ETECSA's mobile service
Cubacel is the mobile brand of ETECSA, Cuba's state telecom operator. As the island's only mobile network, it covers virtually all Cuban mobile lines.
Cubacel: how it works and how to recharge
A complete guide to topping up a Cubacel line from abroad - the operator, its services and step-by-step recharging.
Recharge Cubacel nowAbout Cubacel
Coverage and data
Cubacel runs GSM and LTE coverage across Cuba, with mobile data delivered through ETECSA's Nauta service for messaging, browsing and apps.
Prepaid and top-ups
Most Cubacel users rely on prepaid balance. International top-up is one of the most common ways relatives abroad keep a Cuban line funded and online.
Cubacel services and recharge types
Top-ups add prepaid balance the recipient can use for Cubacel calls, texts and Nauta data.
Airtime and balance
Add prepaid balance to a Cubacel line for calls and texts, used at ETECSA's standard rates.
Nauta mobile data
Balance can go toward Nauta data so the recipient stays online with messaging apps and browsing.
Stay active
Regular top-ups keep a Cubacel prepaid number active and reachable, which matters for relatives who depend on it daily.
How to recharge Cubacel step by step
1
Choose Cubacel
Select Cubacel as the operator for the recharge.
2
Enter the number
Type the Cuban mobile number with the +53 country code.
3
Pick an amount
Choose from the available Cubacel top-up values.
4
Pay securely
Pay with your card; the credit normally arrives in minutes.
Recharge Cubacel from abroad
Wherever you send from, the Cubacel recharge flow is the same - only your payment currency changes.
From the United States
Pay in US dollars with a US card and the Cubacel line is topped up in minutes.
From Spain
Pay in euros with a Spanish or European card; the Cubacel credit is applied the same way.
From Mexico
Pay with a Mexican card in local currency to keep a Cubacel number funded across the region.
Payment methods
Debit and credit cards
Pay for Cubacel top-ups with major cards in your own currency, processed securely at checkout.
No Cuban account needed
You do not need a Cuban account - just the recipient's active Cubacel number.
Current Cubacel promotions
Cubacel
6X & More
6X + Unlimited Data valid for 30 days from 12:00 a.m. to 7:00 a.m. • The unlimited data bonus is activated the moment the customer receives the top-up; it is to be used exclusively during the designated hours (from 12:00 a.m. to 7:00 a.m.) over the 30 days following activation. • The top-up amount (multiplied by 6) will be added directly to the main balance, which will retain its established validity period of 330 days, calculated from the date of the most recent top-up received. • For customers who—at the time of applying a top-up during this promotional period—currently hold active plans featuring national data, international bundles, national plans, extra data plans (denominated in both local currency and USD), and/or toDus plans, the expiration dates of said plans will NOT be extended. • Likewise, for customers currently holding active plans, bundles, or bonuses containing SMS and/or voice minute (MIN) allowances, the validity dates for these resources will NOT be extended.
Cubacel recharge FAQ
How do I recharge a Cubacel number?
Choose Cubacel, enter the Cuban number with its +53 code, pick an amount and pay with your card. The credit normally reaches the line within minutes.
Can I top up Cubacel from the United States?
Yes. You pay in US dollars with a US card and the top-up is applied to the Cubacel line in Cuba.
Will the top-up include data?
Top-ups add balance the recipient can use for calls, texts or Nauta data, or a data offer when one is selected at checkout.
Are there Cubacel bonus promotions?
ETECSA runs periodic Cubacel promotions that add bonus balance or data on international top-ups. Check the Cubacel promotions page for what is active.
Do I need a Cuban card or account?
No. You pay with your own local card; the recipient only needs an active Cubacel number.
How fast does a Cubacel top-up arrive?
Most arrive within minutes. During heavy promotion periods it can occasionally take a little longer.