With Fonoma, you can send two main types of recharges to Cuba: Cubacel mobile recharges and Nauta (WiFi) account recharges. Both help you stay connected with family and friends on the island, but they work in different ways.
Helpful tip: Mobile recharges are used for calls, data, and messages, while Nauta recharges only add balance for Internet access via WiFi zones or Nauta Hogar.
Cubacel mobile recharges
Cubacel mobile recharges add main balance and, during promotions, bonus data, minutes, or SMS. They’re ideal for people who rely on their phone to communicate and browse the internet.
Key features:
Sent to a mobile phone number (8 digits, starting with 5 or 6).
Can be used for national and international calls, SMS, and mobile data.
During Cubacel promotions, users may receive multiplied balance or bonus data, SMS, or minutes.
The main balance is valid for up to 330 days, while bonuses usually last 30–35 days, depending on the offer.
They are the most popular type of recharge and are usually credited instantly.
Nauta (WiFi) account recharges
Nauta recharges add balance to a Nauta email account, such as [email protected] or [email protected]. This balance is used exclusively for Internet access via WiFi zones or Nauta Hogar.
Key features:
Sent to a Nauta email address, not to a phone number.
Used to browse the internet from ETECSA WiFi zones or at home with Nauta Hogar.
No Cubacel bonuses or promotions apply.
Internet usage is deducted by time, based on the official rate of 12.50 CUP per hour for international navigation.
The balance remains valid for 330 days from the last connection.
Quick comparison
Feature | Cubacel mobile recharge | Nauta (WiFi) recharge |
Recipient | Mobile phone number (8 digits) | Nauta email (@nauta.com.cu / @nauta.co.cu) |
Main use | Calls, SMS, and mobile data | Internet via WiFi or Nauta Hogar |
Promotions | Yes: bonuses and multiplied balance | Not applicable |
Validity | Up to 330 days (main balance) | 330 days from last connection |
Delivery | Instant | Instant |
Bonuses | Data, minutes, SMS | Not included |
Fonoma notifies you whenever a new Cubacel promotion is available, so you can take advantage of bonuses and send more value for the same price.
Both Cubacel and Nauta recharges help keep Cuba connected to the world.
Choose Cubacel if the person needs calls, mobile data, or SMS.
Choose Nauta if they mainly need WiFi or Nauta Hogar Internet access.
Fonoma makes both options fast, secure, and easy, always with added benefits.
What if something goes wrong?
Wrong number or email entered: Recharges cannot be canceled or redirected once they’re credited in Cuba. Always double-check before confirming.
Nauta recharge not credited: Make sure the email account is active and has available space. If the balance doesn’t appear after one hour, contact support or use the website chat.
Cubacel bonuses not showing: Bonuses may appear a few minutes after the main balance. Wait briefly or check your Fonoma history.
Payment error: Verify your connection and payment method. If the charge went through but the recharge isn’t visible, contact support.
Balance not reflected: Ask the recipient in Cuba to restart the phone and dial *222# to check main balance and *222*266# to check bonuses and data plans.
FAQs about Cubacel and Nauta recharges
Can I send both types of recharges with Fonoma?
Yes. You can choose between a Cubacel mobile recharge or a Nauta account recharge, depending on what the recipient needs.
Which one arrives faster?
Both are usually credited instantly, although Cubacel recharges may take a few extra minutes during major promotions.
Do Nauta recharges include bonuses?
No. Only Cubacel recharges include bonuses or multiplied balance.
What happens if I enter the wrong Nauta email or phone number?
The recharge cannot be canceled or recovered. Always verify the details before confirming.