How to Call Cuba from the US

Co-authored by wikiHow Staff

Last Updated: September 15, 2021 References Tested

Calling Cuba from the US can seem confusing, but it can be done! If you have the Cuban phone number, you’ll just need a couple of other codes to complete the call. If you only need to make a few calls, using a landline or mobile phone is an easy way to go. For frequent calls, you may want to purchase a prepaid calling card or an international phone plan.

Part 1

Part 1 of 2:

Dialing the Phone Number

1
Dial “011” to dial out of the US. 011 is the international exit code used to make calls outside of the US.^{[1]
X
Research source} You must enter this code before entering any other numbers.
- If you are calling Cuba from your cell phone, you can enter the exit code or the + symbol. The + symbol tells the wireless network that you are making an international call and it will automatically use the required exit code.^{[2]
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2
Enter the country code “53” to dial in to Cuba. 53 is the code used to access Cuban lines.^{[3]
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Research source} You must enter this number correctly in order for your call to work.

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3
Enter the area code to call a landline in Cuba. The area code can be 1 or 2 digits. For instance, you would enter the area code “7” to call Havana City, or “99” to call Guantanamo Bay.^{[4]
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4
Input the phone number. A Cuban phone number can range from 4-6 digits. Overall, your call from a landline may look like 011-53-7-XXX-XXXX or 011-53-99-XXXX.
- A call from a cell phone could look like +53-7-XXX-XXXX or 011-53-99-XXXX.
5
Skip the area code if you are calling a Cuban cell phone number. Calling a cellular phone number does not require you to dial the area code. Instead, just enter the cell phone number after you’ve entered the exit and country code.
- All cell phone numbers will begin with the number “5.”
- Dialing a cell phone may look like 011-53-5XXX-XXXX.

Part 2

Part 2 of 2:

Paying for Your Call

1
Research the rate your carrier charges per-call. Calling rates vary and often depend on whether you are calling to a landline or mobile phone. Calling a mobile phone may result in additional surcharges.^{[5]
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Trustworthy Source
Federal Communications Commission
Independent U.S. government agency responsible for regulating radio, television, and satellite, and phone communications
Go to source} Check with your landline and/or mobile carrier for their specific pricing.
- Paying the one-time fee will be the easiest way to call if you only need to make one or two phone calls.
- Expect to pay additional taxes and fees on top of the initial per-minute rate.
2
Use a prepaid calling card as an affordable option for long calls. You can make calls to Cuba for as little as 58¢ per minute using a prepaid calling card. Note that many generic international calling cards will not work to call Cuba, so your best bet is to purchase a card online that is specifically made for calling Cuba.
- Calling cards are a good option if you will only be making calls during a short span of time.
3
Contact your phone carrier about a phone plan for making frequent calls. Not all carriers offer international plans that include calls to Cuba.^{[6]
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Research source} For those that do, a monthly phone plan will charge you a recurring base fee, and then may charge you an additional discounted per-minute rate.^{[7]
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Trustworthy Source
Federal Communications Commission
Independent U.S. government agency responsible for regulating radio, television, and satellite, and phone communications
Go to source}
- For instance, you may pay $5 per month for the plan, plus 75¢ per minute for each call.^{[8]
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- A phone plan makes it so that you are always able to call Cuba without having to worry about how many minutes you have available or paying the higher rates for individual calls.
- Remember that many phone plans may charge additional taxes and fees as well.
4
Use a Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) service if you have one. VoIPs, like Skype and imo, allow you to make phone calls using your internet connection rather than a standard telephone line.^{[9]
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Research source} You can use the service on your computer or through an app on your smartphone.
- Due to the telecommunication restrictions in Cuba, be aware that not many people have access to the internet to be able to use these services. If you are able to connect with someone via VoIP, the rates may be higher and the quality of the call may be worse than calling most other places.