Dominican Republic SIM card for tourists: How to stay connected

Why buying a SIM is smarter than roaming in the Dominican Republic

International roaming with a U.S. SIM card can cost over US$10 per day and usually has limited data speeds. On the other hand, a Dominican Republic prepaid SIM card can get you a whole week of data for under US$10. If you’re new to local SIMs, start with this quick guide on what a SIM card is.

Local SIM cards aren’t only about savings. Mobile data helps you:

• Navigate with Google Maps or Waze

• Message local guides on WhatsApp or LINE

• Use rideshare apps like Uber or inDrive

• Stay safe in remote areas with instant access to emergency contacts or directions

• Look up tourist destinations and cultural sites

• Find nearby restaurants, pharmacies, or ATMs

• Share photos and videos with friends and family

Roaming alternatives often sound convenient, but they’re rarely cost-effective. If you’d rather keep your expenses in check, here’s how to use your phone overseas without roaming. And before you buy a local SIM or eSIM, it’s worth double-checking your device. Some phones are locked to a carrier or lack eSIM support, so take a minute to see if your phone will work in the Dominican Republic.

SIM card registration in the Dominican Republic: What to know

Dominican law requires prepaid SIM cards to be registered to a specific passport number. No matter where you buy it, you’ll need to present your passport — staff will usually make a photocopy or scan and register the SIM under your name.

The process is fairly quick, taking around 10 to 20 minutes in most official stores or kiosks. However, registration limits are sometimes enforced. Most travelers stick to one SIM per person per provider, just to be safe.

If you’re purchasing a SIM at the airport or in a mobile store, staff will often handle both the registration and activation for you.

Which SIM card is best in the Dominican Republic?

If you plan to buy a SIM card in the Dominican Republic, you’ll most likely have to choose between three leading providers. Each caters to a slightly different type of traveler, and their offers differ in prices, coverage, and reliability.

• Claro: Best overall coverage, with a strong network in cities, towns, beaches, and rural areas. Claro also supports 5G in select areas.

• Altice: Reliable and cost-effective for city stays. Offers some of the best-value tourist packages with short-term unlimited data.

• Viva: Cheapest option, though it only offers 3G/4G and is best suited for those staying in major cities like Santo Domingo or Santiago.

To figure out how much data to buy, try our data usage calculator or read our guide on how much data you need.

Dominican Republic SIM card price and coverage comparison

Prices for SIM cards in the Dominican Republic vary by provider, with differences in both upfront cost and available plans. Some providers charge a small fee for the SIM itself, while others give it for free when you buy a plan. Below is a snapshot of what tourists can expect.

Information accurate as of January 20, 2025. Keep in mind that this may change over time.

This comparison highlights how Claro stands out for its reach and growing 5G coverage. But whichever provider you choose, these prepaid options are far more affordable than paying a foreign carrier its daily roaming rates.

Claro SIM — best coverage

Claro offers the most reliable coverage in the Dominican Republic, reaching resorts, rural towns, and even remote hiking trails. Travelers have reported strong 4G service in areas like Samaná, where mobile signals from other networks can be weak. In major cities such as Santo Domingo and Punta Cana, Claro also provides 5G mobile data, with expansion continuing across the island.

While prepaid SIM card plans from Claro may be slightly pricier than those of Altice or Viva, the difference is often worth it if you plan to explore beyond urban centers. With short-term data plans ranging from just a few days to a week, Claro is the safest option for tourists who want consistent speeds without worrying about dead zones.

Altice SIM — best value for cities

Altice is the go-to choice for travelers who plan to spend most of their trip in Santo Domingo, Santiago, or other popular tourist hubs. Its prepaid SIM card plans are competitively priced, and Altice often runs promotions that make them even more appealing. The highlight is its short-term passes with unlimited data, which can keep you online for as little as a dollar a day.

Coverage is strong in cities and tourist zones, though weaker in rural areas compared to Claro. For visitors who want dependable mobile data at a low cost, Altice offers a great balance of price and performance. If you also need calls and texts, the tourist bundle that combines data plans with unlimited local communication adds extra value.

Viva SIM — budget option

Viva is the cheapest provider, making it attractive for budget-conscious travelers. Its prepaid SIM card plans include several flexible data plans that cover short stays, from a single day to a full month. Prices are lower than both Claro and Altice, with options starting under a dollar. Viva also supports eSIM, which adds extra convenience if your device is compatible.

That said, coverage is patchy outside major population centers. If your trip is limited to Santo Domingo, Santiago, or nearby resorts, Viva’s low-cost mobile data can be enough. But for longer journeys across the island, it isn’t the best choice. Even with unlimited data promotions, the lack of reliable coverage in rural areas makes Viva less ideal for off-the-beaten-path tourism.

Where to buy your SIM in the Dominican Republic — airports vs streets

Buying a SIM card in the Dominican Republic is simple, but where you purchase it affects cost and convenience. By law, every local SIM card must be registered to a passport, so carry yours when shopping for a physical SIM card.

• Airports: Santo Domingo’s Las Américas Airport (SDQ) is the most reliable place to get connected as you land. Claro and Altice have official counters in arrivals, and staff handle registration and activation on the spot. English support is common. Expect a 20–30% markup compared with city stores and fewer data plans to choose from. Punta Cana (PUJ) currently has no in-terminal sales points, while at La Romana (LRM) local SIM cards may be available sporadically and at higher prices as well.

• Mall stores and retail outlets: Head into town if you want better prices and a wider range of prepaid SIM card plans. Malls like Bluemall Punta Cana and official shops in Santiago or Santo Domingo stock Claro, Altice, and Viva. You'll find more data plans, plus the ability to top up or adjust your package directly with the provider. Staff may speak Spanish only, so keep a translator app ready.

• Street sellers: Avoid buying local SIM cards from street vendors. An unofficial physical SIM card can be overpriced or unregistered, and you won’t get local rates or proper support if something goes wrong. Stick to official retailers for a clean activation.

If you’re landing at Punta Cana (PUJ), skip the in-terminal counters and hop in an Uber (~US$3) to Bluemall Punta Cana — it’s a three-minute ride to official Claro and Altice stores, where activation is straightforward, tourist data plans are fully available, and prices are better. Nobody wants to scour kiosks for SIM cards when they arrive in a new country, and this quick stop makes it easier to settle straight into the beauty of the Dominican Republic!

How to activate a SIM card

Getting your SIM started in the Dominican Republic usually takes just a few simple steps. After registration — which staff handle at the point of purchase — you only need to:

1. Turn off your phone and insert the SIM

2. Restart the device

3. Wait for automatic activation

In most cases, the SIM connects right away and your service is live within minutes. Travelers report that even in smaller towns with less infrastructure, activation works quickly as long as the SIM has been registered correctly. If you bought your SIM card online before your trip, the process is the same: insert, restart, and go.

Occasionally, your phone may not configure automatically. If that happens, you can fix it by entering APN settings manually. Once that’s done, you’ll have full access to good coverage on your chosen network, avoiding the high roaming charges that come with using your home carrier in the Dominican Republic.

Topping up and extending a SIM

Keeping your Dominican Republic SIM card active is simple. The easiest way is through provider apps, where you can top up credit, extend your prepaid SIM card plans, and track data usage. Buying extra balance in an app is often the most cost-effective option, with prices sometimes half of what you’d pay in a Claro store or mall outlet. These apps usually accept U.S. cards, which makes them convenient for anyone traveling abroad.

If you prefer, you can still recharge at official shops, supermarkets, or kiosks in tourist areas like Santo Domingo or Punta Cana. Staff will load balance directly or sell recharge cards for you to enter manually. While topping up in person works, you’ll usually pay higher than local rates and face fewer data options. For tourist SIM card users, managing top-ups online is the easiest way to stay connected throughout your trip.

eSIM in the Dominican Republic — is it better?

An eSIM is a digital version of a SIM card built directly into your phone. It doesn’t require a physical SIM card, so there’s nothing to swap, lose, or misplace. Activation is done through a QR code or app, giving you a secure connection in minutes.

The advantages are clear: you can buy an eSIM for the Dominican Republic before your trip, keep your home SIM active for calls and texts, and use the same networks that locals rely on for good coverage. Setup is quick, and you’ll have instant connectivity as soon as you land. The downsides? eSIMs are usually a little pricier than traditional prepaid SIM card plans and are often limited to data-only service.

If you’re planning a short holiday or hopping between multiple countries in the Caribbean, eSIMs are a smart choice. For longer stays where local calling matters, a standard SIM may still work best. If you’re unsure which suits your travel style, check out our guide on the differences between SIM and eSIM.

Final takeaway — best choice by traveller type

The best option depends on how you travel and what kind of data plans you need. If you want to buy SIM cards that work everywhere, Claro is the safest bet. Its broad coverage makes it ideal for countryside trips, beach towns, or hiking routes where other networks fade. The data plans are slightly more expensive, but you can count on reliable service where it matters most.

For urban travelers, Altice offers the strongest value. Short-term unlimited data plans keep you connected in Santo Domingo, Santiago, and resort areas without worrying about caps. If you need both calls and mobile data, the tourist package bundles everything into one simple deal.

Viva is the cheapest option, with flexible prepaid SIM card plans that suit short stays in cities. It’s not the best for rural coverage, but if price comes first, it works well in urban areas.

If convenience is your priority, consider an eSIM. You can purchase and install it before departure, giving you peace of mind and instant connectivity when you land. For many travelers, avoiding long lines to buy SIM cards in a new country is worth the slight premium.