Up until a couple of years ago, you could not use your cell phone, period in Cuba. The good news is that now the 4 major carriers in the US, T-mobile, Verizon, Sprint and AT&T offer roaming service in Cuba. That bad news is that the rates are…atrocious. Luckily, There are other options – but we’ll get to that later. For now, let’s explore the roaming plans that the “Big Four” US providers currently offer for Cuba. Brace yourselves.
T-Mobile
Using your T-Mobile phone in Cuba will cost you $2.00 per minute in and out. So, a 10 minute conversation will cost you $20. If you want to use data, T-Mobile will charge you $2,000 for 1GB of data.
AT&T
AT&T is even more expensive than T-Mobile. To make/receive a phone call is $3.00 per minute. Data is $2.05 per mb so over $2,000 for a GB. of data. And don’t forget to throw in the tax.
Verizon
Verizon’s rates are similar to the other competition – $2.99 per minute plus tax for one minute of calling and $2.05 per mb for data roaming.
Sprint
Sprint’s roaming rates in Cuba are also quite high. $2.49 per minute for incoming and outgoing calls and $1.99 for 1mb of data.
Cellular Abroad
Cellular Abroad’s rates for Cuba are definitely lower. $80 for 1GB of data and calls are $1.00 incoming and $1.10 outgoing.
Another advantage, besides the lower rates, is that the service has a UK number (with the option of having a US number and/or using your usual number). The advantages are multiple and also considerable. First, having a UK number allows the Cuban’s to call you. Not everyone call easily call US numbers from Cuba.
In addition, having a different number than your usual US number ensure that you will hear from only those that you want to hear from. Roaming with Verizon, AT&T, etc. does not offer you that option. If a telemarketer calls you, and even if you do not answer the call and it goes to voicemail, you will be charged their roaming rates.
Here is how to take advantage of Cellular Abroad’s rates, just visit https://www.eatelbusiness.com/phone-solutions/ and get more information.
If your phone is unlocked, you can purchase a SIM card. Otherwise, you can purchase a phone for as low as $80 or you can rent a phone for Cuba.
