You just landed at Punta Cana International Airport (PUJ). The humidity hits you, the thatched roof looks cool, and you want to post that first Instagram story: "Officially in Paradise!"
But then, your phone buzzes. It’s a text from your home carrier (Verizon, Rogers, T-Mobile, etc.):
"Welcome to the Dominican Republic! Data is $12.00 per day / $100 per week."
Ouch.That is money you should be spending on excursions, not on checking your email.
So, you look around the arrivals hall and see a kiosk selling SIM cards. It looks official. The person is waving at you. Don't do it. As a local who picks up friends at the airport constantly, I watch tourists get ripped off at these kiosks every single day. They will charge you $40, $50, or even $60 USDfor a SIM card that actually costs about $5 in town.
Here is my field guide to staying connected in the DR without getting scammed.
1. The "Airport Trap" (Avoid at all costs)
The kiosks inside PUJ (Punta Cana) and SDQ (Santo Domingo) know you are tired, desperate, and don't know the currency yet. They charge what we call "Gringo Prices."
Unless you have a life-or-death medical emergency, wait. Most resorts have decent free Wi-Fi in the lobby (even if it's spotty in the rooms). That is enough to message your family saying you arrived safe. Save your money for the next morning.
2. The Local Way: Claro vs. Altice
We have two telecommunications giants here. Think of them like AT&T and Verizon.
Claro (Red Logo): The Coverage King. If you plan to leave the resort for excursions—like going to Saona Island, driving up the mountains to Michès, or visiting the Samaná Peninsula—get Claro.It has the best signal in rural areas.
Altice (Black/White Logo): The City Slicker. Altice is very strong in the cities (Santo Domingo, downtown Punta Cana) and often has slightly cheaper data packages.
Where to buy (The Insider Secret)
Do not buy from a guy selling cards on the beach. Take an Uber or taxi to a local shopping plaza. In Punta Cana, go to San Juan Shopping Centeror BlueMall. Look for the official Claro or Altice store.
The "Paquetico" Strategy: Walk in and ask for a "Chip Prepago" (Prepaid SIM).
The Cost:The SIM card itself is usually around 100-200 Pesos (
2−2−4 USD).
The Data:You then buy a "Paquetico" (Data Package). You can usually get 5GB or 10GB of high-speed data for about 300-500 Pesos ($5 - $9 USD).
Compare that to the $50 they tried to charge you at the airport!
3. The Prerequisites (Don't Forget This!)
I once took a friend to the store, and we left empty-handed because he forgot two things. Don't be like him.
Bring your Passport:This is mandatory by Dominican Law. They must register the SIM card to your legal ID. No passport, no SIM.
Unlock Your Phone:If you are still financing your iPhone through Verizon or AT&T, it might be "Network Locked." If your phone is locked, a Dominican SIM card will not work. Check this before you leave home.
4. The Modern Solution: eSIM (Airalo)
If the idea of taking a taxi to a mall sounds like too much work, or if you don't speak a word of Spanish, there is a shortcut.
If you have a newer phone (iPhone XR or newer, most recent Samsungs), you can use an eSIM app like Airalo.
Pros:You buy it while sitting on your couch at home. You land in Punta Cana, turn off "Airplane Mode," and boom—you have internet instantly. No negotiating, no store visits.
Cons:It is slightly more expensive than the local store price (approx. $9.00 USD for 1GB), but still way cheaperthan your home carrier’s roaming fees.
5. The "Resort Wi-Fi" Reality Check
"Jay, do I even need a SIM card?"
Maybe not. In 2025, the big luxury resorts (Hard Rock, Hyatt Ziva/Zilara, Excellence, Secrets) have invested heavily in Wi-Fi. It usually covers the lobby, the restaurants, and the main pool.
However, here is the catch: The signal often dies when you get to the beach. Also, if you go on a tour bus to Monkeyland or a Catamaran, you will be offline for 6 to 8 hours. If you are okay with being disconnected while sunbathing, stick to the Wi-Fi. If you need to upload that beach selfie in real-time, get the SIM.
Final Verdict
For the Adventurer:Go to a local plaza (San Juan or BlueMall) and buy a Claro SIM. It's the cheapest and most reliable option.
For the "Peace of Mind" Traveler:Download an eSIMbefore you fly.
For Everyone:Do not pay the $50 at the airport kiosk.Use that money to buy a nice bottle of Brugal Leyendarum instead. You'll thank me later.
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Written & Verified by
The Yatusabe Travel Team
We are a team of local explorers based in the Dominican Republic.
Some images are AI generated representations.