Can I use my cell phone, smart phone, or tablet in Cuba?

Smart and Mobile Phones
Some U.S. carriers, such as Sprint and Verizon, may offer international roaming services for customers in the United States traveling to Cuba. If your carrier offers a roaming plan and your mobile phone is capable of roaming in Cuba, you should ask your carrier about any additional charges for voice calls, data, roaming, and outgoing text messages that you may incur during your trip. We advise that you contact your current carrier for the most up-to-date information on usage before leaving. 

WiFi
Although your mobile phone or device may not have international mobile service or signal in Cuba, many guests, including our staff, bring phones, tablets, and other devices to access their address or contact lists, and for email and text usage when connected to WiFi. Other smartphone functions, including camera, alarm clocks, music storage, flashlight, and apps not requiring internet, will work.

Smart Phones in Cuba
You may purchase WiFi access by the hour or day at certain hotels. This will allow your smartphone—but not mobile phones—to access email and instant messaging applications. When connected to WiFi, our team recommends WhatsApp for phone calls and video calls, and instant messages. Be sure to set up your account and connect with your loved ones before you depart for Cuba.

Buying a SIM card in Cuba for an unlocked phone
If you are interested in purchasing a tourist SIM card for your unlocked phone in Cuba, please carefully read the information below. You should prepurchase your SIM card through the site: https://www.suenacuba.com/
The card can be retrieved at the Cubatur desk at Jose Marti International Airport. The Cubatur deck is located before passing immigration control Terminal 3 or at the ETECSA office in case of Terminal 2. You must present your passport and the order number received when they purchased the card. 5G is not available, but 4G and in general the cell phones that are currently being marketed have access to 4G. For a list of phones and phone requirements, please access the GSMarena site: https://www.gsmarena.com/

Please be sure to verify the model of your phone and the technical characteristics of your phone before you purchase a sim card, as not all phones will work in Cuba. If you have access to 2G and 3G through 900 MHz or 4G through 1 800 MHz band 3 with an unlocked phone, the phone should work with a sim card.
 
In summary, most guests appreciate that their trip to Cuba virtually requires them to unplug.