SIM Cards
Staying connected in Cuba can be a challenge, but the right SIM card ensures reliable calls, texts, and data. This guide explores local SIM cards and eSIM alternatives, highlighting the top providers in 2025. Whether you’re visiting for a few days or a longer stay, knowing your options will help you stay online effortlessly.
When it comes to physical SIM cards in Cuba, the market is dominated by Cubacel, the country’s most popular tourist SIM. It offers ready-made packages with data, local minutes, and SMS valid for 30 days. These SIMs are available at airports, Cubacel offices, or through resellers like GoSim and Civitatis, giving visitors different ways to secure connectivity as soon as they arrive.
While local SIMs remain the most direct way to get connected in Cuba, many travelers also consider eSIMs as a convenient alternative. Providers such as Nomad, Vodafone, and GigSky offer international eSIM plans that include Cuba in their coverage, letting you activate service instantly without needing a physical card. This flexibility makes eSIMs a strong backup option, especially for visitors who want to have service ready before they land.
Note *All pricing information in this article is accurate as of October 1, 2025. Prices are subject to change at any time, so we recommend checking directly with each SIM and eSIM provider for the most up-to-date details before making a purchase.*
Travelers often choose a local SIM in Cuba to save money, since local prepaid rates are far cheaper than international roaming fees. They also get better data coverage, ensuring faster and more reliable internet access across cities, tourist areas, and even some remote spots. And by using a local SIM, visitors can avoid expensive roaming charges, keeping communication costs predictable while staying connected for calls, texts, and online apps. With reliable connectivity, you can navigate with Google Maps, stream music on Spotify, and share your experiences on Instagram seamlessly, making your trip more convenient and enjoyable.
In Cuba, costs vary depending on data allowances, call minutes, and validity periods. Travelers can find prepaid SIM cards with flexible plans, allowing them to stay connected without overspending on roaming fees.
For example, a Cubacel Tur Plus SIM card costs approximately $34.99 USD, and includes 10 GB of data, 100 minutes, 100 SMS, and unlimited WhatsApp and Facebook, valid for 30 days. Similarly, the Cubacel Tur Básico plan is priced around $13.99 USD, offering 4 GB of data, 20 minutes, and 20 SMS, valid for 7 days.
For travelers wanting convenience or pre-ordering, resellers like GoSim or Civitatis offer packages ranging from $19 to $51 USD, usually including 6–10 GB of data along with local minutes and SMS, valid for 30 days. Alternatively, eSIM providers such as Nomad, Vodafone, and GigSky offer plans starting at about $20–$25 USD, which can be activated instantly via a QR code, removing the need for a physical SIM and making it convenient for short-term visitors.
Whether you choose a traditional SIM card or an eSIM, Cuba offers options for different budgets and data needs, ensuring you stay connected throughout your trip.
Purchasing a SIM card in Cuba is straightforward, but there are a few steps travelers should be aware of. Local SIM cards, such as those offered by Cubacel Tur, are typically available at airport kiosks, Cubacel offices, or through authorized resellers. To buy one, you’ll need to bring your passport, as identification is required for registration.
Once purchased, the SIM card must be activated at the point of sale or following the instructions provided. One drawback of using a local SIM is that you won’t have internet access immediately upon landing, since you’ll need to find a kiosk, complete registration, and wait for activation. Additionally, queues at airports or offices can sometimes be long, and office hours may be limited, making it less convenient for travelers who want instant connectivity. Despite these minor inconveniences, local SIM cards provide reliable coverage and cost-effective rates for data, calls, and messaging throughout Cuba.
Check this guide for tips and steps to get it up and running if your SIM card is not working.
Travelers to Cuba have only a few SIM card options, but several providers offer tourist-friendly plans with data, calls, and SMS. Below are the most reliable choices in 2026, from official tourist SIMs to global travel SIMs you can order before departure.
Cubacel Tur is the official tourist SIM created by Cuba’s state telecom. It is available at airports and Cubacel stores, designed specifically for visitors. With bundled data, calls, and SMS, it provides a simple solution to stay connected, though prices are higher than local resident plans.
| Price | Data | Calls | SMS |
| $13.99 | 4GB | 20 minutes | 20 |
| $34.99 | 10GB | 100 minutes | 100 (unlimited Whatsapp and Facebook for 30 days) |
Main features:
Civitatis focuses on convenience by offering SIM card delivery directly to your hotel or pickup point in Havana. The packages mirror Cubacel Tur but cost slightly more due to the delivery service. This is ideal for travelers who prefer to skip queues and have everything ready when they arrive.
| Price | Data | Calls | SMS |
| $51.54 | 6GB | 100 minutes | 100 |
Main features:
GoSIM is a global travel SIM provider that works in over 200 countries, including Cuba. It allows you to order your SIM card before your trip, receive it at home, and use it immediately upon arrival. While data prices are higher than local bundles, it’s flexible and convenient for lighter users or as a backup solution.
Note: The starting price of a GoSIM Cuba SIM card is $19.00, which includes $10.00 of starter credit. This credit can be used for texting, calling, and data. The prices listed in the table below refer only to data packages and do not include the initial cost of the SIM card itself. If you would like more credit beyond the initial amount, you will need to purchase it separately.
| Price | Data | Calls | SMS |
| $33.00 | 250MB | $10 of starter credit | $10 of starter credit |
| $60.00 | 500MB | $10 of starter credit | $10 of starter credit |
| $92.00 | 1GB | $10 of starter credit | $10 of starter credit |
| $131.00 | 2GB | $10 of starter credit | $10 of starter credit |
| $198.00 | 3GB | $10 of starter credit | $10 of starter credit |
| $231.00 | 5GB | $10 of starter credit | $10 of starter credit |
Main features:
Travelers seeking seamless connectivity in Cuba can opt for eSIM providers offering flexible data plans without the need for physical SIM cards. These eSIMs allow instant activation via QR code, making them especially convenient for short-term visitors or those who want service ready the moment they land.
Nomad offers flexible and affordable eSIM plans that cater to different travel needs. With a user-friendly app, it is designed for travelers who want to manage their connectivity entirely online. Their service also allows easy plan upgrades or extensions without visiting a store, making it ideal for longer stays. If you’re unhappy with the service or something hasn’t gone to plan, their help center explains how to refund your Nomad eSIM.
| Plan/Duration | Price | Data | Calls | SMS |
| 7 day plan | $21.00 | 1GB | No | No |
| 30 day plan | $45.00 | 3GB | No | No |
| 30 day plan | $65.00 | 5GB | No | No |
Pros:
Cons:
Vodafone eSIM allows travelers to buy and activate data plans instantly via the Vodafone app. It is ideal for tourists who want a simple, preloaded plan without needing a physical SIM card. Vodafone also provides customer support in multiple languages to help users troubleshoot or adjust their plans while abroad.
| Plan/Duration | Price | Data | Calls | SMS |
| 15 day plan | $363.00 | 3GB | No | No |
Pros:
Cons:
GigSky offers flexible data eSIMs for travelers in Cuba, allowing instant app-based setup. Plans are preloaded with data for short-term visits or longer stays, without the need for a physical SIM. Their platform also supports multiple countries on a single eSIM, making it convenient for travelers visiting more than one destination. Additionally, new customers can test the service with a free 100 MB trial. Save on your plan using a GigSky discount code at checkout.
| Plan/Duration | Price | Data | Calls | SMS |
| 15 day plan | $19.99 | 1GB | No | No |
| 15 day plan | $46.74 | 3GB | No | No |
| 30 day plan | $76.49 | 5GB | No | No |
Pros:
Cons:
See also: Best eSIM for Cuba in 2025
You can purchase a tourist SIM card online in advance and collect it upon arrival at major airports like Havana, Varadero, or Holguín. Alternatively, you can buy a SIM card at ETECSA offices across the country.
Cubacel is the state-owned mobile operator in Cuba, offering various prepaid SIM card plans and data bundles for tourists.
Some international mobile providers have roaming agreements with Cuba. You can use your home provider, but it might be expensive. It is advisable to check with your carrier about roaming options and rates before traveling.
The cost of a tourist SIM card varies depending on the plan. For example, Cubacel Tur Plus costs $34.99 USD for 10GB data, 100 minutes, 100 SMS, and unlimited WhatsApp and Facebook, valid for 30 days. Cubacel Tur Básico costs $13.99 USD for 4GB data, 20 minutes, 20 SMS, valid for 7 days.
Yes, you can recharge your tourist SIM card with additional data packages. However, you cannot buy additional minutes or SMS.
Yes, to use mobile data, you must configure the Nauta access point on your phone. The APN name is “nauta.”
Yes, the Cubacel Tur Plus plan starts with 30 days and can be extended by 30 days per recharge, up to a maximum of 90 days. The Cubacel Tur Básico plan starts with 7 days and can be extended by 7 days per recharge, also up to 90 days.
The best global eSIM provider
From $2.3/week
A reliable eSIM provider for budget travelers
From $2.4/week
The best global eSIM provider
From $2.3/week
A reliable eSIM provider for budget travelers
From $2.4/week
