CubacelTur: Your Ultimate Guide to SIM Card and Internet Data Plans in Cuba
Introduction
When traveling to Cuba, having a temporary mobile line and internet access can greatly enhance your experience. One popular service that caters to tourists is CubacelTur, offered by ETECSA, the only mobile operator in Cuba. CubacelTur provides a convenient solution for visitors to stay connected during their stay on the island. In this article, we will explore the features and benefits of the CubacelTur service and provide useful information on how to purchase and use it.
CubacelTur offers a temporary mobile line with a validity period of 30 days, providing tourists with the opportunity to have a local phone number while in Cuba. This allows travelers to make local calls and receive calls from friends and family on the island without incurring expensive international roaming charges. Additionally, the service includes data, talk time, and SMS allowances, ensuring that tourists can stay connected and communicate efficiently during their stay in Cuba. This is particularly useful for accessing maps, translation apps, and other travel-related applications that require internet connectivity.
Purchasing CubacelTur
To purchase the CubacelTur service, you can register on the suenacuba.com website using your foreign passport. The online registration process is straightforward and user-friendly. Once registered, you can select the CubacelTur service package that suits your needs. Payment options available include credit cards, debit cards, or PayPal. It is recommended to purchase the CubacelTur service before arriving in Cuba to ensure a seamless experience upon arrival.
By purchasing the CubacelTur service in advance, you can have your SIM card ready for pickup upon your arrival in Cuba. This eliminates the need to search for a SIM card provider once you reach the island, saving you time and allowing you to start using the service immediately. Additionally, purchasing the service online gives you the opportunity to compare different package options and choose the one that best fits your communication needs while in Cuba.
Features and Limitations of CubacelTur
The CubacelTur service package offers a temporary mobile line with a validity period of 30 days. It includes 6GB of data, 100 minutes of talk time, and 100 SMS messages. These allowances provide sufficient connectivity for most tourist needs during their stay in Cuba.
For example, if you are a tourist who enjoys sharing your travel experiences on social media, the 6GB of data included in the CubacelTur package allows you to upload photos, videos, and updates without worrying about running out of data. Additionally, the 100 minutes of talk time and 100 SMS messages provide ample communication options for making local calls and sending messages to other CubacelTur users or local contacts.
It is important to note that phones used with the CubacelTur service must be unlocked and compatible with the networks, bands, and frequencies used in Cuba. This ensures that your device can connect to the Cubacel network and enjoy uninterrupted service.
While the CubacelTur service cannot be extended beyond the initial 30-day period, additional data packages can be purchased if you require more data during your stay. However, it is worth mentioning that the minutes and SMS messages included in the CubacelTur package cannot be purchased separately.
For example, if you find that you are running out of data before the end of your 30-day period, you can easily purchase an additional data package to meet your needs. This flexibility allows you to customize your usage based on your specific requirements without having to purchase a new line or service package.
Collecting the CubacelTur SIM Card
The CubacelTur SIM card can be collected at various locations, including airports and ETECSA Commercial Offices. If you are arriving at Havana Jose Marti Airport, you have the option to collect the SIM card at the CubaTur counter, which offers convenient and hassle-free pickup [2].If you are arriving at a different airport in Cuba, you can collect the SIM card at the nearest ETECSA Commercial Office. It is recommended to check the specific pickup locations and procedures for your chosen airport before your arrival.
By collecting the CubacelTur SIM card at the airport, you can immediately insert it into your unlocked and compatible phone and start using the service right away. This saves you the hassle of searching for a SIM card provider outside of the airport and ensures that you have a reliable means of communication as soon as you arrive in Cuba. Additionally, the CubaTur counter at Havana Jose Marti Airport offers a convenient pickup location, allowing you to quickly and easily collect your SIM card before continuing your journey.
Additional Data Packages
If you finish the data included in your CubacelTur package and require more, you can purchase additional data packages. The price range for these packages varies, from $20 USD for 10GB to $70 USD for 50GB. These additional data packages can be easily purchased and activated through the suenacuba.com website.
For example, if you are an avid video streamer and find that the 6GB of data included in the CubacelTur package is not sufficient, you can purchase an additional data package to ensure uninterrupted streaming throughout your stay in Cuba. The availability of different data package options allows you to tailor your usage to your specific needs, whether it's for streaming, downloading large files, or any other data-intensive activities.
Customer Support and Other Considerations
If you encounter any issues or have questions regarding the CubacelTur service, customer support is available to assist you. You can reach out to them through the provided customer service numbers. In case you lose or damage your CubacelTur SIM card, you can visit an ETECSA Commercial Unit for a replacement.
It is important to note that you cannot transfer the remaining data, minutes, and SMS from your CubacelTur line to a new line. Additionally, the phone number associated with your CubacelTur line cannot be changed or transferred to another person. To check the available data, minutes, and SMS on your line, you can dial 222887#. Reports of your calls can be obtained at ETECSA Commercial Units for a fee.
Having an unlocked and compatible phone is crucial to using the CubacelTur service effectively. Ensure that your phone meets these requirements before purchasing the service to avoid any compatibility issues.
Conclusion
The CubacelTur service offered by ETECSA is a convenient and reliable option for tourists visiting Cuba. With its temporary mobile line and data package, you can stay connected and enjoy internet access throughout your stay on the island. We encourage all tourists visiting Cuba to consider purchasing the CubacelTur service for a seamless communication experience. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can easily purchase and use the CubacelTur service, ensuring that you have a reliable means of communication and internet access during your visit to Cuba.