Best eSIM cards for mobile data in the Dominican Republic

Introduction

The Dominican Republic is a popular Caribbean destination that attracts hundreds of thousands of tourists from around the world each year. Visitors are drawn by the combination of beautiful white sand beaches, rich cultural heritage, and the friendly approach of the locals.

When traveling to this tropical destination, ensuring reliable mobile connectivity is essential, especially when standard roaming services can be financially demanding. Instead of the hassle of finding a local SIM card after arrival, many travelers are turning to eSIM – a digital alternative that doesn't require physical card exchanges.

In this comprehensive guide, we'll introduce the most advantageous eSIM providers for the Dominican Republic, including Airalo, Holafly, Yesim, eSIM4Travel, Jetpac, Global YO and GigSky. We'll discuss various data packages (2 GB, 5 GB, 10 GB, 20 GB or unlimited) and help you choose the optimal solution for your trip.

With eSIM, you can avoid uncomfortably high roaming fees and handle the entire process online before your trip. Below, you'll find detailed installation procedures, practical travel tips, and detailed comparisons of available plans so you can fully enjoy your stay in the Dominican Republic – with seamless connectivity and without worrying about surprisingly high bills.

eSIM plans for the Dominican Republic at a glance

Best eSIM providers for the Dominican Republic

eSIM4Travel in the Dominican Republic

8.8/10 ★★★★★

eSIM4Travel is an American eSIM provider with coverage in 170 countries, offering very competitive prices and reliable connection without an app.

Basic Information

170 countries, local and regional eSIM plans.

No app, everything through website.

No app, everything through website.

Supports data top-ups.

Hotspot allowed.

No speed limitations.

Pros and Cons

Simple installation and activation.

Very competitive prices.

Excellent customer support.

Immediate functionality without restart.

Mobile app is missing.

Absence of unlimited data plans.

Testing

Go to eSIM4Travel website View full review

eSIM4Travel uses the Claro network in the Dominican Republic, which is among the most reliable operators in the country. Coverage is excellent in all major tourist areas including Punta Cana, Santo Domingo, and Puerto Plata. For travelers seeking an economical and effective solution, eSIM4Travel represents an ideal choice. Their service is characterized by immediate functionality after installation, responsive customer support, and direct contact with real operators who can quickly resolve potential issues. Price-wise, they rank among the most affordable providers on the market. They offer no speed limitations, don't require installation of additional applications, and allow flexible data top-ups on already activated eSIM cards.

Airalo eSIM in the Dominican Republic

6.8/10 ★★★☆☆

Airalo is a popular eSIM marketplace with coverage in 211 countries, fast activation and affordable prices. However, it's not always the best choice for unlimited data.

Basic Information

211 countries, local, regional and global eSIM.

Excellent iPhone app. 4.6 from 61,000 reviews.

Excellent Android app. 4.5 from 72,000 reviews.

Supports data top-ups.

Hotspot allowed.

No speed limitations.

Pros and Cons

Wide coverage (211 countries) and easy activation.

User-friendly app and website.

Immediate functionality after installation without needing to restart.

No artificial speed limitations.

Significantly higher prices compared to some competitors.

More challenging setup for beginners.

Inability to purchase additional data without Wi-Fi after depleting the package.

Testing

Go to Airalo website View full review

Airalo partners with the Claro network in the Dominican Republic, which guarantees stable connectivity in most tourist destinations. Travelers appreciate the positive experiences with Airalo not only in the Dominican Republic but also in other Caribbean and Latin American countries such as Mexico, Cuba, Jamaica, and Costa Rica. eSIM activation is simple and takes only a few minutes. The practical Airalo app allows easy monitoring of data usage and the option to purchase additional packages directly during your stay.

Holafly eSIM in the Dominican Republic

6.4/10 ★★★☆☆

Holafly is a leading Irish eSIM provider with truly unlimited data in more than 160 countries. However, if you only need a small amount of data, it might be more expensive compared to other options.

Basic Information

160 countries, local and regional unlimited eSIM.

Average iPhone app. 3.5 from 150 reviews.

Excellent Android app. 4.6 from 1,000 reviews.

Supports data top-ups.

Hotspot mostly limited to 500 MB.

Speed limited according to Fair Use (approx. 4.5 GB/day).

Pros and Cons

Truly unlimited data in 160+ countries.

Very easy eSIM installation through the app.

Immediate functionality after installation without needing to restart.

Fast and helpful customer support.

Complicated purchase process with confusing Google Pay implementation.

Low transparency regarding FUP limits.

Hotspot not available in all countries.

Higher prices for users who only need a small amount of data.

Testing

Go to Holafly website View full review

Holafly operates in the Dominican Republic through the Claro network, ensuring stable coverage in popular tourist locations such as Punta Cana, Santo Domingo, Cabarete, and others. A unique feature of Holafly is their exclusive offer of unlimited data packages, so you don't have to worry about exceeding your data limit. For visitors to the Dominican Republic, unlimited package prices range from $7.90 to $99.90 with available options from 1 to 90 days.

It's important to mention that although the data is labeled as unlimited, excessive usage (such as long-term high-resolution streaming or downloading large files) may result in temporary speed reduction. According to user experiences, limitations may occur after consuming approximately 5 GB of data during intensive use.

Yesim eSIM in the Dominican Republic

6.1/10 ★★★☆☆

Yesim is a Swiss eSIM provider with coverage in 135 countries, offering fixed and unlimited data packages at competitive prices. Best suited for experienced users who don't need much customer support.

Basic Information

135 countries, local, regional and global eSIM (including unlimited).

Good iPhone app. 4.4 from 600 reviews.

Average Android app. 3.6 from 2,000 reviews.

Supports data top-ups.

Hotspot allowed.

Possible speed limitation with excessive use.

Pros and Cons

Excellent prices per GB of data.

Offers both fixed and unlimited data packages.

Fast activation and good connection speeds.

Very slow and inefficient customer support.

More complex purchasing process with occasional issues.

Inaccurate display of remaining data in the app.

Testing

Go to Yesim website View full review

Yesim collaborates with the Claro network in the Dominican Republic, ensuring seamless mobile connectivity in locations such as Barahona, Higuey, La Romana, La Vega, Puerto Plata, San Francisco De Macoris, San Pedro De Macoris, and other cities throughout the country. For more detailed information about Yesim's services and features, we recommend checking our comprehensive overview, where you'll find everything about their offerings and user experiences.

Jetpac eSIM in the Dominican Republic

6.6/5 ★★★★☆

Jetpac offers eSIM plans with coverage in 150 countries. It stands out with attractive prices and bonuses like airport lounge access during flight delays, but has shortcomings in its user interface.

Basic Information

150 countries, eSIM for individual and multiple countries.

Average iPhone app. 3.8 from 46 reviews.

Average Android app. 3.6 from 224 reviews.

Supports data top-ups.

Hotspot allowed.

Speed limited according to Fair Use.

Pros and Cons

Low price per GB and stable speeds.

Airport lounges and ExpressVPN for free.

Innovative in-app calling feature.

Unlimited WhatsApp and Google Maps with packages over 3 GB.

Confusing user interface on both website and app.

Slow customer support with technical responses.

No unlimited data plans available.

App doesn't work without internet after data depletion.

Testing

Go to Jetpac website View full review

Jetpac uses the Claro network in the Dominican Republic, ensuring reliable coverage in most tourist areas and larger cities. The Claro network is known for its quality and extensive coverage across the island. For more information about Jetpac's features and services, we recommend visiting our detailed guide about Jetpac, where you'll find complete evaluations and user reviews.

Best eSIM plans for the Dominican Republic

Below you'll find an overview of the most popular eSIM data packages for the Dominican Republic. For a complete comparison of all available options, use our eSIM comparison tool for the Dominican Republic, where you can filter offers by data volume, validity period, and other parameters according to your specific requirements.

Free data in the Dominican Republic

Need just basic connectivity for checking emails or quick navigation? Roamless offers 150 MB of free data for the Dominican Republic, which may be sufficient for essential communication during a short stay.

Another option is to try GigSky, which provides a free trial eSIM with 100 MB of data without requiring credit card registration. This test version allows you to try the functionality of eSIM before deciding to invest in a paid package.

For more options to obtain free data, check out our specialized article Free eSIM | How to get free data for USA and abroad. A complete overview of all available offers including free options can be found in our eSIM comparison tool for the Dominican Republic.

Roamless

How to set up eSIM for the Dominican Republic

Activating an eSIM for the Dominican Republic is a straightforward process that you can comfortably complete before departure. The main advantage is avoiding the search for SIM card vendors after arrival and potential language barriers when communicating with local operators.

• Complete guide for setting up eSIM on iPhone
• Clear procedure for activating eSIM on Samsung phones
• Complete overview of devices supporting eSIM technology

1. Check device compatibility: Before purchasing an eSIM, make sure your phone supports this technology. Most modern smartphones from brands like Apple, Samsung, Google, and other manufacturers are compatible with eSIM. For certainty, you can use our updated list of phones with eSIM support or complete list of compatible devices.

2. Select the optimal provider: For the Dominican Republic, you can choose from several proven providers such as Airalo, Holafly, Yesim, eSIM4Travel, JetPac, Global YO, or GigSky. When deciding on a data package, consider the length of your stay and planned activities – for basic use of navigation and social media, 2 GB is usually sufficient, while for more demanding users we recommend 5 GB or 10 GB packages. For detailed comparison of all available options, use our eSIM comparison tool for the Dominican Republic, where you can filter offers according to your specific requirements.

3. Installation using QR code: After purchase, you'll receive an email containing a QR code or activation code. In your phone settings, find the "Mobile Data" or "Mobile Plan" section and select "Add Data Plan" or "Add eSIM." Scan the QR code and follow the on-screen instructions. If you received only an activation code, you can easily convert it to a QR code using online tools.

4. Connection setup: In most cases, the connection will configure automatically after installation is complete. If not, you may need to manually enter the APN (access point) according to the provider's instructions. Also remember to activate data roaming for the eSIM profile – don't worry, no additional charges will be applied.

We recommend installing and testing the eSIM before departure, preferably in an environment with reliable Wi-Fi connection. This gives you confidence that after arriving in the Dominican Republic, you'll be immediately connected without any complications. More information about initial setup can be found in our guide First eSIM | Everything from A to Z.

Tips for using eSIM in the Dominican Republic

The Dominican Republic offers visitors a diverse mix of tropical beaches, historical monuments, and vibrant culture. Whether you're coming for relaxation, business, or as a digital nomad, reliable internet connection is key for a trouble-free stay. Here are practical tips for maximizing the use of your eSIM during your visit:

Security and data protection

Using a VPN in the Dominican Republic is recommended, even though there aren't as strict restrictions as in some other countries. A VPN (Virtual Private Network) provides an additional layer of security, especially when connecting to public Wi-Fi networks in hotels, restaurants, or airports. Some streaming services may have geographical restrictions that a VPN helps bypass. We recommend installing and testing a VPN before your trip to ensure everything works smoothly.

Managing data limits

Regular monitoring of data usage will help you avoid unpleasant situations with limit depletion. Most eSIM providers offer their own mobile apps where you can monitor current usage. It's also possible to set up automatic alerts directly on your phone. For efficient use of data during your vacation, we recommend reading our article Saving Data on Vacation | Proven Tips and Tricks, where you'll find useful tips such as:

• Pre-downloading maps of areas you plan to visit for offline navigation
• Adjusting quality settings for music and video streaming to lower resolutions
• Deactivating automatic app updates and background synchronization
• Using Wi-Fi connections in accommodations for data-intensive activities like backing up photos

If you're unsure about how much data you'll need, check out our guide How Much Data You Need for Various Activities, which will help you choose the optimal package. For precise selection, use our eSIM comparison tool, where you can filter offers by data volume and validity period exactly according to your requirements.

Communication with home

Most eSIMs for the Dominican Republic provide only data services without standard voice calls and SMS. However, this doesn't mean you can't stay in touch with loved ones. Thanks to data connectivity, you can use applications like WhatsApp, Messenger, Skype, or FaceTime for free communication. If you need to call regular phone numbers, read our article Calling from Data eSIM | How to Call and Receive Calls Cheaply from Abroad, where you'll find detailed information about VoIP services and other options.

Financial services and payments

Access to digital banking and payment applications can significantly simplify your travel. Services like Revolut or Wise offer favorable exchange rates and the ability to pay in Dominican pesos without high currency conversion fees. With an active eSIM, you'll have constant access to your financial resources and the ability to flexibly respond to unplanned expenses.

Regional travel

Planning to visit other Caribbean destinations? Many providers offer regional eSIM packages for the Caribbean and Latin America that cover not only the Dominican Republic but also USA (including Puerto Rico), Mexico, Jamaica, and other countries in the region. These packages are often more economical than acquiring separate eSIMs for each country. To find the most advantageous regional eSIM, use our eSIM comparison tool, where you can select specific countries you plan to visit.

✈️ Expert advice: In the Dominican Republic, the signal may be weaker in some remote areas or inside massive hotel complexes. Before traveling, download offline maps, important contacts, and reservation details. Even with the best data connection, you may find yourself in a situation with limited signal, and this offline information can be invaluable in such moments.

Alternative internet connections in the Dominican Republic

eSIM technology represents a modern and efficient way to ensure connectivity while traveling, but it's not the only solution for getting internet in the Dominican Republic. If for any reason you can't or don't want to use eSIM, you have several alternatives:

Traditional physical SIM card

Local Dominican SIM cards are readily available at international airports, in tourist zones, electronics stores, and many supermarkets. The main providers are Claro, Altice, and Viva, who offer special tourist packages including data, calls, and SMS.

The advantages of a physical SIM card include relatively low cost (typically $10-20 for a basic package) and the ability to use a local phone number for calls and SMS. The disadvantage is the necessity of personally visiting a sales point after arrival, potential language barriers during purchase, and the risk of buying from unofficial vendors who may offer unregistered cards with limited functionality.

If you decide to go with a local SIM card, we recommend purchasing exclusively from authorized dealers, ideally directly at the airport or in official operator stores. Remember that you'll need an unlocked phone and if you don't have a device with dual SIM functionality, you'll have to temporarily remove your home SIM card.

Portable Wi-Fi hotspots

Travel Wi-Fi devices offer a practical alternative to SIM cards. These compact devices create a private Wi-Fi network to which you can connect multiple devices simultaneously - phones, tablets, laptops, or smartwatches. They're ideal for families or groups of friends who want to share one connection.

Portable hotspots can either be reserved in advance through specialized companies or rented directly in the Dominican Republic. Some models even function simultaneously as power banks, which is practical during long trips away from the hotel resort. More information about these devices can be found in our guide Best Portable WiFi Hotspots for Travel.

The main disadvantage of these devices is that they represent another item you must carry with you and regularly recharge. Also, the purchase price or rental fee is typically higher than for eSIM or local SIM cards.

International roaming

Using roaming services from your home operator is the simplest but usually the most expensive option. Roaming works based on partnership agreements between your American operator and local Dominican providers, allowing you to use your existing phone number and plan abroad.

Prices for roaming in the Caribbean can be very high - often around $250 for 1 GB of data. This means that even regular browsing of social media or using maps can quickly lead to a bill in the hundreds of dollars. Some American operators offer special travel packages for non-European destinations, which may be more price-acceptable but still significantly more expensive than local solutions.

Public Wi-Fi networks

The Dominican Republic offers relatively good coverage with public Wi-Fi networks, especially in tourist areas. Free Wi-Fi can be found in hotels, restaurants, cafes, shopping centers, and some public spaces. However, the quality and speed of these connections can vary considerably.

The biggest risk of public Wi-Fi networks is security. Without adequate protection, your personal data and online activities may be vulnerable to cyber attacks. If you decide to use public Wi-Fi, always use a VPN to encrypt your connection and avoid logging into internet banking or entering sensitive information.

Relying exclusively on public Wi-Fi also means you'll be without connection whenever you leave an area with coverage. This can be problematic when navigating, searching for transportation information, or in emergency situations. Therefore, we recommend always having an alternative solution for internet connection available.

Mobile networks and operators in the Dominican Republic

The Dominican Republic has a developed telecommunications infrastructure with several major operators providing quality services to both locals and tourists. Understanding the local telecommunications market will help you choose the most suitable eSIM or other connection option.

Main Dominican mobile operators

Claro (América Móvil) is the dominant operator in the country with the most extensive coverage. This company covers approximately 90% of the Dominican Republic's territory, including all major tourist destinations and most rural areas. If you plan to travel outside the main tourist zones, Claro will likely offer the most reliable connection.

Altice (formerly Orange) represents the second largest operator with quality coverage in cities and tourist areas. Their network is known for good speed and stability, especially in Santo Domingo, Punta Cana, and other significant destinations. Altice is also actively expanding its 4G and 5G infrastructure.

Viva, the third significant player in the market, offers competitive prices and solid coverage primarily in urban areas. Although their network isn't as extensive as Claro's, it's fully sufficient for common tourist destinations. Viva is often the choice of short-term visitors thanks to attractive tourist packages.

Coverage and signal quality

The quality of mobile signal in the Dominican Republic varies by location. In large cities like Santo Domingo, Santiago, and in main tourist zones like Punta Cana, Puerto Plata, or Samaná, you can expect excellent coverage with fast 4G connection, in some areas even with emerging 5G technology.

In more remote areas, coverage may be more limited, especially in mountainous regions of the central part of the island or in some less visited coastal areas. Here, Claro is usually the most reliable choice. Within large hotel complexes, the signal inside buildings may be weaker due to massive concrete constructions, but most resorts offer Wi-Fi as compensation.

For current information about coverage in specific areas of the Dominican Republic, we recommend using the interactive map from nPerf.com, which will help you determine which operator offers the best signal in places you plan to visit.

Which networks do eSIM providers use?

International eSIM providers collaborate with local operators to offer their services. Here's an overview of which Dominican networks the most popular eSIM services use:

• Airalo: Uses the Claro network for reliable coverage throughout the country
• Holafly: Collaborates exclusively with the Claro network, ensuring stable connectivity in tourist areas such as Punta Cana, Santo Domingo, and Cabarete
• Yesim: Works through the Claro network, offering quality coverage in cities like Barahona, Higuey, La Romana, La Vega, and Puerto Plata
• Jetpac: Also uses the Claro network for maximum service availability
• eSIM4Travel: Partnership with the Claro network guarantees wide coverage across the island
• GigSky: Utilizes a combination of Claro and Altice networks for optimal coverage

When selecting an eSIM provider, consider your travel plans. Given that most providers use the Claro network, you can expect similar quality of services. The deciding factors will therefore be price, data volume, and validity period. For easy comparison of all available options, use our eSIM comparison tool for the Dominican Republic, which will help you find the optimal solution according to your specific needs.

How to call from the Dominican Republic

Maintaining contact with family, friends, or business partners is an important part of any travel. With eSIM in the Dominican Republic, you have several options for staying connected without having to pay excessive amounts for international calls.

Internet calling via data eSIM

The vast majority of eSIM packages for the Dominican Republic include only mobile data, not standard voice services. However, this isn't a problem because with data connectivity, you can use various applications for internet calling (VoIP - Voice over Internet Protocol).

WhatsApp is the most widely used application globally for sending messages and calling over the internet. It's also widely used in the Dominican Republic and offers quality voice and video calls. Other popular alternatives include Facebook Messenger, which is practical for contacts from your Facebook list, and Skype, which allows calling regular phone numbers at favorable rates.

For communication with locals and businesses, the WhatsApp application can be useful as it's widely used in the Dominican Republic. It's often utilized by hotels, restaurants, tourist agencies, and taxi services for communication with foreign visitors.

More detailed information about internet calling options can be found in our specialized article Calling from Data eSIM | How to Call and Receive Calls Cheaply from Abroad?

Specialized services for international calling

If you need to regularly call standard phone numbers in the United States or elsewhere in the world, there are specialized services offering more advantageous rates than regular international calling.

Rebtel is among the most reliable services for international calling with competitive rates. It works through WiFi or mobile data and provides quality connection. Calling to the USA starts at prices around 10 cents per minute, which is significantly less than standard international rates. Rebtel also offers the possibility to receive calls, which is practical for longer stays.

Google Voice represents another popular alternative that provides an American phone number usable for calling and SMS. Calls to many countries are free or at very low fees. The disadvantage is that you need an American phone number for registration, although there are ways to bypass this limitation.

eSIM with calls and SMS

Some eSIM providers are beginning to offer packages that include standard calls and SMS in addition to data. These services work through local networks and allow you to call as with a regular SIM card.

Airalo Global Calls is a supplementary service that Airalo offers in some destinations including the Dominican Republic. You can activate this service as an add-on to your data package and gain the ability to call international numbers at advantageous rates.

Frequently asked questions about eSIM in the Dominican Republic

Summary

Traveling to the Dominican Republic is significantly more convenient with eSIM technology. Gone is the need to search for physical SIM cards, find local operators, or pay excessive roaming fees. You can arrange internet connectivity from the comfort of your home before departure and be online within moments after arrival.

In this guide, we've presented the most popular eSIM solutions and providers such as Airalo, Holafly, Yesim, eSIM4Travel, Jetpac, Global YO, and GigSky. Each provider offers specific benefits, and the final choice depends on the length of your stay, planned data usage, and personal preferences.

Among the most popular data packages are 5 GB for standard use, 2 GB for shorter visits, 10 GB or 20 GB for longer stays, or potentially an unlimited plan for more demanding users who need to work remotely or frequently stream content.

For an economical and reliable solution, eSIM4Travel is worth considering. Their service is characterized by immediate functionality after installation, accessible customer support with quick response, and direct contact with real operators who can effectively solve potential problems. Price-wise, they rank among the most affordable providers. They offer no speed limitations, don't require installation of additional applications, and allow flexible data top-ups on already activated eSIM.

For unlimited data, the optimal choice is Holafly, which is the only one offering truly unlimited data packages for the Dominican Republic, albeit with possible speed limitations during excessive consumption.

We strongly recommend installation and activation of eSIM before your trip. This ensures a trouble-free start to your vacation and immediate connection right after arriving in the Dominican Republic.

For the most accurate and current comparison of all available eSIMs for the Dominican Republic, use our eSIM comparison tool, which allows you to filter offers by data amount, validity period, and other parameters according to your individual requirements.