Internet access in Cuba has changed fundamentally and not least in the last few years. Today there’s no need to head to a local park and sit with hundreds of others paying by the minute for internet access. In recent years sim cards became available for tourists visiting Cuba. And now, in 2024, there’s a much more convenient eSIM for Cuba available. It makes it a lot easier to access the internet and use mobile services without having to get yourself a Cuban tourist sim. Here’s our guide to the best eSIM for Cuba. Our top recommendation gives you access to a FREE 100MB data plan AND 10% discount at check out when you use our code.
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eSIMs for Cuba allow you to use the same networks as physical Cuban sims, but you don’t need to swap out your sim card, simply connect to an app, and you’re ready to go as soon as you get off the plane. Perfect.
FREE 100MB + 10% DISCOUNT AT CHECKOUT
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.
What is an eSIM?
An eSIM aka an embedded SIM card is a digital version of the physical card that you normally put into your phone. An eSIM identifies your device virtually and provides a mobile network connection. ESIMs let you connect to mobile networks other than your regular network without having to change the physical SIM card in your device. You usually just have to scan a QR code from the eSIM company or open an app from the eSIM company to install the package on your cellphone.
What are the Pros and Cons of eSIMs?
Here’s what you can expect and the pros and cons of using eSIMs, both generally and also in Cuba.
eSIM Advantages in Cuba
It’s a much quicker and easier way to get online in Cuba, using an eSIM. eSIM connectivity tends to be much more simplified than changing out a physical SIM card. There’s no need to pre-order a physical SIM card (although if you do want a physical SIM card, then my guide to Cuban Tourist SIMs is here).
It’s really simple to switch between your regular home mobile carrier and the eSIM provider that you’re using and as there’s no need to actually remove your SIM card from your device, there’s much less chance of losing them too!
eSIMs are very reliable and get great reviews. You can read some of them here.
eSIMs are more environmentally friendly – you know what happens, you buy a SIM card when you visit a country, and then when you leave you bin it. There’s nothing physical to bin with an eSIM. Perfect.
eSIM Disadvantages in Cuba
The main disadvantage of eSIMs is that your phone might not be able to accept them. They tend to just be usable on newer phones, (but my Google Pixel of 2 years ago fully supports them). However, you’ll find that most iPhones and Androids that have been produced in the last 2 or so years will support them.
The second disadvantage of eSIMs is that it’s often difficult if not impossible to transfer them between devices, which you might want to do in an emergency, say if your phone stops working. If you’ve got a physical SIM then you can remove it and put it into a new phone. However. Face it. If you’re in Cuba and your phone stops working the chance of buying a new phone is low.
What phones can use an eSIM?
If your phone supports an eSIM capability, then you can install an eSIM. Check with your manufacturer or provider. (Or just Google your phone model and eSIM).
FREE 100MB + 10% DISCOUNT AT CHECKOUT
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.
What’s the Best eSIM for Cuba
We recommend GigSky as the best eSIM for Cuba. The setup is easy, they have very clear pricing, an easy-to-use app, and a good customer service experience. You can buy a GigSky eSIM for Cuba here.
There’s also a limited time offer as a Cuba’s Best reader. It’s in two parts
- Get a 100MB free data from GigSky
- Use code CUBASBEST at checkout and get 10% discount on your eSIM order (excluding Inflight and North Sea)
Sound good? Get your eSIM here.
Why GigSky? They have GREAT reviews. They provide 24/7/365 customer service. You can try for free too. Sign up for a free 100MB account here. Then when you’re ready to buy a package, use CUBASBEST at check out for an exclusive 10% discount!
How to Set up Your Phone with an eSIM for Cuba
Setting up your phone to use an eSIM for Cuba is really easy.
- Choose your destination and package.
- Buy your eSIM here
- Don’t forget to use the code CUBASBEST at checkout to get 10% discount.
- You can purchase your plan 30 days before your intended start date!
- Install your eSIM
- Activate your eSIM
- You’re done. Just connect when you arrive in Cuba.
FAQs about eSIMs in Cuba
Got questions about eSIMs and Cuba? Or want to know more about Cuban eSIMs, and we haven’t answered your questions? Check out our frequently asked questions about using an eSIM in Cuba below, or ask us yours in the comments.
Do eSIMs work in Cuba?
Some eSIMs work in Cuba. We’ve partnered with GigSky, for an eSIM that works in Cuba.
Is eSIM supported in Cuba?
Yes. ESIM is supported in Cuba.
Can you get an eSIM from ETECSA in Cuba?
No ETECSA does NOT provide eSIMs in Cuba. If you want to use an eSIM in Cuba we recommend GigSky. You can check the prices here. Don’t forget to get a 10% discount with code CUBASBEST at checkout
Can I top up my GigSky Cuba eSIM while in Cuba?
Yes. If you need more data or a longer time period of use while you’re in Cuba then you can top up Gigsky using the app. Check rates here.
Gigsky is one of our top apps to use in Cuba – read my guide to the essentials apps to use in Cuba.
What are the connections like on eSIM in Cuba?
eSIMs in Cuba use the same networks as physical SIMs and generally, unless there is a specific technical failure (which can happen with any type of SIM), then the issues are with the network provider rather than the eSIM itself.
FREE 100MB + 10% DISCOUNT AT CHECKOUT
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.
What speed connections do you get on eSIM in Cuba?
GigSky provides 4G network connections in Cuba. This is the standard mobile connection in Cuba.
Do VPNs work with eSIMs in Cuba?
Yes, VPNs work with eSIMs in Cuba. Read our guide to the best VPNs for Cuba here,
Can I make calls with this eSIM in Cuba?
No. This eSIM provides mobile data only. You can use all messaging services to make calls like WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, etc. You may, however, in Cuba need to use a VPN to activate the voice-calling aspect of these apps.
ESSENTIAL TIPS FOR EXPLORING CUBA INDEPENDENTLY
These are the resources and booking sites that we use when traveling to Cuba.
!NEW! – Our 130 page ebook – Cuba by Bus – provides 5 detailed itineraries, includes specific buses to book, and full step by step guides to visiting Cuba. Buy it here.
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 eSIM for Cuba
Using an eSIM to get online in Cuba really is one of the best technological advances of recent years. Tourist SIM cards go a long way, but these eSIMs are fabulous and for a limited time you can get a free 100MB data plan, plus an exclusive 10% discount using code CUBASBEST at checkout! No lining up to buy a physical SIM card, and no need to squat in a public park to get WiFi access. You get to access the same mobile data networks that physical SIMs do, but it’s much quicker, easier, and more convenient.
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11 thoughts on “The Best eSIM for Cuba”
Excellent article! I appreciate how informative it is. The eSIM is definitely super convenient, but far more expensive on a per-GB basis than buying the local physical SIM from ETECSA.
Reason being is that Airalo uses a foreign carrier that “roams” on Cuba’s network for its eSIMs and that’s probably the best rate they can get from them.
Thanks Robert, agreed – the esim is seriously convenient and certainly easier for those who struggle with Spanish or the potential for lack of sim card supply in Cuba.
Hello – are you sure airalo still works in Cuba? I have a trip coming up soon (late August 2024). Cuba is not listed as a supported country and when I sent a message to Airalo tech support and this is the response I received “We are working around the clock towards adding Cuba to our coverage. Hopefully, we should have it in the upcoming months. Please stay tuned!” Perhaps as the other commenter (Robert) mentioned, their service is supported by a third party???? In any case, I’ve already purchased the airalo global package so I guess we’ll see. . .
Hi – thanks for the comment and update. I’ve just checked in Airalo and it seems they removed the option for a Cuba esim at the end of July, but haven’t sent out notifications. I’ve updated the content in the site to take account for this and will keep everyone posted. Please do let me know how you get on! Sarha
Hi Sarah,
Thanks for all the info. Are you, by chance familiar with Kolet eSim? I have seen that they offer service in Cuba but I can’t seem to find any recent reviews.
Thanks!
Hi Natalie – Thanks, I’ve not seen any reviews (positive or negative) about Kolet (which is unusual), so I’m afraid I can’t comment on them. Your options would be risk it and see if it works, if it doesn’t then you can buy a tourist SIM when you’re in Cuba for US$35. Let me know how you get on!
Thank you. I appreciate the response! If I go this route I’ll let you know how it went.
Hi Natalie – I’ve managed to replace my previous esim provider with a new one that gets great reviews. I’ve updated the article, and also there’s a free plan you can use (100Mb free plan, plus a 10% discount using my code of CUBASBEST at checkout too!) Here you go.
Great, thanks Sarah.
Hello, has anyone verified that the eSim works in Cuba? I didn’t find any reviews on GigSky. Have any of you already bought a sim? Thank you
Hi Michaela – I had several reports in late September that Gigsky was indeed working in Cuba and my contacts in the company confirm that it works. They reached out to me initially, when I identified that Airalo wasn’t working.