Ok, the two main cell carriers in DR: Verizon & Orange. I won't confuse you with all the tech info, so basically it comes down to this: In NYC two of the most popular cell carriers: Verizon & T-Mobile. Obviously VerizonUS phones work on the VerizonDR service (they reprogram them there anyways). T-Mobile phones definitely work with Orange (they both use a sim chip, and the phone is also reprogrammed). I think some AT&T phones work with Orange too, but I have sent tons of both Verizon & T-Mobile phones to the DR & never had a problem. When your cousin goes to get it connected over there they will be "unlocked", or reprogrammed, by the place where it is activated. Most people in DR use cell phones by re-charging minutes (pre-paid). You see the vendors for the pre-paid cards @ all major intersections. I assume your cousin is going with the pre-paid system bc if she was getting on a plan, you prob wouldn't be sending her a phone (she'd get a substantial discount on a new cell for signing up for the contract, as we do in the states). Hope this helps...