Key takeaways
Cuba has one mobile network, Cubacel, run by the state company ETECSA. 4G covers Havana, Varadero and the main cities, with 3G or 2G elsewhere and long gaps in the countryside. Roamix covers Cuba with Roamix Omni, a pay as you go eSIM on Cubacel. Data in Cuba is expensive for every provider, so use it for maps and messages rather than streaming. Power cuts are common and can take mobile sites down with them. Budget 1 to 2 GB for a week and download offline maps before you fly.
- Cubacel is the only mobile network in Cuba, and Roamix Omni connects to it.
- Data in Cuba costs much more than in most countries, so keep usage to maps, messaging and email.
- Frequent power cuts can affect mobile signal, especially outside Havana.
- Many US apps and payment services do not work for Cuban users, and US issued cards do not work in Cuba.
- Download offline maps and translation packs before you arrive.
Best way to get data in Cuba
Roamix Omni is the simplest way to have data in Cuba from the moment you land. Keep usage light, since Cuban data is costly for everyone.
| Option | Best for | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Roamix Omni eSIMRecommended | Best for: Most travelers | Cubacel coverage from landing, no ETECSA queues. |
| Local Cubacel SIM | Best for: Long stays | Bought at ETECSA offices with a passport, often with long queues. |
| ETECSA Wi-Fi cards | Best for: Occasional use | Cheap but only in hotspots, and slow. |
| Home carrier roaming | Best for: Emergencies | Often unavailable or very expensive in Cuba. |
Public Wi-Fi in Cuba means ETECSA hotspots in parks and hotels, paid with scratch cards and often slow. Many casas now have Wi-Fi, but power cuts take it down too.
Apps and internet access in Cuba
Most apps work in Cuba, but some US companies block users in Cuba because of US sanctions, and local networks have restricted sites at times.
No VPN needed on Roamix
Roamix routes traffic internationally rather than through Cuba's local internet gateway, so apps like WhatsApp, Google and Instagram work normally without a VPN while the network is up.
Some news sites have been blocked locally, and access has been cut during protests. Separately, some US services geo block Cuba. Because Roamix routes traffic internationally, many of these work normally, but a local outage still affects everyone.
WhatsApp, works
The main way Cubans and casas particulares communicate.
Google Maps, works
Works on Roamix, but download offline maps for gaps in coverage.
Instagram and Facebook, works
Work normally on Roamix.
Banking and payment apps, blocked
Many US payment apps and cards do not work in Cuba.
How much data you need
Data in Cuba is expensive for every provider, so a little planning goes a long way.
0.5 to 1 GB
Long weekend in Havana
Messaging, maps and a few photos.
1 to 2 GB
One week across the island
Bookings, taxis and keeping in touch.
2 to 4 GB
Two weeks or more
More calls home and photo sharing.
Data per hour, by activity
- WhatsApp messages for a day
- 10 to 20 MB
- Google Maps with offline maps downloaded
- 2 to 5 MB
- Sending 10 photos
- 20 to 40 MB
- A 10 minute video call
- 50 to 150 MB
Turn on Low Data Mode, stop photo backups and update apps before you fly.
How to set up a Cuba eSIM
Install Roamix Omni over Wi-Fi at home. Wi-Fi in Cuba is too limited to rely on for setup.
- 1
Load $10 or more on the Roamix Omni page. Your balance never expires.
- 2
Scan the QR code to install Omni over Wi-Fi before you fly.
- 3
Keep your home SIM for calls and texts, and turn off data roaming on it.
- 4
Set Omni as your mobile data line and turn on data roaming for Omni only.
- 5
Land in Cuba and Omni connects to its partner network automatically.
Works on eSIM capable phones including iPhone XS and newer, Google Pixel 3 and newer, and recent Samsung Galaxy models. The phone must be carrier unlocked.
Omni sets its APN automatically. If data does not start, toggle airplane mode on and off.
If data does not connect, check data roaming is on for the Omni line and select Cubacel manually. If the area has a power cut, wait and try again later.
Visa and entry for Cuba
Most visitors need a Cuban tourist visa, now issued mainly as an e-visa, plus the online D'Viajeros traveler form and travel medical insurance.
- eVisa or ETA
- Apply for the e-visa before travel. Some airlines still sell tourist cards. Complete D'Viajeros online before you arrive.
- Passport validity
- Your passport should be valid for your whole stay, and many airlines ask for 6 months.
- Onward ticket
- A return or onward ticket is generally required.
Save your e-visa, D'Viajeros QR code and insurance certificate offline before you fly.
Cuban entry rules have changed several times recently. US citizens may only travel under specific authorized categories, not for tourism. Check the official D'Viajeros portal and your government's advice before booking.
When you land in Cuba
0 of 5 done
How people message here
WhatsApp is used for nearly everything, from booking rooms to arranging taxis.
Do you need a local number?
Not for most travelers. Omni is data only and WhatsApp calls cover most needs.
Save your casa's WhatsApp number before you fly, so you can reach them the moment you land.
Airports in Cuba
HAV
Jose Marti International Airport
Havana
Paid ETECSA Wi-Fi in some areas, often slow.
Omni connects on landing, so you can message your casa before you reach immigration.
VRA
Juan Gualberto Gomez Airport
Varadero
Limited paid Wi-Fi.
Confirm your resort transfer on WhatsApp as soon as you land.
HOG
Frank Pais Airport
Holguin
Limited paid Wi-Fi.
Coverage on the road to the resorts can drop, so load your route first.
Getting around Cuba
Travel in Cuba is slow but rewarding. Plan routes in advance and expect delays.
Viazul buses
Signal comes and goes between towns.
Shared taxis (colectivos)
Book and agree prices on WhatsApp the day before.
Classic car taxis
Good coverage in Havana for messaging drivers.
Rental car
Use offline maps, since rural signal is unreliable.
Agree taxi fares before you get in.
Money and payments in Cuba
The Cuban peso (CUP) is the currency, but euros and US dollars in cash are widely accepted and often preferred.
- Cards and cash
- Cash is king. Cards issued by US banks do not work, and other foreign cards are accepted only in some hotels.
- ATMs
- ATMs are few and often empty. Do not rely on them.
- Payment apps
- International payment apps generally do not work in Cuba.
- Tipping
- Tipping is appreciated for guides, drivers, musicians and restaurant staff.
Daily budget
Plan for about 50 to 100 US dollars a day in cash, depending on where you stay.
Local tips for Cuba
- Language
- Spanish is spoken everywhere. Download an offline Spanish pack before you go.
- Food
- Private paladares serve the best food. Try ropa vieja, moros y cristianos and fresh seafood.
- Plugs
- 110V and 220V, Type A, B, C and L plugs
Apps worth having
WhatsApp
Messaging
How you'll reach casas, guides and drivers.
Maps.me or Google Maps offline
Navigation
Works without signal.
Google Translate offline
Language
Spanish without data.
Safety and health in Cuba
Cuba is generally safe for travelers, with petty theft the main risk in tourist areas.
- Stay reachable
- Share your plans with someone at home, since you may be out of signal for hours.
- Health
- Travel medical insurance valid in Cuba is mandatory. Bring any medicine you need, as shortages are common.
- Tap water
- Drink bottled water.
Networks and coverage in Cuba
ETECSA runs Cuba's only mobile network under the Cubacel brand. Mobile internet arrived in 2018 and 4G now covers Havana, Varadero, Santa Clara, Trinidad, Cienfuegos and other cities. Roamix Omni connects to Cubacel, so you get the same coverage as a local SIM without queuing at an ETECSA office.
Cubacel (ETECSA)
The only network. 4G in cities and main resorts, 3G and 2G elsewhere. Omni's network in Cuba.
- Typical speeds
- Expect 5 to 30 Mbps on 4G in cities when the network is not congested. 3G and 2G areas are slow enough that only messaging works well.
- 5G
- 5G is not available in Cuba.
Signal is often strongest in the evening once demand drops. Send photos then, and keep daytime use to messages.
Coverage is patchy in rural areas, the mountains and parts of the cays. Long power cuts can switch off mobile sites, sometimes for hours. Cubacel uses common GSM, 3G and LTE bands that modern unlocked phones support.
Where to go in Cuba
Classic cars, colonial towns, beaches and music on every corner. Cuba rewards travelers who plan a little and stay flexible.
Best time to visit
November to April is dry and warm. June to November is hurricane season.
Havana
The capital, with Old Havana, the Malecon and a famous music scene.
- Old Havana
- Malecon
- Vedado
- Fusterlandia
The best 4G coverage in the country.
Vinales
Tobacco farms and limestone hills in the west.
- Vinales Valley
- Cueva del Indio
- tobacco farms
3G and some 4G in town, little in the valley.
Trinidad and Cienfuegos
Colonial towns on the south coast near the beaches and waterfalls of Topes de Collantes.
- Plaza Mayor
- Playa Ancon
- Topes de Collantes
4G in town centers, weaker in the hills.
Varadero and the cays
Resort beaches on the north coast.
- Varadero beach
- Cayo Santa Maria
- Cayo Coco
4G in Varadero, patchy on the outer cays.
Working remotely from Cuba
Poor. Connectivity and power are too unreliable for regular work.
- Connection
- Mobile data works for email and messages, but not reliably for video calls.
Plan your trip as time off, and check messages in the evening when the network is quieter.
