Why an eSIM is Recommended for Cuba?
Special situation: very limited internet
IMPORTANT: Internet in Cuba is very limited and censored. The network is managed by ETECSA, a state monopoly. 3G/4G coverage is limited, especially outside tourist areas. Prepare your offline content before departure (maps, guides, translations).
When an eSIM is recommended
- Avoid high prices: local connections are very expensive (~$8.50 for 1 GB)
- Limited coverage: ETECSA network with restricted coverage areas
- Simplicity: immediate activation upon arrival, no need to buy a local SIM card
- Few providers: only a few eSIMs cover Cuba (Airalo, Holafly)
Network Coverage in Cuba
Cuba has limited 3G/4G coverage managed by a single carrier:
| Carrier |
Coverage |
5G |
Used by |
| ETECSA |
Limited (tourist areas) |
No |
Airalo, Holafly |
Coverage by destination
- Havana: decent 3G/4G coverage in downtown and tourist areas
- Varadero: good coverage in hotels and tourist beaches
- Trinidad: variable coverage, better in downtown
- Viñales: limited coverage, mainly in the village
- Santiago de Cuba: decent coverage in town, limited elsewhere
- Rural areas: very limited or no coverage
Important limitations
- Censored internet: some websites and apps may be blocked
- Slow speeds: connections are often slow even with signal
- Dead zones: many areas without coverage, even in cities
- High costs: state monopoly = high prices for little data
How to Install Your Cuba eSIM
- Purchase your plan (QR code received by email in 2 min)
- Install 24-48h before departure from your WiFi
- Activate upon arrival in Cuba (timer starts)
- Keep your home SIM for calls and texts
- Download your offline content before departure (maps, guides)
Compatibility: iPhone XS+, Samsung S20+, Pixel 3+, Xiaomi 12+, OnePlus 8+
Tip: Download Google Maps offline, travel guides, and essential apps before your departure.
Best Cuba eSIM 2026
<BlogSummaryTable
title="Top Cuba eSIM 2026"
countryCode="CU"
countrySlug="cuba"
plans={[
{
rank: 1,
providerId: "airalo",
data: "1 GB",
duration: "7 days",
price: "$8.50",
highlight: "Global leader, ETECSA network",
promoCode: "ESIMP15",
},
{
rank: 2,
providerId: "holafly",
data: "Unlimited",
duration: "5 days",
price: "$47",
highlight: "Unlimited data + hotspot",
},
]}
/>
Why these providers?
- Airalo: global leader (8M+ users), ETECSA network, code ESIMP15 (-15%). Note: few plans available for Cuba
- Holafly: unlimited + hotspot, ideal if you need a lot of data. Note: high price, internet still limited by censorship
Limited providers
Only a few eSIM providers cover Cuba due to restrictions and state monopoly. Check availability before purchasing.
Conclusion
IMPORTANT: Internet in Cuba is very limited and censored. Prepare your offline content before departure.
For budget travelers: Airalo 1 GB with code ESIMP15 offers an economical option, but data is limited.
For heavy users: Holafly unlimited can be useful, but remember that even with unlimited data, the connection remains slow and censored.
Recommendation: Download your maps, guides, and essential content before departure. The eSIM will mainly serve for basic communications and emergency navigation.
Cuba eSIM FAQ