All you need to know about Claro SIM card why to need a sim card when traveling to Dominican Republic, what is the best one, how and where to buy?

Claro SIM card for Tourists

I. Quick Facts about Claro Dominican Republic

Claro Dominican Republic is the country’s largest mobile provider.

  • Founded: 1998
  • Full name: Claro Dominicana S.A.
  • Services provided: Mobile voice and data services, broadband/fiber internet, landline telephony, pay TV
  • Number of subscribers: Around 6.5 million subscribers as of 2022.
  • Customer support: 24/7 call center.
  • Awards: Regularly recognized for network quality, coverage, customer service and promotion of local communities.
Claro SIM Card - Top Mobile Operators in Dominican
Claro – Top Mobile Operators in Dominican

II. Dominican Republic Claro Coverage and Speed

Claro Coverage in Dominican Republic

Claro SIM card - Coverage map
Claro Coverage map. Source: nperf.com

Claro has the greatest network coverage in the Dominican Republic. Reaches over 98% of the population, even remote rural areas, with one of the most extensive networks nationally.

It’s awesome that no matter where adventure might take you in the DR, you’re almost guaranteed to have a strong Claro connection.

Claro Speed in Dominican Republic

Claro is the fastest mobile network with download speeds at around 32.22 Mbps and upload speeds at 9.27 Mbps, compared to other network providers in the country. This means that you can expect fast and reliable internet connection with Claro, making it a great choice for tourists.

Claro - Fastest Mobile Network
Claro – Fastest Mobile Network. Source: Ookla

III. Claro Connectivity Options for Travelers to Dominican Republic

There are three main connectivity options for tourists to DR:

Claro Connectivity Options

Option SIM Card Pocket Wifi Roaming
Pros Local number Wireless hotspot Keep home number
Cheap calls/texts Can share with group Seamless coverage
Cons Need new SIM each trip Higher daily rental fees Expensive roaming rates

So, purchasing a prepaid SIM card from Claro is likely the most cost-effective and convenient connectivity choice for most tourists visiting the Dominican Republic.

IV. Best Claro SIM Cards for Tourists & Cost

Let’s see Claro’s prepaid plans for tourists:

Claro SIM card plans

Package Data Price (USD) Speed After Data Limit Validity
Free 1GB 1GB $0.77 256Kbps 1 day
Free Plus 2GB 2GB $0.98 512Kbps 1 day
Free 3GB 3GB $1.43 512Kbps 3 days
Free Plus 5GB 5GB $1.81 768Kbps 3 days
Free 5GB 5GB $2.19 768Kbps 5 days
Free Plus 8GB 8GB $2.56 1Mbps 5 days

All SIMs can be purchased from Claro stores and key tourist areas, providing travelers with easy connectivity options while visiting the Dominican Republic.

V. Does Claro Support eSIM?

Yes, Claro was one of the first mobile operators in the Dominican Republic to support eSIM. This provides travelers and locals a convenient way to access Claro’s high-quality cellular network without worrying about swapping SIMs

Benefits of using eSIM:

  • Remote profile installation and activation
  • No physical SIM card needed
  • Avoid SIM loss or damage
  • Seamless dual SIM functionality

There are many providers offering tourist eSIMs for Claro, such as Dominican Republic eSIM. With these eSIMs, you can activate online before departure.

Dominican eSIM plans
Dominican eSIM plans

VI. Where Can You Buy a Claro SIM Card and eSIM?

Where to Buy Claro SIM Cards

  • Upon Arrival: Claro SIM cards can be purchased at shops located in airport arrival halls after passing through customs. This is very convenient for activating a local plan immediately.
Getting Claro SIM card at Airport
Getting Claro SIM card at Airport
  • Claro Stores: The main option is visiting any of the over 300 Claro Centers located nationwide. Use Claro Stores to find the nearest. Claro stores offer the full range of pay-as-you-go and contract SIM plans. 
Getting Claro SIM card at Store
Getting Claro SIM card at Store
  • Authorized Retailers: SIM cards and plans are also available from thousands of Claro retail partners like minor stores, pharmacies and gas stations across the country. Ask for the “Claro representante” for assistance.

Where to Buy Claro eSIM

  • Online via My Claro app: Existing Claro customers can download the app and purchase an eSIM profile directly. Payment is made via credit/debit card.
  • At Claro store: Visit any Claro retail location nationwide. Representatives can assist with configuring a new eSIM profile on an eligible device.
  • Through a travel SIM vendor: Third party websites like Dominican Republic eSIM sell pre-configured Claro eSIM plans targeting tourists. Profiles are delivered via email.
Dominican eSIM- Alternative for Tourists
Dominican eSIM

VII. How to Activate Claro SIM Card/eSIM

Activating a Claro SIM Card

  1. Insert the SIM card into your phone.
  2. Dial *112# and press the call button.
  3. Follow the instructions on the screen to complete the activation process.
  4. Once activated, you will receive a confirmation message.

Activating a Claro eSIM

  1. Go to Settings > Cellular/Mobile Data > Add Cellular/Mobile Data Plan.
  2. Scan the QR code provided by Claro or enter the activation code manually.
  3. Follow the instructions on the screen to complete the activation process.
  4. Once activated, you will receive a confirmation message.

Please check your detailed instructions below:

VIII. Dominican Republic Claro Call & SMS Rates

Claro offers competitive rates for both local and international calls and texts. Here’s a breakdown of the rates for prepaid and postpaid plans:

Dominican Republic Claro Call & SMS Rates

Calls/SMS Price (US$)
Calls to other Claro numbers (per minute) $0.03
Calls to other networks (per minute) $0.05
Calls to landlines (per minute) $0.10
SMS to other numbers (per SMS) $0.01
Calls to USA (per minute) $0.40
Calls to other countries* (per minute) $0.45

Notes:

  • The international rates shown are for calls from the Dominican Republic Republic
  • Exact prices may vary depending on the specific plan or promotion
  • *Higher rates apply for calls to countries like China or India

These are the basic out-of-bundle call and SMS rates charged by Claro in the Dominican Republic Republic. The prices are competitive compared to other mobile operators in the country.

IX. Useful USSD Codes for Claro SIM Card/eSIM

USSD codes are shortcodes that you can dial on your phone to access various services and information. Here are some useful USSD codes for Claro SIM cards and eSIMs:

USSD Codes

USSD Code Description
*122# Check balance
*140# Check data usage
321PIN#+amount Top up (pre-paid)
133oldPINnewPINnewPIN# Change PIN
131bundlecode# Change bundle
*700 Customer service

X. How to Top-up Claro SIM Card/eSIM

Claro offers various ways to top-up your SIM card or eSIM, making it convenient for tourists.

  • Via My Claro App: Both physical SIMs and eSIM users can easily add credit to their accounts 24/7 using a debit/credit card within the app.
  • Online Top-Up at claro.com.do: Credit can be added to accounts via the website using a bank debit or credit card.
  • Dial *222# from Claro: Follow the voice prompts to add credit to your line directly from your handset.

Top-ups can be made in USD equivalent amounts from $0.77 up to $76.15 at most authorized locations, based on current exchange rates.

XI. FAQs about Claro in Dominican Republic

Is Claro the best network provider in the Dominican Republic Republic?

While Claro is one of the leading network providers in the country, there are other options available such as Viva and Altice. It is best to research and compare the coverage, speed, and rates of each provider before choosing one.

Can I use my Claro SIM card or eSIM in other countries?

Yes, Claro offers international roaming services, allowing you to use your SIM card or eSIM in over 190 countries. However, keep in mind that roaming rates may apply, so it is best to check with Claro before using your SIM card or eSIM abroad

Can I keep my Claro SIM card or eSIM for future travels?

Yes, you can keep your SIM card or eSIM and top it up when needed. However, keep in mind that if you don’t use it for an extended period, it may expire, and you will need to purchase a new one for your next trip.

Are there any data restrictions on Claro’s unlimited plans?

While Claro’s postpaid unlimited plans offer unlimited data, there may be restrictions on the speed after a certain amount of usage. It is best to check with Claro for more information on these restrictions.

XII. Final Words

Claro provides tourists traveling to the Dominican Republic with convenient and cost-effective mobile connectivity choices. So, make sure to consider Claro eSIM from Dominican Republic eSIM for your mobile connectivity needs on your next trip to the beautiful Dominican Republic.