Cuban Customs Policy on the Entry of Cell Phones

If you're planning to travel to Cuba and don't know how many cell phones you can import, in this article we'll tell you all about the policies of the General Customs Office of the Republic. 

This is a common question among travel groups to Cuba, where users often share their personal experiences, but don't elaborate on the clear rules that exist. Many even claim to have been able to bring in several cell phones and not have "had one taken from them." But is it that easy? Let's see.

The regulations establish that the importation of up to six cell phones per person into Cuba is permitted. However, you should know that only one of these phones is duty-free. The other five phones will be subject to an $80 tax each.

How do I pay Cuban Customs for cell phones?

This depends on whether you maintain Cuban residency and how many trips you've made to the island during the year. We'll explain: if you maintain Cuban residency and this is your first import of the year (or trip), payment to Cuban Customs is made in Cuban pesos. 

But, if you have already made a trip to the country or you are a Cuban who resides permanently abroad, the amount to be paid is calculated in dollars, but it is paid in Cuban pesos at the current exchange rate (1 USD = 24 CUP).

Values ​​of cell phones at Cuban Customs

Specifically, this agency's Resolution 175/2022 establishes that cell phones have a value of USD 80 per unit. Please note that this price applies to cell phones and not to other types of phones, such as conventional phones, whether wired or cordless, whose values ​​are shown below:

– Conventional wired telephones: 10 USD

– Cordless phones: $40 USD

– Mobile phones: 80 USD

What if I bring more than one cell phone to Cuba?

Although many Cubans assure you that they have been able to smuggle several cell phones into Cuba, the law is clear. You are allowed to bring up to six cell phones into Cuba, but only one can be brought in free of charge, as a personal item. For the rest, you'll have to pay the aforementioned fee. In this article, we'll also explain how Cuban Customs duties are calculated and what currency you should pay in to avoid any problems. 

Also remember that the permitted import quantity per person to Cuba is 1,000 USD or 125 kg.