Internet in Cuba is a topic that raises quite a few questions for travelers, as access to the net on the island is different from what can be found in most other countries. Internet is not as widely available in Cuba as it is in other places, and it can be expensive and limited in speed. However, there are several ways to connect to the internet, and it is important to understand where and how to do so.
In Cuba, there is no free internet in hotels or on the streets, and you must use special public hotspots to access the net. The most popular way to connect to the internet is to use Wi-Fi zones that are located in major cities and tourist areas such as Havana, Varadero, Trinidad and others. These zones are located in public places such as parks, plazas, cafes and hotels.
To use the Internet, you must purchase access cards, which are sold at the offices of Etecsa, the state-owned company that controls communications in Cuba. Cards cost about 1 to 10 CUC depending on the duration of use, usually offering 1 to 5 hours of network access. Periods of use can vary, but keep in mind that you need to be within a Wi-Fi zone and have a network-enabled device (smartphones, tablets, laptops) to connect to the internet.
Wi-Fi in these areas is intermittent, and internet speeds can leave much to be desired. There are times when the signal is weak or congested, especially during peak hours. It is also worth bearing in mind that not everywhere in Cuba has stable internet access, and in small villages or remote areas networks may not be available at all.
Alternatively, internet can be found in inns and hotels, where Wi-Fi is usually available for an additional fee. In larger hotels or resort areas, you can expect stable access, but this service can be more expensive. In some cases, connecting will require a special password that is provided at check-in.
For more consistent access, you can consider purchasing mobile internet. Some tourists buy SIM cards with mobile internet from Etecsa, which allows them to use the internet on their cell phone. However, mobile internet in Cuba can also be expensive and connection speeds are often limited. Cuba also has special plans that include internet access, but these plans can be quite expensive and the price varies depending on the package.
In general, internet in Cuba remains quite limited and expensive, and its use may not be as convenient as in other countries. However, given the specific nature of Cuban internet, you can be prepared for limited access and moderate speeds, especially if the connection is required for routine tasks such as checking email or messenger communication.
