Which Mobile Apps Can I Use In Cuba?
This guide addresses all the ‘can I use it’ or ‘will it work’ mobile app related questions regarding Cuba. This guide is updated regularly based on current information.
If you want to know whether a particular app will function in Cuba, start here.
For all the other Cuba related questions that I get asked most often (exchange rates, women and dating, travel insurance, visas etc.) I’ve made a Cuba FAQ page available.
You should definitely read the Cuba FAQ page before travelling to Cuba. It will save you time and money.
wifi
Is Wifi Legal In Cuba?
Wifi is both legal and ubiquitous in Cuba. Wifi is everywhere in places frequented by tourists.
You can get online at any hotel and most AirBnB’s (called Casa Particular’s in Cuba) now come with Wifi.
Tourists can buy Wifi cards from hotels and ECTECSA outlets and use them in public wifi parks.
For those staying a week or longer, it makes more sense to buy and use a Cuban SIM card and phone number. The Cuban cell phone network is capable of 4G LTE speeds.
vpn
Are VPN’s Legal In Cuba?
VPNs are legal in Cuba and you will definitely need a VPN loaded onto your phone before you travel to Cuba if you want to access the Apple App Store, Google Play store or virtually any of the popular social media applications covered in the following sections and elsewhere on this website.
You will also want to be picky as to which VPN you select for Cuba. All VPN’s seem to work on Cuban Wifi but not all VPN’s will work well on the Cuban cell phone network.
We used NordVPN and recommend it for Cuba.
Without a VPN in Cuba you will not be able to access the Apple App Store or Google Play, Netflix or most other mobile applications as Cuba is under US sanctions.
If you do not arrive with a VPN pre-loaded onto your phone you will likely need to pay someone to put a VPN onto your phone.
A VPN can be loaded onto a phone in Cuba without paying for a service though it is quite challenging and it took this author 2-3hrs to work it out. Expect a high degree of difficulty to do it yourself in Cuba if you do not load one onto your phone before travelling to Cuba.
You should also turn off all automatic software or app updates to avoid losing your VPN while in Cuba.
With that said, I’ve personally used NordVPN for 5 years both at home and while travelling through the Middle East including Iran, Eastern Europe and Latin America including most recently, Cuba.
NordVPN worked flawlessly in Cuba and allowed me to access my bank accounts, the Apple App Store and even watch US Netflix while in Cuba.
Unlike other VPN’s I can confirm NordVPN works both on wifi and the cuban mobile phone network.
Some of my Cuba based foreign friends found that their VPN’s worked perfectly on wifi but would fail on the mobile phone network. With NordVPN I had a strong, fast and secure connection on both wifi and cellular services.
If you’re already in Cuba and you are looking for information on how to download a VPN in Cuba, see our article on downloading a VPN in blocked countries.
airbnb
Can I Use Airbnb In Cuba?
You can use Airbnb while in Cuba. In fact, most of Cuba’s ‘casa particulars’ are listed on Airbnb.
You will however need a VPN to access Airbnb and we recommend NordVPN.
We would recommend booking a ‘casa particular’ on Airbnb while in Cuba as opposed to the hotels. The casa particulars on Airbnb will often be cheaper while also offering a maid service and wifi. It’s our experience that casa particulars are both better value and nicer than Government run hotels.
If your Airbnb account uses any form of two-factor authentication you should switch it off before travelling to Cuba. As the phone number linked to your account will likely not work in Cuba.
Can I Use Instagram in Cuba?
You can use Instagram in Cuba.
Instagram is big business in Cuba and almost every young Cuban aspires to being an Instagram influencer or model. Just remember you shouldn’t believe what you see on Instagram about Cuba.
You can use Instagram coupled with WhatsApp to look up a venue and make a booking. You should also keep in mind that if there are a lot of young Cuban’s posing for photo’s on a venues page, they’ve probably paid those individuals and staged a photoshoot.
You should also be aware that venues will use photo’s of meals they’ve found elsewhere on the internet and misrepresent the image as food they’ve prepared on their Instagram pages.
You will need a VPN to access full functionality on Instagram. Or you’ll get Cuba’s third world version of Instagram.
If your account uses any form of two-factor authentication you should switch it off before travelling to Cuba. As the phone number linked to your account will likely not work in Cuba.
Can I Use Facebook In Cuba?
You can use Facebook in Cuba. You will need a VPN to access full functionality.
Facebook is fading into the dustbin of history much like Myspace did.
Most venues are advertised on Instagram and Instagram will be more useful in Cuba.
If your account uses any form of two-factor authentication you should switch it off before travelling to Cuba. As the phone number linked to your account will likely not work in Cuba.
Can I Use WhatsApp in Cuba?
You can and should use Whatsapp in Cuba.
WhatsApp groups can provide you with access to virtually anything in Cuba and most businesses will communicate via WhatsApp for bookings and deliveries.
We were able to access WhatsApp without a VPN and yet we’ve heard conflicting information from others. We’d recommend using WhatsApp with a VPN to ensure it works properly for you.
If your account uses any form of two-factor authentication you should switch it off before travelling to Cuba. As the phone number linked to your account will likely not work in Cuba.
telegram
Can I Use Telegram in Cuba?
You can use Telegram in Cuba. However many fewer individuals and businesses use Telegram in Cuba as compared to Whatsapp.
We were only able to access Telegram with a VPN but again, we’ve heard of others using it without a VPN. Your milage may vary and we’d recommend having a VPN to ensure it works as intended.
If your account uses any form of two-factor authentication you should switch it off before travelling to Cuba. As the phone number linked to your account will likely not work in Cuba.
Skype
Can I Use Skype In Cuba?
You can use Skype in Cuba. But you will need a VPN to access Skype in Cuba.
We used Skype coupled with NordVPN for some calls from Cuba to Australia and those calls had clear audio and all Skype functions worked as intended.
Most Cubans do not use Skype or know what it is. Do not expect to connect with Cubans or see Cuban content on Skype.
WhatsApp is the most commonly used messaging app in Cuba.
If your account uses any form of two-factor authentication you should switch it off before travelling to Cuba. As the phone number linked to your account will likely not work in Cuba.
zoom
Can I Use Zoom In Cuba?
You can use Zoom in Cuba. You will need a VPN.
We used Zoom coupled with NordVPN and made calls from Cuba to Australia via the 4G LTE network in Havana Cuba. All functions of the app worked and the video and audio were clear.
Most Cuban’s do not use Zoom and most would not know what it is. Do not expect connect with Cubans via Zoom.
WhatsApp is the most commonly used messaging app in Cuba.
If your account uses any form of two-factor authentication you should switch it off before travelling to Cuba. As the phone number linked to your account will likely not work in Cuba.
Spotify
Can I Use Spotify In Cuba?
You can access Spotify in Cuba. You will need a VPN.
We used Spotify everyday via both wifi and mobile and with NordVPN.
If your account uses any form of two-factor authentication you should switch it off before travelling to Cuba. As the phone number linked to your account will likely not work in Cuba.
Our Spotify Premium account with a VPN worked as it would in any other country.
netflix
Can I Use Netflix In Cuba?
You can use Netflix in Cuba. You will need a VPN to access Netflix in Cuba.
If your account has two-factor authentication you should switch it off before travelling to Cuba. As the phone number to which Netflix would send a login code will likely not work in Cuba.
Cuban television is horrible so we used Netflix daily from Cuba without issue.
Snapchat
Can I Use Snapchat In Cuba?
You can use Snapchat in Cuba. You will need a VPN.
You will need to switch off two-factor authentication before travelling to Cuba as the phone number to which Snapchat sends a login code will likely not work in Cuba.
Cuban’s don’t use Snapchat often. So don’t expect to see a lot of content from Cubans or to connect with Cuban’s on Snapchat.
WhatsApp is the most commonly used messaging app in Cuba.
viber
Can I Use Viber in Cuba?
You can use Viber in Cuba. But you will need a VPN.
You will need to switch off two-factor authentication before travelling to Cuba as the phone number to which Viber sends a login code will likely not work in Cuba.
Cuban’s don’t use Viber often and most would not know what Viber is. Do not expect to see a lot of Cuban content or to connect with Cubans on Viber.
WhatsApp is the most commonly used messaging app in Cuba.
Can I Use WeChat in Cuba?
You can use WeChat in Cuba. You will need a VPN.
You will need to switch off two-factor authentication before travelling to Cuba as the phone number to which WeChat sends a login code will likely not work in Cuba.
Most Cubans would not know what WeChat is. Do not expect to connect with Cubans or see Cuban content on WeChat.
WhatsApp is the most commonly used messaging app in Cuba.
tinder
Can I Use Tinder In Cuba?
You can use Tinder in Cuba. You will need a VPN.
You will need to switch off two-factor authentication before travelling to Cuba as the phone number to which Tinder sends a login code will likely not work in Cuba.
Note that most Cuban’s do not have or use Tinder. The Cuban’s who do use Tinder are looking for tourists and you should beware as most cubans who do use Tinder are after money.
uber
Can I Use Uber in Cuba?
No, Uber is useless in Cuba. With a VPN the app would work but there are no Uber drivers in Cuba.
The Cuban Uber equivalent is called La Nave. And you should download and use it.
The previous Cuban Uber was called Bajanda (pronounced ‘bah-han-dah’). But the owner fled Cuba and it no longer works.
La Nave is one of the four most important apps to have in Cuba.
uber eats
Can I Use UberEats In Cuba?
No, UberEats is useless in Cuba. With a VPN the app would work but there are no UberEats delivery drivers and no restaurants on the UberEats app.
The Cuban equivalent of UberEats is called ‘Mandao.’
Mandao is one of the four most important apps to have in Cuba.
Apple maps
Can I Use Apple Maps In Cuba?
Apple Maps works in Cuba with or without a VPN. Some functions are occasionally missing without a VPN.
For full functionality we’d recommend using a VPN.
Compared to Maps.Me in Cuba, Apple Maps is rather useless. Apple Maps will frequently send you the wrong way down oneway streets.
google maps
Can I Use Google Maps in Cuba?
Google Maps works in Cuba with or without a VPN. Some functions are occasionally missing without a VPN.
For full functionality we’d recommend using a VPN.
Compared to Maps.Me in Cuba, Google Maps is rather useless. Google Maps will occasionally send you the wrong way down oneway streets.
Can I Use LinkedIn In Cuba?
You can use LinkedIn in Cuba. But you will need a VPN.
If your LinkedIn account uses any form of mobile number authentication or two-factor login you will need to disable it before travelling to Cuba. As your mobile number will likely not work in Cuba.
Also, most Cubans do not use LinkedIn and would not know what it is. You will not connect with Cubans or see a lot of Cuban content on LinkedIn.
Apple App Store
Can I Use The Apple App Store In Cuba?
You can use the Apple App Store in Cuba but only with a VPN. The Apple App Store will not function in Cuba without a VPN.
You will absolutely need a VPN to access the App Store in Cuba. And we recommend you come to Cuba with NordVPN preloaded onto your phone.
Google Play
Can I Use Google Play In Cuba?
You can use the Google Play in Cuba but only with a VPN. The Google Play store will not function in Cuba without a VPN.
You will absolutely need a VPN to access the Google Play Store in Cuba. And we recommend you come to Cuba with NordVPN preloaded onto your phone.
Can I Use TikTok In Cuba?
The TikTok mobile application does not work in Cuba. It does not matter if you do or do not have a VPN for the TikTok mobile application as it will not work in Cuba if you have a SIM card in your device.
The website browser version of TikTok will work with a VPN. And I use the website browser version to upload TikTok content from Cuba.
Can I Use YouTube In Cuba?
We use YouTube in Cuba both with and without a VPN. Yet to upload our YouTube content we need to use a VPN.
You can see the content we upload to Youtube from Cuba here.
Where Can I Get More Information About Cuba?
I’ve made a Cuba Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) page available on this website. And I would strongly advise you to read it before travelling to Cuba.Â
My Cuba FAQ page will save you a lot of time and a significant amount of money on your trip to Cuba. Cuba is not the sort of destination in which you can just arrive unprepared.Â
Read the Cuba FAQ page here.
