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Mobile phone plans in Dominican Republic

Last activity 20 September 2024 by Pkmobilecell

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Cheryl

Hello everyone,

Staying connected while living in Dominican Republic remains a priority for expats, especially when choosing a mobile operator or to understand the local specificities of mobile plans.

Here some elements to consider:

How to choose your mobile operator in Dominican Republic?

What documents are required to subscribe to a mobile plan in Dominican Republic?

What criteria should you consider when choosing a plan matching your needs?

Are e-sim cards a suitable option for expats? What are the conditions?

What are your local tips for saving money on your mobile plan, especially for international calls (apps, operators, etc.) or mobile data?

Feel free to share your experiences and advice to choose your mobile plan as an expat in Dominican Republic.

Thank you for your contribution.

Cheryl
The Expat.com Team

J-D. Sauser

I came to the DR in 2004 and Orange was the "big" Int'l phone company besides the national telephone company "CodeTEL". I got Orange and it worked well but when CLARO came in with G4, Orange's network needed updating and they rather sold to some company which just "milked" it out. I switched to Claro and have been mostly fine with them. 

... J-D. Sauser

planner

Choose based on coverage in the afe you want to live and overall coverage. 


Plan recommendations - no one can recommend for someone else.

Find what matches your needs.


I use Viva and Altice ( once was Orange). Viva is my personal # and Altice my work network phone. I have data with both, unlimited.

ddmcghee

I'm probably an anomaly having a postpaid plan. It might cost me a bit more in the long run, but it's only $27/1600 DOP per month, so much less than what I paid in the US. I prefer the convenience of not having to constantly top off my account. It would really stink to be out and unable to find wifi when your data runs out!

ddmcghee

Claro does now offer eSIMs. I converted my physical SIM to an eSIM in July. Fairly easy process, but they weren't really clear on how long it would take or when it would be done. I happened to be away from home when they made the change, so I suddenly had no service! Once I got home and onto WiFi, I was able to finish the process.


Last month, I upgraded my phone and was able to request a new eSIM to replace the one in the old phone quickly and easily, and I even managed to activate it from the US without having to turn on roaming.

copescloud

I found Claro to have good overall service to include billing and making payments. It is also affordable. I did the research based upon my needs when I am in the DR. I did a postpaid plan which costs me about $23 monthly. They made the process of opening the account easy while I was in the states. The customer service has been wonderful. I am still back and forth quite a but. I had an iPhone 8 Plus that I was not using so there was not need to purchase a phone. My now husband (we got married in August) picked up my chip and installed it. I need simple when it comes to cell phones and plans. The process always feels like buying a car to me 🤪

KerinaS

But in a local claro they told me I could only order 15 days at a time!

KerinaS

And any recommendations for keeping service when  I go back and forth?  I will probably be mostly inthe DR the next few years  but dont want to lose my US number 

ddmcghee

@KerinaS Search for the forum for threads on keeping US phone numbers. There are already quite a few discussions.


The local Claro shops will assume you only want a pay-as-you-go plan. We showed them on a brochure the post-paid plan that I wanted. I had to show my passport to get the plans (one for me, one for hubby), but it was before we had gotten our residency. If you have an unlocked dual SIM phone, you can easily keep both numbers active. Again, there are several threads with quite a bit of discussion on how to keep your old number.

Pkmobilecell

@ddmcghee


thank you i list my wife to cancer go to retire down there but looking for cash jobs i speak french and english let me know people

planner

It's illegal to work here without residency

Pkmobilecell

@planner


oh whst can be the ramifications because i know many people who work in the industry gor cash jobs

CHRISTOPHER DAVID56

@Pkmobilecell


I think at the end of the day no matter what the ramifications are its Illegal, my thoughts/opinion!

Pkmobilecell

@CHRISTOPHER DAVID56


guess i better marry a local then

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