10 Things To Know Before Traveling To Cuba

Posted In: Caribbean | Cuba | Destinations | Featured

I recently took a 13- day trip over to Cuba. This was my first time visiting so I had little knowledge about how to best prepare myself or what expect.  I think in general travelers tend to have more questions and uncertainties when it comes on to Cuba, so I decided to share a few basic tips here after being there for a close of 2 weeks. Cuba on a whole is becoming a more popular tourist destination so here are 10 things you need to know before traveling to Cuba.

1. Cuba Tourist Card

It doesn’t matter where you are from you will need to purchase a tourist card prior to entering the country. Costs vary depending on your nationality. You can purchase it at any Cuban embassy in your home country, from a travel agency, or even at the major connecting airports ; Panama, Mexico etc. Prices range between $15 to $50.

10-things-too-know-before-traveling-to-cuba

2. U.S Issued Cards & Mastercards

All U.S issued and Master debit or credit cards will not work nationwide, I strongly recommend travelers with U.S cards or Mastercards whether it be debit or credit to travel with cash for your time in Cuba. It is easier and it is a guarantee that it will be accepted. Everywhere accepts cash. 

3. Money Exchange 

Your best bet is to travel with Euros, Pounds, or Canadian dollars. Exchange rate for U.S dollars will have a 10% fee.

4. Wifi & Internet Access

 Wifi access is available but only in some selected cities. Internet access is available. You can access the wifi/internet at the major hotels in the capital city, Havana. For all other accessible cities with regards to wifi connection, you can connect by locating the nation ’s monopolistic company ETECSA. You will need to purchase a “Nauta wifi” card to connect. You can purchase the card with a timeframe of  30 minutes or 1 hora. Prices range depending on your location. Purchasing wifi cards in cities outside of  Havana will have a cheaper rate. A 1 hora wifi card in Havana is  6.50 CUC, you can buy them in smaller cities for 4.50 CUC.

 N.B. You can use your wifi card multiple times if all your minutes were not all used up in your first attempt at connecting.

walking-around-havana-cuba 

5. Cuba’s Double Currency

Cuba uses two different currencies. CUC primarily for tourists and CUP for the locals. 1CUC = 1USD and 1 CUP=  0.043 USD. Tourists can also purchase the local currency. However, you cannot change the foreign currencies straight into CUP’s. You will first need to convert into CUC and then from CUC to CUP. Most touristy spots will only accept the CUC’s. Street shops, local taxis, quick bicycle rides, fruit markets will accept CUP. A 10 CUC changed into CUP is usually good for a 12-day visit to Cuba.

N.B The Jose Marti airport and most likely all other airports will only convert from foreign currencies to CUC. CUP can be bought in the city centers.

bicycle-taxi-in-cuba-havana

6. Casa Particulars & Hotels

Cuba has no shortage with it comes on to lodging. I have been getting a lot of emails and messages asking where are good places to stay in selected cities. Here are some things you should know. Sites such as hostelworld.com , booking.com and hostelbookers.com  will not work for Cuba. Your search result will be 0. This is because they are primarily hosted, hence, it doesn’t work.

For those wondering, there are hostels in Havana. You can find them on HostelClub.com and airbnb.com Also, tripadvisor.com will have options in case you would like to book in advance. If you have no advanced booking, finding Casas and hotels are usually really easy. Most tourist attractions are pretty small and you will have hosts greeting you each time you exist the bus service companies and airports asking if you would like somewhere to stay. In smaller towns like Trinidad, Viñales, Varadero you can literally walk around and hand pick a Casa that best suits your interest. Each Casa that is for tourist accommodation will have a special sign. Hotels are available as well.

viñales-cuba-home

7. Water & Food

The water is not recommended for intakes. You can purchase 1.5 litre bottles at any supermarket.

I have read a couple blogs stating that Cuban food is no good. To be quite fair, I enjoyed my meals there. I was quite stunned after reading the opposite. The food was well prepared and they were tasty. I had most of my meals prepped in the Casas I was staying and they were delicious. The dinners from the casas will have mostly Lobster,  Fish, Shrimp, Chicken. They will cook your meal based on your preference and each meal is usually a full course. They are also usually cheaper than eating out at restaurants.

8. Group Transportation – VIAZUL

Cuba has only 1 bus company; Viazul. You will need to have your passport every time you need to purchase a ticket. Whilst, this is the only bus company for tourists, you also do have the free-will to travel along with the locals. The journey will seem longer, but it is way much cheaper whether it be with the train (only in selected cities) or with the local bus company.

Taxis are also available to take you across the country. If you are traveling in groups, taking taxis could be a cheaper way out for you.

9. Cuba is Completely Safe

I felt the safest while I was in Cuba. It is one of. . . if not, the safest country I have ever been to thus far. You will feel completely safe walking down the streets. In addition, you will need to be careful but usually, the locals are very friendly and are unlikely to do any harm. You will see cops from time to time patrolling in bigger cities just to make sure everything is under control.

old-cuba-vintage

10. You Will Love Cuba

The people are great. The beaches are great and the whole island feel will give you a true Cuban feel. It has an interesting culture, history and is filled with pure authenticity. Pack your bags, get some cash and go Explore CUBA!

  • Arasi
    March 1, 2019

    Thanks for sharing your experience. My country is beautiful indeed. You’re welcome anytime ❤️

  • Gaston
    November 15, 2018

    Very good post. I will be dealing with a few of these issues as well..

  • Denise H
    August 30, 2018

    I too am a solo traveler from Jamaica . Maybe everyone could come together , since the group is so small, and plan a trip together !

  • xxx.com.do
    August 6, 2018

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  • shorts
    June 29, 2018

    Very good info. Lucky me I ran across your site by chance (stumbleupon).
    I have book marked it for later!

  • Francia
    January 3, 2018

    Because of a post of yours I packed my bags and went to Grenada for a few days…amazing. Now I am preplanning forr cuba in a few months. 🙂

  • Joy
    January 3, 2016

    I’m going to Cuba solo in February and I cannot wait. Seeing this post has made me so excited. Thanks,

    Joy.

  • Jim
    August 19, 2015

    Very nice article. I definitely love this site. Thanks!

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Cuba Untouched
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