Cuba – Landlines and Mobile Phones

What are the international dialling codes for Cuba, and what are the area codes for the most popular expat destinations?

Cuba’s country telephone code is +53. To reach a Cuban number from outside the country, dial your international exit prefix (typically 00 or +), followed by 53, and then the local number including the relevant area code. Cuban fixed-line numbers total 8 digits, area code included, and any leading 0 should be dropped when dialling from abroad.

When placing calls between different regions within Cuba, you prefix the number with the trunk digit 0, followed by the area code and then the subscriber number. The international dialling prefix from Cuba is 00 for both fixed and mobile lines (fixed lines previously used 119, while mobile lines have always used 00).

The format for landline calls is: +53 (area code) (subscriber number). For mobile numbers, the format is: +53 5 XXX XXXX. Every Cuban mobile number begins with the digit 5, which immediately distinguishes it from a fixed-line number.

The table below lists area codes for Cuba’s principal cities and the destinations where expats most commonly settle:

To place an international call to Cuba, dial the exit code 00, then Cuba’s country code 53, followed by the area code and local number. Be aware that Cuban area codes range in length from one to three digits, so the number of digits in the subscriber portion varies accordingly — Cuban phone numbers generally contain 8 digits after the country code (comprising a one- to two-digit area code and a six- to seven-digit subscriber number).

Cuba’s domestic emergency numbers are: Police 106, Fire Brigade 105, and Ambulance 104. These can be dialled directly from any local phone without any additional prefix.

Who are the major landline providers in Cuba, and how can you contact them?

ETECSA (Empresa de Telecomunicaciones de Cuba S.A.) is the Cuban government-owned company responsible for all telephone and telecommunications services across the country. Cuban law designates ETECSA as the exclusive and lawful provider of telephony, making it a total communications monopoly. No private or alternative fixed-line operators exist.

The range of services offered by ETECSA covers basic fixed telephony, alternative fixed telephony (TFA), internet access, data transmission, fibre-optic connectivity, and electronic payments through its proprietary platform, Transfermóvil. Whether you are living in Havana, Santiago de Cuba, or a smaller provincial town, ETECSA is the only organisation you will ever deal with for your landline connection.

ETECSA operates a network of Telepoints, Minipoints, Multiservice Centres, and Commercial Offices throughout the island. The Commercial Office serves as the principal interface between ETECSA and its customers, handling everything from service registration and contractual arrangements to the sale of products and resolution of account issues.

Key contact information for ETECSA is listed below:

• Official website: www.etecsa.cu/en
• Customer service (Cubacel / mobile enquiries): 118 (from within Cuba) or +53 52642266
• Head office: Miramar Trade Center, Edificio Beijing, Avenida 3ra, Havana
• Nauta internet portal: www.nauta.cu

For up-to-date landline tariffs, connection charges, and additional services, always consult the official ETECSA website or visit a Commercial Office directly. Pricing is set in Cuban Pesos (CUP) and is periodically revised. Check etecsa.cu for the most current rates.

ETECSA has publicly acknowledged ongoing difficulties with both landline and mobile infrastructure. In Havana alone, roughly 450,000 fixed lines coexist with 1.9 million mobile lines, illustrating the enormous demand placed on the capital’s network. Service reliability varies considerably depending on the region.

Who are the major mobile phone providers in Cuba, and how can you contact them?

Mobile telephone services in Cuba are delivered exclusively through Cubacel (the Cellular Telephone Company of Cuba), which functions as an arm of ETECSA. Just as with fixed lines, there are no competing mobile network operators — Cubacel is the only mobile carrier operating on the island.

In 2019, ETECSA introduced mobile internet access via Cubacel handsets, subsequently expanding the network with 4G capability. Coverage is strongest in urban hubs such as Havana, Santiago de Cuba, Varadero, and Holguín. In rural and less populous areas, signal quality tends to be inconsistent or non-existent, and 4G availability is largely confined to the major cities.

ETECSA provides a variety of plan options covering mobile data, SMS, voice calls, and home internet. Plans bundle together data allowances, voice minutes, text messages, and a bonus allocation for browsing Cuban-hosted (.cu) websites. All standard plans remain valid for 35 days from the date of first use. Pricing is denominated in Cuban Pesos (CUP); always consult etecsa.cu/en/mobile/activation-and-rates for the most up-to-date plan costs.

Key contact details for Cubacel are as follows:

• Official website: www.etecsa.cu/en
• Customer service (within Cuba): 118
• Customer service (direct number): +53 52642266
• ETECSA Commercial Offices: Located throughout Cuba — find your nearest branch via the ETECSA website

Cuba’s overall connectivity infrastructure lags considerably behind most other countries, and newcomers should set their expectations accordingly, especially those accustomed to pervasive 4G or 5G coverage. That said, Havana and the major tourist resort areas offer noticeably more reliable connections than outlying provinces.

How do I get a landline connected in Cuba?

Arranging a residential landline in Cuba is a lengthier and more bureaucratic process than in most countries. Unlike places such as France or Spain, where a line can be ordered online and activated within a few days, Cuba requires everything to be handled face-to-face through ETECSA, and the wait for installation will depend on what local infrastructure is available at your address.

The ETECSA Commercial Office is the primary point of contact for all service-related matters, including initiating a new landline connection, handling account procedures, and establishing contractual arrangements. You will need to attend one in person to begin the process.

The general steps for obtaining a new landline connection are as follows:

1. Find your nearest ETECSA Commercial Office. Use the office locator on etecsa.cu or ask locally. Havana and other large cities have multiple offices; in smaller municipalities there may be just one.
2. Prepare your documentation. You will generally need: a valid passport or Cuban national identity card (carné de identidad); evidence of your address at the property where you want the line installed, such as a rental agreement, property title deed, or official housing registration; and, for foreign residents, your visa or residency permit. Requirements may differ slightly by location, so check with your local ETECSA office or the official website beforehand.
3. File a connection request. Staff at the Commercial Office will register your application, examine your documents, and assess whether the local telephone network can accommodate a new line at your address. In areas where the infrastructure is ageing or heavily loaded, you may be placed on a waiting list.
4. Pay the connection fee and any applicable deposit. All fees are payable in CUP. A universal schedule of connection charges is not publicly listed on the ETECSA website; ask office staff for current figures, as these are subject to periodic review.
5. Arrange the installation appointment. Once your application is approved, an ETECSA technician will be dispatched to your property to complete the physical installation. Turnaround times differ considerably — in Havana this might take anywhere from a few days to several weeks; in more isolated locations it can be considerably longer.
6. Activate your line and register for billing. When the line goes live, you will receive a telephone number and an account reference that you will use for billing and account management purposes.

Your tenure at the property — whether as an owner or a tenant — can influence the process. Renters may need to involve their landlord or obtain their formal consent before an installation can proceed. Foreign nationals on temporary visas should clarify with ETECSA whether they are eligible for a permanent residential landline, since access to certain long-term services may be conditional on residency status.

ETECSA has acknowledged that network investment has been hampered by rising demand and foreign currency shortages, affecting service quality across both landline and mobile infrastructure. If you are applying in an area with older network equipment, ask staff at the point of application for a realistic estimate of installation timescales.

How do I get a mobile phone SIM card or contract in Cuba?

Acquiring a mobile SIM in Cuba works quite differently from countries where competing operators make the process quick and often entirely online. In Cuba, all SIM cards are issued through ETECSA/Cubacel, and what is available to you will largely depend on your residency status.

For new arrivals and visitors: the CubacelTur tourist SIM

ETECSA makes a dedicated temporary mobile service available to tourists through its CubacelTur product. Two tiers are on offer: CubacelTur Plus, which provides a 30-day connection including 10 GB of data, 100 minutes, 100 SMS, and unlimited WhatsApp and Facebook access; and CubacelTur Básico, a 7-day option that includes 4 GB of data, 20 minutes, and 20 SMS.

The most convenient way to obtain a tourist SIM is to pre-order it online for collection at Havana José Martí Airport Terminal 3, which operates around the clock. Cards can also be picked up at the airports in Varadero, Cayo Coco, Camagüey, and Holguín (all open 24 hours), or at any ETECSA Commercial Office across the country. You must bring valid photo identification for collection, and it must match the ID submitted with your order.

For residents: the permanent mobile line

A permanent mobile line from ETECSA carries a total cost of 1,000 CUP, comprising a 750 CUP activation fee and a 250 CUP starting balance (figures correct as of 2024). Always verify the latest pricing at etecsa.cu/en/mobile/activation-and-rates before proceeding, as these amounts are subject to revision.

To register a permanent (resident) SIM, you must visit an ETECSA Commercial Office in person. You will generally be required to present a valid passport or national identity document, and in some cases proof of Cuban residency or details of your visa category. Unlike many other countries where a contract SIM can be ordered online and mailed to your door, Cuba mandates in-person registration for all permanent lines. The standard model is prepaid top-up; traditional postpaid monthly billing arrangements as found in Western telecoms markets are not generally available to private individuals.

Third-party providers such as Suena Cuba also offer eSIMs for use in Cuba, providing data-only connectivity. Because WhatsApp and Messenger are the dominant communication tools among locals and businesses in Cuba, a data connection is often enough for everyday needs. However, these eSIM products originate from international virtual operators roaming on Cubacel’s network and are better suited to short visits than to long-term residency.

How do I pay my telephone bill in Cuba?

Paying for telephone services in Cuba differs considerably from countries where direct debit and online banking are the default. The system is gradually evolving, but in-person and cash payments remain commonplace, and the range of digital payment options is narrower than most newcomers will be accustomed to.

Mobile (Cubacel) payments

For prepaid mobile service, the main method of maintaining credit is through balance top-ups (recargas). From May 2025, ETECSA introduced a restriction capping national recharges at 360 CUP per mobile line within any 30-day period. Top-ups can be made through the following channels:

• In person: At any ETECSA Commercial Office, Telepoint, or Minipoint across Cuba
• Via Transfermóvil: ETECSA’s own mobile payment application, which enables balance transfers and plan purchases directly from a smartphone
• From abroad: International top-ups can be purchased on behalf of a Cuban number through platforms such as DTOne, Ding, RecargasaCuba, Boss Revolution, and other services listed on the ETECSA website.

Landline payments

Landline bills can be paid from outside Cuba through Recargasacuba and similar platforms. Within Cuba, monthly landline bills are typically settled at ETECSA Commercial Offices or via the Transfermóvil application. Bills are issued on a monthly cycle.

Falling behind on payments can lead to service suspension. Unlike some countries that allow several weeks before disconnection is enforced, ETECSA may restrict outgoing calls relatively promptly once an account goes into arrears. Always check the current late-payment and disconnection policy with your local ETECSA office, as these terms can be updated.

For Nauta home internet — which is tied to a Nauta account — the monthly subscription fee can be paid by transferring credit through the User Portal at nauta.cu. This is among the more straightforward digital payment options available within the system.

Are there any practical tips for using phones in Cuba as a newcomer?

International roaming

Your existing mobile handset can work in Cuba provided it supports international roaming and your home carrier has a roaming agreement in place with ETECSA. Carriers including AT&T, Sprint, Verizon, and T-Mobile have such arrangements. Many European and Latin American operators also maintain roaming agreements — confirm this with your provider before you travel. Using your phone without an international calling plan can cost several dollars per minute, so always establish what roaming charges apply before departure.

Phone frequency bands

To function on Cuba’s network, your device must be unlocked and support the 900 MHz (3G) or 1800 MHz (4G) frequency bands. Most contemporary unlocked smartphones are compatible with these frequencies, but it is advisable to check your handset’s technical specifications before travelling or relocating.

Number porting

Number porting — retaining your existing number when changing providers — is not available in Cuba in the way most people will be familiar with. In countries such as the UK, porting typically takes a single working day and can be completed entirely online. In Cuba, there is no mechanism for transferring a foreign number to the Cuban network, and no inter-operator porting exists domestically because there is only one provider. Anyone wanting a permanent Cuban number will need to obtain a new one from ETECSA.

eSIM availability

It is possible to purchase an eSIM before travelling to Cuba, giving you data access from the moment you arrive. Suena Cuba is one provider selling Cuba-compatible eSIMs, which offer data-only service. These international eSIM products are well suited to data access and messaging applications but do not supply a Cuban phone number and are not an adequate substitute for a permanent local SIM for long-term residents.

WhatsApp and messaging apps

WhatsApp and Messenger are the dominant communication tools used by locals and businesses in Cuba, which means a data plan alone is frequently sufficient for day-to-day contact. For many expats, pairing a data SIM with WhatsApp effectively replaces the need for traditional voice calls and often proves more dependable for staying connected locally.

Service reliability and infrastructure

Poor service quality is among the most frequent grievances raised by users in Cuba — persistent outages, sluggish browsing speeds, glitches with the Transfermóvil payment app, and a network struggling to keep pace with surging demand. Power cuts compound the problem significantly: since late 2024, prolonged nationwide outages have been widespread, with scheduled and unscheduled cuts of up to 12 hours occurring daily in Havana and lasting even longer in outlying areas. Carrying a fully charged portable battery bank has become a practical necessity for everyday life.

Calling from Cuba internationally

To dial abroad from a Cuban mobile phone, prefix the call with 119, then add the destination country code followed by the full national number. International calls from Cuba carry a high per-minute cost, and using VoIP applications such as WhatsApp or Telegram — whenever a data connection is available — is generally a far more affordable way to stay in touch with people overseas.

ETECSA Commercial Offices: be prepared to wait

Queues at ETECSA offices can be substantial, particularly in Havana. The ETECSA service network encompasses Telepoints, Minipoints, Multiservice Centres, and Commercial Offices. Arriving early in the morning or visiting on a weekday typically results in a shorter wait. Bringing all necessary documents in one trip will spare you the frustration of having to return on a subsequent occasion.

Frequently asked questions about telephone services in Cuba

Can I keep my foreign phone number when I move to Cuba?

No. There is no mechanism for transferring a foreign number onto the Cuban network. Cuba’s only telecoms provider, ETECSA/Cubacel, will assign you a new Cuban number. Many expats address this by keeping their overseas SIM active in a dual-SIM handset, or by using a VoIP number so they remain reachable on their original number.

Do I need a local address to get a SIM card in Cuba?

For a tourist SIM (CubacelTur), a local address is not required — a valid passport and, for airport collection, the confirmation code from your pre-order are sufficient. For a permanent resident SIM, proof of a local address or residency status is generally expected. Check the current requirements with your nearest ETECSA Commercial Office.

Can tourists and new arrivals without permanent residency get a contract mobile plan?

ETECSA provides CubacelTur, a temporary mobile product created specifically for tourists visiting Cuba. Standard postpaid contracts are not readily accessible to non-residents. Permanent prepaid lines require in-person registration at an ETECSA office and are typically linked to Cuban residency status.

Is 4G mobile internet available across Cuba?

ETECSA introduced 4G mobile internet in 2019 and has continued to expand it since. However, 4G coverage is concentrated in urban centres, particularly Havana and major tourist destinations. In rural zones and smaller towns, service is typically limited to 3G at best, and in remote areas the signal may be entirely absent. Wi-Fi connections are also often slow and unreliable.

How can someone send me a mobile top-up from abroad?

International top-ups can be sent to a Cuban number via platforms including DTOne, Ding, RecargasaCuba, Boss Revolution, and other services listed on the ETECSA website. Once processed, the credit is applied automatically and the recipient does not need to take any action. Note that from May 2025, national recharges are capped at 360 CUP per line per 30-day period.

Can I use an eSIM in Cuba?

eSIMs for Cuba can be purchased before arrival, allowing you to get online as soon as you land. These products are offered by third-party international operators that roam on Cubacel’s network and provide data-only access. They do not come with a Cuban phone number and are not suitable as a permanent local SIM for long-term residents.

What is Transfermóvil, and do I need it?

Transfermóvil is ETECSA’s mobile payment application, widely used across Cuba for settling bills, transferring mobile credit, and making retail transactions. For expats holding a permanent Cuban SIM and a Cuban bank account, it quickly becomes an indispensable tool for managing phone payments and day-to-day financial activity. The app is free to download and is available for Android devices.

What should I do if my SIM card is lost or stolen in Cuba?

You can have your line blocked by contacting Cubacel Customer Service on 52642266 or 118, or by visiting an ETECSA Commercial Office in person. Unlocking the line must also be done in person at a Commercial Office and is carried out at no additional charge. A replacement SIM card can be requested at any ETECSA Commercial Office.