Calling Cuba from the United States can seem complicated, but with the right tools and information, it's easy to connect with friends and family in Cuba. In this guide, we'll walk through everything you need to know about calling Cuba from the US, from a brief history of US-Cuba telephone communication to step-by-step instructions for making calls. For a detailed guide on how to call to Cuba, keep reading.
A Brief History of Calling Cuba from the US
After the Cuban Revolution in 1959, telephone communication between the US and Cuba was suspended entirely. For over 40 years, direct calls were not possible between the two countries.
In the late 1990s and early 2000s, reforms began to open up telephone service again. Call centers known as “phone shops” opened up in Cuba to facilitate international calls. On the US side, the FCC adopted new rules allowing phone carriers to interconnect with Cuba.
Today, it's perfectly legal for US residents to call Cuba. You can dial direct using an international calling service or calling app. For a complete guide on how to call Cuba, keep reading to learn more about the best options for calling Cuba from the United States.
How to Call Cuba Directly from the US
To call Cuba directly from the US, you need to dial an international access code, Cuba's country code, the area code, and the local phone number Call to Cuba.
Here's how to dial Cuba from the US step-by-step:
- Dial the international access code: 011
- Dial Cuba's country code: 53
- Dial the area code: For fixed lines, dial 7. For mobile numbers, dial 5.
- Dial the local Cuban phone number. Most Cuban phone numbers are 8 digits long.
- Press call.
So for example, to call the US Embassy in Havana, Cuba, you would dial:
011 53 7 839 3100
This direct dialing code will connect you to any working phone number in Cuba. However, direct calls from the US can be quite expensive – up to $3-$5 per minute in some cases! That's why most people opt to use more affordable international calling services when phoning Cuba.
Best Options for Calling Cuba from the US
Using an international phone card service can save you significantly on calls to Cuba. These services work by routing your call over the internet instead of traditional phone lines. There are no contracts, just pay-as-you-go rates. Here are some of the best options:
Callmama
Callmama is one of the most affordable and reliable services for calling Cuban phone numbers from the United States. Rates start at just 2.2 cents per minute to landlines and 10 cents per minute to mobiles Calling Cuba cell phone.
To use Callmama to call Cuba:
- Purchase international calling credit on their website
- Download their calling app or use their online calling portal
- Dial the Cuba access number: 786-485-4355
- Enter your PIN and dial the Cuban number
With Callmama, you can call Cuban cell phones and landlines anytime 24/7. They also have no hidden fees or connection charges.
Link to Landing Page
MagicJack
MagicJack is another very low-cost option for phoning Cuba from the US. They offer unlimited calling to Cuba for just $2.99/month with their app.
To use MagicJack to call Cuba:
- Purchase a subscription plan
- Download their app and log in
- Dial the Cuba access number: 786-485-4163
- Dial the Cuban number after the prompt
MagicJack uses VoIP technology to route calls over the internet. One limitation is that you can only call Cuban landlines, not mobile numbers.
Link to Landing Page
CubaSIM
CubaSIM offers prepaid calling cards to call both landlines and mobile phones in Cuba. Rates are around 3.7 cents per minute.
To use a CubaSIM calling card:
- Purchase minutes online and receive a PIN
- Dial the CubaSIM access number: 786-585-0580
- Enter your PIN when prompted
- Dial the Cuban number after the tone
CubaSIM reloads can be purchased in increments of $10, $20, $30, or $50. Their calling cards do not expire so you can keep unused minutes indefinitely.
Link to Landing Page
Using a Phone App to Call Cuba
Another option is to use an international calling app to phone Cuba. Apps like WhatsApp, FaceTime, and Google Duo allow you to make international video and voice calls over WiFi.
To use an app to call Cuba:
- Download the app and create an account
- Contact the person in Cuba and have them download the same app
- Use the app to call their username or phone number
The main limitation with apps is that both parties need to have an internet connection and the same app installed. However, if both requirements are met, calling over apps is very affordable.
When is the Best Time to Call Cuba?
With the time difference between the US and Cuba, timing your phone calls can be important:
- Cuba is 5 hours ahead of New York (Eastern Time Zone)
- Cuba is 4 hours ahead of Chicago (Central Time Zone)
- Cuba is 3 hours ahead of Denver (Mountain Time Zone)
- Cuba is 2 hours ahead of Los Angeles (Pacific Time Zone)
So if you call Cuba in the morning from the US, it will already be afternoon or evening in Cuba. The best times to reach someone during typical daytime hours in Cuba are:
- East Coast: Call between 11 am – 3 pm
- Central: Call between 10 am – 2 pm
- Mountain: Call between 9 am – 1 pm
- West Coast: Call between 8 am – 12 pm
Calling early in the day is best to catch friends or family before they go to bed in Cuba. You can also calculate time differences using this time zone converter.
Tips for Calling Cuba
Here are some additional tips to keep in mind when calling Cuban phone numbers:
- Double-check the number – Cuban area codes and phone numbers can be confusing. Always verify you have dialed correctly.
- Get the mobile access codes – For mobile numbers, always confirm whether the person uses Cubacel or Nauta as their mobile carrier.
- Purchase enough calling credit – There are no monthly plans, so purchase just enough calling credit as you need it. You don't want your call to get cut off!
- Check phone card expiration dates – Some phone cards expire after a certain period, while others let you keep unused credits indefinitely.
- Ask about signal quality – Connectivity can be sporadic in Cuba. Ask if it's a good time to talk and if the signal is reliable.
- Schedule recurring calls – Set up consistent call times so both parties know to expect the call.
- Use a headset or speakerphone – This enhances call clarity, especially for mobile numbers that may have background noise.
Is it Legal to Call Cuba from the US?
Yes, it is perfectly legal for US citizens and residents to call Cuba since Obama-era policy reforms in 2016.
The US still maintains an economic embargo on trade with Cuba. However, telephone communications are permitted under licenses from the US Treasury Department's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC).
As long as you are calling family and friends, and not doing business transactions, it is legal to call Cuba as a US citizen or green card holder.
In Conclusion
Connecting with loved ones in Cuba from the United States is very feasible. International calling services make dialing Cuba affordable and convenient without long-distance or roaming charges.
Key takeaways include:
- Use international dialing codes to call Cuba directly
- Leverage calling cards, mobile apps, or VoIP services to save money
- Pick a convenient time slot when people in Cuba are awake and available
- Verify Cuban mobile numbers and access codes
- Purchase sufficient talk time credits on pay-as-you-go accounts
With the right preparation, calling Cuba can be a smooth and productive experience. Don't hesitate to reach out over the phone and hear a familiar voice from the beautiful island of Cuba.
