Cubacel Tourist SIM (CubacelTur): Prices, Packages, How to Buy, and Where to Pick Up

Why you need a Cuban SIM

Mobile data in Cuba can be tricky if you rely on international roaming. The Cubacel Tourist SIM (also called CubacelTur) is a prepaid line created for visitors: you get a Cuban number, mobile data, local minutes and SMS, and easy pickup at the airport or ETECSA offices. This is an essential cuba sim card option for tourists. (ETECSA)

The cuba sim card is ideal for staying connected during your travels.

Marysol Travel can pre-arrange your SIM together with your airport transfer and hotel so it’s one less queue on arrival. Contact us via marysoltravel.com for assistance.

What exactly is CubacelTur?

CubacelTUR SIM Card

Cuba SIM card options for tourists

Choosing the right cuba sim card can enhance your travel experience.

CubacelTur is a temporary mobile line for tourists sold by ETECSA (Cuba’s state telecom). There are two options:

• • Cubacel Tur Plus – valid 30 days, includes 10GB data + 100 minutes + 100 SMS, unlimited WhatsApp & Facebook during validity.
  • Cubacel Tur Básico – valid 7 days, includes 4GB data + 20 minutes + 20 SMS. (Cuba Cel Tourist, ETECSA)

Prices for the cuba sim card options vary based on the plan you select.

You can pre-order online and pick up at Cuban airports or ETECSA commercial offices. (Cuba Cel Tourist, ETECSA)

Having the cuba sim card allows you to navigate the country with ease.

Prices and packages (tourist SIM)

Understanding the prices of your cuba sim card packages is essential.

Prices shown are those publicly listed by official sellers/resellers of CubacelTur. Always check the live price at purchase.

Add-on data (top-ups)

After activation you can buy additional data (typical options: 10GB, 20GB, 50GB). Add-ons extend your SIM’s life in 7-day increments (Básico) or 30-day increments (Plus), up to a 90-day maximum total validity. Availability and exact online prices can vary by channel, and minutes/SMS add-ons are typically handled in ETECSA offices. (ETECSA)

Using a cuba sim card is a convenient way to connect with locals.

Where to pick up your SIM

You can collect CubacelTur at these airport desks (usually 24/7) and at ETECSA commercial offices nationwide:

Be sure to have your cuba sim card ready upon arrival.

• Havana (José Martí) – T3 Concourse C (and T2)
• Varadero (Juan Gualberto Gómez)
• Cayo Coco (Jardines del Rey)
• Santa Clara (Abel Santamaría)
• Camagüey (Ignacio Agramonte)
• Holguín (Frank País)
• Santiago de Cuba (Antonio Maceo)
• Any ETECSA Commercial Office in major cities
  Availability and hours can change; airport desks are designed for tourist pickup and widely reported as operating round-the-clock. (ETECSA)

How to buy (step-by-step)

Follow these steps to secure your cuba sim card efficiently.

Option A — Pre-order online (recommended)

1. Go to the CubacelTur purchase page and choose Básico or Plus.
2. Select your pickup location and date, enter passport details, and pay online.
3. Receive a confirmation by email.
4. Collect your SIM on arrival and activate. Official information confirms online purchase and airport/offices pickup. (Cuba Cel Tourist, ETECSA)

Option B — Buy at ETECSA commercial offices in Cuba
ETECSA now allows in-person purchase at commercial offices with international cards (Visa, MasterCard, UnionPay, Mir). This is useful if you didn’t pre-order online. (ETECSA)

Purchasing a cuba sim card in person can be a straightforward process.

Activation: quick guide

Each cuba sim card comes with a quick activation guide.

1. Insert the SIM in an unlocked phone.
2. Restart.
3. If data doesn’t start automatically, set APN: nauta.
4. Your included data/minutes/SMS are ready to use.
5. Balance/checks: use on-screen codes indicated by the seller/ETECSA (e.g., service menus). (Cuba Cel Tourist)

Coverage and speeds (what to expect)

Coverage is strongest in major cities and resort areas (Havana, Varadero, Cayo Coco, Holguín, Santiago). Performance can vary by location and time of day. For most travelers, CubacelTur is the simplest way to get online quickly on arrival. (Cuba Cel Tourist)

What you’ll need at pickup

• Passport (must match your online order)
• Order confirmation (print or digital)
• Unlocked phone compatible with local networks
• Be aware: up to 3 CubacelTur lines per beneficiary (per passport), and total validity is capped at 90 days with extensions.

Cubacel Turist SIM Card

FAQ

1) Does Cubacel offer eSIM for tourists?
No. CubacelTur is a physical SIM only. That is explicitly stated in sales flows: “This is a physical SIM, not an eSIM.” If you specifically want eSIM, you must use an international eSIM provider (roaming on Cuban networks); availability, speed and support vary by vendor.

A cuba sim card provides various options for connectivity.

2) Which international eSIMs work in Cuba?
Several third-party providers list Cuba plans (aggregators show many options). However, these are not Cubacel eSIMs; they roam on partner networks and may have limitations. Compare plans, prices, and reviews before purchase.

3) Can I top up more data if I run out?
Yes. 10GB/20GB/50GB add-ons are commonly offered. Buying any add-on extends your SIM validity by 7 days (Básico) or 30 days (Plus), up to a 90-day maximum. For certain add-ons (especially minutes), you may need to visit an ETECSA office. (ETECSA)

4) Can I add extra minutes or SMS online?
In practice, data add-ons are the easiest online. For minutes/SMS add-ons, ETECSA indicates these are handled in commercial offices. Policies can change; verify at pickup. (ETECSA)

5) Will my phone work in Cuba?
Your phone must be unlocked. Coverage and speeds depend on the device and location. If your phone is locked to a carrier, ask them to unlock it before you travel. (Cuba Cel Tourist)

6) Can I tether/hotspot?
Hotspot works on most modern phones, but performance depends on signal quality.

7) What happens after my validity ends?
CubacelTur is temporary. Without add-ons, Básico ends after 7 days and Plus after 30 days. With add-ons, you can extend up to 90 days total. (ETECSA)

At-a-glance checklist before you fly

• Unlocked phone
• Pre-order confirmation (or plan to buy at ETECSA office)
• Passport ready for pickup
• Decide Básico (7 days) or Plus (30 days)
• Plan add-ons if you need more data during your trip (Cuba Cel Tourist, ETECSA)

How Marysol Travel can help

• Pre-arrange your CubacelTur SIM so you can pick it up immediately after immigration.

Bundle with airport transfers, accommodation, and Cuba e-Visa assistance so your arrival is seamless.
Reach out at www.marysoltravel.com  and we’ll coordinate everything.