Which Mobile Network Is Best in the Dominican Republic? Claro vs Altice vs Viva

This guide focuses purely on local mobile operators — Claro, Altice, and Viva — and compares them based on real-world coverage, reliability, and suitability for travelers.

Mobile Networks in the Dominican Republic: Quick Overview

The Dominican Republic has three main nationwide mobile operators:

• Claro – The largest and most established network

• Altice – Strong urban performance and competitive prepaid plans

• Viva – Smaller network, often cheaper, but with limited reach

All three sell prepaid SIM cards to tourists, usually requiring in-person purchase and passport registration.

Claro Dominican Republic: Coverage and Reliability

Claro is generally considered the most reliable network in the Dominican Republic, especially outside major cities.

Coverage

Claro provides the broadest nationwide coverage, including:

• Punta Cana and Bávaro

• Santo Domingo and Santiago

• Puerto Plata and the north coast

• Major highways and intercity routes

Coverage maps published by Claro show strong signal availability across most populated areas, making it a safer choice for travelers planning to move around the country.

Data Performance

• Consistent 4G/LTE speeds in cities and resorts

• Generally stable connections during travel between regions

• 5G presence is limited and not relevant for most tourists

Tourist Experience

• SIM cards available at airports and Claro stores

• Passport required for activation

• eSIM support exists but is not commonly offered to short-term visitors

Best for: travelers visiting multiple regions or renting a car.

Altice Dominican Republic: Strong in Cities and Resorts

Altice is a popular alternative, particularly for travelers staying in well-developed areas.

Coverage

Altice performs well in:

• Santo Domingo metropolitan area

• Punta Cana resort zones

• Santiago and other large cities

However, coverage becomes less predictable in rural areas and along some highways.

Data Performance

• Good speeds in cities and tourist hubs

• Suitable for navigation, messaging, and social media

Tourist Experience

• Prepaid SIMs sold at airports and official stores

• Similar registration process to Claro

• eSIM availability is very limited

Best for: city-focused trips and resort stays.

Viva: Budget-Friendly but Limited

Viva is the smallest of the three major operators and comes with clear trade-offs.

Coverage

Viva’s network is concentrated in urban areas. Outside cities, coverage gaps are common, especially in coastal or mountainous regions.

Data Performance

• Adequate for basic use in cities

• Slower speeds and signal drops are more common

Tourist Experience

• Fewer points of sale

• Not recommended if you plan to travel extensively

Best for: short stays in city with light data needs.

Dominican Republic Mobile Network Comparison

Which Network Should Travelers Choose?

• Traveling across the country? → Claro

• Staying mostly in cities or resorts? → Altice

• On a strict budget and staying put? → Viva (with caution)

For most first-time visitors, Claro or Altice will provide a smoother experience.

A Practical Alternative to Local SIM Cards

While local SIM cards work well, they come with a few drawbacks:

• Airport queues after landing

• Passport registration

• Store visits during business hours

• Language barriers during setup

Some travelers prefer to avoid these steps entirely and use an eSIM instead, especially for short trips.

Roafly offers a Dominican Republic eSIM that connects through local networks and can be installed before arrival, so you’re as soon as you land.

This option is particularly useful if you:

• Arrive late at night

• Have a short stay

• Want data ready without visiting a store

Final Thoughts

The Dominican Republic has solid mobile infrastructure, but choosing the right operator depends heavily on your itinerary.

• Claro offers the most consistent coverage overall

• Altice performs well in cities and resort areas

• Viva is suitable for limited, budget-focused use

Understanding these differences before you travel helps you avoid connectivity issues and enjoy your trip without unnecessary hassle.