5 Gift Cards Available in Cuba- Updated
Gift Cards Available in Cuba: Gift cards are available everywhere in the world, and Cuba is not exempted. So if you’re looking to buy gift cards in Cuba, this article explains the different kinds of gift cards that are available in Cuba.
You may be wondering, “Why Cuba?” Well, why not?
What is Cuba?
Cuba is an island country, consisting of the main island of Cuba, the Isla de la Juventud, and several archipelagos. It is located south of the eastern United States and the Bahamas, west of the Turks and Caicos Islands and Haiti, east of Mexico, and north of the Cayman Islands and Jamaica.
There are different kinds of gift cards that are available in Cuba, and this article aims to explain these gift cards available in Cuba, and also where to buy them if you’re looking to.
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What is a Gift Card?
A gift card is simply a card that you gift people. These cards are prepaid, and can be purchased either physically or online. This means you can either walk into a store to buy it, or you can have it delivered to you electronically.
Gift cards have become an alternative to cash especially when it comes to gifting your loved ones. Before, you could either celebrate a friend by giving them money, but gift cards allow you to express your thoughtfulness by buying a gift card that they can use to purchase items or services at a specific retailer.
5 Gift Cards Available in Cuba
- Amazon Gift Card – Buy almost anything: clothes, books, electronics, gadgets, and more.
- Google Play Gift Card – Perfect for Android users to purchase apps, games, movies, music, and books.
- Spotify Gift Card – Great for music lovers to subscribe to Spotify Premium.
- Netflix Gift Card – Pay for subscriptions and enjoy unlimited movies and TV shows.
- La Epoca Gift Card – Shop at Havana’s popular department store for clothes, shoes, and accessories.
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What Gift cards are Available in Cuba?
1. Amazon
If you enjoy shopping, then you probably know Amazon and their gift cards. Even if you do not enjoy shopping, you know Amazon. Everyone does!
An Amazon gift card is a very versatile gift, and for so many reasons. The most obvious one being that you can buy literally anything on Amazon, from clothes and books to kitchen items and electronics or gadgets, and for anyone. Maybe your dad, brother, sister, anyone at all!
2. Google Play
Android phones are very popular, and are in use mostly. Sorry to iPhone users. Anyway, if you know anyone that uses an Android phone or tablet, a Google Play gift card might be your best bet at gifting them.
A Google Play gift card comes in different denominations like $10, $25, $50, and $100, and it gives you access to applications, games, movies, TV shows, music, books, etc.
3. Spotify
Show me someone that doesn’t like music, I’ll wait. Music is everywhere, so also music lovers, and Cuba is not an exception. This is why a Spotify gift card is one of the gift cards available in Cuba.
This gift card is perfect for people who love music, and you can subscribe to a Spotify premium using the Spotify gift card.
Like the Google Play gift card, the Spotify gift card is also available in different denominations.
4. Netflix
If you’re not a music person, then you’re definitely a movie person. Netflix is one of the most popular apps to stream movies.
A Netflix gift cards gives the recipient access to pay for subscriptions without any hassle.
6. La Epoca
La Epoca is one of Cuba’s most popular department stores. Specifically located in Havana, you’ll find a wide range of products which include clothes, accessories, shoes, etc, here.
A La Epoca gift card allows you to purchase any item at this store. This is perfect for residents or anyone planning to visit Cuba
Where to Buy Gift Cards in Cuba
Local stores and Supermarkets
Buying gift cards physically is the popular way a lot of people buy gift cards for their loved ones. You can walk to any store of a retailer of your choice to purchase any gift card of your choice.
Quite a number of gift cards can be picked up at a local store or supermarket
Online retailers
This category of people prefers to buy gift cards online. While some people prefer physical shopping, others prefer to shop from the comfort of their homes, and have it delivered to them electronically. Gift cards purchased electronically are known as e-gift cards.
Why Gift Cards Work Differently in Cuba
Cuba isn’t exactly a hotspot for Amazon or Spotify. In fact, most of those global services don’t officially operate there. Between U.S. sanctions, limited payment systems, and spotty internet, your typical international gift card is basically useless if you’re inside the island.
But here’s the thing: Cubans are resourceful. Over the last few years, they’ve built their own “gift card culture” — one that mixes local prepaid cards with clever hacks to make international cards work.
Local Gift Cards Cubans Actually Use
If you ask someone in Havana about gift cards, they’ll probably think of one of these:
- Cubacel Recharge Cards
Think of these as golden tickets. Topping up a phone with $10, $20, or $50 of credit is one of the most popular gifts you can give. Why? Because internet and calls are expensive, and staying connected with family is priceless. ETECSA, the state telecom, says around 80% of its foreign income comes from recharges sent by Cubans abroad. That’s how big this market is. - Tarjeta Propia (Prepaid Debit Card)
This reloadable card, issued by Cuban banks, works like a gift card for daily life. Families abroad can load it up, and the recipient in Cuba can shop in government stores or even some private businesses. - CIMEX Gift Certificates
CIMEX, a state-run retail giant, issues paper vouchers that can be spent on groceries, hardware, and essentials. For many families, this is a practical and flexible gift. - La Época Store Card
One of Havana’s famous department stores, La Época, sells actual plastic gift cards (and even emails them abroad). Perfect for clothes, shoes, or household goods. - Cupet Fuel Cards
Yes, fuel as a gift. A preloaded Cupet card lets taxi drivers, workers, or families with cars buy gasoline or diesel. In a country where fuel shortages are common, this card can feel like a “ticket to freedom.” - Event Vouchers
Cultural experiences also fit in — prepaid tickets to Tropicana shows or museum entries are sometimes gifted, offering a different kind of value.
The Complicated World of International Gift Cards in Cuba
Now, what about those familiar names — Amazon, Netflix, Spotify, Google Play?
- Amazon Gift Cards
Officially, Amazon doesn’t deliver to Cuba. But some Cubans get around this by using gift card balances, shipping to third countries like Panama or Miami, and then forwarding the goods. Some even resell those items locally for profit. - Google Play & Apple Gift Cards
These are prized by younger Cubans. Without a foreign credit card, the only way to buy apps, games, or iCloud storage is through a gift code sent by someone abroad. - Netflix & Spotify Cards
Streaming platforms aren’t supported in Cuba, but with a VPN and a gifted code, some Cubans subscribe anyway. It’s niche, since internet bandwidth is expensive, but it exists. - Gaming Gift Cards
PlayStation, Xbox, and Steam cards have found a tiny but passionate audience among gamers in Havana. Again, all thanks to VPNs and relatives abroad.
In short: international cards aren’t officially usable in Cuba, but Cubans find ways to squeeze value out of them.
The Legal Side of Gift Cards in Cuba
Here’s where it gets tricky.
- U.S. sanctions mean American companies can’t legally provide gift card services to Cuba. In fact, one U.S. company, Tango Card, was fined after 27,000 e-gift cards somehow went to Cuban users.
- On the flip side, the Cuban government embraces gift-like tools — because they bring in hard currency. From ETECSA’s recharge system to CIMEX vouchers, these programs funnel foreign money into the state economy.
- The grey zone is the informal resale market, where Cubans trade Amazon or Steam codes for pesos. It’s technically illegal but widely tolerated.
How Gift Cards are Used in Cuba
Gift cards in Cuba aren’t about last-minute presents. They’ve become part of survival strategies and everyday life:
- Diaspora Support: Families abroad send supermarket cards, fuel vouchers, or phone credit to help loved ones with essentials.
- Everyday Gifts: In cities, people are starting to use La Época or CIMEX vouchers for birthdays, weddings, or quinceañeras.
- Youth & Tech: Students and young people pool money to get a Google Play code for apps, games, or e-books.
- Resale Market: Some Cubans resell codes or use gift cards to buy goods abroad, then flip them locally for a profit.
In a sense, gift cards have become a kind of shadow economy — flexible, tradable, and often more reliable than cash in a country where inflation and shortages are constant.
Gift Cards Trends and Data in Cuba
- Massive phone recharge market: ETECSA admitted that without international top-ups from abroad, its business would collapse.
- Food and delivery vouchers rising: Services like KO Mercado and Mandao (a Cuban food delivery app) now offer gift cards through diaspora channels.
- Market growth forecast: Analysts expect Cuba’s gift retail market to keep expanding between now and 2031, driven by digital solutions and diaspora demand.
- Digital awareness: Guides and FAQs about using gift cards in Cuba are popping up everywhere online — showing how much curiosity and adoption has grown.
Frequently Asked Questions About Gift Cards in Cuba
Can I use Amazon or Spotify gift cards in Cuba?
No. Amazon doesn’t ship to Cuba, and Spotify isn’t officially available on the island, so their gift cards can’t be redeemed directly there.
Is it possible to buy Google Play gift cards in Cuba?
Not locally. You won’t find Google Play cards for sale in Cuba, but if someone abroad sends one, Cubans can redeem it to pay for apps, games, or digital content.
What types of gift cards are actually used in Cuba?
The most common are Cubacel recharge cards for mobile phones, Tarjeta Propia prepaid debit cards, CIMEX gift certificates, Cupet fuel cards, and store-specific options like La Época gift cards.
Are international gift cards accepted in Cuban stores?
Generally no. Cuban shops only honor cards issued by local institutions or tied to Cuban services, not international retail or streaming brands.
Can I send a gift card to someone in Cuba from abroad?
Yes. Many families abroad send Cubacel top-ups, Tarjeta Propia reloads, grocery vouchers, or fuel cards through official Cuban platforms or trusted third-party sites.
Where can I buy gift cards that work in Cuba?
They’re available at Cuban stores and service providers on the island, and also through authorized online portals that specialize in recharges or deliveries to Cuba.
Is it legal to use gift cards in Cuba?
Yes. Cards like Tarjeta Propia, Cubacel, CIMEX certificates, and other approved vouchers are fully legal and widely used in daily life.
Conclusion
Even though the gift card market in Cuba is relatively small compared to other countries especially regarding international brands (or gift cards), the gift card market is one that’s always growing, thereby making room for new brands to enter the market.
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Tobi brings stories to life as the Content Writer and Creator at Dtunes, blending creativity with strategy to connect with audiences. When she’s not crafting content, you’ll find her traveling, meeting new people, or trying out exciting things.
