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
Unlimited Data
24-Hour Unlimited Data for 10 days • The main balance maintains the established validity period (330 days) from the top-up made and the customer receives the top-up amount in their main balance. • The 24-hour Unlimited Data is activated with the recharge received and is valid for 10 days, counted from the receipt of the recharge. • Customers who recharge during the promotional period and have resources of Plans with National Data, International Combos and/or national plans (Extra Data Plans in CUP and in USD) and Todus Plans, at the time of applying a promotional recharge, will NOT have the effective date of said resources extended. • Users who have plans, combos or bonuses with SMS and/or MIN resources, will NOT have the effective date of such resources 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.
Keep exploring
Recharge Cubacel nowGo to the Cubacel recharge page and send a top-up in a few steps.Cubacel promotionsSee current Cubacel promotions and bonus offers when available.How to Recharge a Phone in Cuba from the USAA practical guide for sending mobile credit to Cuba from the United States, with steps for checking the number, choosing Cubacel products and avoiding common mistakes.