Cuba travel tips

Cuba’s fascinating past, exotic atmosphere and warm, passionate people have propelled it to the forefront of the world’s developing tourist destinations. The level of danger is low, with no severe health threats and little violent crime, although petty theft is already widespread and rising steadily. With its rich cultural embroidery and complex political history, Cuba has a very distinctive flavour that can be enjoyed to the fullest when travellers are aware of the country’s traditions and protocols. Here are some basic travel tips to help you make the most of your trip.

• Limited English is spoken outside of resorts and hotels, so it is useful to have some basic knowledge of Spanish when travelling Cuba. Spanish courses are offered in Havana and Santiago.

• Cuba is generally regarded as a safe country, but pickpockets and hustlers are not uncommon. Avoid wearing flashy jewellery, carrying around large amounts of cash, or arranging meetings with strangers at your hotel or casa.

• Credit cards are not accepted in many places, so always carry a small amount of cash with you.

• Remember to put aside US$20 in cash in order to pay your departure tax when you leave the island.

• Cuba is still a strongly socialist country, and visitors should take care not to stumble into restricted areas or military zones, which are not always well signposted.

• The best time to visit Cuba is during the winter season, from November to April, when the country is dry and pleasantly cool. December and January are usually crowded with tourists, so optimal times are at the beginning or end of the season.

• Cuba poses no major health threats to tourists, but as in the case of all foreign countries, visitors should take precautions against hepatitis A, typhoid and travellers’ diarrhoea. It is recommended that you drink bottled water at all times.

• If you are invited to a local home for a meal, it is customary to take along a small gift or bottle of wine for your hosts.

• Make sure that you have accurate road maps of the areas that you plan to visit. Street signs are a rarity in Cuba, and those that do exist are frequently weather-beaten and illegible.

Useful travel tips resources

1000 Travel Tips
Offers vital information about travelling in Cuba and other countries.
http://www.1000traveltips.org/cuba.htm

Salsa Roots – Cuban travel tips
Handy tips on travelling Cuba.
http://www.salsaroots.com/Cuba%20Travel%20Tips.htm

Footprint Guides - Cuba
Travel site offering detailed information on Cuba and other destinations.
http://www.footprintguides.com/

More topics on this site…
Cuba travel information
Cuba health and safety
Cuba maps and geography

Essentials

Visas: Not required, however visitors must apply for a tourist card from the Cuban embassy in their country.
Season: November to April
Money: Pesos – ATMs widely available, transactions mostly cash
Language: Spanish – English is limited outside of resorts and hotels
Emergency #: 26811

Cuba