSIMs Compared guide.
Airalo has an eSIM for the Caribbean: Island Hopper. The Island Hopper eSIM can be used in 24 Caribbean countries.
The Island Hopper eSIM is not as valuable as other Airalo regional eSIMs (like Asialink for Asia, Eurolink for Europe & Latamlink for Latin America) because you only have one variant: 1 GB for 7 days, but top-ups are available (the -link eSIMs have at least four variants, up to 100 GB of data for 180 days, making top-ups often unnecessary).
The Island Hopper eSIM can be used in the following 24 Caribbean countries:
- Anguilla
- Antigua & Barbuda
- Aruba
- Bahamas
- Barbados
- Bonaire
- British Virgin Islands
- Cayman Islands
- Curaçao
- Dominica
- French Guiana 1
- Grenada 2
- Guadeloupe
- Haiti
- Jamaica
- Martinique
- Montserrat 2
- Panama
- Puerto Rico
- Saint Kitts & Nevis
- Saint Lucia
- Saint Vincent & the Grenadines
- Trinidad & Tobago
- Turks & Caicos Islands
1 the Latamlink eSIM covers French Guiana too – it has better options than Island Hopper (1 GB/7 days, 2 GB/15 days, 3 GB/30 days & 5 GB/30 days) in Central- and South America. However, if you do not visit those regions and stay in the Caribbean only, then stick with the Island Hopper eSIM instead
2 on 3G only
With the Island Hopper eSIM, you can save a lot of money by skipping the initial SIM card costs per country you visit in Latin America!
I am working with Airalo to turn the Island Hopper into a -link so that it offers you better value.
For now, you still have an eSIM covering almost all of the Caribbean, which is neat :).
As you can see, the Island Hopper eSIM cannot be used in the Dominican Republic (yet).
However, as many who visit the Dominican Republic do not just stay in the Dominican Republic (often go to Puerto Rico), you can consider it.
TIP: check out my Best Dominican Republic eSIMs Compared guide for an in-depth comparison of several eSIMs for the Dominican Republic.
- Find out about the best local eSIMs, local travel eSIMs & regional travel eSIMs for every country (lookup tool)
Top-Up, Recharge & Balance Check – Altice Dominicana (formerly Orange & Tricom)
Altice top-up vouchers are sold in Altice stores, grocery stores, corner shops & electronics shops throughout the Dominican Republic.
To top up your Altice SIM card, you would dial *100# or *555 and follow the instructions.
You can also tell the salesperson how much credit you want, your phone number, pay, and they will top up your SIM card with the POS system.
You can also recharge online with (international) debit and credit cards.
Dial *100# or #131# to check your Altice balance.
You can also top up and check your balance on the mi altice Rep. Dom. (Android/iOS/Huawei AppGallery).
Packages, Plans, Bundles & Offers – Altice Dominicana (formerly Orange & Tricom)
Altice has four data-featured prepaid plans:
- Paqueticos Internet Libres/Free Internet Package (data)
- Paqueticos de Redes Sociales/Social Media Packages (data)
- Paqueticos de Data/Data Packages (data)
- Paqueticos de Redes y Apps al Detalle/Network and Apps Packages in Detail (social media data)
All Altice plans can be activated through the mi Altice Rep. Dom. app or by dialing #100#.
I will list all the prices in DOP (Dominican Peso).
To convert DOP to your currency (let's say USD with up-to-date exchange rates, use the Wise Currency Converter tool.
Click on the links above to jump to the plan you are interested in.
Paqueticos Internet Libres (Free Internet Packages) – Altice Dominicana (formerly Orange & Tricom)
The Paqueticos Internet Libres (Free Internet Packages) are data plans (without 5G NR access) (which you still have to pay for, unfortunately).
Paqueticos Internet Libres can be activated through the mi Altice Rep. Dom. app or by dialing #100#:
| Price | Data 1 | Validity |
|---|---|---|
| 49 DOP | 1 GB | 1 day |
| 99 DOP | 2 GB | 3 days |
| 139 DOP | 3.55 GB | 5 days |
1 unlimited data @ 256 Kbps after exhausting your data allowance
The Paqueticos de Redes Sociales (Social Media Packages) are data plans (without 5G NR access) for Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Snapchat & WhatsApp.
The following Paqueticos de Redes Sociales can be activated through the mi Altice Rep. Dom. app or by dialing #100#:
| Price | Social Data | Validity |
|---|---|---|
| 59 DOP | Unlimited | 2 days |
| 99 DOP | Unlimited | 4 days |
Paqueticos de Data (Data Packages) – Altice Dominicana (formerly Orange & Tricom)
The Paqueticos de Data (Data Packages) are, as the name implies, data plans (without 5G NR access).
The following Paqueticos de Data are available, which can be activated on the mi Altice Rep. Dom. app:
| Price | Data | Validity |
|---|---|---|
| 99 DOP | 500 MB | 1 day |
| 299 DOP | 1 GB | 7 days |
| 599 DOP | 2 GB | 15 days |
| 799 DOP | 3 GB | 30 days |
Paqueticos de Redes y Apps al Detalle (Network and Apps Packages in Detail) – Altice Dominicana (formerly Orange & Tricom)
The Paqueticos de Redes y Apps al Detalle (Network and Apps Packages in Detail) plans is a data plan (without 5G NR access) for Diario Libre, Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, Twitter, Waze, WhatsApp & YouTube.
It costs 29 DOP and gives you unlimited data for 1 day for the aforementioned apps.
The following Paqueticos de Redes y Apps al Detalle can be activated through the mi Altice Rep. Dom. app or by dialing #100#:
| Price | Social Data | Validity |
|---|---|---|
| 29 DOP | Unlimited | 1 day |
APN/Internet Settings – Altice Dominicana (formerly Orange & Tricom)
- Name: orangeinternet
- APN: orangeinternet
Note: do not use APN “orangenet.com.do” unless you want to use 3G only. Leave anything not mentioned above untouched.
Jump back to the Table of Contents.
Viva Dominicana
Viva Dominicana, officially Trilogy Dominicana and not to be confused with Viva in Bolivia, is the smallest mobile operator in the Dominican Republic.
It has a market share of less than 5%, which is basically nothing.
While Viva is also the slowest option in the country, it does have the lowest prices.
It is also generous with its data allowances.
Viva uses the following frequencies:
- 2G: 1900 MHz
- 3G: 1900 MHz
- 4G/LTE: 1700 MHz (Band 4)
This is what you will learn about Viva:
* Coverage
* How to Get a Viva SIM Card & SIM Card Price
* Topping Up Options & Methods + Balance Check
* Plans & Packages
* APN/Internet Settings
Coverage – Viva Dominicana
Viva has the worst coverage in the Dominican Republic.
4G/LTE reception is rare. However, its 2G and 3G coverage are close to nationwide.
Below is Viva's coverage map produced by Speedtest:
SIM Card Price – Viva Dominicana
You can buy a Viva SIM card for 100 DOP in Viva stores. Viva SIM cards may be available at Santo Domingo-Las Américas International Airport (SDQ).
- Find out how much SIM cards cost in every country, including data-only SIM cards and tourist SIM cards, offered by each mobile operator + information about starter benefits (lookup tool)
Viva has no eSIMs.
Note that the Dominican mobile operators require your identification (passport) for (future) eSIMs and physical SIM cards.
Therefore, if you wish to get an eSIM for the Dominican Republic (without personal detail capturing), you can get the Dominican Republic (Acuntel) eSIM from Airalo (1 GB of data for 7 days – top-ups are available).
The Airalo links will automatically get you the Phone Travel Wiz exclusive offers available – a code is unnecessary.
Finally, you can get Dominican Republic eSIMs from Holafly:
- Dominican Republic 2.5 GB eSIM for 5 days – very popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
- Dominican Republic 3.5 GB eSIM for 7 days
- Dominican Republic 5 GB eSIM for 10 days – most popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
- Dominican Republic 7.5 GB eSIM for 15 days – very popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
Note: Phone Travel Wiz reader popularity ranking was updated in September based on data up to the 7th of September (2023 data only).
Use code PHONETRAVELWIZ for exclusive deals when getting Holafly eSIMs, AND get an additional 5% off!
For an in-depth analysis of the Holafly Dominican Republic eSIMs (covering pros and cons as well), check out my Dominican Republic eSIMs Compared guide.
Airalo has an eSIM for the Caribbean: Island Hopper. The Island Hopper eSIM can be used in 24 Caribbean countries.
The Island Hopper eSIM is not as valuable as other Airalo regional eSIMs (like Asialink for Asia, Eurolink for Europe & Latamlink for Latin America) because you only have one variant: 1 GB for 7 days, but top-ups are available (the -link eSIMs have at least four variants, up to 100 GB of data for 180 days, making top-ups often unnecessary).
The Island Hopper eSIM can be used in the following 24 Caribbean countries:
- Anguilla
- Antigua & Barbuda
- Aruba
- Bahamas
- Barbados
- Bonaire
- British Virgin Islands
- Cayman Islands
- Curaçao
- Dominica
- French Guiana 1
- Grenada 2
- Guadeloupe
- Haiti
- Jamaica
- Martinique
- Montserrat 2
- Panama
- Puerto Rico
- Saint Kitts & Nevis
- Saint Lucia
- Saint Vincent & the Grenadines
- Trinidad & Tobago
- Turks & Caicos Islands
1 the Latamlink eSIM covers French Guiana too – it has better options than Island Hopper (1 GB/7 days, 2 GB/15 days, 3 GB/30 days & 5 GB/30 days) in Central- and South America. However, if you do not visit those regions and stay in the Caribbean only, then stick with the Island Hopper eSIM instead
2 on 3G only
With the Island Hopper eSIM, you can save a lot of money by skipping the initial SIM card costs per country you visit in Latin America!
I am working with Airalo to turn the Island Hopper into a -link so that it offers you better value.
For now, you still have an eSIM covering almost all of the Caribbean, which is neat :).
As you can see, the Island Hopper eSIM cannot be used in the Dominican Republic (yet).
However, as many who visit the Dominican Republic do not just stay in the Dominican Republic (often go to Puerto Rico), you can consider it.
TIP: check out my Best Dominican Republic eSIMs Compared guide for an in-depth comparison of several eSIMs for the Dominican Republic.
- Find out about the best local eSIMs, local travel eSIMs & regional travel eSIMs for every country (lookup tool)
Top-Up, Recharge & Balance Check – Viva Dominicana
Viva top-up vouchers are sold in Viva stores, grocery stores, corner shops & electronics shops throughout the Dominican Republic.
To top up your Viva SIM card, you would dial #999*VoucherCode# or dial *75 and follow the instructions.
For example, if your voucher code is 123456, you would dial *999*123456#.
You can also tell the salesperson how much credit you want, your phone number, pay, and they will top up your SIM card with the POS system.
You can also recharge online with (international) debit and credit cards.
Dial *64 to check your Viva balance.
You can also top up and check your balance on the Viva App – Republica Dominicana (Android/iOS).
Packages, Plans, Bundles & Offers – Viva Dominicana
Viva has five data-featured prepaid plans:
- Super Pa'kt Todo Includio/All Inclusive Super Pack (combo)
- Paquetes Data Por Día + Minutos a Números Viva Ilimitados/Packages Data Per Day + Minutes to Unlimited Live Numbers (combo)
- Paquetes de Internet Por Dia/Internet Packages Per Day
- Paquetes Sociales/Social Packages
- Paquetes Recupera tu Velocidad/Packages To Get Your Speed Back (high-speed data add-ons)
All Viva plans can be activated by dialing *123#.
I will list all the prices in DOP (Dominican Peso).
To convert DOP to your currency (let's say USD with up-to-date exchange rates, use the Wise Currency Converter tool.
Click on the links above to jump to the plan you are interested in.
Super Pa'kt Todo Includio (All Inclusive Super Pack) – Viva Dominicana
The Super Pa'kt Todo Includio (All Inclusive Super Pack) are combo plans with data (without 5G NR access), minutes & SMS.
Super Pa'kt Todo Includio can be activated by dialing *123#:
| Price | Data 1 | On-Net Minutes | Off-Net Minutes | On-Net SMS | Validity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 179 DOP | 3 GB | Unlimited | 10 minutes | Unlimited | 5 days |
| 245 DOP | 7 GB | Unlimited | 10 minutes | Unlimited | 7 days |
1 +5 GB @ 384 Kbps
Paquetes Data Por Día + Minutos a Números Viva Ilimitados (Packages Data Per Day + Minutes to Unlimited Live Numbers) – Viva Dominicana
The Paquetes Data Por Día + Minutos a Números Viva Ilimitados (Packages Data Per Day + Minutes to Unlimited Live Numbers) are combo plans with data (without 5G NR access) and minutes.
Dial *123# to activate Paquetes Data Por Día + Minutos a Números Viva Ilimitados:
| Price | Data | On-Net Minutes | Validity |
|---|---|---|---|
| 185 DOP | 7 GB | Unlimited | 7 days |
| 345 DOP | 12 GB | Unlimited | 14 days |
| 645 DOP | 24 GB | Unlimited | 28 days |
Paquetes de Internet (Internet Packages) – Viva Dominicana
The Paquetes de Internet (Internet Packages) are data plans (without 5G NR access).
Paquetes de Internet Por Dia can be activated by dialing *123#:
| Price | Data | Validity |
|---|---|---|
| 25 DOP | 100 MB | 1 hour |
| 45 DOP | 1 GB | 1 day |
| 70 DOP | 2 GB | 1 day |
| 85 DOP | 3 GB | 3 days |
| 99 DOP | 5 GB | 3 days |
| 145 DOP | 6 GB | 7 days |
| 199 DOP | 10 GB | 7 days |
| 290 DOP | 12 GB | 14 days |
| 580 DOP | 24 GB | 28 days |
| 765 DOP | 30 GB | 30 days |
The Paquetes Sociales (Social Packages) are social media data plans (without 5G NR access) for Facebook, Instagram & WhatsApp individually.
Paquetes Sociales can be activated by dialing *123#:
| Price | Social Data | Validity |
|---|---|---|
| 25 DOP | Unlimited 1 | 1 day |
| 35 DOP | Unlimited 2 | 1 day |
| 35 DOP | Unlimited 3 | 1 day |
1 for WhatsApp
2 for Instagram
3 for Facebook
Paquetes Recupera tu Velocidad (Packages To Get Your Speed Back)- Viva Dominicana
The Paquetes Recupera tu Velocidad (Packages To Get Your Speed Back) are high-speed data add-ons (without 5G NR access) for when you have reached your data allowance, and your speeds have been throttled.
Dial *123# to activate Paquetes Recupera tu Velocidad:
| Price | Data | Validity |
|---|---|---|
| 25 DOP | 1 GB | 1 day |
| 45 DOP | 2 GB | 2 days |
| 65 DOP | 3 GB | 3 days |
APN/Internet Settings – Viva Dominicana
- Name: Viva
- APN: data.viva.do
Note: leave anything not mentioned above untouched.
Jump back to the Table of Contents.
The Preferred Way to Stay Connected When Traveling in the Dominican Republic
Getting a SIM card from Claro or Viva would do you well when considering a Dominican SIM card.
Local Prepaid SIM Cards in Other American Countries
Visiting other countries in the Americas? Check out my Caribbean SIM card buying guide, covering other American nations, such as:
- Guyana
- Haiti
- Honduras
- Jamaica
- Martinique
- Mexico
- Montserrat
- Nicaragua
- Panama
- Paraguay
- Peru
- Puerto Rico
- Saba
- Saint Barthélemy (Barts)
- Saint Kitts & Nevis
- Saint Lucia
- Saint Martin
- Saint Vincent & the Grenadines
- Sint Eustatius (Statia)
- Sint Maarten
- Suriname
- Trinidad & Tobago
- Turks & Caicos Islands
- United States
- Uruguay
- U.S. Virgin Islands
- Venezuela
Going to other places around the world? Then you should also check out my sim card buying guides for other destinations around the world.
Next Steps to Enhance Your Travel Experiences
Looking for the next steps to enhance your phone travel experiences? Here is what to do:
Support Phone Travel Wiz
It takes a lot of time to analyze, translate & review the SIM card options worldwide (especially to test them out).
Your support helps me keep producing impartial content by eliminating the need to recommend international SIM cards as the best local SIM card (but some of them CAN be useful).
Every Ko-Fi donation, one-time or monthly, helps me to spend more time creating local SIM card buying guides.
Check Out My Resource Page
Looking for the best companies and gadgets to enhance your travel experience?
Check out my travel resources page for the best companies to use when you travel!
Save money with international SIM cards, on plane tickets, bus rides, cruises & accommodation.
Besides that, I also list services and items I use to make my life easier – and I believe they will help you too!
Start Your Own Online Business – Make Money While Traveling
Do you want to learn how I started an online business that allows me to generate income while traveling?
In my starting an online business guide, I tell you which tools, services & products I have for this site and my YouTube channel.
If I can start a business about something I am passionate about (phone travel), then you can do it too!
Learn About Your Phone Travel Options
You can buy local prepaid SIM cards, international SIM cards, mobile hotspots, or roam internationally.
Each of these options has its pros and cons. Learn more about them, and find the best option for you.
Phone Travel Tips, Tricks & Hacks
I have written many articles with tips and hacks to save money on mobile costs while abroad. You surely want to check them out!
Sign Up for the Phone Travel Wiz Newsletter
Get updates related to the newest guides, videos & recommended products and services.
Moreover, I send you many tips and tricks on saving money while traveling every now and then.
Let's Be Social
Did you know that I have a YouTube channel covering everything you need to know about traveling with your phone?
A lot of useful videos are uploaded multiple times a week, and you do not want to miss out on them!
Learn More About Who Adu Actually Is
Who is the guy behind Phone Travel Wiz? Well, find out on the Ernest Adu about page!