Bringing your cell phone to Cuba? Great. Now, how do you actually use it?
Many travelers worry about staying connected in Cuba, but here’s the good news: it’s easier than you think. Almost all modern cell phones work in Cuba. The key is understanding how to set yours up based on where you’re from.
Cuba has one state-owned cellular provider called ETECSA. Whether you’re American, Canadian or European, you’ll connect to the same network. Even if you buy an international e-sim.
Coverage is solid in major cities like Havana, though rural areas can be spotty.
Cuba Internet Guide
Will YOUR Cell Phone Work in Cuba
Android or iPhone, most phones manufactured in the last decade will work in Cuba. From a technical standpoint it needs to support GSM 900 and GSM 1800 frequencies. Any newer mainstream phone does this.
The real question isn’t whether your phone works, but where you’re from.
Americans face different restrictions than other travelers due to the US embargo. Don’t worry it is still possible for Americans to use their phones in Cuba, but the process is different.
For Americans: eSIMs and Cuban Tourist SIMs
US cell carriers cannot provide direct service in Cuba due to embargo restrictions. This means traditional roaming won’t work for Americans.
Your best option is getting a Cuban tourist SIM or eSIM through SuenaCuba, the official site for ETECSA’s Cubacel Tur service.
CubacelTur offers two plans:
Básico (Physical SIM or eSIM): $13.99 for 7 days
- 4GB of data
- 20 minutes of calls
- 20 SMS
- Valid for 7 days
Plus (Physical SIM or eSIM): $34.99 for 30 days
- 10GB of data
- 100 minutes of calls
- 100 SMS
- Unlimited WhatsApp and Facebook
- Valid for 30 days
Both options give you a Cuban phone number, which means you can make local calls, use La Nave (Cuba’s version of Uber) and communicate easily with locals.
How to Get Money in Cuba
How to get your SIM:
Order online at SuenaCuba before your trip. You give them your flight details and your SIM will be waiting at the ETECSA counter next to baggage claim when you land.
The service is available 24/7 at major airports including José Martí in Havana, Varadero, Holguín, Camagüey, Cayo Coco and Santiago de Cuba. You’ll have service before you leave the airport.
If you have an iPhone 14, 15 or 16 sold in the United States, you don’t have a physical SIM tray. Choose the eSIM option instead. Install it before you leave home.
You can buy a SIM at the airport when you arrive, but it’s not guaranteed to be in stock. You’ll also need to pay in US dollars, and they don’t accept US credit cards due to the embargo. Ordering in advance is easier and more reliable.
Topping up:
You can add more data and minutes on the SuenaCuba website anytime. Each recharge extends your service:
- Básico: extends by 7 days per recharge
- Plus: extends by 30 days per recharge
Maximum total validity is 90 days for either plan.
Other eSIM options:
If you prefer a different provider, GigSky also works in Cuba with plans starting at $19.99 for 1GB. However, most third-party eSIMs are data only and don’t give you a Cuban phone number. And you’re accessing the same network as there’s only one.
You Must Download WhatsApp at Home:
Almost everyone in Cuba uses WhatsApp. Locals, restaurants, tour operators and casa particular hosts all communicate through WhatsApp. It’s often included free in Cuban phone plans, which is why it became the default communication method.
For Canadians and Europeans: Roaming Works
If you’re Canadian or European, your cell phone carrier likely has roaming agreements with Cuba. Check with your provider before you travel to understand the rates and set up an international package.
Many Canadian carriers like Freedom Mobile offer international roaming plans that include Cuba. European carriers also typically offer reasonable roaming rates.
Data roaming rates vary by provider, but expect to pay more than you would at home. As a Canadian I have used roaming quite a bit in past trips to Cuba. I lived in Havana for 2 years and roaming can be pricey.
Cuban Food
But you may for convenience. If you choose to roam, your phone will work exactly as it does at home. You can make calls, send texts and use data.
On my last visit in 2025 I bought the tourist SIM card from SuenaCuba and it was so easy. When I arrived at the airport there was a booth at the baggage claim. I just showed them my passport and they gave me the SIM to put in my card.
Since then I switched to Freedom Mobile, which offers 50GB of roaming free on my plan. So while I likely won’t use a Cuban SIM card again I would still recommend it.
How to Make Calls in Cuba
International esim options do not offer a Cuban phone number, although SuenaCuba does and it can be handy.
Most of your communication will happen through WhatsApp. But for the times you need to make an actual phone call, here’s how.
To call home from Cuba:
Your Cuban phone number does not have sufficient funds to call internationally. Use WhatsApp or another internet-based service, just call normally through the app.
To call between Cuban numbers:
Just dial the number as written. No country code needed.
Essential Apps for Cuba
Download these apps before you leave:
WhatsApp is non-negotiable. This is how you’ll communicate with almost everyone in Cuba. Set it up and make sure your family back home has it too.
Google Maps works in Cuba. Download offline maps of the areas you plan to visit before you arrive. This lets you navigate without using data. Many people also download Maps.me but I’ve never had an issue with Google Maps offline.
Google Translate helps when your Spanish falters. Download the Spanish language pack for offline use.
El Toque shows the current street exchange rate for Cuban pesos. The official rate and street rate differ significantly.
VPN like NordVPN lets you access sites that may be blocked in Cuba and protects your data. Install and configure it before you travel. I find free VPNs can be slow and have also used several paid versions but find NordVPN is the fastest.