Internet in the Dominican Republic: Best Ways to Get Connected

In this article you will learn what mobile Internet in the Dominican Republic is the most favorable for tourists and visitors. Let's consider the characteristics, cost, pros and cons of SIM cards in the Dominican Republic, as well as eSIM technology and other options for connecting to the network. With these recommendations, you will be able to quickly connect to high-speed internet while in the country, saving time and money.

Mobile Internet in the Dominican Republic

Below are the possible options for connecting to the internet for comfortable remote work or vacation in the Dominican Republic.

1. Prepaid SIM cards in Dominican Republic

Prepaid SIM cards in the Dominican Republic are available as standard physical or virtual eSIM cards. Purchase options:

• Online (in advance or after arrival in the country). Online purchase options typically involve selecting a mobile network provider, choosing a data plan that suits your needs (such as data, voice, and text messaging allowances), and providing necessary personal information for activation. Once the purchase is complete, travelers will receive their SIM card either physically via mail or digitally as a virtual eSIM. Having a prepaid SIM card ready to activate upon arrival can help travelers save time and avoid the hassle of searching for a local SIM card retailer upon landing in the Dominican Republic. With online purchase options, travelers can seamlessly transition to using their cell phone for calls, texts, and data as soon as they touch down in the country.
• Activation of eSIM technology if your smartphone supports this option. eSIM is a digital SIM card that is embedded within a device, offering flexibility and convenience for users. To activate eSIM technology for a prepaid SIM card, travelers can typically do so through their phone's settings menu. This process may involve scanning a QR code provided by the mobile operator or entering specific activation details to set up the eSIM profile on the device. By using eSIM technology, travelers can have the flexibility to switch between different data plans without needing to physically swap out SIM cards. This can be particularly beneficial for those looking to easily switch between their home country's plan and a local plan while traveling in the Dominican Republic.
• Offline immediately upon arrival in the country (at the airport, in stores of local mobile operators). Note that activation instructions may vary depending on the mobile operator chosen and the specific plan purchased. In some cases, travelers may need to dial a specific number, send a text message, or access a designated activation web page using a wireless Wi-Fi connection.

There are several mobile operators in the Dominican Republic that offer prepaid SIM cards, including Claro, Orange, and Viva. These SIM cards can be purchased at various locations such as airports, convenience stores, and official stores of the mobile operators. In tourist areas it is almost perfect, but in the hinterland it can slow down.

It is advisable to purchase SIM cards of local providers in official phone shops. A shop assistant will help to activate and connect the selected package. Buying a SIM card in the Dominican Republic is possible by providing a passport.

Only prepaid data plans are sold to tourists, there are no contract data packages. There is a wide range of tariffs, including unlimited internet. Some packages offer free use of Facebook, Instagram and other social networks. You can buy a package for 1,3,5 days, or for a week or two. The cost of 1 GB starts at 50 pesos. In general, mobile internet in the Dominican Republic is inexpensive, for example, 15 GB for two weeks will cost only 600 pesos.

Unlimited mobile Internet in the Dominican Republic deserves special attention. According to tourists' reviews, after using a certain number of gigabytes, the speed of unlimited internet can noticeably reduce.

Important: do not buy SIM cards from street sellers or in souvenir stores. Although you do not need a passport for such purchases, you risk buying illegal cards that can be blocked at any time. Of course they are overpriced.

All tourists also have the opportunity to buy a SIM card at the airports of Punta Cana and Santo Domingo. The necessary stores are usually located in the arrival hall.

If you choose to buy online, you can pre-order prepaid packages on Amazon, eBay or other sites.

To summarize, among the pros of using local SIM cards, we note their low cost and good coverage in the capital Santo Domingo and major tourist cities (Santiago de los Treintas Caballeros, Los Alcarrizos, Concepción de la Vega). The disadvantages are the uneven speed of the Internet in the whole country.

Therefore, it is much more convenient to activate a virtual eSIM card, which is supported by modern smartphone models. The eSIM technology allows you to:

• Save time and avoid the need to physically insert a traditional SIM card
• Enjoy the flexibility of easily switching between different mobile plans
• Streamline the activation process through your smartphone's settings menu
• Benefit from a digital SIM card that is securely embedded within your device
• Access the convenience of managing multiple eSIM profiles for different purposes or countries
• Stay connected with a reliable and efficient mobile connection while traveling in the Dominican Republic

Let's take a closer look at the best SIM card for the Dominican Republic.

Yesim

The Yesim app with eSIM has proven itself to work well in the most remote corners of the Dominican Republic. Yesim provides a convenient and hassle-free way to access high-speed internet and stay connected while traveling in the Dominican Republic. With Yesim, users can enjoy flexible tariff options that cater to different needs and budgets, ensuring that they have a suitable plan for their stay. The tariffs range from 8 to 52 EUR per week. For this money you will have uninterrupted high-speed internet.

Important: all your data is secure. If you plan not only to have fun, but also to work while traveling, sending important information — we recommend this option.

Yesim provider offers for the Dominican Republic:

• 500 GB for 7 days for 8 EUR;
• 1 GB for 7 days for 13 EUR;
• 3 GB for 5 days for 33 EUR;
• 5 GB for 7 days for 52 EUR.

Read also: SIM vs eSIM: what are the differences and which is better

Airalo

Airalo Dominicana is a digital platform that offers virtual eSIM technology for travelers visiting the Dominican Republic. Through the Airalo app, users can easily activate and manage mobile plans, providing convenient access to high-speed internet services while in the country. This service offers flexibility with various tariff options to suit individual needs and budgets. Travelers can rely on Airalo Dominicana to provide a secure and reliable mobile connection, enhancing convenience and peace of mind during their stay in the Dominican Republic.

Physical prepaid SIM cards in the Dominican Republic are offered by the local operator Airalo. Tourists can activate data plans such as:

• 1 GB for one week for $9.5;
• 2 GB for two weeks for $15;
• 3 GB for 30 days for $25;
• 5 GB for 30 days for $39.5.

It's most convenient to connect at any official starter pack outlet.

SimOptions

SimOptions is a popular platform that offers international travelers convenient access to SIM cards for their mobile devices. With SimOptions, users can easily find and purchase SIM cards for various countries around the world, ensuring they stay connected during their trips. The platform provides options for both data-only and voice/data SIM cards, allowing travelers to select the best solution based on their specific needs. SimOptions aims to simplify the process of getting a local SIM card while traveling, offering convenience and peace of mind to users looking to stay connected abroad.

This operator supports 5G throughout the Dominican Republic, where it already has this coverage. Tourists are offered physical SIM cards and connection of the following data plans:

• 1 GB for one week for $17.90;
• 3 GB for two weeks for $34.50;
• 6 GB for two weeks with 5G support for $34.90.

2. Roaming, pocket Wi-Fi, free Wi-Fi in the Dominican Republic

In the Dominican Republic, tourists have several alternative options for connecting to mobile internet, but they are less convenient.

Roaming in the Dominican Republic

Roaming in the Dominican Republic allows travelers to use their mobile phones with their home country's SIM card and phone number while visiting the country. However, it is important to be aware of potential roaming charges that may apply when using your phone abroad.

Many mobile carriers offer international roaming plans that provide a certain amount of data, voice, and text messages for a fixed fee. Before traveling to the Dominican Republic, it is recommended to check with your home carrier to see what international roaming options they offer and what the associated costs are.

When using roaming services in the Dominican Republic, be aware of potential charges and consider using Wi-Fi networks when available to avoid high data fees. To start using the internet abroad, you just need to top up your account and order the service from your mobile operator. When you cross the border, it will activate itself. Roaming costs approximately 400 pesos per day. This is the most expensive of all possible mobile internet options in the Dominican Republic. Make sure to also check the compatibility of your device with the local carriers' network frequencies.

Pocket Wi-Fi

A popular service among tourists is to get internet in Dominica through pocket Wi-Fi. The small modem gives you the possibility to connect up to 5 devices. It can be brought with you, rented from a specialized company or hotel administration. The cost of renting it is about 5600 pesos for 10 days. Prices may vary from company to company.

In addition to the device, you will need to purchase a SIM card from a local mobile operator and pay for an internet package. Most likely, the company will require a deposit to guarantee the safety of the device. In case of its loss or damage, you will have to pay a fine. There is a need to recharge a device periodically.

Internet in the Dominican Republic via free Wi-Fi

In the Dominican Republic, free Wi-Fi is available at many hotels, restaurants, cafes, malls, and other public places. This can be a convenient and cost-effective way to stay connected while traveling in the country. Popular places with free Wi-Fi:

• The historic center in Santo Domingo;
• Malecon Promenade in Punta Cana;
• Bavaro neighborhood in Punta Cana;
• the beach town of Cabarete.

Remember that the connection security is minimal, as cyber fraudsters steal user data (passwords of social networks, banking services) through public Internet connection points. It's important to note that the quality and speed of free Wi-Fi networks can vary, so it's a good idea to use a virtual private network (VPN) for added security while connecting to public Wi-Fi networks. To solve complex business tasks and personal issues, to pay for purchases, it is better to use a more secure mobile Internet, for example, through eSIM technology.

Read also: What is eSIM: what is it for and how to use it

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Frequently asked questions about how to connect mobile internet in the Dominican Republic

Can I buy a SIM card at Santo Domingo airport?

Yes, SIM cards are sold at the Santo Domingo airport. The SIM card store is located in the arrivals hall.

Is there high speed internet in the Dominican Republic?

High-speed internet in the Dominican Republic is available through SIM cards and eSIM technology.

To avoid wasting time looking for local SIM card outlets, activate an eSIM virtual card on your smartphone. Digital SIM cards from Yesim is an opportunity to provide yourself with reliable mobile Internet all over the world. Working with services, uploading videos and communicating online will be high-quality and fast 24/7.

What are the usual charges for mobile internet in the Dominican Republic?

The cost of wireless mobile internet in the Dominican Republic can vary depending on the carrier and the data SIM plan you choose. Some carriers offer prepaid data plans that allow you to pay for data usage upfront, while others offer postpaid plans that bill you at the end of the month. Make sure to check the data rates and any additional fees before using mobile internet.

How can I check my data usage while using mobile internet in the Dominican Republic?

Most mobile operators in the Dominican Republic offer ways to check your data usage through their website, mobile app, or by dialing a specific code on your cell phone. By keeping track of your data usage, you can avoid unexpected charges for exceeding your data limit.