Internet access in Cuba for travelers: your main options
If you’re traveling to Cuba and need Internet access on your phone, there are three main alternatives:
International roaming
Cubacel Tur (temporary SIM for tourists)
Cubacel mobile line (permanent or temporary)
Each option differs in cost, convenience, and availability. Below, we explain how each one works and which is best depending on your type of trip.
1. International roaming
International roaming lets you use your regular phone number in Cuba, as long as your carrier has agreements with ETECSA, the local telecom provider.
Advantages
You keep your usual phone number
No need to change your SIM card
Works as soon as you land in Cuba (if your carrier supports roaming)
Disadvantages
Usually the most expensive option
Not all carriers offer roaming in Cuba
Mobile data rates can be very high
Before traveling, check with your carrier to see if they offer special roaming packages for Cuba.
2. Cubacel Tur (temporary tourist SIM)
Cubacel Tur is the most practical option for travelers who want mobile Internet without paying roaming fees. It’s a temporary SIM card for tourists, valid for 7 or 30 days, and includes mobile data, minutes, and SMS.
Where to buy
Only online, through the official website: www.cubaceltur.com
Paid online using international cards (availability may vary by distributor)
Where to pick it up
Cuban international airports (José Martí – Havana, Camagüey, Holguín, Varadero, Cayo Coco, Santiago de Cuba – 24/7 service)
Selected ETECSA commercial offices
Available packages
Package | Validity | Data | Minutes | SMS | Extra benefits |
Cubacel Tur Basic | 7 days | 4 GB | 20 min | 20 SMS | — |
Cubacel Tur Plus | 30 days | 10 GB | 100 min | 100 SMS | Unlimited WhatsApp & Facebook for 30 days |
Estimated price for Cubacel Tur Plus: around USD 34.99 (may vary by distributor).
Requirements
Valid passport
Unlocked phone compatible with:
3G band 900 MHz
4G/LTE band 1800 MHz
Physical SIM only (Cubacel Tur is not eSIM)
Recharges and validity extension
You can purchase additional packages:
Data: 10 GB, 20 GB, or 50 GB
Voice: 20 or 30 minutes
Each recharge extends the SIM validity:
7-day packages → +7 days
30-day packages → +30 days
Maximum total validity: up to 90 days from activation
Advantages
Cheaper than roaming
No Cuban residency required
Packages designed for tourists
Works immediately upon SIM insertion
Disadvantages
Online purchase only
SIM is not permanent
Connection quality depends on local coverage
3. Cubacel mobile line (permanent or temporary)
You can also use a regular Cubacel mobile line, which may be:
Permanent: requires identification
Temporary: usually sold at airports or ETECSA offices
Requirements
Passport (any nationality) or Cuban ID
Phone compatible with Cuban networks:
3G band 900 MHz
4G/LTE band 1800 MHz
APN “nauta” correctly configured
How to activate mobile data
(You can check our detailed article on this topic)
Insert the Cubacel SIM
Configure APN: nauta
Dial *133# to purchase data, voice, or SMS plans
Advantages
Access to lower-cost plans in CUP
Accepts international recharges (for example, via Fonoma)
Ideal for long stays or frequent travel to Cuba
Disadvantages
Requires managing a local SIM
SIM availability is not always guaranteed
If you don’t want a permanent line, Cubacel also sells temporary SIMs at airports. However, Cubacel Tur is usually more convenient and cost-effective if you are having a short stay.
Which option is best for you?
Option | Best for | Advantages | Disadvantages |
International roaming | Short trips, simplicity | Keep your number | Very expensive |
Cubacel Tur | Tourists | Cheaper than roaming, active on arrival | Limited validity, fixed packages |
Cubacel line | Long stays or frequent trips | Cheap CUP plans, accepts international recharges | Requires local SIM and setup |
To connect to the Internet during your trip to Cuba, you can choose between roaming, Cubacel Tur, or a Cubacel mobile line.
If you want a fast, easy, and affordable option → Cubacel Tur
If you need flexibility or a longer stay → Cubacel line with CUP plans
If you need to recharge a Cubacel line to use mobile data, you can do it in seconds from anywhere with Fonoma.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use an eSIM in Cuba?
No. Both Cubacel Tur and Cubacel require a physical SIM card.
Is 4G available everywhere in Cuba?
4G coverage exists in all provincial and municipal capitals, but performance may vary due to congestion or location.
Can I buy Cubacel Tur once I’m already in Cuba?
No. Cubacel Tur must be purchased online before traveling.
Do U.S. phones work in Cuba?
Yes, as long as they support 900 MHz (3G) and 1800 MHz (4G) bands.
Can I use international promotional recharges with Cubacel Tur?
No. Promotional bonuses for regular Cubacel users do not apply to Cubacel Tur SIM cards.