Understanding Punta Cana area codes is essential for staying connected during your Dominican Republic vacation. The country uses three interchangeable area codes—809, 829, and 849—that work throughout the entire nation, including Punta Cana. This comprehensive guide explains everything you need to know about calling to and from the Dominican Republic, including dialing instructions, carrier information, and important tips to avoid phone scams.
Dominican Republic Area Codes: Complete Overview
The Dominican Republic participates in the North American Numbering Plan (NANP), using country code +1 (the same as the United States and Canada). This makes calling between North America and the Dominican Republic simpler than calling other Caribbean destinations. All three Dominican area codes (809, 829, and 849) cover the entire country—there are no regional divisions. Whether you’re calling Punta Cana, Santo Domingo, or Puerto Plata, you can use any of these three codes.
Quick Reference: All Dominican Republic Area Codes
| Area Code | Introduced | Coverage | Primary Use | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 809 | 1958 | Nationwide | Landlines & Mobile (original code) | Active |
| 829 | January 2005 | Nationwide | Mobile & Landlines (expansion) | Active |
| 849 | August 2009 | Nationwide | Mobile & Landlines (expansion) | Active |
Important: All three codes are interchangeable. A 809 number can call an 829 number locally without any special dialing. When giving out your Dominican phone number internationally, include the country code: +1-809-XXX-XXXX, +1-829-XXX-XXXX, or +1-849-XXX-XXXX.
809 Area Code: The Original Dominican Code
The 809 area code is the oldest and most recognized Dominican Republic phone code, established in 1958 by Bell System engineers. Originally, it covered not only the Dominican Republic but also Bermuda, the Bahamas, and several other Caribbean islands. In 1999, the Dominican Republic retained exclusive use of the 809 code when other territories received their own codes.
809 Area Code Key Facts
- Search Volume: 4,400 monthly searches for “809 area code”
- Geographic Coverage: All of Dominican Republic including Punta Cana, Santo Domingo, Puerto Plata
- Number Format: +1-809-XXX-XXXX (10 digits total after country code)
- Carrier Assignment: All major Dominican carriers (Claro, Altice, Viva)
- Line Types: Both landline and mobile phone numbers
- International Calling: Billed at Caribbean/NANP rates (often lower than other international destinations)
How to Call 809 Area Code Numbers
From the United States or Canada:
- Dial 1 (no need for 011 exit code—it’s part of NANP)
- Dial 809
- Dial the 7-digit local number
- Example: 1-809-555-1234
From Europe, Asia, or other regions:
- Dial your country’s international exit code (00 for most of Europe, 011 for many others)
- Dial 1 (Dominican Republic country code)
- Dial 809
- Dial the 7-digit local number
- Example from UK: 00-1-809-555-1234
829 Area Code: Expansion for Growing Demand
The 829 area code was introduced on January 31, 2005, to accommodate the Dominican Republic’s explosive growth in mobile phone adoption and telecommunications services. As the original 809 code approached capacity, the government implemented 829 to ensure sufficient phone numbers for the growing population and increasing tourism industry.
829 Area Code Key Facts
- Search Volume: 4,500 monthly searches for “829 area code”
- Primary Use: Mobile phones, prepaid SIM cards, virtual phone services
- Introduction Date: January 31, 2005
- Coverage: Nationwide (same as 809 and 849)
- Compatibility: Fully interchangeable with 809 and 849
- Tourist Services: Commonly assigned to tourist SIM cards and short-term mobile plans
Why Was the 829 Area Code Added?
Between 1999 and 2005, the Dominican Republic experienced massive telecommunications growth driven by:
- Mobile Phone Boom: Cellular adoption grew from 15% to over 60% of the population
- Tourism Expansion: Punta Cana’s development required thousands of new business and hotel lines
- Prepaid Services: Low-cost prepaid mobile plans became widely available
- Internet Services: Dial-up and early broadband required dedicated phone lines
- Business Growth: Call centers and customer service operations established in free trade zones
The 829 code provided 7.9 million additional phone numbers, delaying the need for another code until 2009.
How to Dial 829 Area Code Numbers
Dialing 829 numbers follows the exact same format as 809:
- From US/Canada: 1-829-XXX-XXXX
- From UK: 00-1-829-XXX-XXXX
- From Germany/France: 00-1-829-XXX-XXXX
- From Australia: 0011-1-829-XXX-XXXX
- From Mexico: 00-1-829-XXX-XXXX
849 Area Code: Latest Dominican Expansion
The 849 area code became active in August 2009, marking the third and most recent expansion of Dominican telecommunications numbering. This addition was implemented proactively to prevent number shortages and support the country’s continued economic and tourism growth, particularly in Punta Cana and other resort areas.
849 Area Code Key Facts
- Search Volume: 2,200 monthly searches for “849 area code”
- Introduction Date: August 2009
- Assignment Priority: New mobile subscriptions, business lines, VoIP services
- Coverage: Nationwide (all provinces including Punta Cana)
- Number Capacity: 7.9 million available numbers
- Current Usage: Approximately 40% capacity (as of 2024)
849 Area Code vs 809 and 829: Any Difference?
Absolutely none. The 849 code functions identically to 809 and 829:
- Same geographic coverage (entire Dominican Republic)
- Same calling rates (domestic and international)
- Used for both mobile and landline numbers
- Assigned by all three major carriers (Claro, Altice, Viva)
- No quality difference or service limitations
- Fully compatible for local calling between codes
The only difference is when the code was introduced. A person with an 849 number simply received their line after August 2009.
Complete International Calling Guide: Dominican Republic
Calling Punta Cana from the United States
The Dominican Republic is part of the North American Numbering Plan (NANP), which makes calling from the US as simple as calling another state:
- Dial 1 (country code—no 011 needed)
- Dial the area code: 809, 829, or 849
- Dial the 7-digit local number
- Press call
Example: To call Dreams Punta Cana Resort from the US:
- Hotel number: (809) 552-6000
- You dial: 1-809-552-6000
- That’s it—no exit codes or complicated sequences
Important Notes for US Callers:
- Check with your carrier about international rates (typically $0.25-2.00 per minute)
- Many US cell plans include free calling to Dominican Republic—verify with AT&T, Verizon, or T-Mobile
- Some unlimited plans cover Dominican calls at no extra cost
- Calling from hotel phones often includes hefty surcharges ($2-5 per minute)—use your mobile instead
Calling Punta Cana from Canada
Canadian calling procedures are identical to the US (both countries use NANP):
- Dial 1
- Dial area code (809, 829, or 849)
- Dial 7-digit local number
Canadian Carrier Information:
- Rogers: $1.50-2.00/min without add-on, $10/month for unlimited US + Caribbean calling
- Bell: $1.45/min standard, travel packs available starting $10/day
- Telus: $1.50/min, Easy Roam $12/day covers Dominican Republic
- Fido: $1.50/min, Fido Roaming $12/day
Calling Punta Cana from Europe
European callers need to use their country’s international exit code before dialing the Dominican number:
| Country | Exit Code | Full Dialing Sequence | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| United Kingdom | 00 | 00 – 1 – 809 – XXX-XXXX | 00-1-809-552-6000 |
| Germany | 00 | 00 – 1 – 829 – XXX-XXXX | 00-1-829-555-1234 |
| France | 00 | 00 – 1 – 849 – XXX-XXXX | 00-1-849-555-9876 |
| Spain | 00 | 00 – 1 – 809 – XXX-XXXX | 00-1-809-552-6000 |
| Italy | 00 | 00 – 1 – 829 – XXX-XXXX | 00-1-829-555-1234 |
| Netherlands | 00 | 00 – 1 – 849 – XXX-XXXX | 00-1-849-555-9876 |
| Switzerland | 00 | 00 – 1 – 809 – XXX-XXXX | 00-1-809-552-6000 |
Alternative: Many modern smartphones allow you to use the + symbol instead of the exit code. Simply dial +1-809-XXX-XXXX and your phone will automatically add the correct exit code for your country.
Calling Punta Cana from Other Regions
| Region/Country | Exit Code | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Australia | 0011 | 0011-1-809-552-6000 |
| New Zealand | 00 | 00-1-809-552-6000 |
| Mexico | 00 | 00-1-809-552-6000 |
| Brazil | 0014 (or 0021, 0023 depending on carrier) | 0014-1-809-552-6000 |
| Argentina | 00 | 00-1-809-552-6000 |
| Japan | 010 | 010-1-809-552-6000 |
| China | 00 | 00-1-809-552-6000 |
| India | 00 | 00-1-809-552-6000 |
Mobile Carriers and SIM Cards in Punta Cana
If you’re visiting Punta Cana and need local phone service, three major carriers offer tourist-friendly prepaid options. Getting a local SIM card can save you significant money on calls and data compared to international roaming.
Claro Dominicana (Market Leader)
- Market Share: ~60% of Dominican mobile market
- Coverage: Excellent throughout Punta Cana, Bavaro, Cap Cana, and all resort areas
- Network: 4G LTE nationwide, 5G in major cities
- Tourist SIM: Available at airport kiosks, convenience stores, Claro shops
- Prepaid Plans: Starting 200 DOP ($3.50 USD) for 1GB + 50 minutes
- Tourist Packages: 7-day plan with 10GB + unlimited Dominican calls: 500 DOP ($9 USD)
- Activation: Passport required, instant activation
- Where to Buy: Punta Cana Airport (Terminal A arrivals), resort gift shops, pharmacies
Altice Dominicana (Formerly Orange)
- Market Share: ~30% of mobile market
- Coverage: Good in Punta Cana, excellent in Santo Domingo and major cities
- Network: 4G LTE, expanding 5G
- Tourist SIM: Available at airport and Altice stores
- Prepaid Plans: 250 DOP ($4.50 USD) for 2GB + 75 minutes
- Tourist Packages: 10-day plan with 15GB + unlimited calls: 600 DOP ($11 USD)
- Special Offers: Sometimes includes free WhatsApp and social media data
Viva Dominicana
- Market Share: ~10% of market
- Coverage: Good in Punta Cana resort areas
- Network: 4G LTE
- Prepaid Plans: Budget-friendly options starting 150 DOP ($2.75 USD)
- Best For: Voice calls more than data
Where to Buy Tourist SIM Cards in Punta Cana
- Punta Cana International Airport (PUJ)
- Terminal A arrivals hall (past customs)
- Claro and Altice kiosks open 6am-11pm daily
- English-speaking staff
- Instant activation, no appointment needed
- Prices slightly higher than off-airport (markup ~20%)
- Resort Gift Shops
- Most major resorts sell prepaid SIM cards
- Convenience of on-site purchase
- Usually Claro brand
- Higher prices (expect 30-50% markup)
- Local Convenience Stores
- Supermercados Nacional, Jumbo, PriceSmart
- Best prices (no tourist markup)
- May require Spanish or translation app
- Located in Bavaro and surrounding areas
- Official Carrier Stores
- Claro, Altice, and Viva shops in Bavaro
- Best customer service and plan options
- Can help with configuration and troubleshooting
- Standard pricing
Pro Tip: Buy your SIM at the airport for convenience, then top up at local stores for better rates. Top-up cards are available everywhere and don’t have tourist markups.
Important Phone Numbers in Punta Cana
Save these essential numbers in your phone before traveling. All Dominican numbers use one of the three area codes (809, 829, or 849), but the numbers below may use any of them:
| Service | Number | When to Use |
|---|---|---|
| Emergency (Police/Fire/Medical) | 911 | Life-threatening emergencies only |
| Tourist Police (POLITUR) | 1-809-754-3000 | Tourist-related issues, lost documents, scams |
| Punta Cana Airport | 1-809-959-2376 | Flight information, lost baggage |
| US Embassy Santo Domingo | 1-809-567-7775 | US citizen emergencies, passport issues |
| Canadian Embassy | 1-809-262-3100 | Canadian citizen assistance |
| UK Embassy | 1-809-472-7111 | British citizen emergencies |
| Hospital Bávaro | 1-809-686-1414 | Medical emergencies in Punta Cana area |
| Grupo Rescate Médico (Medical) | 1-809-228-5555 | Private ambulance service |
| Claro Customer Service | *611 (from Claro phone) | SIM card issues, plan questions |
| Altice Customer Service | *462 (from Altice phone) | Technical support, account questions |
Calling Emergency Numbers: The 911 system in the Dominican Republic works similarly to the US. English-speaking operators are typically available. Response times in Punta Cana resort areas are generally good (10-20 minutes), but can be slower in remote areas.
Avoiding Phone Scams: 809 Scam and Other Frauds
Unfortunately, the Dominican Republic area codes (particularly 809) have been associated with international phone scams. Understanding these scams helps you avoid expensive charges and fraud.
The “809 Scam” Explained
The “809 scam” (also called the “one ring scam” or “Wangiri scam”) targets people in the US, Canada, and Europe with missed calls from Dominican numbers. Here’s how it works:
- You receive a missed call from an 809, 829, or 849 number you don’t recognize
- The call rings once or twice and hangs up before you can answer
- Your phone shows the missed call, appearing like someone tried to reach you
- If you call back, you’re connected to a premium-rate service (similar to 1-900 numbers in the US)
- You’re kept on hold with messages like “please wait” or fake ring tones
- Charges accumulate at $15-25 per minute while you wait
- Your phone bill arrives with hundreds of dollars in charges
How to Protect Yourself from Phone Scams
- Never call back unknown international numbers – If it’s important, they’ll leave a voicemail
- Verify numbers before calling – Search the number online to check if it’s reported as a scam
- Block premium-rate services – Contact your carrier to block all premium-rate international calls
- Use WhatsApp or hotel phones – If you must contact someone in Dominican Republic, use WhatsApp (free) or ask your hotel concierge to place the call
- Be suspicious of “urgent” calls – Scammers often leave voicemails claiming family emergencies or prize winnings
- Check your bills regularly – Review phone bills monthly for unauthorized international charges
Legitimate Dominican Calls vs. Scam Calls
Legitimate calls you might receive:
- Hotel confirmations (they’ll usually email first)
- Tour company confirmations from Punta Cana Adventures or similar operators
- Airport transfer services confirming pickup times
- Friends/family calling from their Dominican SIM cards
Red flags for scam calls:
- Single ring followed by immediate disconnect
- No voicemail left
- Repeated calls from slightly different numbers
- Calls at odd hours (2am-5am your time)
- Automated messages about prizes, legal issues, or family emergencies
- Requests for personal information or payment details
Time Zone Considerations When Calling
The Dominican Republic, including Punta Cana, operates on Atlantic Standard Time (AST), which is UTC-4 year-round. Unlike the United States and Canada, the Dominican Republic does not observe Daylight Saving Time.
Dominican Republic Time Compared to Major Cities
| Your Location | Standard Time | Daylight Saving Time |
|---|---|---|
| New York/Miami (EST) | Same time | Punta Cana 1 hour ahead |
| Chicago (CST) | Punta Cana 1 hour ahead | Punta Cana 2 hours ahead |
| Los Angeles (PST) | Punta Cana 3 hours ahead | Punta Cana 4 hours ahead |
| Toronto (EST) | Same time | Punta Cana 1 hour ahead |
| London (GMT) | Punta Cana 4 hours behind | Punta Cana 5 hours behind |
| Paris/Berlin (CET) | Punta Cana 5 hours behind | Punta Cana 6 hours behind |
| Sydney (AEDT) | Punta Cana 15 hours behind | Punta Cana 15 hours behind |
Best Times to Call Punta Cana:
- Business Hours: 9am-6pm AST (Monday-Friday)
- Hotel Reception: 24/7 (but best 8am-10pm)
- Tour Operators: 8am-7pm AST daily
- Restaurants: 11am-11pm AST
- Avoid: 1pm-3pm (siesta time, many businesses close)
Learn more about Punta Cana time zone and planning your schedule.
WhatsApp and Internet-Based Calling Options
For many travelers, internet-based calling through WhatsApp, Skype, or FaceTime provides the most cost-effective way to stay in touch while in Punta Cana. Most resorts offer free WiFi, though quality varies.
WhatsApp Calling (Recommended)
- Cost: Free over WiFi or mobile data
- Quality: Excellent with good internet connection
- Setup: Both parties need WhatsApp installed
- Dominican Usage: Extremely popular—most businesses and individuals use WhatsApp
- Best For: Calling family/friends back home, contacting tour operators, hotel communication
- Data Usage: Approximately 0.5MB per minute for voice calls, 3-5MB per minute for video
Tip: Save WhatsApp numbers for your hotel, tour operators, and transfer services before traveling. Many Dominican businesses prefer WhatsApp over traditional phone calls.
Other Internet Calling Options
- Skype: Good call quality, can call landlines/mobile numbers (pay-per-minute), free Skype-to-Skype
- FaceTime Audio: Free for Apple-to-Apple calls, excellent quality, WiFi only
- Facebook Messenger: Free voice/video calls, widely used in Dominican Republic
- Google Voice: Can call Dominican numbers at low rates ($0.02-0.09/min)
- Viber: Popular alternative to WhatsApp, free calls over internet
Frequently Asked Questions About Punta Cana Area Codes
What area code is 809?
809 is the original area code for the Dominican Republic, introduced in 1958. It covers the entire country including Punta Cana, Santo Domingo, Puerto Plata, and all other regions. The 809 code is used for both landline and mobile phone numbers and is fully interchangeable with area codes 829 and 849.
What area code is 829?
829 is the second area code assigned to the Dominican Republic in January 2005 to accommodate growing telecommunications demand. Like 809, it covers the entire Dominican Republic with no regional divisions. It’s commonly used for mobile phones, prepaid SIM cards, and newer service lines.
What area code is 849?
849 is the third and most recent Dominican Republic area code, introduced in August 2009. It serves the entire country including Punta Cana and functions identically to 809 and 829. Phone numbers with 849 are typically newer assignments from 2009 onward.
What is the country code for the Dominican Republic?
The Dominican Republic uses country code +1, the same as the United States, Canada, and other North American Numbering Plan (NANP) countries. When calling from abroad, dial +1 followed by the area code (809, 829, or 849) and the 7-digit local number.
How do I call Punta Cana from the United States?
To call Punta Cana from the US, simply dial 1 (country code) + area code (809, 829, or 849) + 7-digit local number. For example: 1-809-555-1234. No international exit code (011) is needed because the Dominican Republic is part of the North American Numbering Plan.
How do I call Punta Cana from Europe?
From most European countries, dial 00 (exit code) + 1 (country code) + area code (809, 829, or 849) + 7-digit local number. Example from UK: 00-1-809-555-1234. Alternatively, use + instead of 00: +1-809-555-1234.
Can I use my US cell phone in Punta Cana?
Yes, US cell phones work in Punta Cana, but international roaming charges can be expensive ($2-10 per minute for calls, $10-15 per day for data). Check with your carrier about international plans. Better options include buying a local Dominican SIM card ($3-10) or using WhatsApp over WiFi.
Are 809, 829, and 849 area codes the same?
Yes, all three area codes function identically. They all cover the entire Dominican Republic with no geographic divisions, no rate differences, and no quality differences. The only distinction is when they were introduced: 809 in 1958, 829 in 2005, and 849 in 2009.
What is the 809 scam and how do I avoid it?
The “809 scam” involves receiving a one-ring missed call from an 809, 829, or 849 number. If you call back, you’re connected to a premium-rate service that charges $15-25 per minute. Avoid this scam by never calling back unknown international numbers. If it’s legitimate, they’ll leave a voicemail or send an email.
Where can I buy a SIM card in Punta Cana?
SIM cards are available at Punta Cana International Airport (Terminal A arrivals hall), resort gift shops, convenience stores like Supermercados Nacional, and official carrier stores (Claro, Altice, Viva). Airport kiosks offer the most convenience but charge 20-50% more than local stores. Passport required for purchase.
Which mobile carrier is best in Punta Cana?
Claro Dominicana offers the best coverage in Punta Cana with 60% market share, excellent 4G LTE network, and expanding 5G. Altice is a good alternative with competitive prices. For tourists, Claro’s 7-day package (500 DOP/$9 for 10GB + unlimited calls) provides the best value.
Does the Dominican Republic observe daylight saving time?
No, the Dominican Republic stays on Atlantic Standard Time (AST, UTC-4) year-round without daylight saving time changes. This means Punta Cana is the same time as New York during winter, but one hour ahead of New York during summer (March-November).
Can I use WhatsApp in Punta Cana?
Yes, WhatsApp is extremely popular in the Dominican Republic and works perfectly over WiFi (available at all resorts) or mobile data. WhatsApp is the preferred communication method for most Dominican businesses, hotels, and tour operators. It’s free for calls and messages when connected to internet.
What is the emergency number in Punta Cana?
Dial 911 for all emergencies (police, fire, medical). English-speaking operators are typically available. For tourist-specific assistance, contact POLITUR (Tourist Police) at 1-809-754-3000. For medical emergencies, Hospital Bávaro can be reached at 1-809-686-1414.
How much does it cost to call Punta Cana from the US?
Calling costs vary by carrier: AT&T charges $0.35-2.00/minute, Verizon $0.50-2.00/minute, T-Mobile $0.25/minute (free with some plans). Many unlimited plans include free Dominican calls—check with your carrier. Using WhatsApp over WiFi is always free.
Do I need to dial +1 before the area code?
When calling FROM the Dominican Republic locally, you don’t need +1 or the country code—just dial the 10-digit number (area code + local number). When calling TO the Dominican Republic from abroad, include +1 before the area code.
Conclusion: Staying Connected in Punta Cana
Understanding the Dominican Republic’s area codes (809, 829, and 849) ensures smooth communication during your Punta Cana vacation. Whether you’re calling hotels to confirm reservations, booking excursions and tours, arranging airport transfers, or staying in touch with family back home, knowing how to dial correctly saves time and money.
Key Takeaways:
- All three area codes (809, 829, 849) cover the entire Dominican Republic with no differences
- From US/Canada, dial: 1 + area code + 7-digit number (no 011 needed)
- From Europe/elsewhere, dial: exit code + 1 + area code + 7-digit number
- Buy a local SIM card at the airport or local stores for significant savings
- Never call back unknown international numbers to avoid the 809 scam
- WhatsApp is the most cost-effective way to communicate (free over WiFi)
- Save emergency numbers (911, POLITUR, your embassy) before traveling
For more helpful information about planning your Punta Cana trip, explore our guides on where Punta Cana is located, safety in Punta Cana, and top things to do in this Caribbean paradise.
Last updated: November 2025 | Information verified with Dominican telecommunications authorities and major carriers.
