SIM & internet: how it works in Cuba — first-hand

From real experience

• In Cuba, payment methods are diverse and vary by establishment type and location. State-owned stores and institutions (e.g., Etecsa for SIM cards in Havana) often do not accept cash (USD, EUR, CUP) for major purchases, preferring bank cards. MIR cards may be accepted but success rates vary by the issuing bank and specific terminal. Private vendors and some state-sector entities in tourist areas (e.g., Varadero) are more likely to accept cash, especially USD, sometimes even informally (transactions 'off the books'). The unofficial exchange rate for USD to CUP can be tracked on sites like ElToque and is significantly higher than the official rate (e.g., 270 to 660 CUP per USD in recent times). It is highly recommended to carry a substantial amount of USD cash. For digital nomads or those with crypto, USDT can be exchanged for local currency with a slight premium (1:1 to 1:1.05), which is advantageous compared to other Latin American countries where a loss of 5% or more is common.
• Travelers purchasing local SIM cards from Etecsa in Cuba frequently report that one-time registration SMS messages (OTPs) for local applications like La Nave (taxi) or Truecaller do not arrive. Etecsa support cannot resolve this issue. It is highly recommended to register and configure all necessary travel and local services using a foreign phone number before arriving in Cuba.
• Cuban citizens traveling to Russia via third countries like Panama require a transit visa for Panama if their final destination is not Cuba. This requirement has been in effect for some time and has a high rate of refusal for Cubans; the only exception is for Cubans returning directly home. Additionally, upon arrival at Russian border control, Cuban tourists may be asked for a return ticket to ensure their intent to leave Russia. Absence of a return ticket can lead to denial of entry. Foreign visitors to Russia are also advised to register in the RuID application. Due to the complexities and high refusal rates for transit visas, travelers should verify all requirements directly with the relevant embassies and airlines well in advance to avoid denied boarding or entry.
• In Cuba, severe and prolonged electricity outages (up to 40 hours) are now common in the capital, Havana, and likely worse in provinces. These outages are increasingly affecting mobile communication as cell towers reportedly lack backup power, unlike in previous years (2022-2024) when they could operate for at least two days. While some areas, like those connected to major hospitals in Havana and Cienfuegos, receive more stable power, the lack of reliable communication is a significant issue. Previously, cell towers had sufficient backup power to maintain service during blackouts, but this is no longer the case.
• Internet connectivity in Cuba is highly unstable and unsuitable for remote work. Mobile data (3G/4G) is prone to massive packet loss and outages. Telegram is reported as significantly less reliable than WhatsApp, though both suffer during power grid failures. Local residents often rely on specific, non-public workarounds or niche residential ISPs to bypass the limitations of state-run infrastructure. Starlink usage is technically prohibited and carries legal risks, though users may encounter it.

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