Planning a trip to Cuba and want to stay connected without high roaming charges? eSIMs are the perfect solution. With an eSIM, you can access data, calls, and texts in Cuba for a fraction of the cost of roaming.
This comprehensive guide will explain everything you need to know about choosing the eSIM for Cuba that meets your needs. We’ll cover topics like:
- What is an eSIM and how it works
- Advantages of using an eSIM in Cuba
- How to choose the right Cuba eSIM provider
- Data speed and network coverage in Cuba
- Step-by-step guide to installing your Cuba eSIM
So whether you’re traveling to Cuba for business, as a student, or just a fun vacation, read on to find the perfect eSIM for Cuba for your trip!
What is an eSIM and How Does it Work?
An eSIM is an electronic or “digital” SIM card that allows you to access mobile data. Unlike physical SIM cards, eSIMs don’t require a plastic chip. Instead, your plan and network profile are downloaded straight to your phone.
To use an eSIM, your device must be eSIM compatible. Most phones released after 2018 support eSIM, including:
- iPhone XS, XR, 11 or newer
- Samsung Galaxy S20 or newer
- Google Pixel 3 or newer
With an eSIM in Cuba, you’ll get a Cuban phone number and mobile data plan just like the locals. Except you can buy your Cuba eSIM before departure and use it as soon as you land, avoiding long waits to get a Cuban SIM card.
Now let’s go over why using an eSIM for Cuba is a great idea for travelers.
Why You Should Use an eSIM in Cuba
Here are the main benefits of getting an eSIM for Cuba instead of relying on roaming or tracking down a local SIM card:
1. Save Money
Activating roaming in Cuba costs a small fortune. Expect to pay $2-5 per MB in roaming fees – ouch! With an eSIM you get 5GB+ of data for around $10 total, saving you hundreds of dollars.
2. Works on Arrival
There’s nothing worse than landing in a foreign country unable to access maps, translation apps, or contact your hotel about a pickup. With an eSIM, just tap to activate and you’ll have data immediately after landing in Cuba.
3. No Physical SIM Card Hassles
Hunting down a store that sells SIM cards can waste precious vacation time. And shops frequently run out of SIM stock. eSIMs let you skip the hassle since your plan is digital.
4. Better Network Reliability
eSIM providers partner directly with major Cuban carriers. So you get excellent coverage across Cuba’s largest 4G/LTE networks.
5. Easy Setup
Installing an eSIM only takes a few minutes before your trip. Just download the app, activate your plan, and peruse the Cuban countryside!
How to Choose the Best Cuba eSIM Provider
With so many eSIM companies out there, choosing the right Cuba eSIM for your trip can get confusing. So we evaluated the top contenders based on crucial factors like network quality, prices, data amounts, and ease of use.
Here are our top recommendations for getting an eSIM for Cuba:
1. Airalo
Airalo stands out as the overall best Cuba eSIM solution. Their prices are very reasonable ($9.50 for 1GB), they offer the fastest LTE speeds, and their app makes it simple to monitor your data. With excellent connectivity across Cuba, Airalo is our #1 pick.
Price: $9.50 per GB
Data Speed: LTE
Network: Cubacel
Get Your Cuba eSIM with Airalo
2. Always Online Wireless
Always Online Wireless brings nice flexibility to the table. Their Cuba eSIM works in over 195 countries so it’s handy for globe-trotters. We found their upfront pricing very affordable too. Just note that their “unlimited” data plan gets throttled after the first 10GB.
Price: $129 first 10GB
Data Speed: 4G LTE
Network: Cubacel
Check Pricing from Always Online
3. mysimcard.com
Last up we recommend mysimcard.com who offers superb budget options for getting an eSIM for Cuba. Their network speeds are slightly slower than Airalo and AlwaysOnline. But with rates as low at $5 per GB, they’re a nice choice for data-conscious travelers sticking to Havana and other large cities.
Price: $5 per GB
Data Speed: 3G
Network: Cubacel
While you certainly have choices when buying your Cuban eSIM, we found that Airalo provides the best overall value and performance. Their direct network partnerships mean excellent 4G LTE speeds across Cuba. And with rates below $10 per GB, they offer outstanding connectivity affordability.
Internet Speeds and Cell Phone Network Coverage with a Cuba eSIM
Wondering how fast mobile internet will be with your Cuban eSIM? Internet speeds vary quite a bit across Cuba so it helps to set proper expectations. Here’s an overview of typical speeds you can expect:
- Havana/Varadero: These popular areas offer 4G LTE speeds with an average of 5-15 Mbps down. Still not incredibly fast but enough for browsing, Spotify, light video streaming, and Google Maps.
- Other large cities (Santiago, Santa Clara): Expect average LTE speeds around 3-8 Mbps. Fine for light use but HD video streaming will buffer.
- Rural countryside: Data speeds drop considerably away from large urban centers. Most rural areas only get 3G coverage currently averaging 1-3 Mbps. Good enough for messaging, email, basic maps. But that’s about it. Video calls will be unreliable.
Now when it comes to network coverage, Cubacel continues to have the best overall 4G availability across Cuba. The state-run operator controls nearly all cell infrastructure covering over 60% of the population currently.
If you venture deep into Cuba’s mountainous regions, expect only basic 2G coverage in some areas – if any signal at all. But for most visitors sticking to Havana and Cuba’s coastline, LTE speeds should suffice for everyday use like messaging, basic video chatting, using maps, and light web browsing.
Step-By-Step Guide to Installing Your Cuba eSIM
Ready to get connected with your Cuba eSIM? Here’s a quick step-by-step guide to setting it up before departure:
1. Check eSIM compatibility
First, you’ll want to confirm your device supports eSIM technology. All iPhones XS or newer work with eSIMs. For Android devices, look for models released after 2019 from brands like Samsung, Google Pixel, Motorola, or Xiaomi. Use this eSIM compatibility checker tool if you’re unsure.
2. Choose your Cuba eSIM provider
Next, pick an eSIM provider from our recommendations above that best matches your travel duration and data needs. Most visitors find 1-5GB is sufficient for a 7-14 day Cuba trip involving light usage like email, translations, basic maps, and some social media.
3. Create account and purchase plan
Now create an account with your chosen eSIM company. Make sure to enter your email and choose Cuba as your destination country. Purchase the amount of data you’ll need and continue to checkout.
4. Download provider app
For the next step, you’ll download your eSIM provider’s smartphone app (like Airalo). This app lets you manage your plan once in Cuba.
5. Install eSIM profile
Open the app and find the “Install Profile” or “Activate service” button. Follow the prompts to install your Cuba eSIM profile and restart your device. When it powers back on, you should see a notification welcoming you to the Cuban network!
That wraps up installing your eSIM for Cuba. As you can see, it’s a quick 5-step process taking just a few minutes.
Now you’re all set with cheap, reliable data for your trip! Just sit back and enjoy exploring magnificent Havana, stunning ViĪľ1ales Valley, and magical beaches knowing you have connectivity. Have an awesome trip!
Looking to Buy an eSIM for Cuba?
We hope this guide gave you clarity for finding the best Cuba eSIM. By getting set up before departure, you’ll save money and have mobile data immediately on arrival.
To recap, our top recommendations for getting an eSIM for Cuba are:
- Airalo – Best overall value
- Always Online Wireless – Nice for globe trotters
- mysimcard.com – Good budget option
