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.
All Cubacel: how it works and how to recharge products
There are no public Cubacel: how it works and how to recharge products available right now.
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 by card, PayPal or USDT; 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
Cards, PayPal and wallets
Pay for Cubacel top-ups with Visa, Mastercard, American Express or Discover credit and debit cards, PayPal, or Apple Pay and Google Pay on supported devices, in your own currency, processed securely at checkout. Depending on the country you pay from, local payment methods are also available, and we are expanding them.
USDT and USDC
You can also pay with USDT on Tron (TRC-20), Ethereum (ERC-20) or BNB Smart Chain (BEP-20), or with USDC on Ethereum (ERC-20). The top-up goes out as soon as the network confirms the transfer.
No Cuban account needed
You do not need a Cuban account - just the recipient's active Cubacel number.
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 by card, PayPal or USDT. 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 card, with PayPal or with USDT; 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.