How To Use Your Mobile Phone In Cuba
April 7, 2020Do you often find yourself on vacation replying to emails and text messages? When was the last time your family time was cell phone free? While U.S. cell phones do work in Cuba, one of the magical parts of visiting the island nation is the unique ability to fully unplug from work and day to day life back home. We encourage all travelers to embrace the digital detox. Experiences and connections in Cuba grow stronger without the constant interruptions from emails, texts, and social media.
Major mobile service providers such as AT&T, Verizon, Sprint and T-Mobile have agreements with Cuba’s telecommunications provider, allowing travelers to use their phones’ roaming capabilities. In general, costs may run around ~$.50 per text and $3 per minute for voice roaming which is a great way to stay in contact with traveling companions while in Cuba. Roaming also allows you to send and receive texts and calls to and from the United States. We strongly recommend against data roaming in Cuba. Data roaming is extremely expensive averaging $2 per MB and could lead to huge bills from your carrier.
Before you hop on the plane to Havana, contact your mobile service provider to confirm the latest data, text and voice plans available in Cuba. Most plans, even if they include broad international coverage, will require separate roaming charges in Cuba. Do not assume that Cuba is automatically covered in your current international plan and be sure to check current roaming rates with your carrier.
Cuba’s network coverage has expanded in recent years to cover most of the island, except a few remote areas. However, even though it is easy to use mobile phones in Cuba, travelers often find that putting phones away allows them to be fully present in each other’s company. Deeper connections are formed as the thought-provoking nature of Cuba and unique experiences often lead to richer discussions on shared values. Embrace the island culture and fall in love with all that Cuba has to offer.
