Mobile Operators & SIM Cards in the Dominican Republic

Buying a SIM card in the Dominican Republic as a visitor

• INDOTEL Resolution 064-2025 requires mobile providers to identify each prepaid user with an official document, such as a Dominican ID card (cédula), a passport or a residence card.
• Dominican telecom rules require providers to check that every line is tied to a valid identity before it is activated.
• Prepaid lines that are not validated are suspended for up to two months and then canceled.
• Altice tells its prepaid customers that, under INDOTEL Resolution 064-2025, they must validate their line or could lose their number.
• Claro's terms for new prepaid lines state that its offer also applies to lines activated with a passport.

Bring your passport when you buy a Dominican SIM and have the line registered to it at purchase, because prepaid lines that are not tied to an official ID can be suspended and then canceled.

Prepaid offer examples

Prices from each operator's own website or announcements, checked on September 29, 2026. Offers change often, so confirm before you buy.

Using your US phone in the Dominican Republic

Whether your US plan covers the Dominican Republic, and at what cost, depends on the plan, so check your carrier's international page before you go. Our guide to using your US phone abroad covers roaming, Wi-Fi calling and bill surprises.

To call Dominican Republic from the US, dial 011 + 1809 + the number: see how to call Dominican Republic and the Dominican Republic phone number format.

FAQ

Do I need a passport to buy a SIM card in the Dominican Republic?

INDOTEL Resolution 064-2025 requires mobile providers to identify each prepaid user with an official document, such as a Dominican ID card (cédula), a passport or a residence card. Dominican telecom rules require providers to check that every line is tied to a valid identity before it is activated.

What happens if my Dominican prepaid line is not registered?

Prepaid lines that are not validated are suspended for up to two months and then canceled.

Where should I buy a SIM card in the Dominican Republic?

According to INDOTEL's president, about 400,000 prepaid mobile lines are taken out each month in the Dominican Republic, and 85% of them are sold informally on the street. Buying at an operator's own store, with your passport, is the simplest way to make sure the line is properly registered to you.

Can I call the US with a Dominican prepaid SIM?

Altice sells one-time minute packs for prepaid lines that cover national, US and Canada calls, such as 20 minutes valid for 5 days for DOP 120 (taxes included).