Is there WiFi in Cuba?

Yes, but it's slower, patchier and often more expensive than at home. Most hotels and many casas particulares have WiFi; ETECSA also runs public WiFi hotspots. Expect variable speeds and occasional outages — plan to be semi-offline, and download maps, tickets and documents before you go.

Can I get a SIM card or eSIM in Cuba?

Yes. You can buy a tourist SIM and prepaid data from ETECSA (the state telecom) at the airport or its offices with your passport, branded Nauta. Simpler for most travellers is a travel eSIM that supports Cuba's network, activated before you fly so you land already connected.

Does my US phone work in Cuba?

Your handset will physically work, but most U.S. mobile carriers do not offer usable roaming in Cuba because of sanctions, and where they do it can be very expensive. Check with your carrier before you travel; the reliable route is a Cuban ETECSA plan or a travel eSIM that covers Cuba.

Is the internet censored or restricted in Cuba?

Connectivity is controlled by the state monopoly and some services can be slow, throttled or intermittently unavailable, and access has been restricted during periods of unrest. Messaging apps like WhatsApp are widely used. Assume connections are neither fast nor guaranteed, and don't rely on being reachable at all times.

How fast and reliable is internet in Cuba?

Generally slow and inconsistent by international standards, with outages. Video calls and large downloads can struggle. Do bandwidth-heavy things (offline maps, downloads, check-ins) on good WiFi before you travel or when you have a strong signal.

How can I stay reachable in Cuba?

Buy an eSIM or ETECSA data plan for mobile data, tell people at home to expect slower and intermittent contact, use WhatsApp, and download offline maps and your itinerary in advance. Treat constant connectivity as a bonus, not a given.

Practical Cuba · Connectivity

Internet in Cuba

You can get online in Cuba — but expect it slower, patchier and pricier than home. The easiest route for most visitors is a travel eSIM or an ETECSA data plan. Here’s how connectivity works and how to plan around it.

Money in Cuba →U.S. travellers →Offline-friendly map →

Plans, prices and coverage change. ETECSA tariffs and roaming arrangements shift, and access can be disrupted during unrest. This page explains the durable structure and doesn’t quote prices — confirm current details before you travel. Last reviewed 2026-08-01. See Cuba Now for changes as they break.

Three ways to get online

1
An eSIM bought before you fly (easiest)
A travel eSIM that supports Cuba's network lets you land with mobile data already working — no queueing at an ETECSA office. Install and activate it before departure, then switch it on when you arrive. This is the smoothest option for most visitors.
2
A Cuban tourist SIM / data plan from ETECSA
ETECSA, the state telecom, sells tourist SIM cards and prepaid mobile-data plans at the airport and its offices (branded Nauta). Bring your passport. Lines can be long and stock varies, so many travellers prefer an eSIM.
3
WiFi in hotels and casas particulares
Most hotels and a growing number of casas particulares offer WiFi, though it's often slow and sometimes paid. Older public WiFi parks using ETECSA Nauta scratch cards still exist but matter less now that mobile data is widespread.

Will my U.S. phone work?

Your phone works as hardware, but most U.S. carriers don’t offer usable roaming in Cuba (sanctions), and where they do it’s costly. Check with your carrier, and plan on a Cuban ETECSA plan or a travel eSIM that covers Cuba instead. Make sure your handset is unlocked if you’ll use a local SIM.

Plan around patchy connectivity

Download offline maps, tickets, and your itinerary before you travel.
Tell people at home to expect slower, intermittent contact — WhatsApp is widely used.
Do bandwidth-heavy things on strong WiFi; treat constant connectivity as a bonus, not a given.
Bring your passport if buying an ETECSA SIM in person.

Browse and pre-plan on the CubaAtlas map and free trip planner before you go, so you’re not depending on a signal on the ground.

Official & reference sources

ETECSA — Cuba’s state telecommunications company (Nauta)
U.S. Department of State — Cuba information

Frequently asked questions

Is there WiFi in Cuba?: Yes, but it's slower, patchier and often more expensive than at home. Most hotels and many casas particulares have WiFi; ETECSA also runs public WiFi hotspots. Expect variable speeds and occasional outages — plan to be semi-offline, and download maps, tickets and documents before you go.
Can I get a SIM card or eSIM in Cuba?: Yes. You can buy a tourist SIM and prepaid data from ETECSA (the state telecom) at the airport or its offices with your passport, branded Nauta. Simpler for most travellers is a travel eSIM that supports Cuba's network, activated before you fly so you land already connected.
Does my US phone work in Cuba?: Your handset will physically work, but most U.S. mobile carriers do not offer usable roaming in Cuba because of sanctions, and where they do it can be very expensive. Check with your carrier before you travel; the reliable route is a Cuban ETECSA plan or a travel eSIM that covers Cuba.
Is the internet censored or restricted in Cuba?: Connectivity is controlled by the state monopoly and some services can be slow, throttled or intermittently unavailable, and access has been restricted during periods of unrest. Messaging apps like WhatsApp are widely used. Assume connections are neither fast nor guaranteed, and don't rely on being reachable at all times.
How fast and reliable is internet in Cuba?: Generally slow and inconsistent by international standards, with outages. Video calls and large downloads can struggle. Do bandwidth-heavy things (offline maps, downloads, check-ins) on good WiFi before you travel or when you have a strong signal.
How can I stay reachable in Cuba?: Buy an eSIM or ETECSA data plan for mobile data, tell people at home to expect slower and intermittent contact, use WhatsApp, and download offline maps and your itinerary in advance. Treat constant connectivity as a bonus, not a given.

CubaAtlas is an independent, non-commercial information project. This page explains connectivity for visitors in general terms and cites official sources; it quotes no prices and is not a guarantee of service. Confirm current plans and coverage before you travel.