Cuba Traveler's Information

OK we are going to Cuba, and now?
Step one: read the FAQ's and after reading the FAQ's return to this page

Ah you're American? no worries
Read the special page for US citizens to Cuba

Internet

Internet in Cuba

There are possibilities to go on the internet in most hotels and there are small offices from Etecsa all around the island.
Internet in Cuba is slow so forget uploading your pictures through the Cuban Internet connection.
Wireless is possible at some hotspots in the bigger cities and most hotels.

For more info, costs and wifi access see the Etecsa website

Infotur Tourist Office

The Centers of Information are characterized for the exclusiveness of the product that they offer: information. Teams of well-informed professionals with a high degree of technical and language training, offers you free and accurate information each one of the 365 days of the year.

Infotur offers:
- Information on the Cuban tourist product.
- Specialized programs and promotional brochures.
- Maps, guides, posters and post cards featuring Cuban images.
- Phone cards, photographic movies, CDs and cassettes of Cuban music.
- Magazines, newspapers, books and promotional videos.
- Reservation of lodging, tours, trips, walks and car rentals.
- Service of photocopy and impression of documents.
- Reception and transmission of fax and e-mails.

Address in Havana (picture): 521 Obispo, La Habana, Cuba

Cuba Weather

The whole year through about 28 / 29 C degrees. The East of Cuba is always a few degrees warmer than the West
Most rain fall in May till October, during these months short but heavy rainy showers can fall, mostly at the end of the day.

Areas like Baracoa and Moa in the east of Cuba do have to most rainy days, because the mountain which come from the Atlantic Ocean
The dry season is from November till April.

Most sunny hours in July and August, Cuba has short days in winter, at 18.00 it is getting dark. In summer the sun is very powerful.
Dec / April: colder then usual, specially at night
June / September: hot humid, every end of the day a rainy shower
June / end of November: hurricane season
High and low (tourist) season December / January, Easter, July / September

Currency

Money in Cuba

Traveling to Cuba requires understanding its unique monetary system and practices. Here are key points to consider about money in Cuba:

Currency System

1. Cuban Peso (CUP): The official currency used by locals. It's not typically used by tourists for most transactions.
2. Cuban Convertible Peso (CUC): This was the currency commonly used by tourists, but it was phased out in January 2021. Now, tourists also use the Cuban Peso (CUP).

Currency Exchange

Exchange Rates: The official exchange rate for converting foreign currencies to CUP is controlled by the government. Ensure you check the current rates, as they can fluctuate.
Where to Exchange: Exchange money at official exchange offices (CADECA), banks, or hotels. Avoid street money changers due to the risk of scams.
Accepted Currencies: Euros, Canadian dollars, British pounds, and Mexican pesos are more commonly accepted for exchange than US dollars, which incur a 10% fee.

Payment Methods

Cash: Cash is the primary means of transaction. Many establishments, especially outside tourist areas, do not accept cards.
Credit and Debit Cards: Cards issued by US banks are not accepted. Other international cards (like those from Canadian or European banks) may be used in some places but have limited acceptance.
ATMs: ATMs are available in major cities and tourist areas, but they might not always work or have cash. It’s advisable to carry enough cash for your needs.

Tips and Practicalities

Small Denominations: Carry small bills and coins for easier transactions, as change can be hard to come by.
Tipping: Tipping is customary in Cuba. In restaurants, a 10% tip is standard. It’s also common to tip hotel staff, tour guides, and taxi drivers.
Dual Pricing: Be aware of dual pricing, where locals and tourists may be charged different rates for the same services or goods.
Budgeting: Plan a daily budget and carry sufficient cash, as accessing funds through cards can be unreliable.

Miscellaneous

Internet Access: Internet in Cuba is limited and often available through Wi-Fi hotspots or hotels. You may need to purchase an internet card from ETECSA, the state telecom provider.
Prices: Prices for food, transportation, and services can vary. Tourist areas tend to be more expensive than local areas.
Legal Considerations: Ensure you declare large amounts of currency upon entry and exit if required by local regulations.

Understanding these aspects will help you manage your money efficiently while traveling in Cuba and avoid common pitfalls.

Water in Cuba

It's no good idea to drink tap water in Cuba. Buy bottled water or when you are self supported in an appartement boil the water before you use it for whatever consumption or your fantastic new Cuban recipes.
Brushing your teeth and having showers is fine.

Bathroom / WC / Toilet

Never throw toilet paper etc into the toilet but always use the pedal bin next to it.

Cuba travel Reviews & Tips

Feb 1 2017
Name: carmen lupulet
Your country: romania
What's your review about?: cuba
Which city or area in Cuba?: many

My review: My name is Carmen, I am from Romania and I traveled to Cuba for the first time in January 2017 and stayed over then 3 weeks. I am 45 and I traveled with my husband as backpackers.
We had a first reservation in a casa particular in Havana, then, based on the places we decided to visit and the time spent in each one of them, we used Cuba Junky.
Knowing that in Cuba acces to internet is very difficult, after a long research we decided to take the Cuba Junky app and we discovered that it was the best decision. It has a lot of casas registered , with all the info you need and IT WORKS OFFLINE!!
Everybody there wants to help you to find accommodation, but because they insist too much and because of the lack of my Spanish language, many times a had the feeling that there is something fishy. Maybe they have good intentions , but I felt safety and calm having Cuba Junky and I used it a lot.
After I dowloaded the app I opened all files with casas in order to be sure they are properly saved and it worked perfectly offline.
We went to Vinales, Varadero, Boca de Camarioca, Trinidad, Cienfuegos, Playa Giron. We traveled from a place to another by taxi colectivo , the most convenient out of the possibilities available. The average cost is about 10 CUC per person per 100 km. Viazul- the tourist bus in high season is only for those making an internet reservation in advance. Regular taxi is much more expensive, train is impossible to be used it if you don’t speak the local language. For distances up to 50 km there is an option with camiones and buses for locals, they are very cheap and funny (plus the feeling of integration in the local spirit).
We had breakfast every morning in each casa for 5CUC, the worst was good enough. We tried some restaurants for tourist at the beginning, then we decided to use the dinner offers of the owners of the casas ( better in terms of offer, quality and price) and many times the pizzas, hamburguesa and sandwiches for locals at extremely low prices.Of course the quality is questionable but it was safe, good and cheap.
We were dressed with poor “designed” clothes and valuables so we easily avoid the permanent offers and aggression of the locals who tried to sell you something (tobacco, rum, trips, taxi, casas etc) and we let the Americans to “enjoy’ that .
Coming from an ex-communist country, we saw and felt what we experienced in Romania 25 year ago plus the recently private market activities. Cuba is a mixture of communism with capitalism and a beautiful laisser faire. You are safely everywhere, they keep their word if you set something, they are on time and respect your privacy in the house.