Using a VPN when you travel is like locking your door when you leave home, or ensuring you have insurance when you travel. Necessary. The island of Cuba isn’t a stranger to censorship and that also goes in the internet space. Some news sites are blocked, and some secure websites are blocked on the island. Even if all you want to do on the internet in Cuba is keep up with world news, then you’ll need a VPN. If you plan on making online bookings, booking a Viazul bus for isntance, or checking details of your return flight, or even using some social media sites then you’ll need a VPN in Cuba. Here’s the Best VPN for Cuba – and our top pick VPNs for Cuba.
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TLDR: Do you need a VPN in Cuba? Yes: It will let you book Viazul Bus tickets. Insert your credit card details online with confidence. Check and book additional travel. And not worry about others snooping on your content.
Using a VPN when you’re traveling in any country, not just Cuba gives you an extra layer of security when you’re accessing your online accounts. It protects your surfing from government monitoring. A VPN lets you view content, TV, and movies that might be blocked. Using a VPN in Cuba lets you access streaming services and banking websites. VPNs in Cuba let you use sites like Facebook, YouTube, Wikipedia, and others when restrictive governments put blocks in place. And if you want to keep in touch with those at home while you’re in Cuba, then, using a VPN means you can use Messenger, Viber, WhatsApp, and Skype too.
TOP PRODUCT PICK
Our Best Buy VPN for Cuba is ExpressVPN – it has unparalleled privacy, performance, a large number of servers, and a GREAT price too.
There’s internet censorship in Cuba. The government openly monitors the activity of residents and visitors to the island. A VPN will provide privacy and security for your data. Virtually all the internet access in Cuba is via insecure public Wi-Fi hotspots across the island and a VPN can protect you and your data from hackers using these locations to steal your info.
What Makes the Best Cuba VPN?
In Cuba, internet access is provided by a Government-owned body. The Government openly monitors and censors internet access. In Cuba, you need a VPN that gives you
- Privacy
- Security
- Fast Server Speeds – to compensate for a slow internet connection
- Multiple servers to give you the best chance of access
- A service that unblocks streaming services
There are a few VPNs that are good enough to be used in Cuba and we’ve touched on them briefly later in this article, but our recommendation for the Best Cuban VPN is ExpressVPN – it is fast, private, and seriously easy to use. Check out ExpressVPN now.
What is a VPN?
A VPN – a virtual private network – secures your internet connection by encrypting your data while you’re using the internet. It keeps your data browsing and security information private and safe. You can read more here about using a VPN.
How to Use a VPN in Cuba
There are many ways and many benefits to using a VPN for travel – here are just a few of the ways you’ll use a VPN in Cuba.
- Avoid geo-restrictions on content (access BBC iPlayer, Netflix, and Hulu from around the world)
- Use WhatsApp and Skype anywhere
- Prevent monitoring of your content and activities
- Protect your personal and financial data
- Book Cheaper Flights regardless of your location
Use ExpressVPN in Cuba
ExpressVPN is quite simply the best VPN for Cuba travel – it combines, security and easy-to-use features. ExpressVPN is our top pick Cuba VPN because it provides superior service, a vast network of servers, and superb encryption. – buy Express VPN now! This link will give you up to 49% off RRP or 3 months for free.
Look anywhere and you’ll see that ExpressVPN is commonly accepted as the fastest and most robust of the VPN services available. This best buy VPN for Cuba has a huge number of servers worldwide – which is essential for unblocking geo-restricted content. ExpressVPN has 256 AES encryption, which is the industry-leading standard, and extensive protocol support. Ready to buy ExpressVPN? Get the 49% off RRP or 3 months for free here.
With ExpressVPN you get both native clients and apps for Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, Android, and even BlackBerry.
ExpressVPN is one of our essential apps to use in Cuba – here’s my guide to the rest of them.
And while this might all sound complex, it is incredibly easy to set up, install and use. ExpressVPN has a great support team if you have problems. And heaps of tutorials and guides. In 11 years I’ve never had to use them. Install, click, and go.
ExpressVPN easily streams content from Netflix, Hulu, and BBC iPlayer. A single subscription allows for 5 simultaneous devices to be connected.
Why Use ExpressVPN in Cuba?
- Robust, fastest speeds and superior service
- Excellent customer support
- Huge server network
- A strict zero-logging policy
- Filesharing is allowed
- You will not be able to use the Appstore in Cuba unless you are VPN’d in.
- You’ll be able to watch Netflix, the BBC or other streaming services that you normally do from home.
How to Set Up a VPN for Cuba
Setting up and using a VPN in Cuba is really easy. There are 3 things you need to do to set up a VPN for use in Cuba.
1. Purchase and download your VPN for Cuba BEFORE you leave home
VPN websites tend to be blocked in Cuba, so you’ll need to buy, download and install your VPN before you get to Cuba. Go on, do it now.
2. Install your VPN for Cuba on all your devices. BEFORE YOU LEAVE HOME
Install your Cuba VPN on all the devices that you might use before you leave home. The subscription for ExpressVPN includes allowing 5 simultaneous connections, but install it on ALL the devices you might use. Just in case. Here’s the download link.
3. Try out your Cuba VPN before you leave home
Once you’ve downloaded your Cuba VPN try it out. Make sure you know how to use it. Go on, it won’t take long. It’s way easier to figure this stuff out at home rather than when you’re sitting in a park in Cuba (which is the usual place where you’ll access the internet in Cuba). It’s not difficult. Open the app, and click the ON button. But you’ll also want to try using different ExpressVPN servers and making sure it works for you while you’re accessing different services, like Netflix or the BBC. If you’re based in the UK you could try selecting a server in Canada and then trying to access BBC iPlayer, or if you’re in the US, select a German server and see if Netflix works.
Frequently Asked Questions – FAQS for Using VPNs in Cuba
Got questions about VPNs in Cuba? Check out our frequently asked questions about Cuban VPNs below, or ask us yours in the comments.
Can you use a VPN in Cuba?
Yes. You can use a VPN in Cuba. Using a VPN in Cuba is legal for legitimate purposes. VPN usage in Cuba is popular amongst both Cuban residents and visitors as it protects data when connecting to public Wi-Fi in Cuba. Using a VPN in Cuba also allows you to avoid geo-restrictions to use your online banking service while in Cuba.
Can I use a free VPN in Cuba?
Yes, you can use a free VPN in Cuba. However, free VPN’s tend to support their business by loading adverts. Cuba’s internet tends to be slow, wasting your time and energy with adverts makes the experience worse not better. You should be very wary of free VPNs. Nothing is ever free.
Why can’t I download a VPN in Cuba?
It may be difficult / impossible to download a VPN in Cuba because the Government actively blocks the download of VPN sites.
Can I access my online banking while in Cuba?
We have always used a VPN before trying to access our online banking in Cuba (and anywhere else). Several readers (from the UK and the USA) report that they are unable to access their online bank details and login while in Cuba. When they use a VPN they are able to access it.
Does Skype Work in Cuba?
Sometimes. There have been attempts to block the usage of Skype in Cuba. Unless you are using a VPN to access Skype you may not be able to use it.
Is TikTok blocked in Cuba?
Yes. TikTok is blocked in Cuba. If you have a VPN installed you’ll be able to use TikTik in Cuba.
Are VPNs legal in Cuba?
Yes. VPNs are legal in Cuba. If you’re going to want to use social media networks, or the Apple app store or Google Play Store, then you’ll need to have downloaded a VPN BEFORE you get to Cuba.
Do I need a VPN for my phone in Cuba?
Yes. Many of the sites that you use every day will not work in Cuba. This is because Cuba remains under sanction from the USA and therefore they block usage of specific sites from being accessed from Cuba. A VPN will allow you to spoof your location and pretend to NOT be in Cuba.
Do I need one VPN per device?
Most VPN services – including ExpressVPN, which allows up to 5 consecutive devices – allow you to connect multiple devices using the same account. You will need to install the VPN (and please try using it before you travel), on EACH of the devices that you want to connect to the internet. You will NOT be able to download the VPN when you are in Cuba, do it all at home before you get there.
Does ExpressVPN work in Cuba?
Yes. ExpressVPN works consistently well in Cuba. Out of the VPNs that we’ve tested and used around the world, it’s the VPN that works in the most places with the least problems.
Is the Internet censored in Cuba?
Yes. The Cuban Government actively prevents access to some websites. Cuba’s censorship means that the country has been listed as an “Internet Enemy” by Reporters without Borders since the list was created in 2006. You can read which sites are generally blocked in Cuba here.
Since the beginning of the 2023 economic crisis, there have been reports of the Cuban Government monitoring and blocking internet access. A VPN will help with this,
Does ExpressVPN work with Netflix?
Yes, ExpressVPN works with Netflix.
What does a VPN for Cuba cost?
ExpressVPN is our highest-rated VPN for Cuba –Here are the ExpressVPN plans and prices.
- US$6.67 a month – US$99.95 a year >includes 3 months for free!
- US$9.99 a month 6-month – US$59.95
- US$12.95 a month 1-month – US$12.95
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 Cuba VPN
In our travel checklist for Cuba, we cover the key items that you need to do before you travel to Cuba – things like getting a Cuban eVisa, making sure you have the right insurance for your Cuba visits – and of course, ensuring you have a VPN. And I really can’t stress enough, that the service offered by ExpressVPN really is excellent – here’s their link again. If you have any plans at all to access the internet in Cuba for whatever reason – then using a VPN in Cuba is another essential that you just can’t do without.
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