Calling Cuba from the United States has long been a complicated and confusing process. With the easing of US-Cuba relations in recent years, how to call Cuba from us has become simpler, but still requires following specific steps.
In this complete guide, I'll walk you through everything you need to know about calling Cuba from us in 2023 - from understanding the complex history of US-Cuba telephone communication to the best methods and providers to use today.
A Brief History of Calling Cuba from the US
Since the US embargo on Cuba began in 1962, direct telephone communication between the two countries has been very limited. For decades, Americans were completely banned from calling Cuba.
In the 1970s, the US government allowed limited phone calls to Cuba only for humanitarian purposes or to communicate with immediate family members call Cuba from us. Even those permitted calls had to be booked through third-country operators.
It wasn't until 2009 that US telecom companies were authorized to connect phone calls directly to Cuba for the first time in over 40 years. But those direct calls were still heavily restricted.
In 2013, Cuba eased their own telecom restrictions, allowing Cubans to acquire cell phones and internet access more freely. In 2015, the US removed Cuba from the State Sponsors of Terrorism list as part of President Obama's efforts to normalize relations.
This paved the way for a bilateral agreement in 2015 to reopen direct telephone service between the US and Cuba for the first time since the early 1960s. Additional deregulation in 2017 enabled American telecom companies to begin offering direct consumer and commercial services to Cuba.
While diplomatic relations have chilled somewhat under the Trump administration, the telephone policy changes have remained in place. So today, call Cuba From usa is easier and more accessible than it has been for over half a century.
How to Call Cuba from the US Today
Thanks to the recent policy changes, there are now several good options for Americans to calling Cuba From us:
Using a US Cell Phone
The easiest way for most people is to simply use your existing US cell phone service. All major US wireless carriers - including Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, and Sprint - now allow calls to Cuba from the US.
It's as simple as dialing 011 for an international call, then Cuba's country code 53, followed by the area code and phone number. So calling a Havana number would look like: 011 53 7 xxx-xxxx.
One thing to note is that standard international calling rates apply, which can be $1-3/minute. This is a good option for short calls but can get expensive for regular or long conversations. Some carriers offer international talk packages or Cuba-specific plans to reduce per-minute costs.
Home Phone Service
For people who still use a traditional landline home phone, calling Cuba works essentially the same. Just dial 011 + 53 + area code + number.
The major telephone providers allow Cuba calls today, including AT&T, Verizon, CenturyLink, and others. International rates apply unless you have a special calling plan.
Calling Cards
Calling cards are a popular way to call Cuba more affordably from the US. You dial a toll-free access number, enter your PIN, and then the Cuba number. Rates average 5-20 cents/minute.
There are many Cuba calling cards available from providers like calling Cuba from us, CubaDirecto, Viva Cuba, and more. Cards can be purchased at some convenience stores, bodegas, or online. Online accounts make adding more minutes easy.
Calling cards tend to offer the lowest per-minute rates to Cuba, with good connection quality. Just be aware of hidden fees with some providers. Do research to find a reputable company offering transparent rates.
VoIP Calls
Using Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) is another inexpensive way to call Cuba. Services like Skype, Vonage, WhatsApp calls, FaceTime Audio, etc. allow you to make international calls over the internet.
Rates average around 5 cents/minute. Call quality can vary depending on internet speeds. But overall this is an affordable, flexible option. Skype even offers unlimited calling to Cuba for $5/month.
Cuba SIM Cards
Some frequent callers to Cuba find using a Cuban SIM card in an unlocked phone is the most economical. SIMs can be purchased in Cuba or sometimes online.
This assigns the phone a Cuban number so calls within Cuba or back to the US are like domestic calls. A SIM card with prepaid minutes can be used until the balance runs out.
If you travel to Cuba regularly or have family there, a Cuban SIM is a great option to avoid costly roaming fees on your US cell phone. Data packages are also available for the SIM cards.
Tips for Calling Cuba
Here are a few helpful tips for communicating successfully when calling Cuba:
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Cuban phone numbers are 8 digits long, generally formatted as xxx-xxxx. Havana numbers start with 7, while Holguin area numbers begin with 24. Cell phones use 04 and 05 prefixes.
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To call a Cuban cell phone from the US, dial +53 5 + the 8-digit Cuban cell number.
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Speak slowly and clearly on the call. Repeat key details to confirm understanding.
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Ask the person you are calling to contact you back to avoid using all your calling card minutes.
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Don't forget the time difference! Cuba is one hour ahead of Eastern Time (ET).
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Consider downloading a translator app or having a quick reference of Spanish phrases to bridge any language gaps.
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Texting is not always reliable in Cuba, so confirm critical details over a phone call.
Key Providers for Calling Cuba
There are a wide variety of telecom companies that provide phone service to Cuba from the US. Here are some of the top providers to consider:
Callmama
Callmama offers low calling rates to Cuba and transparent pricing with no hidden fees. They have calling cards usable from landlines or mobiles, as well as a mobile app. Rates from 1.2 to 7 cents/minute.
CubaSIM
CubaSIM provides prepaid Cuba SIM cards for unlocked phones, with free incoming calls and some of the lowest calling rates in the US. Cards are available for delivery in the US or pickup in Cuba.
Verizon
Verizon offers calling from US mobiles to Cuba for $2.99/min, with discounted rates on some international talk plans. They also provide home phone service to Cuba.
Sprint
Sprint allows calls to Cuba for $1.99/min from the US. International calling add-ons like Unlimited México and Canadá can reduce per-minute rates.
Skype
Skype allows low-cost calls to Cuba from 1.7 to 8 cents/minute. Their Unlimited Cuba plan offers unlimited calling to Cuban landlines and mobiles for $5/month.
Viva Cuba
Viva Cuba has some of the cheapest Cuba calling rates from 1.2 cents/min. They offer prepaid calling cards and pinless dialing from the mobile app.
AT&T
AT&T provides calling to Cuba from your home or US mobile for $1.99/min. Monthly international talk packages bring rates down to $1/min or less.
Cuba Directo
Cuba Directo offers per-minute calling rates of around 9 cents with no connection fees. They also provide discounted prepaid calling cards usable from landlines.
This covers the key options available today for Americans to call Cuba affordably and reliably. With the great progress made in improving US-Cuba telecom links in recent years, Cuban Americans and businesses can now easily connect with colleagues, clients, friends, and loved ones in Cuba.
Whether you need to make brief periodic calls or have more frequent in-depth conversations, using one of the methods above can keep you connected. As relations between the US and Cuba continue to evolve, communication technology and accessibility will also advance.
But for now, I hope this guide gives you everything you need to successfully call Cuba from the United States at low rates. Let me know if you have any other questions!
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