How to text Cuba: A guide to business communications

Are you struggling to send text messages to Cuba? Whether you're a business owner, marketer, or salesperson, we’ve got you covered. Sending text messages (also called SMS) to Cuba is easy, but it requires attention to detail to ensure your message gets delivered. This guide will cover the ins and outs of texting to Cuba, including formatting, country codes, and regulatory compliance.

Sending a text to Cuba

In Cuba, phone numbers generally consist of eight digits. Mobile phone numbers start with a "5," followed by the remaining seven digits. For example, a typical Cuban mobile number could be 52345678.

Cuba phone number formatting

When formatting a phone number for texting in Cuba, it’s essential to include the country code and follow the proper sequence. Unlike making a voice call, you don't need to add an international dialing prefix like "011" before the country code. Instead, simply start with the country code "+53," followed by the eight-digit Cuban mobile number.

For instance, if the Cuban number is 52345678, you should format it as +5352345678 for sending a text message.

Cuba's country code

Cuba's country code is +53. This code is crucial as it informs the mobile network that the message should be directed to Cuba. Without including the country code, your message will likely fail to reach its intended recipient.

To send a text to a Cuban mobile number, ensure you format the number correctly: begin with +53 and then add the eight-digit number. Enter this formatted number into the recipient field of your messaging app, and send your message.

Staying compliant while texting Cuba

Businesses sending SMS messages to Cuba must comply with regulations set by ETECSA (Empresa de Telecomunicaciones de Cuba S.A.), the state-owned telecommunications provider. Key points include obtaining proper authorization, adhering to content restrictions, and ensuring messages are not political. According to ETECSA's guidelines, businesses must register their sender IDs, and only one-way messaging is supported for international senders.

Messages must also comply with Cuba's Anti-Money Laundering and Combating the Financing of Terrorism (ALA/CFT) regulations, which require verification of the identity of direct and indirect clients.

The Cuban Assets Control Regulations (CACR) set by U.S. Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) restrict financial transactions and services involving Cuba. This includes limits on U.S. banks working with Cuba, rules on sending money to certain entities, and specific permissions for internet services that support independent Cuban businesses.

Four steps to text Cuba

Now that you understand the formatting requirements and regulatory compliance, you can send your first text message to Cuba. Use the following steps to send your message:

1. Inspect the number to ensure it's in the correct format, confirming it includes the necessary digits for the local area code.
2. Add Cuba's country code (+53) at the beginning of the number.
3. Input the correctly formatted number into the "Recipient" field.
4. Compose and send your message.

For example, a properly formatted mobile number in Cuba would look like this: +53 5 123 4567.

Now that you know how to format and send a text message to Cuba, it's important to follow some best practices to ensure your messages are delivered successfully and comply with local regulations.

Best practices for texting Cuban numbers

Messages in Cuba must be sent from a registered alpha tag, and only one-way messaging is supported. To register an alpha tag, businesses need to complete forms provided by global sending specialists. The registration process includes providing sensitive information to comply with Cuba's ALA/CFT regulations.

Cubacel, Cuba's mobile network operator, only accepts OTP (One-Time Password) and notification types of traffic. Other message types may be rejected during the pre-registration process.

As mentioned above, OFAC's CACR restrict certain financial transactions and services involving Cuba, and business must abide by ETECSA.

Businesses should ensure messages are clear, concise, and respectful of local customs and regulations. It's advisable to consult with legal experts familiar with Cuban telecommunications laws to ensure full compliance and avoid potential penalties.

Choosing the right greeting for your text message to Cuba

When texting someone in Cuba, it's crucial to follow proper messaging etiquette to ensure your communication is well-received. A key aspect of this is selecting the right greeting, which sets the tone for your message and establishes a connection with the recipient.

Formal greetings

For formal communications, such as business or professional messages, it's best to use a respectful and polished greeting. Start with "Estimado/a" (Dear), followed by the recipient's name. For example, "Estimado, Sr. Hernández," or "Estimada, Sra. Díaz." This approach demonstrates respect and professionalism, essential for building trust and credibility. In formal contexts, you can also use "Buenos días" (Good morning), "Buenas tardes" (Good afternoon), or "Buenas noches" (Good evening), depending on the time of day.

Informal greetings

You can use a relaxed and friendly greeting in more casual contexts or when texting friends and family. Common informal greetings in Cuba include "Hola" (Hi) or "¿Qué tal?" (How are you?). These greetings are suitable for establishing a warm and approachable tone. For example, "Hola, Juan," or "¿Qué tal, María?"

Consider the relationship

It's important to tailor your greeting based on your relationship with the recipient. If you're texting a close friend or family member, an informal greeting is appropriate. However, when reaching out to someone you don't know well or in a professional context, a formal greeting is more suitable.

Cultural sensitivity

Respect local customs and cultural nuances. Cubans value politeness and respect in communication. Using appropriate titles like "Señor" (Mr.) or "Señora" (Mrs.) in formal greetings can convey respect. Additionally, avoid slang or overly casual language in professional contexts.

Choosing the right greeting for your text message to Cuba can enhance your communication and build a positive rapport with the recipient. By considering the formality, relationship, and cultural nuances, you can ensure your message is well-received and effective.

Text Cuba: How to get started

With these tips and recommendations, you're ready to send SMS messages to Cuba with confidence. Whether you're sending a personal message or business communication, understanding the formatting and regulatory compliance is essential to ensure your message gets delivered.

If you’re looking for more guidance on global texting, Telnyx’s team of experts can help you navigate the complexities of international communication. Telnyx is a next-gen communications platform that offers a global private IP network, multi-cloud redundancy, and carrier-grade services. Our developer-friendly SMS API and intelligent features make it easy to build messaging capabilities into your existing apps. We also offer support and guidance to help you grow and scale your business.

With competitive pricing and a wide variety of phone numbers in over 140 countries, Telnyx provides cost-effective messaging solutions with unmatched expertise. Our deliverability reports help businesses optimize their messaging campaigns, while easy implementation and a complete set of features make it easy to get started.

Note: This is not legal advice. Consult your legal team and the appropriate regulatory authorities before beginning an SMS message campaign in Cuba.