Cuba, Cuba - Travel Guide

Cuba offers a unique blend of vibrant culture, rich history, and stunning natural beauty. From the classic cars of Havana to the pristine beaches of Varadero and the colonial charm of Trinidad, it promises an unforgettable experience steeped in a bygone era.

Quick Facts

Recommended Stay7 days

Budget$30/day

Mid-range$70/day

Luxury$500/day

Known For

HavanaCaribbeanFidel CastroChe GuevaraCommunismCuban RevolutionBay of PigsGuantanamo Baycigarsrum

🇨🇺 Country Information: Cuba

CapitalHavana

CurrencyCuban peso ($)

LanguageSpanish , English (limited, in tourist areas)

Phone Code+53

Electricity110V (Type A, B)

Tap WaterNot recommended

Tipping

Tipping is generally expected in tourist
related services (restaurants, bars, taxis, hotel staff, tour guides)
For restaurants, 10% is common
For taxis, round up the fare
For hotel staff, a few CUC/CUP per day is appreciated
For tour guides, 5
10 CUC/CUP per person per day is a good guideline

Money & Payments

ATMs are limited, primarily found in major cities and tourist areas; they often dispense Cuban Convertible Pesos (CUC) which are no longer officially used, or Cuban Pesos (CUP)
Check current exchange rates before withdrawing
Credit cards are generally not widely accepted outside of major tourist hotels and resorts, and often only those not issued by US banks
It is highly recommended to bring a sufficient amount of cash (Euros, Canadian Dollars, or US Dollars are best, though USD may incur an extra fee for exchange) as cash is king
There is a black market for cash where you can exchange foreign currency for CUP at a much better rate than the official exchange, but this is unofficial and comes with risks

Cultural Norms

Dress conservatively when visiting religious sites or in more rural areas
Public displays of affection are generally accepted
Cubans are often very direct in conversation
It is common to be offered unsolicited services or goods in tourist areas; a polite "no, gracias" usually suffices

LGBTQ+ Information

Exercise caution. Cuba has a complex stance on LGBTQ+ rights. While some legal protections exist and there are efforts towards greater inclusion, discrimination persists, and same-sex marriage is not legal.

Alcohol & Drug Laws

Legal drinking age is 18
Drug laws are very strict, with severe penalties for possession, use, or trafficking of any illegal drugs

Special Laws

Photography of military or police installations is strictly prohibited
Visitors should be aware of scams, especially in tourist areas
Dual Cuban citizens (Cuban
Americans) are required to enter and exit Cuba on a Cuban passport

Common Phrases

NoNo (noh)

YesSí (see)

HelloHola (oh-lah)

PleasePor favor (por fah-vor)

Excuse meCon permiso (kon per-mee-so)

How much?¿Cuánto? (kwan-toh)

Thank youGracias (grah-see-ahs)

Climate

Cuba has a tropical climate with a wet season from May to October and a dry season from November to April, influenced by trade winds.

Climate Zone: Tropical Savanna

Best Time to Visit

Hurricane season: Jun
Nov

Getting There

Fly into Havana (HAV) or Varadero (VRA)
Direct flights from some North American and European cities
Costs vary widely ($300
800+)
Ferries and cruises from select ports like Miami (though direct ferry services are inconsistent)

Getting Around

Taxis (official and unofficial/almendrones) are common
Viazul buses for intercity travel
Local buses (guaguas) are very cheap but often crowded
Ride
sharing apps like La Nave are emerging but not widely reliable due to internet limitations

Health & Vaccinations

Routine vaccinations (MMR, DTP, Polio) are recommended
Hepatitis A & B, Typhoid are often advised
Dengue fever and Zika virus are present, so mosquito protection is crucial
Consult a travel doctor for specific recommendations

Staying Connected

eSIM availability is limited
Local SIM cards (ETECSA) are available at airports and ETECSA offices, but require a physical purchase
Providers like Cubacel are the main option

Local Cuisine

Ropa Vieja must_try

This national dish features shredded flank steak simmered in a flavorful tomato sauce base, often containing bell peppers and onions. It is traditiona

Mojito alcohol

A classic Cuban highball traditionally made with white rum, sugar (or sugar cane juice), lime juice, soda water, and muddled mint leaves. This refresh

Cuban Sandwich snack

A warm, pressed sandwich made with Cuban bread, layered with roasted pork, ham, Swiss cheese, pickles, and mustard. While found globally, the Cuban ve

Tostones street_food

These are thinly sliced green plantains that are fried, smashed flat, and then fried again until crispy, resembling thick potato chips. They are a com

Arroz con Pollo regional_speciality

A comforting, simple dish of rice cooked with chicken and vegetables, often spiced with bell peppers and sometimes saffron for color. It is a favored

Book in Advance

Plan ahead for the best experience. Here's what to book before your trip:

🔴 Must Book in Advance

Viazul Bus Tickets (Intercity Transport) Transport

Book at least 2 weeks in advance, ideally 1-3 months, especially for long routes.

Viazul buses are the primary tourist intercity transport, and seats sell out quickly due to limited availability and high demand, especially during peak season.

Casa Particular Accommodation Accommodation

Book 1–3 months in advance, especially during high season.

Booking in advance guarantees a place to stay, which is crucial during high season, and allows travelers to secure rooms with high demand amenities (A/C, private bath).

Fun Facts

1. Cuba is home to the Bee Hummingbird, the world's smallest bird, which measures less than 5 centimeters and is also known as the zunzuncito.
2. The world-famous Mojito cocktail was invented in Cuba, allegedly by the feared pirate Sir Francis Drake.
3. Cuba is the largest island in the Caribbean and is part of an archipelago that includes over 4,000 islands and cays.
4. Allegedly, the CIA attempted to assassinate Fidel Castro more than 600 times.

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