Communication while you are away
Telephone Access:
Volunteers can purchase cell phones (or a chip) in the DR, and you will be able to receive incoming calls free of charge. However, we advise you to check rates on your phone plan, as purchasing calling cards might be a less expensive option. There are also numerous calling centers around town if volunteers need to make long distance calls. When calling to the Dominican Republic, please note that calls frequently fail to go through due to a shortage in available lines and spotty phone service. Do not panic if you cannot get through – this is probably due to a technical difficulty. There is no country code in the DR, so to call someone, all you have to do is dial 1 like in the US and then the number (i.e. 1-809-571-0497 to call our DR Office number, 1-809-571-9724 for the DREAM Center).
Internet Access:
There is a DREAM Center and a DREAM office. The following information applies to the DREAM Center and NOT the DREAM office. E-mail is one of the most efficient ways to communicate with family and friends, as internet access in Cabarete is both reliable and widely available. Volunteers placed in Cabarete will be able to utilize wireless internet at the DREAM Center during non-working hours, and can also find wireless access at numerous restaurants and cafes in town free of charge. For this reason, DREAM recommends that students bring down personal laptop computers when possible. Please note, however, that as in any location there is always the risk of theft or damage to valuable items. For those who choose not to bring a computer from home, the DREAM Center also offers a fully equipped computer lab for volunteer use.
Postal Access:
Mail can be sent to your son or daughter in the Dominican Republic at the following address:
Volunteer’s Name
C/O The DREAM Project
Dominican Address:
Plaza Novus Mare, Local 11
Segundo Piso, Carretera Cabarete
Entrada de La Callejon de la Loma
Cabarete, Puerto Plata
República Dominicana
However, please note that the mailing system is not reliable and we advise against mailing packages or anything of value. Mail can sometimes take 4-6 weeks to be received and it is not uncommon for letters and packages to be lost in transit. If important mail must be sent, we suggest you use a private carrier such as FedEx, which is both speedy and reliable.
Volunteers can purchase cell phones (or a chip) in the DR, and you will be able to receive incoming calls free of charge. However, we advise you to check rates on your phone plan, as purchasing calling cards might be a less expensive option. There are also numerous calling centers around town if volunteers need to make long distance calls. When calling to the Dominican Republic, please note that calls frequently fail to go through due to a shortage in available lines and spotty phone service. Do not panic if you cannot get through – this is probably due to a technical difficulty. There is no country code in the DR, so to call someone, all you have to do is dial 1 like in the US and then the number (i.e. 1-809-571-0497 to call our DR Office number, 1-809-571-9724 for the DREAM Center).
Internet Access:
There is a DREAM Center and a DREAM office. The following information applies to the DREAM Center and NOT the DREAM office. E-mail is one of the most efficient ways to communicate with family and friends, as internet access in Cabarete is both reliable and widely available. Volunteers placed in Cabarete will be able to utilize wireless internet at the DREAM Center during non-working hours, and can also find wireless access at numerous restaurants and cafes in town free of charge. For this reason, DREAM recommends that students bring down personal laptop computers when possible. Please note, however, that as in any location there is always the risk of theft or damage to valuable items. For those who choose not to bring a computer from home, the DREAM Center also offers a fully equipped computer lab for volunteer use.
Postal Access:
Mail can be sent to your son or daughter in the Dominican Republic at the following address:
Volunteer’s Name
C/O The DREAM Project
Dominican Address:
Plaza Novus Mare, Local 11
Segundo Piso, Carretera Cabarete
Entrada de La Callejon de la Loma
Cabarete, Puerto Plata
República Dominicana
However, please note that the mailing system is not reliable and we advise against mailing packages or anything of value. Mail can sometimes take 4-6 weeks to be received and it is not uncommon for letters and packages to be lost in transit. If important mail must be sent, we suggest you use a private carrier such as FedEx, which is both speedy and reliable.