Key takeaways
The Dominican Republic is the Caribbean's most visited destination, with excellent resort connectivity in Punta Cana and 4G coverage across the country's cities and highways. Claro leads on market share and coverage, while Altice and Viva offer competitive options. A Roamix Dominican Republic eSIM activates on arrival without the airport markup, giving you local rates at Punta Cana Airport, SDQ or any of the six international gateways. Budget 5 to 8 GB for a two-week trip combining resort stays with city visits.
- Claro is the dominant carrier with around 60% market share, the broadest 4G coverage and kiosks at Punta Cana Airport arrivals.
- A Roamix eSIM activates automatically on arrival at any Dominican airport, avoiding the markup at airport carrier kiosks.
- The Dominican Republic uses country code +1 like the US, with area codes 809, 829 and 849 all covering the entire country.
- All-inclusive resorts typically have wifi, but signal in room varies. A mobile eSIM data connection is more reliable for navigation and outside the resort.
- Emergency number 911 is the same as in North America and English-speaking operators are typically available.
Best way to get data in Dominican Republic
For most visitors to the Dominican Republic, a Roamix eSIM is the most cost-effective option, providing local Claro network speeds at all resorts and throughout the country without roaming charges.
| Option | Best for | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Roamix eSIMRecommended | Best for: Most travellers | Instant activation on local Claro or Altice network, no roaming bill and avoids the airport kiosk markup. |
| Airport physical SIM | Best for: Travellers who prefer a local number | Claro and Altice kiosks at PUJ and SDQ. Requires passport and some setup time, at a slight price premium. |
| Resort wifi | Best for: Guests staying entirely within their resort | Free at most all-inclusives but variable speed, restricted to resort grounds and unsecured for banking. |
| Carrier roaming | Best for: Very short stays with no setup time | The Dominican Republic is one of the Caribbean's more expensive roaming destinations. A Roamix plan is significantly cheaper. |
All-inclusive resorts offer wifi, but signal in rooms can vary significantly and pool areas often have slow speeds. Independent guesthouses vary widely. Mobile data via a Roamix eSIM is more reliable outside resort grounds.
How much data you need
Data use in the Dominican Republic varies widely between resort stays and independent travel. Resort guests use relatively little data, while independent travellers navigating cities and remote areas use considerably more.
3 to 5 GB
One week all-inclusive resort stay in Punta Cana
Social media, navigation outside the resort, booking excursions and staying in touch with home.
6 to 10 GB
Two week independent trip including Santo Domingo and Samana
Navigation between cities, restaurant bookings, tour reservations and frequent photo sharing.
15 GB or more
Remote work combined with beach holiday
Video calls, tethering from a resort or guesthouse and cloud uploads alongside beach time.
Data per hour, by activity
- Maps and navigation
- 5 MB
- Social media and browsing
- 100 to 150 MB
- Music streaming
- 70 MB
- Standard video streaming
- 700 MB to 1 GB
- Video calls
- 500 MB to 1.5 GB
Download offline maps for the areas around the Samana Peninsula and the Cordillera Central before leaving resort wifi, as those areas have patchier signal.
How to set up a Dominican Republic eSIM
A Roamix Dominican Republic eSIM is best installed over wifi before departure. It activates automatically when you connect to a local network at Punta Cana Airport, SDQ or any Dominican gateway, so you land already online.
- 1
Buy your plan on the Roamix Dominican Republic eSIM page before departure.
- 2
Scan the QR code or tap to install the eSIM over wifi.
- 3
Label it Roamix and keep your home SIM as primary for calls and texts.
- 4
Enable data roaming for the Roamix line only.
- 5
Land in the Dominican Republic and the eSIM connects automatically to a local carrier.
Works on eSIM capable phones including iPhone XS and newer, Google Pixel 3 and newer, and recent Samsung Galaxy models. The phone must be carrier unlocked.
Roamix sets the correct APN automatically on most devices. If data does not start, apply the APN from your order and toggle airplane mode.
No data on arrival usually means data roaming is off for the Roamix line. Check settings, select the network manually and restart.
Visa and entry for Dominican Republic
Citizens of the USA, Canada, EU, UK and most other countries can enter the Dominican Republic without a visa for tourism stays. A tourist card is required and is typically included in the airfare price for visitors from the US and Canada.
- Visa on arrival
- Available
- eVisa or ETA
- Most visitors pay a tourist card fee of around 10 USD that is included in airline tickets from the USA and Canada. The tourist card allows a stay of up to 30 days, extendable at Immigration offices.
- Passport validity
- Your passport should be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended departure date.
- Onward ticket
- A return or onward ticket may be requested by immigration on arrival.
Keep your flight confirmation and hotel booking accessible on your phone. Use Roamix data to pull up documents at the immigration desk.
Entry rules change. Confirm current requirements with the Dominican Embassy or consulate before booking.
When you land in Dominican Republic
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How people message here
WhatsApp is the dominant communication platform in the Dominican Republic, used for everything from tour bookings to ordering from local restaurants. SMS and phone calls are a fallback.
Do you need a local number?
You rarely need a local number as a tourist. Tour operators, restaurants and transport services communicate via WhatsApp with your existing number.
Keep your home SIM active for SMS two-factor authentication while using the Roamix line for data. WhatsApp over Roamix data works reliably in all resort areas.
Airports in Dominican Republic
PUJ
Punta Cana International Airport
Punta Cana
Free wifi in the arrivals hall and terminal, though speeds can be slow during large international arrival banks.
PUJ has Claro and Altice kiosks in arrivals, but a pre-installed Roamix eSIM saves time and money. Activate before landing and navigate directly to your resort transfer or taxi without stopping at a kiosk.
SDQ
Las Americas International Airport
Santo Domingo
Free wifi across the terminal with reasonable coverage in international arrivals.
SDQ is 30 minutes from the Zona Colonial. Use Roamix data to book a reliable taxi through an app rather than accepting informal offers at the exit.
POP
Gregorio Luperon International Airport
Puerto Plata
Free wifi in the terminal, useful for downloading maps on arrival.
Puerto Plata is the gateway to the north coast. With Roamix data, navigate directly to your hotel or book the shuttle to Cabarete surf beach.
STI
Cibao International Airport
Santiago de los Caballeros
Free wifi in the modern terminal.
Santiago is the gateway to the Cibao Valley. Use Roamix data to arrange onward transport to Jarabacoa for mountain adventures or the cigar district in the city.
Apps and internet access in Dominican Republic
The Dominican Republic has a fully open internet with no restrictions on social media, messaging or streaming. All common apps work normally on a Roamix eSIM.
There is no censorship of social media, messaging or search. No VPN is required for any mainstream service.
WhatsApp, works
Widely used across the Dominican Republic for communication.
FaceTime, works
Works normally over data and wifi.
Google Maps, works
Excellent for navigating between resorts and cities.
Social media, works
Instagram, X, TikTok and Facebook all work normally.
Getting around Dominican Republic
Getting around the Dominican Republic depends on your destination. Punta Cana resort guests rarely need transport beyond the resort shuttle. Independent travellers use a mix of taxis, guaguas and domestic flights.
Taxi and rideshare
Uber operates in Santo Domingo and is expanding to other cities. InDriver and local apps are common. Always use Roamix data to book and track your ride rather than accepting unmarked taxis.
Guagua (shared minibus)
The main local transport between towns and along highways, cheap but crowded. Use Roamix data to look up routes and departure points before approaching a guagua station.
Car rental
Best for independent exploration of the Samana Peninsula, north coast and Cordillera Central. A well-connected phone is essential for navigation on routes not yet on updated maps.
Domestic flights
Useful for reaching Samana El Catey (AZS) or La Romana (LRM). Use Roamix data to check in online and store boarding passes.
Use Uber in Santo Domingo for transparent pricing. Always negotiate taxi prices before getting in outside of app-based rides.
Money and payments in Dominican Republic
The Dominican Peso (DOP) is the official currency. US dollars are widely accepted in resorts and tourist areas, and many prices are quoted in USD. Always confirm whether a price is in USD or DOP to avoid confusion.
- Cards and cash
- Cards are accepted at most hotels, restaurants and tourist shops. Carry DOP cash for local restaurants, colmados (corner stores), markets and tips for resort staff.
- ATMs
- ATMs are available at all airports and in towns. Use bank ATMs over standalone machines. Choose to be charged in DOP to avoid dynamic currency conversion fees.
- Payment apps
- Apple Pay and Google Pay have limited acceptance outside upscale hotels. Cards and cash are more reliable throughout the country.
- Tipping
- Tipping is expected at 10 to 15% in restaurants. All-inclusive resort staff appreciate cash tips in DOP or USD. Tour guides and drivers welcome a tip at the end of the experience.
Daily budget
All-inclusive resort guests have most costs covered. Independent travellers spend around 80 to 150 USD a day in mid-range accommodation.
Local tips for Dominican Republic
- Language
- Spanish is the official language and is spoken exclusively outside resort zones. A translation app on your connected Roamix eSIM is useful for menus, markets and conversations in local towns.
- Food
- Dominican cuisine centres on La Bandera, the national lunch of rice, beans and meat. Sancocho stew, tostones fried plantain and fresh seafood ceviche are highlights. Local restaurants in Bavaro and Santo Domingo offer far better value than resort dining.
- Plugs
- 110V, Type A and B plugs
Apps worth having
Uber
rideshare
Operating in Santo Domingo with transparent pricing, much safer than unmarked taxis for solo travellers.
WhatsApp
communication
Dominant communication app for reaching tour operators, guesthouses and local contacts across the country.
Google Translate
language
Essential outside resort zones for menus, signs and conversations in local Spanish.
Safety and health in Dominican Republic
The Dominican Republic is generally safe in tourist areas and resorts. Exercise greater caution in busy areas of Santo Domingo and at public beaches. POLITUR tourist police are available at major tourist sites.
- Stay reachable
- Keep your Roamix eSIM active to call 911 in emergencies, use rideshare apps rather than unmarked taxis and stay in touch with your accommodation when travelling between regions.
- Health
- Healthcare in major tourist areas is adequate. Many resorts have on-site medical staff. Avoid tap water and ice from unknown sources. Travel insurance is strongly recommended.
- Tap water
- Do not drink tap water anywhere in the Dominican Republic. Bottled or filtered water is the standard. Resorts provide bottled water, but carry a bottle when exploring outside resort grounds.
Networks and coverage in Dominican Republic
The Dominican Republic has three national carriers, Claro, Altice and Viva, with Claro holding the largest coverage and market share. 4G LTE reaches all major tourist areas, resort zones and intercity highways. 5G is expanding in Santo Domingo. A Roamix Dominican Republic eSIM connects you to the best available local network at any of the country's six international airports without paying airport kiosk prices.
Claro
Dominant carrier with around 60% market share, the widest 4G LTE coverage across all tourist areas, resort zones and rural highways. Has kiosks at Punta Cana Airport and major airports.
Altice
Strong in Santo Domingo and major cities, with good 4G coverage in resort areas and a growing 5G presence in the capital.
Viva
Smaller carrier with coverage in main populated areas. Good for voice and messaging in resort zones but a smaller data network than Claro or Altice.
- Typical speeds
- 20 to 80 Mbps on 4G in resort areas and cities, with 100 Mbps or more on expanding 5G in Santo Domingo.
- 5G
- 5G is launching in Santo Domingo and expanding in major cities. Resort areas like Punta Cana remain on 4G LTE.
Claro is the reliable default for resort areas. For Santo Domingo city use, Altice's 5G network is fast where available. Either way, a Roamix eSIM gives you local network access without the airport markup.
Remote mountain areas like the Cordillera Central, the Samana Peninsula's backcountry and rural southwest provinces can have reduced signal. All main tourist areas and resort zones are well covered. Dominican networks use US-compatible LTE bands, so unlocked phones from North America, Europe and Asia all connect normally on a Roamix eSIM.
Where to go in Dominican Republic
The Dominican Republic is the most visited country in the Caribbean, spanning half of the island of Hispaniola. From Punta Cana's resort beaches to Santo Domingo's 500-year-old colonial city, the Samana Peninsula's whale watching to the Cibao Valley's merengue culture, the country rewards travellers who venture beyond the resort walls.
Best time to visit
December to April for dry season and the best beach weather. January to March for humpback whale watching in Samana Bay. July to November brings risk of tropical storms but lower prices and fewer crowds.
Punta Cana and the East
The Dominican Republic's most popular tourist zone, with a 50 km strip of all-inclusive resorts along Bavaro and Punta Cana beaches, plus Cap Cana's golf courses and the indigenous cave network at the Indigenous Eyes Ecological Park.
- Bavaro Beach
- Cap Cana
- Indigenous Eyes Ecological Park
- Macao Beach
- Hard Rock Golf Club
Excellent Claro 4G coverage throughout all resort areas, Bavaro and Cap Cana. Punta Cana Airport has Claro and Altice kiosks in the arrivals hall.
Santo Domingo and the South
The oldest European city in the Americas, where the UNESCO-listed Zona Colonial offers 500-year-old churches, the Alcazar de Colon palace and cobblestone streets, alongside the modern Malecon seafront and vibrant nightlife.
- Zona Colonial
- Alcazar de Colon
- Catedral Primada de America
- El Malecon
- Los Tres Ojos
Best coverage in the country, with Altice 5G launching in Santo Domingo and strong Claro 4G throughout the Zona Colonial and the Malecon.
Samana Peninsula
A remote and beautiful peninsula on the northeast coast, famous for humpback whale watching from January to March, the stunning Limón waterfall, the beach at Playa Rincon and the bohemian town of Las Terrenas.
- Samana Bay Whale Watching
- El Limon Waterfall
- Playa Rincon
- Las Terrenas
- Los Haitises National Park
Claro 4G covers Samana town, Las Terrenas and the main highway. The Limón waterfall trail and remote beach areas have limited signal.
Puerto Plata and the North Coast
The original North American package holiday destination, anchored by Puerto Plata's Victorian gingerbread architecture and its 538-metre cable car to Mount Isabel de Torres, plus the surf beaches of Cabarete and Sosua.
- Fortaleza San Felipe
- Mount Isabel de Torres cable car
- Cabarete kitesurfing beach
- 27 Charcos
- Sosua Beach
Claro 4G is reliable throughout Puerto Plata, Sosua, Cabarete and along the north coast highway. Mountain areas above the city can drop signal.
The Cibao Valley and Mountains
The Dominican Republic's agricultural heart, where Santiago de los Caballeros, the country's second city, anchors a valley of sugarcane and tobacco fields bordered by the Cordillera Central, with Jarabacoa as a base for canyoning and whitewater rafting.
- Santiago Cigar scene
- Jarabacoa
- Pico Duarte (highest peak in Caribbean)
- Constanza
- Damajagua Falls (27 Charcos)
Good Claro and Altice 4G in Santiago and Jarabacoa. Remote Cordillera Central trails and the approach to Pico Duarte can drop to no signal.
Off the beaten path
Samana Bay is one of the world's top humpback whale watching destinations, where up to 3,000 North Atlantic humpbacks gather to breed and calve from January to March.
Signal: Samana town has Claro 4G. Boats go out into open water where signal is limited. Book tours in town and download offline maps before boarding.
A labyrinth of limestone karst islands covered in rainforest rising from Samana Bay, hiding ancient Taino cave paintings, egret colonies and a green world accessible only by boat.
Signal: No signal inside the park. All bookings and downloads must be done in Samana or Las Terrenas before boarding the boat.
A canyon adventure where visitors leap, slide and swim through 27 cascading natural pools in a turquoise limestone gorge north of Puerto Plata, one of the Dominican Republic's most exhilarating experiences.
Signal: Claro 4G covers the main road and visitor centre. No signal on the trail inside the gorge. Download maps and operator contacts before arriving.
The first permanent European settlement in the Americas, with the first cathedral, first university and first viceroy's palace in the New World, all UNESCO-listed and concentrated in a compact walkable area of cobblestone streets.
Signal: Excellent Claro and Altice 4G coverage throughout the Zona Colonial. 5G is launching in Santo Domingo.
Consistently rated one of the Caribbean's most beautiful and least developed beaches, a 3 km arc of white sand backed by coconut palms and rainforest, reachable only by boat or 4x4 from Las Galeras.
Signal: No mobile signal at Playa Rincon itself. Download directions and boat departure times in Las Galeras before heading to the beach.
The highest peak in the Caribbean at 3,098 metres, reachable by a 3-day guided hike through cloud forest and open paramo, offering a completely different face of the Dominican Republic from its beaches.
Signal: No signal on the 3-day ascent from La Cienega trailhead. All permits and guide arrangements must be made in Jarabacoa or Manabao.
Cabarete has been a world-class kitesurfing and windsurfing destination for over 30 years, with consistent tradewinds, a developed beach town atmosphere and international competitions drawing pros each spring.
Signal: Claro 4G covers the entire Cabarete beach front and kite school strip. Fast and reliable signal for forecasting apps.
A 52-metre waterfall deep in the Samana rainforest, most dramatically reached by horseback through jungle and river crossings, with a natural plunge pool at the base for swimming.
Signal: Digicel and Claro have basic coverage in El Limon village. No signal on the horseback or hiking trail into the forest.
A dramatic headland on the remote north coast where massive limestone cliffs and cave mouths face the Atlantic Ocean, offering one of the Dominican Republic's most photogenic landscapes outside the usual tourist trail.
Signal: Limited signal on the remote cliff road between Cabrera and Nagua. Download directions in Cabrera before heading to the cape.
A network of 12 freshwater lagoons hidden inside the Punta Cana resort zone, surrounded by original Caribbean dry forest and home to migratory birds, with a slow walking trail between the lagoons.
Signal: Claro 4G covers the Punta Cana resort zone and the park entrance. Signal is good on the main trail.
Events and seasons in Dominican Republic
January to March
Samana Whale Watching Season
Samana Bay
The humpback whale season in Samana Bay, where up to 3,000 North Atlantic humpbacks gather to breed and calve, generating the Caribbean's premier whale watching experience with daily boat tours.
Every Sunday in February
Carnival of La Vega
La Vega, Cibao Valley
The most traditional Dominican carnival, renowned for its terrifying roba la gallina devil mask costumes, with Sunday street parades in La Vega drawing the best masked troupes in the country every Sunday through February.
February 27
National Independence Day Carnival
Santo Domingo and nationwide
The Dominican Republic's national day on February 27 coincides with peak carnival season, with the largest parade on the Santo Domingo Malecon drawing hundreds of thousands of spectators.
March
President's Cup Golf Tournament
Casa de Campo, La Romana
A prestigious pro-am golf tournament at the Teeth of the Dog course at Casa de Campo, one of the Caribbean's most celebrated golf courses with holes running along the Caribbean coast.
June
Caribbean Sailing Week
Cap Cana Marina, Punta Cana
An international sailing regatta based at the Cap Cana marina, with ocean racing, beach parties and a growing community of Caribbean sailing enthusiasts.
Late July
Merengue Festival
Santo Domingo
A celebration of the Dominican Republic's national dance and music form, with outdoor concerts along the Malecon, dance competitions and international artists, attracting a local crowd of merengue devotees.
August
Santiago Merengue Festival
Santiago de los Caballeros
The Cibao Valley's celebration of its merengue heritage, with outdoor concerts by leading Dominican artists, dance competitions and street parties in the Monument area of the country's second city.
October
Punta Cana International Film Festival
Punta Cana
A growing international film festival held at Punta Cana's resort venues, featuring Latin American and international film screenings, workshops and an emerging awards programme.
October
Santo Domingo Jazz Festival
Santo Domingo
An international jazz festival held in the Zona Colonial, bringing Latin jazz artists to outdoor stages between the colonial buildings with a warm Caribbean audience.
November
Dominican Republic Jazz Festival
Cabarete, North Coast
A boutique jazz festival staged on the beach at Cabarete, combining international jazz artists with the surf town's relaxed atmosphere and featuring an outdoor stage facing the Atlantic.
Through the year
- Spring
- May to June is shoulder season with warm weather, lower prices and the best diving visibility before summer rain starts. Cabarete winds are consistent and kite season is at its best.
- Summer
- June to August is summer with hot weather, higher humidity and the beginning of hurricane season. Resorts are busy with North American and European families during school holidays.
- Fall
- September to November is peak hurricane season. October and November bring the lowest prices and fewest crowds, with festivals in Santo Domingo and the Cibao Valley keeping the cultural calendar active.
- Winter
- December to April is the peak season with dry weather, cooler evenings and whale season from January to March in Samana. This is when prices are highest and all-inclusive resorts are fully booked.
Working remotely from Dominican Republic
Santo Domingo and Las Terrenas have a small coworking scene and reliable internet in boutique hotels. All-inclusive resorts have wifi but it can be variable.
- Connection
- Claro and Altice 4G are reliable in Santo Domingo for tethering. A Roamix plan with 15 GB or more supports a working week of video calls and uploads.
Coworking spaces in the Piantini district of Santo Domingo offer reliable fibre connections. Use your Roamix eSIM as a backup when resort wifi drops during video calls.
