Guide pratique pour rester joignable à Cuba malgré les pannes, les coupures d’électricité et les connexions instables.
Mobile internet in Cuba can be useful, but it should never be your only travel plan. Connections may slow down or stop during power outages, and some foreign phones or roaming plans may not work reliably.
Tourist SIM card, roaming or eSIM?
Travellers generally compare four options: a Cuban tourist SIM, international roaming, a travel eSIM, and hotel WiFi. The best choice depends on your phone, trip length and need for a Cuban number.
- Cuban tourist SIM: useful for local mobile data and calls when compatible with your unlocked phone.
- International roaming: convenient, but prices and Cuban network access depend on your carrier.
- Travel eSIM: easy to install before departure, but service ultimately depends on a local partner network.
- Hotel WiFi: practical at a resort, although speed and availability can vary.
Check your phone before travelling
Confirm that the phone is unlocked, supports the required mobile bands and can use an eSIM if that is your plan. Install the eSIM, your airline application, WhatsApp, offline maps and a VPN before leaving Canada. Some services can be difficult to download or activate after arrival.
Prepare WhatsApp and offline access
Save your hotel address, transfer company, airline, insurance provider and emergency contacts in both digital and printed form. Download the Varadero area in your mapping application and keep screenshots of booking confirmations, your passport information page, insurance certificate and entry documents.
Power outages can interrupt service
Cuba’s telecommunications network can be unreliable and is frequently affected by electricity interruptions. Keep a charged power bank and do not depend solely on your phone for emergencies. The Government of Canada also recommends keeping hard copies of essential contact information.
Useful related guides
- Internet in Cuba: WiFi, ETECSA, WhatsApp and offline maps
- Cuba power outages: what travellers should prepare for
- Cuba entry requirements
Sources
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