It is so much easier traveling these days now that you can pretty much get access to anything online right? But this is Cuba. And things are a little different here. Apps that you know and love when you travel the rest of the world just don’t work here. And there are specific regional ones that you’ll need. Add to that the fact that free WiFi spots are NOT ubiquitous here like they tend to be in other places around the world. And roaming data on your cellphone might not work. Fear not. You’ve come to the right place. This is all about the best apps in Cuba. I’ll cover how apps work in Cuba, how to download apps in Cuba, and if you can plan and execute your trip in Cuba using apps.
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While it’s light years better than it used to be (even just 7-10 years ago), accessing the Internet in Cuba is different to, well the rest of the world. Apart from maybe Turkmenistan, that was tough too. You can now easily buy an eSIM for Cuba (my guide to them is here), or even a physical tourist SIM and have it waiting on arrival for you at the airport.
But that’s only half the story. You also need the apps. So you need to know what the best apps are for Cuba, what to use them for, and how to use them (because it’s a little different here). You’ll find that there are apps specifically for Cuba. And there are also apps that you’ll need to use offline (i.e. with no internet access).
Let’s start by saying the number one can’t live without app for Cuba is a VPN. A virtual private network. And you’ll need to get a VPN, download it, and be comfortable using it BEFORE you get to Cuba. My number one, top VPN is ExpressVPN. You can get it here. And I’ll cover it in more detail in a moment.
TOP CUBA TRAVEL TIP
The most important thing you can pack to take to Cuba? A VPN in Cuba is essential if you plan to use the internet – AT ALL – you’ll need it to view your regular news sites, protect data when connected, AND to book Viazul Tickets.
Using Apps in Cuba
There are three ways that you’re going to use apps in Cuba and I’ll cover the differences between them and why they exist first.
- Online. With no protection. Dead easy right? You use apps online. Perfect. You’re connected to the internet, you head onto the app on your mobile device click it, and get up-to-the-minute information. Really easy. A great example of this in Cuba is La Nave, a transport app (and yes I’ll cover it shortly).
- Online with a VPN. Aka with protection. A VPN allows you to mask your location and in Cuba that’s important. It means that these apps will work in Cuba because without a VPN they won’t. An example here is hotels.com – which is one of the few hotel booking sites to operate in Cuba. Sometimes it works with a VPN sometimes it doesn’t. Without a VPN. It won’t work.
- Offline. This means that you’ll download the content of the app BEFORE you get to Cuba. Not just the app mind, but the content as well. I’m talking about apps like Google Translate. You’ll want to download the Spanish dictionary and use it offline. I’m also talking about apps like Maps.me. Because yes, you’ll want them both.
Essentials of Apps in Cuba
The nature of the internet and the impact of the US embargo on Cuba (it’s on digital products as well, which is why we’re having this conversation right?) means that you should download ALL THE APPS you want to use before you get to Cuba. If you buy and download a VPN before you get to Cuba then you should be able to download other apps once you get here, but it’s always best to plan ahead. Besides. Who wants to spend time searching the net when you’re in Habana Vieja? Or on one of the best beaches in Cayo Coco?
What Apps work in Cuba?
Most apps will work in Cuba – IF you’re using a VPN. I haven’t found an app that does NOT work, so long as you have an effective VPN installed and working.
How to download Apps in Cuba
The US embargo is against digital products as well as physical products so it is always best to download all your apps that you might need BEFORE you get to Cuba. If you forget, (and please do NOT forget a VPN, otherwise you’re really stuffed), then so long as you have a VPN and it is set to use a server outside of Cuba, you shouldn’t have any issues downloading apps while you’re in Cuba, just the same way that you do at home.
How to use Apps in Cuba
I’ve covered using apps online, using apps online with a VPN fired up, and using apps offline. These are the ways to use apps in Cuba. For each of the best apps that I’m covering below, then I’ll give details on the reasoning for using them on or offline. If you’re using an app that doesn’t appear on my list, then let me know.
The Best Apps for Cuba
I’m going to do this in order. The most important is first and then I’ll follow up with the rest.
A VPN for Cuba
I’ve written an entire guide on the best VPN for Cuba. It’s here. My pick is ExpressVPN – based on more than 15 years of using this VPN. My number 2 pick (and it’s a little cheaper), is NordVPN.
And yes you can buy just a month of either of them, although it does get cheaper per day if you buy a longer term.
A VPN is ESSENTIAL for Cuba. VPNs let you mask your location, by using a server in a different country. There are a lot of restrictions put on Cuba, primarily because of the US embargo and those restrictions include denying access to internet content that we all take for granted. So when you use a VPN in Cuba you’re essentially “pretending” to be in the USA or another country, just not Cuba. Using a VPN in Cuba means that you’ll be able to use the Internet as if you were at home.
So you fancy watching a bit of Netflix or the BBC while you’re in Cuba? You will NOT be able to unless you get a VPN before you go to Cuba.
My guide to VPNs in Cuba covers all the details as to what to do with it, and what it can give you.
TOP CUBA TRAVEL TIP
The most important thing you can pack to take to Cuba? A VPN in Cuba is essential if you plan to use the internet – AT ALL – you’ll need it to view your regular news sites, protect data when connected, AND to book Viazul Tickets.
VPN apps for Cuba Info:
- Download before you get to Cuba
- Use online when in Cuba
Next, I’m going to cover transport apps in Cuba. One of the main modes of transport for independent travelers in Cuba is the Viazul Bus. My guide to using the Viazul Bus is here, and you can get a copy of the offline timetables from me too. However, there is NO APP FOR THE VIAZUL BUS. Just use their website, https://viazul.wetransp.com/.
GigSky app for eSIM in Cuba
The easiest way to get online in Cuba these days is by using an eSIM. You can buy one here, and be online as soon as you get off the plane. Then when and if you need more data, you can use the Gigsky app to purchase more. Don’t forget to use a VPN when you’re putting your credit or debit card into ANY site. My guide to eSIMs in Cuba is here. If you prefer to use a physical SIM card, then check out my tourist sim card guide here.
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Our top pick for an eSIM for Cuba is from GigSky, is easy to install and allows you to access the internet when you arrive in Cuba. Get 100MB for free + 10% discount with code CUBASBEST at checkout.
Gigsky eSIM add for Cuba Info:
- Download before you get to Cuba
- Use online when in Cuba
- Use with a VPN in Cuba
La Nave, Cuba transport app
The La Nave transport app is like Uber or Lyft. It’s a ride-sharing app. There’s no credit card information needed to register, as payment is in cash. La Nave tends to be used in Havana more than the rest of Cuba, although you’ll find varied reviews about how well it works. I mean we’ve all had the bad Uber or Lyft experience right?
Preordered rides tend to get worse reviews than “I need a ride now”. And you might be better just flagging down a taxi in the street. For important, time-sensitive rides, then pre-book your ride with a reputable international organization and for this we recommend
Airport transfers with Civitatis – check rates here
Inter-city transfers with sightseeing along the way – use Daytrip.
Back to La Nave, contrary to some information you do NOT need a Cuban cellphone number to register – BUT you cannot register with a US cellphone number, but you can use other cellphone numbers – like a European one, or a UK one, etc etc.
Previously there have been other transport apps – Sube (which was superseded by Bajanda back in 2019) and then obviously Bajanda, which doesn’t seem to work anymore either. Stick with La Nave for now, pre-order using Civitatis or Daytrip, or hail a taxi. So that brings me to Civitatis.
La Nave App for Cuba Info:
- Download before you get to Cuba
- Use online when in Cuba.
- No VPN is required when using
Civitatis – for airport transfers, day trips, and multi-day tours
Civitatis is one of the few online sites where you can reserve, book, and pay online for transport and tours in Cuba. They’re an international company, with a huge base in Spanish-speaking countries. And they work REALLY well in Cuba.
You can book day trips and multi-day trips in Cuba with Civitatis. You can book airport transfers – or go from Havana to Varadero with Civitatis. They even do shared transfers from Havana airport (which is perfect for solo travelers).
Civitatis App for Cuba Info:
- Download before you get to Cuba
- Use online when in Cuba
- Use a VPN with this app in Cuba (you’re sharing personal information + card details)
Homestay.com –casa particular app in Cuba
If you’re traveling independently in Cuba, (and you should), then you’ll want to download homestay. I’ve covered details about casa particulars here, but homestay is great. It doesn’t charge fees to the Casa owner. That makes it way better than Airbnb in my book. Leave more of your money in Cuba, not in Airbnb’s pockets.
Homestay’s app means that you can check and book homestays aka casa particulars in Cuba. It’s a seriously great option that is good for the Cuban people.
Homestay app for Cuba Info:
- Download before you get to Cuba
- Use online when in Cuba
- Use a VPN with this app in Cuba (you’re sharing personal information + card details)
Hotels.com – casa and hotels app in Cuba
While the name hotels.com might be a bit of a misnomer in Cuba, as most of the accommodations that it lists are actually casa particulars, hotels.com is another accommodation app that works in Cuba. You WILL need to fire up your VPN to get it to work. But to be honest, if you’re putting personal details in and your credit or debit card, then you should be using a VPN anyway.
Hotels.com app for Cuba Info:
- Download before you get to Cuba
- Use online when in Cuba
- Use a VPN with this app in Cuba (you’re sharing personal information + card details)
Maps.me – offline mapping app for Cuba
Even as little as 7 years ago, this was the BEST option for planning a route in Cuba. Tourist SIM cards and eSIMs weren’t available then, and so the only way to see where you were and where you were going was an offline map, because n, Google didn’t work well in real-time. You’ll find restaurants, cafes, and crowd-sourced information on Maps.me that just isn’t present on Google, especially in Cuba. Maps.me also has some great walking routes mapped in – so it’s fabulous if you’re in National Parks in Cuba, or up in Vinales for example.
Fast forward to now, and Maps.me is still a GREAT option for offline mapping, oftentimes it’s a lot better than Google Maps in Cuba. You can star your favorites before you get to Cuba, so you know where you’re going for dinner, or if you have plans in Havana at night, for instance, you have an easy walking route.
Why use Maps.me offline? Because it means that you’re not burning through precious data or trying to find a WiFI connection to see a map. This is an example of an app that you should use OFFLINE. So download Maps.me and the Cuba maps BEFORE you get to Cuba.
Maps.me app for Cuba Info:
- Download before you get to Cuba
- Download Cuba Maps before you get to Cuba
- Use offline when in Cuba
- No VPN needed.
Alamesa app for Cuba
Designed to be used offline as well as online (and it’s also free), alamesa is similar to Tripadvisor, Yelp, or even Google Reviews these days. It’s a directory of state and private restaurants and cafes in Cuba. You can find all the information on their website, and there’s also an iOS and Android app that you can download from there too. Note that it may NOT be compatible with your device if you’re using the most recent iOS and Android software.
There are not just bars and restaurants on Alamesa these days, they also include experiences as well. So if you want to go on a Cuban Cocktail-making experience, you can check it out on Alamesa. (you can also book one on Civitatis too). And before you do, read my guide to Cuban Cocktails to see what to make!
At the time of writing, there are 614 restaurants, cafes, and bars listed on alamesa. There are even places that do delivery of food. (I’ve not tried this, so would LOVE to hear your feedback if you’ve used delivery on alamesa!)
Alamesa app for Cuba Info:
- Download before you get to Cuba
- Use online or offline when in Cuba
- Use a VPN with this app in Cuba (you’re sharing personal information + card details)
Google Translate App for use in Cuba
If you have good conversational Spanish, then you can likely get away without using this app in Cuba, but I would caution against NOT downloading it and having an offline version of the Spanish dictionary. Cuban Spanish is distinctly different in pronunciation than other countries. Cubanos have a pretty strong accent that can be hard to decipher. So sometimes it’s easier to write it down and translate.
Downloading the Spanish dictionary for Google Translate will also help with restaurant menus and directional signs – and heck if you’re heading to one of the museums here, like the one in Playa Giron, or the Revolutionary Museums, where there is very little English you may just need a little assistance!
Google Translate – Spanish Dictionary Info:
- Download before you get to Cuba
- Use offline when in Cuba
WhatsApp use in Cuba
Whether you’ve gone for a physical tourist SIM card, an eSIM for Cuba, or you’re just using the WiFI in Cuba, then you should get WhatsApp. This honestly is the ubiquitous communications tool here in Cuba and generally. It’s easy to use. And it will make your trip easier too.
WhatsApp for Cuba Info:
- Download before you get to Cuba
- Use online when in Cuba
Telegram app for Cuba
The *only* reason that I include Telegram in my list of apps to use in Cuba is because of flights. I don’t liike this app as a communications mechanism, but if you want to get up to date information on flights within Cuba, it’s the place to go. Seriously. No I don’t know why.
And this is the account you should follow for those flight details – ECASA
But if you’re planning internal flights in Cuba and want to know what’s flying where and when then use Telegram. I don’t use it for ANYTHING else. Well apart from messaging my friend in Cambodia, but that’s by the by.
Telegram App for Cuba Info:
- Download before you get to Cuba
- Use online when in Cuba
ESSENTIAL TIPS FOR EXPLORING CUBA INDEPENDENTLY
These are the resources and booking sites that we use when traveling to Cuba.
-Get a Cuba Travel and Medical Insurance Quote from Visitors Coverage here –
Alternatively, Civitatis Insurance is a great option for the required insurance for Cuba.
Read about the Cuba eVisa, and buy your Cuban eVisa here.
Flying via the USA and relying on entry with an ESTA? Read this.
Book your Viazul Bus tickets here
Use Daytrip to book transport between cities AND to sightsee along the way
Pre-book and prepay shared & private shuttles here
Book the best FREE Walking Tours in Cuba
Reserve attractions, day trips, and activities in Cuba here
Get online in Cuba EASILY with a Cuba eSIM Card here, or read my guide to Cuba physical SIMs here.
Download and install a VPN BEFORE you travel to Cuba > discount coupon here
Book Accommodation in Cuba’s Casa Particular here
Final Words on the Best Apps for Cuba
So there you have it. Cuba’s Best apps and how to use them. In an app-dependent world, it’s important to figure out the best way of connecting, what to use online and offline, and if you need to protect your data before you connect to the internet. Now I’m sure I’ve missed some (and everyone has their favorites, so let me know. What’s your go-to app in Cuba?
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