How to Call Cuba
Complete guide to dialing Cuba (country code +53)
Planning to connect with friends, family, or business contacts in Cuba? Understanding how to call Cuba doesn't have to be complicated. Whether you're calling Cuba from the United States, Canada, or anywhere else in the world, our comprehensive guide breaks down everything you need to know for successful international calling. We'll walk you through the essential dialing codes and step-by-step instructions to ensure your call goes through smoothly. You'll also discover common mistakes people make when calling Cuba and how to avoid them, plus learn about Cuban phone etiquette to make a great impression. Additionally, we've compiled a list of useful numbers for travelers and anyone needing to reach important services in Cuba. Let's get you connected quickly and confidently.
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Quick Reference
Dialing Instructions
Complete Guide to Dialing Cuba
Calling Cuba requires understanding the international dialing format and Cuba's unique phone number structure. Follow these instructions to successfully connect with Cuban contacts.
International Dialing Format Structure
The standard format for calling Cuba internationally is:
Exit Code + 53 (Cuba Country Code) + Area Code + Local Number
Cuban landline numbers have 6-8 digits, while mobile numbers typically start with 5 and contain 8 digits total.
How to Dial From Different Countries
From the USA or Canada:
- Exit code: 011
- Format: 011-53-[Area Code]-[Local Number]
From the UK and most of Europe:
- Exit code: 00
- Format: 00-53-[Area Code]-[Local Number]
From other countries:
- Replace the exit code with your country's international access code (often 00 or 011)
Specific Dialing Examples
Example 1 - Calling a Havana landline from USA:
To call +53 7 XXX XXXX: dial 011-53-7-XXX-XXXX
Example 2 - Calling a Cuban mobile from UK:
To call +53 5XXX XXXX: dial 00-53-5XXX-XXXX
Example 3 - Calling a Santiago landline from Australia:
To call +53 22 XX XXXX: dial 0011-53-22-XX-XXXX
Example 4 - Calling a Cuban mobile from USA:
To call +53 5234 5678: dial 011-53-5234-5678
Important Notes About Cuban Numbers
Cuban phone numbers do not use leading zeros, so no digits need to be dropped when dialing internationally. Simply add your exit code, then 53, followed by the complete Cuban number including the area code.
Common area codes:
- Havana: 7
- Santiago: 22
- Mobile numbers: start with 5
Quick Tips
Always verify the complete number format before dialing. Mobile calls to Cuba are generally more expensive than landline calls, so check with your carrier about international rates beforehand.
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Common Mistakes
When calling Cuba, avoid these common mistakes that can prevent your call from connecting:
Forgetting to drop the leading zero - Cuban phone numbers often display with a leading zero (like 07 for Havana), but you must omit this when dialing internationally. From the US, dial 011-53-7-XXX-XXXX, not 011-53-07-XXX-XXXX.
Using the wrong exit code - Different countries use different exit codes. The US and Canada use 011, while most European countries use 00, and some nations use other codes. Always verify your country's exit code before dialing.
Confusing the country code with area codes - The country code +53 comes before the area code. Cuba's area codes (like 7 for Havana or 22 for Santiago) follow the country code: +53-7-XXX-XXXX.
Incorrectly formatting mobile numbers - Cuban mobile numbers start with 5 and are 8 digits long. Dial +53-5XXX-XXXX for mobiles, ensuring you include all digits after the country code.
Adding unnecessary spaces or punctuation - While spaces help readability, your phone may not recognize them. If a call fails, try dialing the complete number without spaces or dashes.
Cultural Etiquette
When making phone calls in Cuba, understanding local customs helps build positive relationships. Cubans are generally warm and friendly, and this extends to phone conversations.
Greetings and Tone
Start calls with "ÂżAlĂł?" or "DĂgame" (tell me). Cubans appreciate a friendly, personable approach even in business contexts. While maintaining professionalism, don't be overly stiff—warmth and courtesy matter more than extreme formality.
Business vs. Personal Calls
Business calls should occur during standard working hours (8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, weekdays). Personal calls are welcome in late morning through evening, but avoid calling before 9:00 AM or after 10:00 PM unless it's urgent or you have a close relationship.
Building Rapport
Cubans value personal connection, so expect to exchange pleasantries about family and well-being before discussing business matters. Rushing straight to the point may seem cold or rude.
Voice Messages
Due to occasional phone service interruptions, Cubans understand when calls drop. Leave clear, brief messages if someone doesn't answer, including your name and reason for calling.
Special Considerations
International calls to Cuba can be expensive, so keep conversations reasonably concise. Mobile phone access is growing but still limited for some Cubans. If someone cannot return your call promptly, be patient—it may reflect service availability rather than disinterest. Understanding these practical limitations shows cultural sensitivity and respect.
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Emergency Numbers
Emergency Numbers in Cuba:
- Police (PolicĂa): 106
- Ambulance (Ambulancia): 104
- Fire Department (Bomberos): 105
- General Emergency Line: 116 (connects to all emergency services)
Important Information:
All emergency numbers are accessible from both landlines and mobile phones throughout Cuba and are free to call. However, English-speaking operators are rarely available, so having basic Spanish phrases prepared is highly recommended. Services operate 24/7, but response times can vary significantly depending on your location, with rural areas experiencing longer delays. The tourism police (PolicĂa Nacional Revolucionaria) can be reached at 106 and may have better English language support in major tourist areas. Consider having your hotel or accommodation staff assist with emergency calls if you don't speak Spanish.
Useful Numbers
Directory Assistance & Information Services
- 113: National directory assistance for local phone numbers throughout Cuba
International Services
- 166: International operator for assistance with overseas calls and collect calls
Tourist Support
- Infotur: +53 7 204 6633 (Tourist information hotline providing assistance in multiple languages, available 24/7)
Embassy Contacts
Contact your embassy before traveling for current numbers. Major embassies are located in Havana's Miramar district.
Other Helpful Services
- Etecsa offices: Visit for telephone services, internet cards, and SIM cards
- Hotel reception: Often provides assistance with local calls and information
- 103: Time service
- 119: Technical assistance for phone line problems
Tip: Save important numbers in your phone before arriving, as internet access may be limited in Cuba.
Tips for Calling Cuba
When calling Cuba, keep in mind the island operates on Cuba Standard Time (CST), which is UTC-5, or UTC-4 during daylight saving time (March to November). To catch people during waking hours, calculate the time difference from your location accordingly.
For personal calls, early evenings (6-9 PM Cuba time) work best when people are home from work. Business calls should occur during standard operating hours: Monday to Friday, 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM, with many offices closing for lunch between noon and 1:30 PM.
Always schedule business calls in advance, as Cubans appreciate punctuality and preparation. Email or message beforehand to confirm availability.
Avoid calling on major holidays including January 1 (Liberation Day), May 1 (Labour Day), July 25-27 (Revolution holidays), and December 25. Also skip the last week of December when many businesses reduce operations.
For clearer communication, speak slowly and clearly, as connections can be unreliable. Have a backup plan like WhatsApp or email. Keep calls concise due to potential cost and connection issues. If possible, use VoIP services for better quality and lower rates.
Frequently Asked Questions
The country code for Cuba is +53. You need to dial this code before the local phone number when making international calls to Cuba from anywhere in the world. It's an essential prefix for connecting your call to the Cuban telephone network.
To dial Cuba from your cell phone, start with the plus sign (+) or your country's international access code, then dial 53 (Cuba's country code), followed by the area code and local number. For example: +53-7-XXX-XXXX for Havana landlines or +53-5-XXX-XXXX for Cuban mobile numbers.
Cuban phone numbers don't typically use a leading zero in their local format, so there's no zero to drop. Simply dial +53 followed by the full Cuban phone number, including the area code for landlines or mobile prefix for cell phones.
The cheapest way to call Cuba is using ZippCall, which offers affordable pay-as-you-go international calling rates. With ZippCall, you can call from your web browser, iPhone, or Android device with no contracts, no subscriptions, and no hidden fees—just transparent, low-cost rates for calling Cuba.
In Cuba, the main emergency numbers are: 106 for police, 104 for ambulance/medical emergencies, and 105 for fire services. These numbers can be dialed free of charge from any phone within Cuba. Keep them handy when traveling to or residing in Cuba.
Yes, you can call Cuba directly from your web browser using ZippCall. Simply visit the ZippCall website, enter the Cuban phone number you want to reach, and make your call instantly without downloading any software or apps. It's convenient and straightforward.
Start Calling Cuba Today
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