Prepaid SIM Cards in the Dominican Republic

Basics Information

Staying connected while visiting the Dominican Republic is easier and more affordable than ever. Whether you’re exploring Punta Cana’s beaches, Santo Domingo’s colonial streets, or the mountains of Jarabacoa, a local prepaid SIM card will keep you online without hefty roaming charges. This detailed guide covers everything you need to know — from where to buy to eSIM options, data plans, and network coverage.

Basics Information

The Dominican Republic has three main mobile network operators offering prepaid SIM cards to locals and travelers alike:

Claro Dominicana – Largest coverage and fastest data speeds.
Altice Dominicana – Competitive pricing and strong urban performance.
Viva Dominicana – Affordable packages with limited coverage.

All providers support 4G LTE and are gradually expanding 5G services in major cities like Santo Domingo and Punta Cana.

Official Websites

Operator	Website
Claro Dominicana	https://www.claro.com.do
Altice Dominicana	https://www.altice.com.do
Viva Dominicana	https://www.viva.com.do

Availability & Where to Buy

Prepaid SIM cards are widely available across the Dominican Republic. You can buy them at:

Airports: Santo Domingo (SDQ) and Punta Cana (PUJ) arrival halls.
Official stores: Claro, Altice, and Viva shops in malls and shopping centers.
Convenience stores: 7-Eleven, La Sirena, and Supermercado Nacional.
Electronics retailers: Plaza Lama, Jumbo.

You’ll need to present a passport for SIM registration. Most staff speak basic English and can help with activation.

Frequencies Used in the Dominican Republic

Network	2G	3G	4G/LTE	5G
All Operators	850 / 900 / 1900 MHz	850 / 1900 MHz	1700 / 1800 / 2600 MHz	n78 (3500 MHz)

Ensure your phone supports these bands and is unlocked before arrival.

Coverage & Speed

Claro – Best national coverage and fastest speeds (up to 150 Mbps on 4G).
Altice – Excellent 4G in cities; fair rural performance.
Viva – Good urban coverage, limited rural reach.

5G is expanding gradually, mainly in Santo Domingo and major resorts.

Average download speed: 40–120 Mbps (4G) | 200+ Mbps (5G)

At a Glance Comparison

Operator	Strength	Weakness	5G	Best For
Claro	Fastest data & best coverage	Slightly pricier	✅	Frequent travelers, remote workers
Altice	Competitive pricing & good data bundles	Moderate rural reach	✅	Budget travelers
Viva	Cheapest SIM & simple setup	Limited network	❌	Short-term stays

Biometric User Registration

SIM registration is mandatory by Dominican law.

You must show your passport or ID at purchase.
The store may take a photo of you holding your SIM card for verification.
No biometric (fingerprint) data is collected.

What to Expect

Plug-and-play setup — most SIMs work instantly.
English-speaking support in tourist areas.
Top-ups available via app, website, or convenience stores.
Good 4G and 5G coverage in cities and resorts.
Some plans include free EU/US calling minutes.

Device Registration

There’s no mandatory device registration in the Dominican Republic.
Simply ensure your phone is:

Unlocked
GSM-compatible
Supports 4G LTE (Bands 2, 4, 5, 7) or 5G n78

Operator Apps (with Download Links)

Operator	App	Android	iOS
Claro	Mi Claro	Play Store	App Store
Altice	Mi Altice	Play Store	App Store
Viva	Mi Viva	Play Store	App Store

SIM Card Prices

Operator	Price (Approx.)	Included Data
Claro	300 DOP (~US$5)	5 GB + calls
Altice	250 DOP (~US$4.50)	3–5 GB
Viva	200 DOP (~US$3.50)	2 GB basic plan

eSIM Availability

Yes, eSIMs are available through:

Claro and Altice official stores.
International eSIM providers like Airalo, Holafly, and Nomad.

You can purchase and activate your plan instantly via QR code — perfect for tourists and digital nomads.

Prepaid Plans & Data Add-Ons

Claro Prepaid Plans

Plan	Price	Data	Validity
Basic	95 DOP	3 GB	3 days
Traveler	170 DOP	8 GB	5 days
Plus	299 DOP	15 GB + calls	15 days

Add-ons: Available from 100 DOP for 2 GB, activated via app or *111#.

Altice Prepaid Plans

Plan	Price	Data	Validity
Day Pass	49 DOP	Unlimited	1 day
Weekly	99 DOP	5 GB	7 days
Max	550 DOP	15 GB + calls	30 days

Add-ons: 1–5 GB from 100 DOP, via *555# or Mi Altice app.

Viva Prepaid Plans

Plan	Price	Data	Validity
Mini	120 DOP	3 GB	5 days
Standard	320 DOP	8 GB	15 days
Pro	499 DOP	15 GB	30 days

Add-ons: Available via Mi Viva app or *123#.

Tourist SIM

Tourist SIMs are available at airports and official stores.
Typical benefits:

Short-term validity (3–15 days)
5–15 GB of data
Local call minutes
Easy activation with passport

Best Pick: Claro’s Tourist SIM – 8 GB for 170 DOP (5 days validity).

Activation Process

Buy SIM or eSIM from store or online.
Show passport for registration.
Insert SIM / scan eSIM QR code.
Restart phone and connect to network.
Dial *111# (Claro) or *555# (Altice) to check activation.

Check Remaining Balance

Operator	Method
Claro	*111# or via Mi Claro app
Altice	*555# or Mi Altice app
Viva	*123# or Mi Viva app

Help Line Numbers

Operator	Customer Service
Claro Dominicana	+1 809 220 1111
Altice Dominicana	+1 809 859 6000
Viva Dominicana	+1 809 503 3333

Conclusion

Getting a prepaid SIM card in the Dominican Republic is fast, simple, and budget-friendly.

Claro offers the best coverage and speed, perfect for long stays.
Altice balances affordability and good city coverage.
Viva is best for short trips or budget travelers.

With eSIM availability, strong 4G/5G networks, and easy online management, you’ll enjoy seamless connectivity across beaches, cities, and countryside alike.

Pro Tip: For the best travel experience, activate your SIM or eSIM before leaving the airport — you’ll be connected from the moment you step into paradise.