Destination
Cuba eSIM
Cuba draws visitors to Havana's Malecón, Trinidad cobbles and Varadero beaches on structured itineraries. Mobile data helps with casa particular bookings, classic-car taxi rates and finding ETECSA Wi-Fi hotspots when you need them. NXTL sells travel data the way people actually move: buy credit once, use it in Cuba on Cubacel, then keep whatever is left for France, Japan or wherever you go next. Install before the flight so maps and messaging work from the first transfer.
Live pricing
Network rates in Cuba
Rates are per gigabyte of usage from your balance — not the eSIM purchase price. By default the cheapest network tier is enabled, so your eSIM steers to the lowest available rates; you can still pick a network manually in the app if you prefer. Full pricing page
| Network | Technology | Rate per GB |
|---|---|---|
| Cubacel Lowest rate | LTE | $22.21/GB |
By default, NXTL steers your eSIM to the cheapest available network tier. You can still pick a network manually in the app if you prefer.
Trip cost calculator
What will data cost you in Cuba?
Your estimate
Pay-as-you-go: there is no daily allowance or data cap. You use what you need from your balance. Estimates use the selected network’s current per-GB rate; by default NXTL steers to the cheapest available network tier.
Data use
How much data do travellers actually use?
Light
Maps, messaging and email on the go
Moderate
Social apps, browsing and music streaming
Heavy
Video calls, HD streaming and hotspot use
Costs use the cheapest network tier, which is enabled by default on NXTL eSIMs and steers you to the lowest available rates. Actual usage varies by traveller.
Why NXTL here
What NXTL changes in Cuba
Keeps working across borders
The same eSIM and the same balance continue in neighbouring destinations — nothing to re-buy at the border.
Balance never expires
Whatever you don’t use stays in your account for the next trip. No validity clock.
5% back in Tokens
NXTL Rewards returns 5% of usage as Tokens you can redeem into spendable balance.
Connectivity guide
Staying connected in Cuba
ETECSA is the sole operator; 3G and 4G exist in Havana, Santiago and tourist towns, while Viñales valleys and remote keys can thin out. Public Wi-Fi parks remain common but require scratch cards. NXTL uses those domestic networks — commonly Cubacel when listed live here — rather than building separate towers.
Tourist SIM cards are sold at airports and ETECSA offices with passport registration; top-ups use prepaid cards or office visits. A local number is useful for casa hosts who confirm by call. Short stays in Cuba rarely need a local number. NXTL’s data-only eSIM skips the registration queue: you arrive ready, use maps and messaging immediately, and never buy a timed tourist pack that dies when you leave.
How NXTL works for Cuba: buy credit, install the eSIM on Wi-Fi before you fly, then enable data when you land (for example via José Martí International (HAV)). Your phone uses local networks such as Cubacel. You are charged only for data used — there is no daily allowance to waste and no pack that expires after a week in Havana.
That global wallet is the product pitch: Cuba today, another destination tomorrow, same eSIM. Live per-country rates, no plastic to swap, and nothing wasted when your Havana plans change.
Many travellers mix mobile data with timed Wi-Fi sessions because some apps still behave better on a full Wi-Fi login than on mobile. A pay-as-you-go NXTL eSIM fits Cuba travel like this — install once, use what you need, keep the rest for later.
Before you fly to Cuba, confirm your phone supports eSIM and is unlocked. Then install NXTL on Wi-Fi at home so you are not depending on airport Wi-Fi to get online in Havana.
Local SIMs and roaming
Tourist SIM cards are sold at airports and ETECSA offices with passport registration; top-ups use prepaid cards or office visits. A local number is useful for casa hosts who confirm by call. For short visits built around Havana and Santiago de Cuba, NXTL is usually enough: data for maps and messaging, your home number kept for calls and bank texts, and pay-as-you-go credit that does not expire when you leave Cuba.
Your options
Other ways to get data in Cuba
An honest look at the alternatives — each has cases where it makes sense.
Roaming with your home plan
Zero setup, but daily roaming passes and out-of-bundle rates add up quickly on longer trips. Fine for a weekend; expensive for weeks.
Airport SIM counters
Available on arrival, but often with queues, ID registration and tourist pricing. An eSIM installed before you fly skips all of it.
Local prepaid SIM
Can be economical for month-long stays if you find a store and handle registration. For shorter trips, the time cost usually outweighs the saving.
Fixed-validity eSIM bundles
Simple upfront pricing, but unused gigabytes expire with the validity clock. NXTL is pay-as-you-go: your balance stays yours.
Multi-country travel
One balance continues across borders
Leaving Cuba? The same eSIM and the same balance keep working at each destination’s own rate — no new SIM, no new bundle, no expiry.
Nearby destinations
Setup
Installed in minutes, ready before you land
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Buy the Global eSIM
Checkout takes a minute and the QR code arrives instantly by email.
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Install on Wi-Fi
Scan the QR code at home or at the airport — before the flight is easiest.
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Land connected
Enable the eSIM for data on arrival. Usage is billed per GB from your balance.
FAQ
Cuba data questions, answered
Yes, where Cuba is in NXTL coverage. Your phone connects to local networks listed on this page — often Cubacel — including everyday use in places like Havana.
Rates for Cuba are shown live on this page and on the pricing page because they change over time. NXTL is pay-as-you-go: you only pay for the data you use.
NXTL’s travel eSIM does not give you a local Cuba phone number, so you skip the shop ID process that local prepaid SIMs usually need. Keep your usual number for calls and bank texts.
Install on Wi-Fi before you fly. Enable data after you land — for example at José Martí International (HAV) — so you are not relying on airport Wi-Fi.
No. Credit left after Cuba stays in your NXTL account with no expiry date, ready for later trips where NXTL has coverage.
Yes. The same NXTL eSIM and balance keep working in other covered countries, so Cuba does not have to be a disposable tourist SIM.
A local SIM can be right for a long stay with lots of local calls. For most visits to Cuba, NXTL is simpler: install before you travel, pay as you go, skip the desk, and keep leftover credit for the next country.
Ready for Cuba?
Global eSIM $11.99 · includes $10.00 credit · balance never expires