Using a SIM card in Cuba
When travelling to Cuba, it is important to stay connected with your loved ones and the world. One of the best ways to do so is by using a local SIM card. Having a local number allows you to make local and international calls, send text messages, and access the internet at affordable rates. In this article, we will discuss the daily fee for using a local SIM card in Cuba and provide tips for getting the best deal.
Mobile networks available in Cuba
There are two main mobile networks available in Cuba: Cubacel and Movistar. Cubacel is the largest and most popular network, offering better coverage and quality of service. Movistar is the second-largest network with less coverage than Cubacel. Both networks offer 2G, 3G, and 4G/LTE services, although 4G/LTE is not widely available outside major cities.
How to get a local SIM card in Cuba
Getting a local SIM card in Cuba is straightforward. You can purchase a SIM card from any ETECSA (Empresa de Telecomunicaciones de Cuba S.A.) office or authorized reseller. The cost of the SIM card is approximately CUC$3 (Cuban Convertible Peso) or CUP$75 (Cuban Peso), depending on the exchange rate. You will need to provide your passport or a copy of it to purchase a SIM card.
Registration process for a local SIM card
After purchasing a SIM card, you will need to register it with ETECSA. This is a simple process that involves providing your personal information, including your name, passport number, and address in Cuba. You will also need to pay a registration fee of CUC$10 (or CUP$250), which is valid for one year. Once your SIM card is registered, you can start using it immediately.
Daily fee for using a local SIM card
The daily fee for using a local SIM card in Cuba is CUC$1 (or CUP$25) per day. This fee applies regardless of whether you use your phone or not. It is automatically deducted from your account balance at midnight every day. If you do not have enough credit to pay the daily fee, your account will be suspended until you add more credit.
Data plans available for local SIM cards
ETECSA offers several data plans for local SIM cards, ranging from 100MB to 4GB per month. The cost of data plans varies depending on the amount of data and validity period. For example, a 1GB data plan valid for 30 days costs CUC$10, while a 4GB data plan valid for 30 days costs CUC$30. You can activate data plans by dialling *133# from your phone.
Coverage of local mobile networks in Cuba
Both Cubacel and Movistar have good coverage in major cities and tourist destinations. However, coverage may be limited or non-existent in remote areas and some parts of the countryside. If you plan to travel to rural areas, it is best to check the coverage map of your network provider or ask locals for advice.
Roaming with a foreign SIM card in Cuba
Roaming with a foreign SIM card in Cuba can be expensive. Most international operators have agreements with ETECSA, but the rates can be much higher than using a local SIM card. Roaming charges vary depending on your home operator, so it is best to check with them before travelling to Cuba. It is also worth noting that some foreign SIM cards may not work in Cuba due to compatibility issues.
Comparison of local and foreign SIM card fees
Using a local SIM card in Cuba is much cheaper than using a foreign SIM card or roaming. The daily fee of CUC$1 is affordable, and data plans offer good value for money. In contrast, foreign SIM cards can charge high rates for calls, texts, and data, which can quickly add up. It is therefore recommended to use a local SIM card whenever possible.
Tips for using a local SIM card in Cuba
When using a local SIM card in Cuba, it is important to keep the following tips in mind:
- Check your account balance regularly to avoid running out of credit.
- Top up your account at ETECSA offices or authorized resellers.
- Use Wi-Fi whenever possible to save on data costs.
- Be aware of your data usage to avoid exceeding your data limit.
- Keep your phone locked and safe to prevent theft or loss.
Conclusion: Is it worth getting a local SIM card?
Getting a local SIM card in Cuba is definitely worth it if you plan to stay for more than a few days or want to stay connected with your loved ones and the world. The daily fee of CUC$1 is affordable, and data plans offer good value for money. While coverage may be limited in some areas, both Cubacel and Movistar have good coverage in major cities and tourist destinations. Finally, using a local SIM card is much cheaper than using a foreign SIM card or roaming.
Further resources on using mobile networks in Cuba
For more information on using mobile networks in Cuba, you can check the following resources:
- ETECSA website: https://www.etecsa.cu/
- Coverage maps for Cubacel and Movistar: https://www.cubacel.cu/mapa-de-cobertura/ and https://www.movistar.cu/personas/cobertura
- Tips for using a mobile phone in Cuba: https://www.tripadvisor.com/Travel-g147270-c202520/Cuba:Caribbean:Using.A.Mobile.Phone.html
