How can I stay connected in Cuba with my phone and internet?

In Cuba, prefer using landlines or prepaid card booths. Your mobile works but is expensive. Internet is available in major cities via prepaid cards, with slow speed and some censored sites.

Recommended telephone solutions

Cuba's telephone country code is +53. To make calls within the country, prioritize:

  • Fixed-line phones: at your Cuban host's home or at the hotel
  • Public telephone booths with local prepaid cards
  • Your mobile phone: works but remains costly (international roaming)

Purchasing a local Cuban SIM card is possible but very expensive.

Internet access

Internet connection is primarily available at:

  • Telephone stations in major cities
  • Large hotels and some accommodations

Access requires purchasing special prepaid cards. Download speeds remain quite slow and several websites are censored by Cuban authorities.

Key points to remember

Plan for a higher communication budget than elsewhere and anticipate limited connections, especially outside of major urban centers.