Calling Cuba from the United States has historically been difficult due to political tensions between the two countries. However, regulations have eased in recent years, making it much simpler for US residents to call Cuba.
In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about calling Cuba from us, including:
- A brief history of US-Cuba relations and how it has affected telecommunications between the two countries
- Current regulations and laws regarding calling Cuba
- Step-by-step instructions for calling Cuba from the US
- Tips for getting the best rates on calls to Cuba
- Popular calling cards and phone services for calling Cuba
Whether you have friends or family in Cuba that you want to call, or simply need to contact someone there for business purposes, this guide will walk you through the entire process.
A Brief History of US-Cuba Relations
The history of US-Cuba relations has heavily influenced the accessibility of communication between the two countries regarding how to call cuba from us.
Here's a quick overview of some key events:
- 1959 – Fidel Castro overthrows the US-backed regime of Fulgencio Batista and establishes a socialist government closely aligned with the Soviet Union. The US broke diplomatic relations with Cuba shortly after.
- 1960 – President Eisenhower placed an embargo on trade with Cuba, which remains in effect today.
- 1961 – The failed Bay of Pigs invasion attempt by US-backed Cuban exiles further increases tensions. Cuba allies more closely with the USSR.
- 1962 – The Cuban Missile Crisis brings the US and USSR close to nuclear war.
- Early 1960s – The US government bans US telecommunications companies from connecting phone calls to Cuba.
- 1977 – President Carter allows limited travel by US citizens to Cuba. Phone service is restored but direct calls are still not permitted. Calls must be routed indirectly through third countries.
- The late 1990s – Some direct phone connections are allowed but must go through the Cuban state telecom company ETECSA. Rates remain very high.
- 2009 – President Obama eases some travel and financial restrictions. Roaming agreements are established with Verizon, Sprint, and AT&T.
- 2015 – The US and Cuba reopen embassies in each other's countries, formalizing efforts to normalize relations.
- 2022 – Direct connectivity is established between major US and Cuban telecom providers. US carriers have begun offering competitive rates for calls to Cuba.
This turbulent history has made calling Cuba difficult and expensive for many years. But regulations have relaxed considerably in recent times, making it much easier for everyday Americans to call Cuba at affordable rates call cuba from us.
Current Laws and Regulations for Calling Cuba
While diplomatic relations between the US and Cuba have improved significantly in recent years, some regulations remain in place:
- The US trade embargo is still active but only applies to a limited set of transactions. Most telecommunications and remittances are exempt.
- OFAC (Office of Foreign Assets Control) regulations still prohibit certain financial transactions with entities owned by the Cuban government or military. Most telecom providers are exempt.
- Cuba sanctions prevent US businesses from having a physical presence in Cuba outside of approved exceptions like news bureaus or airline offices. This does not affect telecoms.
- The Cuban Assets Control Regulations were established in 1963. They still restrict some financial transactions but do not limit calling or sending remittances to Cuba.
- Travel restrictions have been greatly eased. US citizens and residents are free to travel to Cuba for leisure purposes if they fall under one of several approved categories.
So in summary, current laws do not prohibit US residents from calling Cuba or restrict how calls are connected. You just need to use carriers that are authorized to operate in Cuba. Most major US providers now offer competitive rates due to increasing direct connectivity with the island call cuba from usa.
Step-by-Step Guide to Calling Cuba from the US
Calling Cuba is quite straightforward today if you follow a few simple steps:
1. Check Your Cell Phone Carrier's Cuba Roaming and Calling Rates
Most major US mobile carriers offer affordable rates for calling Cuba due to new bilateral agreements. Check your carrier's website or call customer support to learn about their Cuba calling rates and plans.
Some things to look for:
- One low per-minute rate for calls to Cuba, instead of excessive long-distance fees
- Potential discounts for adding Cuba international calling to your existing plan
- Inclusion of calls to Cuba in monthly international minutes allotments
- Availability of Cuba roaming if traveling there
2. Consider Using a Calling Card or Callback Service
Calling cards and callback services offer an alternative way to call Cuba without relying solely on your mobile carrier. They can provide very low per-minute rates and convenient ways to connect calls.
Some top options include:
- IDT America – Rates as low as $.15/min with their Cuba calling card
- Lucky Mobile – Callback service with rates around $.20/min after a low connection fee
- CubaPIP – Prepaid pin cards that can lower rates to under $.30/min
3. Know How to Dial Cuba's Country Code
To call any Cuban number from the US, you dial:
011 + 53 + Area code + phone number
So a full number might look like this:
011 53 7 8xxx xxxx
The 53 is Cuba's country code. Important regional area codes include:
- 7 – Havana and western Cuba
- 5 – Central Cuba
- 4 – Eastern Cuba
- 33 – Mobile numbers
4. Have the Right Information Handy
Before placing a call to Cuba, make sure you have:
- The full Cuban phone number, including country, city, and area codes
- Your calling card number or callback login is handy if going that route
- A pen and paper to note the time of calls, for billing purposes
- Your cell phone is ready for international calls (with Cuba roaming enabled if traveling there)
With the right information and provider, calling Cuba can be as simple as dialing any other number!
Tips for Getting the Best Rates on Cuba Calls
Here are some tips to make sure you get the lowest rates when calling Cuba:
- Use mobile carriers that offer Cuba plans – Many now have monthly international plans that include Cuba or standalone Cuba add-ons.
- Look for promotional rates – Some services periodically offer discounted per-minute rates, bonus minutes, or free connection fees.
- Call at off-peak hours – Evening and late-night rates can sometimes be significantly lower than daytime peak hours.
- Use callback services wisely – They connect through third countries so can offer very low rates, but the initial connection fee can eat up savings on short calls. Best for longer conversations.
- Buy in bulk, save on recharge – Some calling cards and PIN card services offer bulk minutes at reduced rates. Recharging in larger increments can save as well.
- Avoid hotel phone charges – Calling from a hotel room can lead to insane fees. Always use your cell phone, calling card, or callback service.
- Compare rates frequently – Providers adjust rates regularly. Check for the best current deals before making calls.
Taking advantage of promotions and special rates allows you to maximize savings and keep calling costs as low as possible.
Top Services for Calling Cuba
To recap, here are some of the top services and options for affordably calling Cuba from the United States:
Cell Phone Carriers
Major carriers like AT&T, Verizon, Sprint, and T-Mobile all offer competitive Cuba roaming and international calling rates due to improved relations and new bilateral agreements. Make sure to have an international plan or add-on enabled.
Calling Cards
Cards from providers like IDT America allow you to call Cuba from any phone by dialing a US access number, entering your PIN, and then the Cuban number. Great for calling from any landline, payphone, or cell device.
Callback Services
With Lucky Mobile, you first register online and fund your account. To make a call, you phone their access number, enter your login details, and then the Cuban number you want to reach. You will receive a call back connecting you at very low per-minute rates.
Pin Cards
CubaPIP offers prepaid PIN cards that can be used to make calls through their phone app or website. You scratch off a PIN, enter it into your account, and then can make discounted calls to Cuba on demand. More convenient than standard calling cards.
With the variety of options now available, calling Cuba from the US is easier and more affordable than ever. Following the tips and services covered above will help you stay connected with colleagues, friends, and loved ones in Cuba at the lowest possible rates. ¡Buena suerte!
