City, Cuba
Internet in Santiago de Cuba: speed, SIM cards and coworking
Is the internet good in Santiago de Cuba?
Wifi is sold through ETECSA cards in the main squares and some hotels; it is slow and often down.
Getting online in Santiago de Cuba
| Details | |
|---|---|
| Cafés and coworking | Wifi is sold through ETECSA cards in the main squares and some hotels; it is slow and often down. |
| Outages | Frequent blackouts take down wifi and mobile data. |
| Tourist SIM | CubacelTur temporary SIM from Havana Terminal 3, other airports or ETECSA offices, with passport; 7- or 30-day packs. Signal drops during blackouts. |
| eSIM | Local carriers sell eSIMs to visitors. |
| Carriers | ETECSA (Cubacel) |
| Blocked services | Some independent Cuban news sites are blocked, and many US services geoblock Cuba because of sanctions. VPNs are legal and widely used. Internet is cut during protests. |
Coworking in Santiago de Cuba
There's no dedicated coworking scene here; people work from cafés and accommodation.
Internet speeds in Caribbean
National medians, Speedtest Global Index.
| Country | Fixed | Mobile |
|---|---|---|
| Dominican Republic | 74 Mbps | 126 Mbps |
| Haiti | 49 Mbps | — |
Quick answers
Is the internet fast in Santiago de Cuba?
Wifi is sold through ETECSA cards in the main squares and some hotels; it is slow and often down.
Which SIM card should I get in Santiago de Cuba?
CubacelTur temporary SIM from Havana Terminal 3, other airports or ETECSA offices, with passport; 7- or 30-day packs. Signal drops during blackouts.
Can I use an eSIM in Cuba?
Yes. Local carriers sell eSIMs to visitors, and travel eSIMs work too.
More about Santiago de Cuba
Going to Santiago de Cuba solo?
SoloSquare is where travelers, nomads and locals in Santiago de Cuba meet up for small plans: coffee, dinners, walks and day trips. Join one, or start your own in a minute.
Sources
Speeds are medians from Ookla's Speedtest Global Index, cited for reference. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.