Cuba (CU)
Cuba is a unique socialist island nation of 11 million people in the Caribbean — a country of vintage American cars, world-famous cigars, Havana salsa, colonial architecture, and extraordinary natural beauty.
Digital Services
Digital ID, e-government and essential apps in Cuba.
E-Government Portal
https://ventanillavirtual.gob.cuCuba's e-government infrastructure is among the most limited in the Americas. The VirtualCuba portal provides access to some administrative processes but functionality is significantly more restricted than Western government portals. ETECSA internet access is required — speeds are very slow. Most bureaucratic processes still require in-person visits to relevant ministries. US-issued devices may face restrictions on some Cuban government domains due to embargo-related software licensing.
Essential Apps
ExpatCheapRent
FreeExpat-focused cheap rental finder at expatcheaprent.com — compares listings across major rental portals to help newcomers find affordable apartments.
Revolico
FreeCuba's primary online classifieds platform — buy/sell used goods, find accommodation (casas particulares, apartamentos) and hire services. Works over Cuban internet without VPN. Available at revolico.com.
The dominant communication tool in Cuba. Nearly all Cubans and expats coordinate via WhatsApp when internet is available. Download before arriving. Works over ETECSA WiFi hotspots and CUBACEL mobile data.
Telegram
FreeIncreasingly used alongside WhatsApp, especially in the private business community and among younger Cubans. Useful for larger group coordination and file sharing.
Maps.me (offline maps)
FreeDownload offline maps of Cuba before arrival. Google Maps is available but unreliable due to bandwidth limitations. Cuba's roads are not always accurately mapped — Maps.me tends to be more complete for Cuban streets.
Transfermóvil
FreeCuban state mobile payment app from Banco Metropolitano/ETECSA. Allows mobile top-up, utility payments and some purchases. Only available to holders of Cuban bank accounts (requires Cuban SIM and bank account).
EnZona
FreeCuban digital payments platform for transfers between Cuban bank accounts and online payments at participating Cuban businesses (including MLC stores). Requires Cuban bank account.
Nauta Mail (correo.cu)
FreeCuban state email provider (ETECSA). Create a nauta.cu address for faster and more reliable email within Cuba — international providers like Gmail work slowly on Cuban internet. Activate at any ETECSA office with passport or Carnet de Extranjería.
NordVPN / ExpressVPN
PaidVPNs are widely used in Cuba to access blocked content and improve connection reliability. VPN legal status is ambiguous — officially restricted but personal use is rarely prosecuted. Download and configure before travelling to Cuba as app stores inside Cuba may not allow download.
ETECSA is the sole telecommunications provider in Cuba — all mobile, landline and internet services are through ETECSA/CUBACEL. Average mobile data speed in Havana: 5–15 Mbps. CUBACEL tourist SIM cards are available at the Havana airport ETECSA desk with passport. US-issued bank cards and PayPal cannot be used due to the embargo. VPNs are widely used but add further latency to already slow connections.