Havana

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