Hotel Calls
The most expensive way to call home. Don’t do it.
Calling centers
Scattered around resort areas and in the cities as well are “calling centers”. These are typically operated by either Verizon or Tricom and offer many telecommunications services including internet access.
Cell phones
Using your own – If you have a cell phone from Canada or the US chances are it can be used in the Dominican Republic by way of Verizon, Tricom or Centennial. If your phone is European based then you will need to go through Orange. Check if your phone uses CDMA frequency. The simplest thing is to call your provider before you leave on your trip. Many of them will be able to set you up with an international calling plan for just the time you will be gone.
Keep in mid though, using your cell phone for international calls can be very expensive. Remember that you are on vacation, unless you really, really need to make the call, leave it turned off.
If your phone is not immediately usable for the DR, consider buying a SIM card from Orange for about US$10 and then using pre-paid calling cards. Check with your standard provider first, they may have a code they can provide you that will unlock the phone for use with pre-paid cards without buying a new SIM card.
Renting cell phones – A cell phone rental may be another option for you to consider. Ease of use, free incoming calls, and just turn it in when you are finished. Codetel has centers at most airports as well as in cities where you can rent a cell phone during your stay. It is a good idea to reserve the phone in advance of your trip by calling 809-549-0448.
Calling Cards
Both Codetel and Tricom sell pre-paid calling cards for you to use during your stay.These cards make it easy to use public phones, private phones or cell phones for both in-country and international calls.
Toll free
Toll free 800 calls are not free from the DR. You will need to dial 880 and then the number. A per minute charge applies.
Internet
Many hotels and resorts now offer Internet, some at no charge, others for a small fee. If this service is important to you be sure to inquire about the service, type of connection, availability throughout the resort and costs. Best to do this before you make your reservation.
Calling Centers – these are scattered throughout the resort and commercial areas of the island and offer a variety of telecommunications services including Internet access.
Internet cafes are another option. They come and go so ask around once you arrive.
Before you leave home set up an account with a free service such as Yahoo, Hotmail or Google. You can then pick up email pretty easily from anywhere. Be sure to test your access before you leave home.
Tip – make copies of all your important documents, i.e. passports, prescriptions, drivers licenses, credit cards and numbers, etc. Email these to yourself at the free account. That way, if you need them while traveling, there they are as attachments you can print of forward as needed.
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