Phones, internet, mail, and television in the Dominican Republic
If you are moving to the Dominican Republic, like anywhere else in the world, you will most probably want Internet and phone access, if nothing else, but to keep in touch with your family and friends abroad. Thanks to the country's developed communications network, there are facilities available to do so.
Landlines in the Dominican Republic
Obtaining a landline is quite simple and does not involve much time or major cost. However, not all of the country is served by the cabling needed for a landline, and as with the rest of the world, landlines do not have the level of importance they once did, with many people preferring to simply use a cell phone.
The main provider of landlines is Claro, previously known as Codetel, and is also the biggest provider of cell phones and internet service. If you want a package where you can get a landline, internet, a cell phone, and even television programs, then Claro is your best bet.
Mobile phones in the Dominican Republic
Mobile services are provided by three main operators, namely Claro, which has the largest number of customers; Altice, previously Orange and Tricom, and Viva.
Procedures to obtain a mobile phone are the same as in the case of a landline, but you should note that most contracts last for 18 months, and you will need identification to obtain one. Some companies are now insisting on Dominican residency and possession of the identity card, cedula, to obtain a contract. Note that you can also enjoy number portability if you ever wish to shift from one service provider to another. It is also important to check the signal in your area before choosing a provider, as the coverage is not the same throughout the country.
Internet in the Dominican Republic
Internet is easily available thanks to three main service providers, namely Altice, Viva, and Claro, which offer three different types of connection. These are fiber optic cables, which are the fastest but not available everywhere, like normal cables or Wi-Fi. The latter either has a modem or comes with a USB stick, which is much more portable.
Before deciding which provider to use, you should check with neighbors to see which ones provide better coverage in the area. In addition, in some rural areas where there is no cabling and wifi access is limited, you can often find local providers who will install a modem and an aerial on the roof, and they will deliver internet to you that way. There are also local providers in certain areas, such as Delancer on the north coast.
The average cost should start at USD10 a month and go up to USD 200.
Wifi is also available throughout the country on long-distance buses, in shops, offices, banks, malls, restaurants, hospitals, and hotels.
Television in the Dominican Republic
Local Dominican television is available simply through an antenna on the roof, but it is all in Spanish. For those who want international television, the main providers are Claro and Altice. Claro has a good range of channels, with several in English, but Sky has even more, and the vast majority of the channels are offered in English or Spanish. There are several packages to choose from, which include more sports and more films, as well as international news stations and several American channels. Costs start at around US$30 a month. Again, the contract is for a minimum of 18 months.
Postal service in the Dominican Republic
The Dominican postal service is not good, and most homes do not have an address, so it is unlikely that mail will be delivered to your doorstep. Most expats have a PO Box at the local post office in each town, but the majority will also use a courier delivery service and a freight forwarder in Miami. DHL and FedEx are both available in the country, and Western Union also has links to all major courier services.
Useful links:
Dominican postal service
Western Union Courier service
