Cuba eSIM for Travel – Instant 3G/4G – limited Data
Instant mobile data in Cuba from £4.99. No roaming charges. Keep your UK number. Activates the moment you land.
Cuban connectivity is genuinely limited; even an eSIM in Cuba can be slow, but it is far cheaper than UK roaming and works at WiFi-park hotspots. TripSIM provides an instant Cuba eSIM with coverage on ETECSA (Cubacel), so you can land at Havana José Martí (HAV) and be online before you reach the taxi rank. Always check Cuba eSIM compatibility before relying on it; many travellers still buy a local ETECSA SIM on arrival. No physical SIM swap, no airport kiosks, no surprises on your next UK phone bill.
Cuba mobile networks
- ETECSA (Cubacel) — 3G/4G – limited
How it works
- Buy your plan in GBP at our UK Stripe checkout.
- Scan the QR code we email you within minutes.
- Land in Havana and connect automatically.
Cuba eSIM FAQs
Does an eSIM work in Cuba?
Yes — TripSIM eSIMs work across Cuba on local 4G/5G networks (ETECSA (Cubacel)). You activate before you fly and it connects automatically when you land.
Can I keep my UK number while using a Cuba eSIM?
Yes. Your physical UK SIM stays active for calls, texts and WhatsApp. The TripSIM eSIM runs alongside it as a data-only line.
Is hotspot / tethering included?
Yes, every TripSIM plan supports personal hotspot.
When should I install the eSIM?
Install before you leave the UK while on WiFi. Activation only starts when you connect to a local network in Cuba.
Is TripSIM cheaper than UK carrier roaming in Cuba?
Almost always. UK carriers typically charge £8–£15 per MB on UK carriers in Cuba. Save up to 90% vs UK roaming.
Will a TripSIM eSIM work across Cuba?
Yes. TripSIM connects to ETECSA (Cubacel), which together cover Havana, Varadero, Trinidad and most Cuba travel destinations. Coverage in remote regions may be more limited – check the coverage map before travelling off the main routes.
How much data do I need for 10 days in Cuba?
For typical UK-tourist use (maps, messaging, social, occasional video calls), 0.3–0.5 GB per day is a comfortable allowance. We recommend our mid-tier plans for shorter trips and unlimited for two-week stays.
Is the TripSIM Cuba eSIM faster than buying a SIM at Havana airport?
Buying a local SIM in Cuba usually means queueing at an arrivals kiosk, showing your passport, topping up in Cuban Peso and configuring APN settings. A TripSIM eSIM is QR-activated before you fly and online the moment your phone connects to a Cuba network.
Can I make voice calls or send SMS with a TripSIM Cuba eSIM?
TripSIM is a data-only eSIM. Voice and SMS are not supported – but you can call and message over WhatsApp, FaceTime, Telegram and other internet-based apps as normal. For UK emergency services, your physical SIM remains the appropriate route.
Does the TripSIM Cuba eSIM work alongside my UK SIM?
Yes. Dual-SIM phones (iPhone XS and later, most modern Androids) can run your UK number for calls/SMS and your TripSIM data plan in parallel. We recommend turning off mobile data on your UK SIM to avoid roaming charges.