There are three ways to maintain routine communication from Cuba:
- US-Based Carrier
- eSIM
- Internet Card
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1. US-Based Carriers (Verizon, AT&T, Sprint, T Mobile, etc…)
- If you WANT TO NOT use your phone, put it on airplane mode and keep it there.
- If you WANT TO use your cell phone (using your US based plan)
- Turn off you cell phone data (before even leaving the US). If you connect to data in Cuba (unlikely) it will be very, very expensive. If you have an iPhone, turn off iMessage. This won’t work in Cuba. Tell your loved ones to also turn off iMessage. Only texts can reach you (and this is not guaranteed)
- Verizon generally works in Cuba. Calls cost $2.99/minute (rounded up); $.50 to send a text; $.05 to receive a text.
2. eSIM
- Some of our clients have started using eSIMs while in Cuba. To date, I am aware of success with https://www.gigsky.com/country/esim-in-cuba
- Provides Internet (not phone/text) access
- Apps like Chrome, Maps, & What’s App (highly recommended if you want to do phone, video, and text from Cuba)
- Affordable 7-days; 1GB = $19.99 | 3GB = $43.99
- Because of the US embargo, Apple Store App store doesn’t work in Cuba. Download Apps you may wish to use before going to Cuba.
- Consider a VPN like Nord VPN (which we use at Ashe). This allows you to access many sites otherwise restricted within Cuba, and provides additional security for your phone.
- The best App for staying in touch with friends when using an eSIM in Cuba is Whatsapp. Make sure you have it, as do your friends and family in the US.
3. Internet Cards (limited)
- Internet Cards (limited) are available in Cuba
- They don’t always work.
- They aren’t always easy to find.
- You may need to stand on a street corner, sit in a restaurant, or got to hotel to get service. While some people connect, others express frustration over how unreliable the service is.
- $2/hour (and expect to use the entire card anytime you login).