Calling Cuba from the United States can seem complicated, but with the right information, it's easy to connect with friends and family in Cuba. In this guide, we'll walk through everything you need to know to make phone calls to how to call to Cuba.
Calling Cuba directly from a US phone number generally doesn't work, because of the trade embargo between the two countries. However, there are a few different options that make how to call Cubasimple:
Using a phone card
Calling over the Internet/VoIP services
Routing calls through a 3rd country
We'll go over each of these options in detail below. With the right service, you can call both landline numbers and Cuban cell phones from the US. Prices vary, but calling Cuba can cost around 1 to 3 cents per minute on average.
When to Call CubaFirst, it helps to know that Call to Cubais in the Eastern Time Zone, just like New York, Miami, and Atlanta. Cuba does not observe daylight savings time, so:
From mid-March to early November, Cuba is 1 hour ahead of Eastern Time.
The rest of the year, Eastern Time and Cuba Time are the same.
So the best times to call Cuba are generally around midday Eastern Time. This accounts for the time difference and avoids calling too early or late.
With that in mind, let's look at the best ways to call Cuba from the US.
Using Phone Cards to Call CubaPhone cards are one of the most popular ways Calling Cuba cell phone. Here's how they work:
You purchase a prepaid international calling card, either online or in person at certain retail stores.
When you want to make a call, you dial a local access number and enter your PIN to connect to the calling service.
Then, you dial the Cuban number after entering a country code.
Your call will be routed to Cuba and billed at a per-minute rate.
The advantage of phone cards is that they allow you to call Cuba from any phone - cell phone, landline, or payphone. Rates can be as low as 1 cent per minute, and the connection quality is usually excellent.
Some of the best phone card providers for calling Cuba include:
Lucky Minutes
NobelCom
IDT International
CubaDUP
Be sure to compare rates across providers to find the cheapest Cuba phone card. Read reviews and check fees carefully before purchasing a prepaid international card.
Using VoIP to Call Cuba from US PhonesVoice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) apps allow you to make international calls over an Internet connection. This allows you to bypass normal calling restrictions and connect to Cuba.
Some top choices for calling Cuba via VoIP include:
Skype - A popular consumer VoIP provider. Call Cuba for around 2.3 cents/minute.
WhatsApp - Free voice and video calls to anywhere in the world. Requires a stable internet connection.
Viber Out - Low-cost VoIP app for calls to mobile and landlines.
Google Voice - Free calls within the US and nominal rates for international calls.
The great benefit of VoIP services is that they allow you to call Cuba from your phone, tablet, or computer. As long as you have a stable WiFi or cellular data connection, a VoIP app makes it easy and affordable to call Cuban numbers from the US.
Routing Calls Through Another CountryAnother option is using a service that routes or forwards your calls through another country before connecting to Cuba.
For example, StarLink offers home phone service that routes your calls internationally through Canada or the Dominican Republic at low per-minute rates.
Other call-forwarding services let you get a local phone number in another country and then connect to Cuba from there. This lets you avoid US calling restrictions while getting inexpensive international rates.
Some companies that provide call routing and forwarding include:
CubaCALLS
Cubamax
ViaERO- Forward calls through Canada
This technique takes a bit more setup but allows you to call Cuba directly at very low rates, often under 1 cent per minute.
Tips for Calling Cuban Phone NumbersWhen making calls to Cuba, here are some important tips to keep in mind:
Dial 011 from the US: When calling Cuba from the US, dial 011 before inputting Cuba's country code 53.
Input the city code: For Cuban landlines, dial 53 + city code + phone number. Common city codes include 7 for Havana and 43 for Santiago de Cuba.
Call mobile numbers directly: Cuban mobile numbers follow the format 53 + 8 digits. No city code is needed.
Purchase enough minutes upfront: Many calling cards and VoIP services require you to pre-pay for a certain amount of calling minutes. Check rates and buy enough minutes for your calls.
Check if the number is reachable: Not every Cuban number can receive international calls. Ask first or try a test call to see if you're able to connect.
Beware per-call connection fees: Some services charge fees each time you connect a call, in addition to per-minute rates. Factor these costs in before choosing a provider.
Call during off-peak hours: Calling early morning, late at night, or on weekends can sometimes result in cheaper rates.
With the right service and a reliable Internet connection, calling Cuba from the US is convenient and affordable. Following these tips will help ensure you connect successfully every time.
Frequently Asked Questions About Calling CubaIs it legal to call Cuba from the United States?Yes, it is completely legal for US citizens and residents to call Cuba. While direct calls are blocked, using prepaid phone cards, VoIP services, and call forwarding through a third country are common legal methods of calling Cuba.
Can I use my cell phone to call Cuba?In most cases, you cannot directly dial a Cuban number from a US cell phone. However, if you have a cellular plan that includes international calling, or you use a VoIP app for making calls over WiFi or mobile data, you can certainly call Cuba from your US mobile device.
How much does it cost to call Cuba from the US?Calling Cuba typically costs between 1 and 5 cents per minute. Factors like time of day, service used, and type of Cuban number can affect per-minute rates. Prepaid phone cards tend to have some of the lowest rates at around 1 cent per minute.
Can I call Cuba using WhatsApp or Facebook Messenger?Yes! Voice and video calls through apps like WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, FaceTime, and Skype work well for calling Cuban numbers from the US. As long as both parties have a strong internet connection, the call quality can be very good. These apps offer some of the most affordable ways to call Cuba.
How do I call a Cuban cell phone from the US?To call a Cuban mobile number from the US, dial 011-53-8-XXX-XXXX. The "8" indicates it is a mobile number. Use a VoIP service like Skype or WhatsApp, an international calling card, or a call forwarding service to avoid any direct dialing restrictions.
Can I receive calls to the US from Cuba?Yes, it is possible for someone in Cuba to call your US number, often at lower per-minute rates than calling from the US to Cuba. They would need to use an international calling service from a Cuban cell carrier. Some US providers may charge international roaming fees for calls received from Cuba.
Make Affordable Calls to Cuba from the US with CallmamaHere at Callmama, our goal is to make calling friends and family in Cuba easy and affordable. We offer multiple ways to call Cuba, including our innovative Callmama app.
With Callmama, you can call Cuba for as low as 1¢/minute using an Internet connection. Excellent call quality and low rates for both landlines and mobile phones make staying in touch with loved ones in Cuba convenient.
Signing up is free and easy. You can immediately or desktop using our app. Top up your balance to activate affordable per-minute calling to any number in Cuba.
Along with great rates, Callmama provides a reliable, high-quality calling experience and stellar customer support. Stop paying high costs to call Cuba - switch to Callmama today for affordable calls from the US!
The Wall