In a nutshell
- The idea that there’s no internet in Cuba is, thankfully, a myth. You can buy a SIM card for your trip, or connect via hotspots and Wi-Fi at hotels, restaurants, and public spaces.
- That said, internet speeds are often very slow — especially in the evenings. On top of that, some websites and apps are blocked and only work with a VPN.
- In this article, we’ll show you exactly how to get internet access in Cuba, which options are available, and what to set up before you fly.
When Did Cuba Get Internet?
Internet in Cuba isn’t as easy to come by as you’re used to at home. But don’t worry — you’ll still have internet access during your road trip in Cuba. That wasn’t always the case, though.
It wasn’t until 2013 that public internet access became available to Cuba’s population. Before that, internet was only available via satellite. That changed in 2013, when — among other things — the first Wi-Fi hotspots were set up in public spaces.
The Cuban population didn’t gain access to mobile internet until 2018. Hard to believe, right? The internet is completely controlled by the state, and there’s only one provider: ETECSA.
How Do You Get Internet in Cuba?
You have two options for getting internet access in Cuba:
- You buy or rent a SIM card.
- You use Wi-Fi at accommodations, restaurants, or in public spaces.
We’ll walk you through both options in detail and share our personal recommendation.
SIM Cards in Cuba
We strongly recommend getting a SIM card — it’s by far the easiest and most reliable way to stay connected. For tourists, there’s only one SIM card to choose from: the CubacelTur.
The CubacelTur SIM Card
The CubacelTur SIM card is an all-inclusive, hassle-free package designed exclusively for tourists. You’ll need your passport to purchase it, and it works similarly to SIM cards in other countries.
The easiest way to get one is to order it online through the Cubacalls website, where everything is explained in detail.
You’ll start by purchasing the starter package, which includes the SIM card and starting credit. At around 49 euros, it’s unfortunately not cheap.
Within 14 days, you can pick up the SIM card at any ETECSA store in Cuba — including at airports, so you can grab it right after arriving in Cuba.
Once you have it, insert the SIM into your phone and unlock it using the key combination *666. Usually that’s all it takes — you’ll connect to mobile data right away.
If that doesn’t work, you may need to update your APN settings. Use the network name: nauta
and the same for the APN: nauta. The exact steps vary a little depending on your phone.
Good to know: The CubacelTur is only valid for up to 30 days. After that, it’s automatically deactivated.
Alternative SIM Cards
Cuban locals use different SIM cards and pay less than tourists. Getting one of those as a visitor is more complicated, though — it often takes several days.
You’d need to head to an ETECSA store and ask about local SIM options. Since we didn’t go this route ourselves, we can’t give you more specific advice on it.
Another option is to borrow a SIM card. We got lucky — our host had a spare SIM they lent us for the trip and loaded with credit, and we paid them back in cash.
You can also rent SIM cards at ETECSA stores for around $3 per day, with credit loaded upfront.
Wi-Fi in Cuba
Wi-Fi in Cuba is mainly found in hotels, some Casas Particulares, restaurants, and public spaces.
Wi-Fi in Hotels and Accommodations
If you’re staying in a hotel, Wi-Fi is almost always available. Sometimes it’s included in the room rate — other times you’ll need to pay extra.
You’ll usually receive a slip of paper with your login credentials. Often, the Wi-Fi only works in the lobby and not in the rooms.
Some Casas Particulares also offer Wi-Fi, but access is often limited — your hosts will switch the internet on for you and then off again, rather than leaving it on all day.
As for cost, it’s sometimes included, sometimes not. On Airbnb, this is usually noted in the listing description. You can also message your hosts in advance to ask.
Wi-Fi in Public Spaces
In some parks and public areas, the state has set up free hotspots. They’re free to use, but you’ll need an internet card to log in.
You can buy internet cards at any ETECSA store in Cuba.
Note: If you’ve already got a SIM card, you won’t need the public hotspots.
You can spot the public Wi-Fi zones easily — just look for clusters of people sitting around staring at their phones.
Wi-Fi in Restaurants
Many tourist restaurants offer Wi-Fi and love to advertise it to draw in visitors. They’re a solid alternative to the public hotspots since you can sit down comfortably and browse at the same time.
Note: Always check the menu prices before you sit down — these kinds of places often charge quite a bit.
For more on paying in Cuba, check out our tips on currency and payments in Cuba.
How Good Is the Internet in Cuba?
Honestly? The internet in Cuba is slow. Whether you’re on Wi-Fi or mobile data, speeds are often frustratingly low. Skip the video calls and download any shows or movies before you leave home.
Speeds also vary a lot depending on the time of day. Between 6 and 11 PM, the connection is at its worst — WhatsApp is about the only thing that works reliably during those hours. In Havana and Trinidad, it was especially bad for us.
During the day and late at night, things are noticeably faster — most apps and websites should load without too much trouble. The best connection is in the early morning hours.
We share a lot more about everyday life in Cuba in our Cuba travel report.
Why Do You Need a VPN in Cuba?
Many apps and websites are blocked in Cuba. To get around that, you’ll need a VPN — it masks your location and lets you access restricted content again.
Important: Download a VPN before your trip to Cuba. The Play Store and App Store don’t work there, so you won’t be able to install anything once you arrive.
Our recommendation for a VPN is NordVPN.
Which Apps Don't Work in Cuba?
Some apps and websites are blocked in Cuba or only work partially. Here’s a quick rundown of what to expect.
These apps worked without any problems for us:
These apps we could only use in a limited way or not at all:
- Spotify
- Airbnb
- App Store
- Play Store
- Banking apps
Spotify only worked for us in offline mode — download your playlists before you go. The same applies to movies and series. Netflix technically worked, but the slow connection made downloads take forever.
In general, try to download any apps you need before you leave. We couldn’t access the Play Store or App Store in Cuba at all.
Does Airbnb Work in Cuba?
Once you’re in Cuba, you can’t book accommodations through Airbnb — we couldn’t even respond to messages. If you’re planning to stay in Casas Particulares, Airbnb is really important to have set up in advance, so a VPN is a must.
For more on where to stay in Cuba, check out our travel tips article:
