Introduction
Calling Cuba from the United States can seem complicated, but with the right tools and information, it's easier than you think. In this guide, we'll walk you through everything you need to know to make a to Call Cuba from the US, including how to get a phone card, the best carriers to use, and tips for getting the best call quality.
Getting Started: Is it Legal to Call Cuba from the US?
The first question many people have is – is it legal for US residents to call Cuba? The answer is yes. Since 2016, laws and regulations around Calls to Cuba have been relaxed on the US side. It's perfectly legal for US residents to call family and friends in Cuba.
The easing of restrictions has made it much more affordable and convenient to stay connected with loved ones in Cuba. However, there are still some limitations in place and options for calling Cuba are not as flexible as calling some other countries.
Choosing the Best Carrier for Calls to Cuba
When looking for the best way to call Cuba, one of the most important factors is choosing the right carrier. The major US cell phone carriers and home phone companies do not provide direct service Dialing Cuba.
That means you'll need to use an alternative phone service to dial Cuba. Here are some of the best options:
- Calling cards – Prepaid international calling cards are one of the most popular options for calling Cuba from the US. Cards from providers like Callmama let you dial Cuban landlines and mobile phones at discounted per-minute rates using a local access number.
- VOIP services – VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) apps like Skype allow you to make calls over the Internet. Call quality can vary, but Skype-to-Skype calls are generally very clear. You can also call Cuban mobile and landline numbers for low per-minute rates.
- Latin American long-distance carriers – Companies like IDT offer competitive rates for calls to Cuba and operate direct routes to the island. You dial a US access number and then enter the Cuban number.
- Satellite phone services – Satellites provide another option for bypassing normal calling routes. However, satellite phone calls are expensive, costing several dollars per minute in most cases.
When comparing services, look at call rates, connection fees, access numbers available in your area, and any limitations. Using an affordable prepaid calling card is the best choice for most people who want an easy and low-cost way to Best calling card for Cuba.
How to Dial Cuba from the US
Here are the basics to keep in mind when dialing Cuban numbers from the United States:
- Dial 011 – When calling Cuba from the US, you first dial 011, the international access code for US callers.
- Cuba country code – Next, dial 53, which is Cuba's country code.
- City code – Then dial the 1-digit city code. For Havana, this is 7. For Santiago de Cuba, it's 22.
- Local number – Finally, dial the 7-digit local phone number.
- Full number format – Putting it all together: 011 53 (City Code) (Local Number). So calling a Havana number would look like this: 011 53 7 123 4567
- Use calling cards – As mentioned, the easiest and most affordable way to call Cuba for most is to use an international calling card. With a calling card, you dial a local access number, enter your card PIN, and then dial 011 53 and the full Cuban number.
- Check mobile prefixes – When calling Cuban mobile phones, double-check that you have the right network prefix. For example, Cubacel numbers start with 5 while C-COM numbers begin with 4.
Following this dialing format allows your call to be routed correctly to Cuba. If you have any trouble getting through, double-check that you have entered all the digits accurately.
Tips for Better Call Quality to Cuba
One challenge when calling Cuba is that call quality and reliability can vary. Here are some tips for getting clearer calls with fewer dropped connections:
- Try different access numbers – If you're using a phone card, try a few different local access numbers. Some may offer a better connection than others based on the network.
- Call at off-peak times – Late at night or early in the morning usually have less network congestion, improving your chance of a high-quality call.
- Contact your phone provider – For consistent call issues, check with your calling service about any network or routing problems impacting calls.
- Try VOIP services – Apps like Skype and WhatsApp provide another option if regular calls have quality issues. Both incoming and outgoing VOIP calls are allowed to Cuba.
- Increase your phone card balance – Some carriers prioritize calls from accounts with higher balances, so adding extra funds can potentially improve connectivity.
- Be patient and persistent – Networks may be congested during holidays or peak calling times. So if a call doesn't connect, wait a bit and try again later.
While calling Cuba is very feasible from the US, it does require choosing the right provider and understanding how to get the best call quality. With the right approach, you can connect clearly and reliably with family and friends in Cuba.
Common Questions about Calling Cuba from the US
If you're new to calling Cuba, you probably have lots of questions about the best way to stay connected. Here are answers to some frequently asked questions:
Can I call Cuba from my cell phone?
Most US mobile carriers do not provide direct service to Cuba. So you cannot just dial a Cuban number on your regular cell plan. Instead, you need to use an international calling service as mentioned earlier in this guide.
Some carriers may assess extremely high per-minute charges for calls to Cuba, so a calling card or VoIP service is always the most affordable option.
Are there still restrictions on calling Cuba?
Yes, some restrictions do remain in place for calls between the US and Cuba. As a US caller, you are only allowed to call family members such as grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins as well as personal friends in Cuba. Commercial calls between US and Cuban businesses are still prohibited.
Do I need a special phone line?
You don't need any special equipment or a separate phone line for calling Cuba. All you need is to choose a calling service that provides cheap rates and offers good call quality. Most calling cards let you dial Cuba from any landline, cell phone, or VoIP line.
How much does it cost to call Cuba?
The cost to call Cuba can range from just a few cents per minute up to prohibitive rates of $2-3 a minute from regular carriers. Always avoid using your home phone or cell phone directly and instead choose a discounted service. With calling cards, per-minute rates are typically around 5 to 15 cents, keeping calls very affordable.
Can I call Cuba using WhatsApp or FaceTime?
Yes, VoIP apps provide a very convenient option for video calling or messaging Cuban friends and family. WhatsApp is the most popular messaging app in Cuba. FaceTime and Facebook Messenger also work over WiFi. Just make sure your relatives have inexpensive internet access to receive the calls.
Make Calling Cuba Part of Your Routine
We hope this guide provides everything you need to start affordably calling Cuba from the US whenever you want. With the right calling card provider, you can talk as often and as long as you want for just pennies per minute.
Calling Cuba is the next best thing to visiting the country and seeing family face-to-face. Don't let high long-distance bills prevent you from connecting regularly. Follow our tips for choosing the best carrier, dialing correctly, and improving call quality. You'll be hearing “Hola” from your loved ones in Cuba in no time.
