Useful Info
Tips for travelers
Cuba is a peculiar destination, so knowing a little about how some things work is very important for travellers, especially for those who come for the first time. Here are a few tips that will make their holiday much more enjoyable and hassle free.
E-Visa
Almost all tourists visiting Cuba, need to obtain an electronic tourist 'visa' which is called E-Visa. The E-visa is valid for 90 days. Travelers can obtain the visa, either through their travel agent or tour operator, contacting the Cuban consulate in their country, or clicking on the following link: https://evisacuba.cu. Travelers must have a valid passport and a valid email address.
Airport
Arrival at the airport could be somewhat confusing. It can be very busy at times and there can be delays with passport control, luggage screening or luggage pick up; but a representative of our agency, holding a sign with the client’s name, will be there. In addition to the sign with the client's name, the clients will see a sign with the Tour Operator’s logo, which must be provided by the TTOO itself. So, we recommend the clients to take their time to look at all the signs well.
Each passenger can get 30 minutes of free wi-fi while at the airport.
Credit and debit cards are mostly accepted at the official duty-free store, as long as credit/debit cards are not related to US Banks. Other stores accept USD or Euro in cash. CUPs are not accepted.
We also recommend spending all of the CUPs during the stay in Cuba before departing to the airport.
When leaving the island, clients need to arrive to the airport 3 hours before flight departure, so eating before travelling to the airport is a good idea as dining options at the airport are not that extensive.
WI-FI
All private accommodations we use have Wi-Fi included. Clients usually get a code for this purpose.
At the government hotels, the clients get a receipt with a username and password on it in order to gain access. These will sometimes be for a limited time, such as 3 hours, but the client can often simply ask for another if needed when the time runs out. Many of these systems will only allow clients to log in on one device at a time.
Some restaurants may also have Wi-Fi access.
Languaje
Staff at the Front Desk of government hotels could speak a reasonable level of English.
In the private accommodations, hosts are generally less likely to speak English.
Restaurant and shop staff, taxi and transfer drivers generally do not speak any English.
Money
The Cuban peso (CUP) is the only legal cash currency in Cuba.
All government hotels, restaurants, and shops only accept payment by card in USD. Many services in hotels and car rental offices can be/ shall be paid with credit and debit cards, as long as they are not related to U.S. Banks. Bank cards registered in the US do not work in Cuba.
In the case of private suppliers, such as non-government restaurants, private accommodation and shops, they prefer cash either in USD, EUR or CUPs. Some places have all their prices in CUPs, but will accept dollars at their own exchange rate. Coins are not accepted. Small denomination banknotes are very helpful sometimes to avoid difficulties with change.
Clients should bring USD/EUR, but it is also advisable to obtain some CUP once in Cuba.
The current official exchange rate is 120 CUP per 1 USD. On the grey market, the exchange rate is always higher, but this is technically not allowed. Thus, we advise you to consult with your guide to avoid any difficulties. We definitely do not recommend exchanging money on the street.
Exchanging unused CUP upon departure from Cuba depends on availability. Thus, we would recommend clients to try to spend it all before they leave and to manage expectations of being able to change CUP back to USD or Euros.
Bank notes cannot be torn and should be in reasonable condition, but they don’t need to be brand new.
We suggest not relying on ATM’s to get some cash as, apart from the low exchange rate, these are few and far between.
Plug sockets
The American style 2 prong plugs with thin linear (not rounded) probes, are the main sockets used. However, some properties had both the US and European versions (two rounded prongs). We recommend that clients take both kinds of adapter or one that has both functionalities in one.
Safety
Cuba remains an extremely safe destination for tourists and even though it can be strange to walk the streets at night surrounded by poverty and people sitting on doorsteps all around, you never really feel unsafe.
Food
Cuba is not exactly a foodie destination. Though our typical dishes, based on rice and beans, pork meat, chicken, shredded meat, ajiaco, fried plantain and vegetable salad, are delicious and very much appreciated by many visitors.
In terms of quality, eating at privately run restaurants is usually better than eating at government restaurants or hotels.
Vegetarians, vegans or anyone with a gluten intolerance may need extra help to plan where they will eat their meals.
Water
Tap water is not drinkable. It is advisable to always get bottled water.
Some hotels filter water themselves, but sustainability and the elimination of plastic has not really caught on all destinations.
Rental Cars
For clients with a rental car, they should know the vehicle is provided with the first tank of fuel. There is no need to return the car with a full tank of petrol.
Extra costs such as additional driver can only be paid with card, so we recommend clients making sure that their credit/debit card works in Cuba.
The maps in Cuba are not really updated. We recommend downloading the MAP.ME app before arriving in Cuba as clients using iPhone cannot download the app in Cuba. MAPS.ME enables you to track your progress regardless of whether you are connected to the internet.
There are a number of petrol stations along the island designated for tourists. We provide a list of all the petrol stations designated for tourists to use.
Petrol stations would only accept non-American credit cards with payments made in USD, or the prepaid CLASICA cards, that can be purchased and top up at Cadecas (exchange offices) for a price of 4 USD (only the card). You can put the amount of money on the card you want, but we recommend putting the necessary for petrol as the balance is not refundable when you leave the country.
Road conditions
The roads in Old Havana are narrow and busy. It is common encountering potholes and people walking along the middle of the street. There are many pedestrian streets and cobblestone streets.
For those driving, it is better to stick to the Malecon and the main roads rather than going through the heart of the city as in theory it is quicker, but in reality, would be much slower and challenging.
The main highways are fairly good and lots of them have 3 lanes in each direction. The road markings however are very poor and you always need to keep your eyes open for potholes.
The speed limit is generally 100km. Lookout for bridges as the speed limit often drops rapidly.
There are many hitchhikers asking for a ride, but clients should not feel obliged to stop. Actually, we advise clients not to pick up anyone on the road. There are also policemen checking on vehicles speed and asking for documents to check everything is in order.
Transfers
Type, size and car brand vary a lot depending on the service provider and the region of the country, but we offer the best options of transport available in each region.
Drivers only speak a few words in English.
Private Accommodations
All of the private accommodations have private bathroom, Wi-Fi, a fridge/minibar available for clients, a safe, air conditioning and a power generator.
All private accommodations provide soap, towels and toilet paper. Other items like toothbrush, shampoo and toothpaste clients should bring.
Shops
Cuba does not really have supermarkets, but smaller shops that sell basic items like shampoo, soap, liquor, and packaged food are everywhere.
Clients needing specific items or medication, including simple things like painkillers, upset stomach relief tablets, sunscreen lotion, etc., should bring their own.
We also recommend to bring mosquito repellent.
Weather in Cuba
The hurricane season is from June to November with September and October being the months with the highest probability of cyclone activity. There is on average more rain in these months due to this tropical storm activity.
Cuba's mean annual temperature is 28°C, with an average of eight hours of sunshine per day throughout the year.
The temperature doesn't shift much throughout the year.
Best time for:
TRAVELLING: FROM OCTOBER TO APRIL
BIRDWATCHING: BETWEEN FEBRUARY AND APRIL
SEE TOBACCO PLANTS: DECEMBER & JANUARY
SEE TOBACCO LEAVES PROCESSING IN TOBACCO HOUSES: FROM JANUARY TILL JUNE
SEE FLAMINGOS: JULY AND AUGUST
Best spots for:
DIVING: PENÍNSULA DE GUANAHACABIBES, PENÍNSULA DE ZAPATA
FISHING: PENÍNSULA DE ZAPATA, TRINIDAD
BIRDWATCHING: LAS TERRAZAS, PENINSULA DE ZAPATA, VIÑALES, CAYO COCO
TREKKING: VIÑALES, LAS TERRAZAS, TOPES DE COLLANTES, SIERRA MAESTRA, PARQUE NACIONAL ALEJANDRO DE HUMBOLTD
MUST-SEE PATRIMONIAL CITIES: HAVANA, CIENFUEGOS, TRINIDAD, CAMAGUEY, BARACOA
BEST BEACHES: VARADERO, CAYO SANTA MARÍA, CAYO ENSENACHOS, CAYO COCO, GUARDALAVACA
