How to save balance with ETECSA services
ETECSA offers several additional services designed to help users optimize their spending on calls, text messages, and mobile data according to their needs. All of these services are self-managed, meaning there’s no need to visit a commercial office, you can activate and manage them directly from your phone.
Cubacel Balance Transfer
In Cuba, prepaid Cubacel users can transfer balance to each other. This service is especially useful for sending balance to family or friends within the country and can be done from any mobile phone.
Ways to transfer balance
Short code (fastest option)
Dial:
*234*1*RecipientNumber*PIN*Amount# and press call.
Long menu option
Dial *234# and press call.
Select option 1. Transfer balance.
Follow the on-screen instructions.
Personal security PIN
The personal PIN prevents unauthorized balance transfers from your phone. By default, the PIN is 1234, but changing it is strongly recommended.
You can change your PIN from the same *234# menu by selecting Change PIN.
Costs and limits
Transfer fee: 5 CUP per transaction.
Daily limit: Up to 3 transfers per day, not exceeding 500,000 CUP in total.
The recipient can receive multiple transfers per day, as long as they do not come from the same sender.
Transfers are deducted only from the sender’s main balance. Promotional bonuses cannot be used for balance transfers.
Voice and SMS plans
Voice and SMS plans are bundles that help reduce the cost of national calls and text messages. They are purchased using the main balance and are valid for 35 days.
Voice plans
Minutes | Price |
5 min | 37.50 CUP |
10 min | 72.50 CUP |
15 min | 105.00 CUP |
25 min | 162.50 CUP |
40 min | 250.00 CUP |
SMS plans
SMS included | Price |
20 SMS | 15 CUP |
50 SMS | 30 CUP |
90 SMS | 50 CUP |
120 SMS | 60 CUP |
All plans are valid for 35 days and can be renewed before they expire.
Plan Amigos
Plan Amigos allows you to add up to 3 frequent contacts and call them at reduced rates. It’s ideal if you regularly communicate with the same people.
Plan Amigos details
Up to 3 contacts can be added at no extra cost.
Special call rates apply:
Time | Rate per minute |
7:00 a.m. – 10:59 p.m. | 5 CUP |
11:00 p.m. – 6:59 a.m. | 2.50 CUP |
Activation and renewal
Activation fee: 25 CUP, deducted from the main balance.
The plan renews automatically with each Cubacel recharge, as long as it remains active.
Plan Amigos can be managed directly from your phone by dialing *133# and following the menu instructions.
National apps plan
ETECSA also offers a specific plan for Cuban apps ToDus (messaging) and Nauta email.
Included | Price | Validity |
600 MB | 25 CUP | 35 days |
This plan is purchased with the main balance and only allows usage within these national apps.
Balance usage priority
ETECSA applies a priority order when deducting resources. This means the system automatically decides which balance to use first.
For calls:
Promotional bonus
Voice plan
Plan Amigos
Main balance
For SMS:
Promotional bonus
SMS plan
Main balance
ETECSA’s additional services—such as balance transfers, voice and SMS plans, and Plan Amigos—offer multiple ways to save money and customize mobile usage in Cuba.
All of them can be easily managed from your phone and combined with international recharges from Fonoma, helping you stay connected with family and friends on the island.
FAQs about additional ETECSA services
Can I transfer balance from a promotional bonus?
No. Balance transfers can only be made from the main balance.
How many transfers can I make per day?
Up to three per day, without exceeding 500,000 CUP in total.
How long do voice, SMS, or data plans last?
All plans are valid for 35 days from activation.
Can I change my numbers in Plan Amigos?
Yes. You can modify them from the Cubacel menu by dialing *133#.
What happens if I buy a new plan before the current one expires?
Resources accumulate automatically, and the validity is extended.