Internet & Communication
Internet in Cuba is a lesson in patience. The infrastructure is one of the slowest and most expensive in the world — but it's getting better.
WiFi Hotspots
The most common way to go online: ETECSA WiFi hotspots in parks, squares, and hotels. Recognizable by the crowds staring at their phones.
- Nauta cards: Prepaid WiFi cards from ETECSA. 1 hour = 1–2 €. Available at ETECSA offices (long lines!) or from private sellers (slightly more expensive)
- Speed: Slow (1–3 Mbit/s). Enough for WhatsApp, emails, and simple browsing. Forget video streaming
- Hotspot locations: In Havana: Parque Central, Plaza de Armas, Hotel Nacional. In Trinidad: Parque Céspedes. In Viñales: Main square. At least one in every city
Mobile Internet
Since 2018/2019, there is mobile internet via ETECSA SIM cards. Coverage is 3G/4G in cities, often only EDGE or nothing in rural areas.
- SIM card: Buy at the ETECSA office (bring your passport). 1 GB data = about 1–2 €
- Alternative: eSIM providers like Holafly or Airalo offer Cuba packages — often more convenient but more expensive (10–20 € for 5–10 GB)
Phone
Calls to Germany via ETECSA phones or hotel phones. Expensive (1–3 €/min). Cheaper: WhatsApp calls over WiFi. Roaming with a German SIM is possible but extremely expensive (up to 10 €/MB!) — be sure to deactivate roaming!
💡 Tipp
Download offline maps before the trip (maps.me or Google Maps Offline). GPS works in Cuba without the internet — but the maps need Wi-Fi for download beforehand. This saves a lot of wandering around.
