Cuba: Basic Travel Guide

Cuba

📍 Destination

Cuba is a Caribbean island known for its infectious music, colonial architecture, paradisiacal beaches, and unique history. With cities like Havana rich in culture and charm, and Varadero famous for its crystal-clear waters, Cuba is the ideal destination for those seeking warmth, authenticity, and adventure.

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ℹ️ General Information

• Official name: Republic of Cuba

• Capital: Havana

• Official language: Spanish

• Currency: Cuban Convertible Peso (CUC) / transitioning to Cuban Peso (CUP)

• Exchange locations: CADECA exchange houses, airports, banks, and some hotels

• Main religion: Catholicism (with Afro-Cuban influences)

• Time difference:

  • From USA East Coast (EST): Cuba is generally GMT -5 (same as Eastern Time without DST differences)

  • From UK (BST/GMT): Cuba is GMT -4 or -5 depending on UK daylight savings

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📄 Required Documentation

• Passport valid for at least 6 months from date of entry

• Visa/Entry permit: US and UK citizens require a Tourist Card (Tourist Visa), which can be obtained via travel agencies, Cuban embassy/consulate, or airlines

• Travel registration form to be filled

• Mandatory travel insurance with medical coverage

📲 Useful apps: Maps.me (offline maps), AlaMesa (local restaurant guide)

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📅 Best Time to Visit

• Climate: Tropical with two main seasons: dry (Nov to April) and wet (May to Oct)

• Rainy season: May to October, with hurricane risk August to October

• Best months: December to April (dry season and pleasant temperatures)

🎯 Tip: Avoid September and October due to higher hurricane risk —

🕐 Operating Hours

• Public services: Monday to Friday, 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM

• Banks: Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM – 3:30 PM

• Shops: Monday to Saturday, 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM (some private shops open longer)

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✈️ How to Get There

• Approximate flight time:

  • From USA East Coast (Miami, NYC): direct flights ~1.5 to 3 hours

  • From UK (London Heathrow): flights with 1 stop, total ~10–12 hours

• Airlines operating flights:

  • From USA: American Airlines, JetBlue, Southwest (direct from Miami, Fort Lauderdale)

  • From UK: British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, Air Europa (with stopovers, e.g., Madrid)

• Main airports:

  • (HAV) José Martí International Airport (20 km from Havana city center)

  • (VRA) Juan Gualberto Gómez International Airport (Varadero)

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🚖 Airport transfers:

• Taxis available outside terminals (average fare to Havana city: ~$25–30 USD or equivalent in CUP, negotiate before ride)

• Private transfers recommended for safety and comfort

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💊 Health & Medication

• No mandatory vaccines for travelers from US or UK

• Bring usual medications with prescriptions

• Pharmacies are limited; carry basic first aid supplies

• Bring sunscreen, insect repellent, and bottled water

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💰 Currency and Costs

• Credit cards (especially US-issued) are not widely accepted due to embargo-related restrictions

• Recommended to bring cash (EUR, USD) and exchange at official CADECA houses

• Exchange rate approx: 1 EUR ≈ 24–26 CUP

• Tipping is common (5–10%), often expected in tourism services

• Many services require cash payment (transport, restaurants)

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🧳 What to Pack

• Light, breathable clothing for hot weather

• Hat/cap, sunscreen, sunglasses

• Comfortable walking shoes

• Insect repellent

• Plug adapter for Type A/B (110V, as in USA)

• Personal hygiene items (hard to find locally)

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🏨 Where to Stay

• Luxury: Iberostar Grand Packard, Kempinski La Habana

• Historic charm: Hotel Nacional de Cuba, NH Capri

• Beach resorts: Meliá Varadero, Royalton Hicacos

• Budget-friendly: Casas Particulares (licensed local B&Bs)

🎯 Tip: Staying in Casas Particulares offers an authentic Cuban experience —

🚕 Transportation and Accessibility

• Tourist taxis available, always negotiate price beforehand

• Coco-taxis and bicitaxis popular in cities

• Car rental possible but limited and costly

• Viazul tourist buses for intercity travel

• No Uber or similar apps operate in Cuba

📍 Tip: Plan transport in advance, especially between cities —

⚡ Electricity

• Voltage: 110V (some hotels 220V)

• Plugs: Type A/B (US style), adapter required if coming from UK

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📞 Communication

• Country code: +53

• English spoken in tourist areas but limited overall

• Local SIM cards (ETECSA) available with restrictions

• Limited internet access, Wi-Fi hotspots in parks and hotels (prepaid access)

• Internet domain: .cu

🎯 Tip: Avoid hassle on arrival, get your eSIM before you travel (click this link)

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🏖️ Major Holidays

• January 1 – Triumph of the Revolution

• May 1 – Labor Day

• July 26 – National Rebellion Day

• October 10 – Start of Wars of Independence

• December 25 – Christmas (public and religious holiday)

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🍽️ Local Cuisine

• Ropa Vieja (shredded beef with rice)

• Moros y Cristianos (rice and beans)

• Tostones (fried plantains)

• Tamales

• Daiquiri and Mojito (typical cocktails)

• Strong, sweet Cuban coffee

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🇨🇺 Local Customs

• Music and dance are an essential part of daily life

• Cubans are friendly and hospitable

• Casual clothing common; respect dress codes in religious/institutional places

🎯 Tip: Engaging with locals enriches your experience and opens unique moments —

🕵️‍♂️ Safety

• Generally safe for tourists

• Beware of petty theft in crowded areas

• Avoid flaunting valuables

• Photography of official buildings may be prohibited

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🚑 Emergency Services

• Police: 106

• Ambulance: 104

• Firefighters: 105

• US Embassy (Havana): +1 202-501-4000

• UK British High Commission (Havana): +53 7 204 2554

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🔗 Useful Links

• Official Cuba Tourism: https://www.cubatravel.cu/en/

• UK Foreign Office travel advice: https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/cuba

• US Cuba Travel Registration: https://step.state.gov