Cell Phone Reception

[Shrike]

I have Sprint and I had zero service outside of WiFi.

[thiawroane]

I have Sprint and I had zero service outside of WiFi.

Sprint users must call ahead and give Sprint travel dates for international service. I been doing it for years. Last time I visited rates were $0 for basic data (2G), $.05 to get text, and $.25 to send text. Calls to "home" were $.10 per minute. Other calls were international roaming.

The requirement is that you have a tri-band phone (or a phone that can do GSM as well as CDMA).
I have a Galaxy S7, but I used to have a GS4. I'm sure late model iPhones will work too.
Call the worldwide customer service number (817) 698-4199, this is important...BEFORE YOU TRAVEL.
When you are boarding, dial the number to reprogram (*2 or something, they will tell you).
Follow the prompts. When programming is complete, you can shut down or go to airplane mode.
When you reconnect (or restart) in the DR, you will be on the Orange or Claro network.

Also, while at the resort, you can use wifi calling and/or voice apps to avoid roaming charges. Video apps (Messenger, Skype, etc.) consume too much bandwith and do not always work on premise.

[SuperD]

Cricket wireless said that I should buy a prepaid Claro SIM card when I arrive in DR.
Has anyone tried this?
The rep I talked to said he is from DR and that is what he does when he travels home.

[Phatdaddy]

I have AT&T and use the international day pass it’s $10 a day and I get to use my phone just like I was I. The United States it’s a great plan and I get good service

[HBergeron]

Does anyone know anything about T-Mobile coverage. According to their website I should have coverage there provided I turn on international roaming before I go. Text messages would be free, but phone calls would be $.20/minute unless the call was made over WiFi.

I was also wondering if they have any place in the SDQ airport that sells burner phones. Thought might be one way to go and I could pack it up for use on a subsequent trip or just toss it in the ocean, before tossing it in a recycling bin.

I'm thinking about and saving for a possible trip there after the first of the year... as a mortgage burning party/celebration.

[Kambuct]

Ive been able to get cell service at Fontana with Verizon in past years, but I have Sprint this year. Im told that Sprint uses Verizon towers when no Sprint tower is available so I should have service at Fontana but well see how this works in reality. WiFi is available in the main lodge at Fontana.