Explore Auténtica Cuba – Here’s All You Need To Know Before You Travel

Posted on August 7, 2024 | Last Updated on October 14, 2024

Millions of tourists from around the world flock to Cuba each year. Here’s why the next flights you book should be to Havana

When you travel to Cuba, you will see lots of vintage items like radios, lamps, refrigerators everywhere you look – and let’s not forget the iconic classic American cars!

But as it turns out, Cuba is more modern and developed than many casual travellers assume!

In this guide, we’ll give you a rundown of what to expect from a Cuban vacation and outline everything you need to know before you travel.

How do I prepare for a trip to Cuba?

Step one – bring plenty of cash! Your credit and debit cards will not work in Cuba and you won’t have access to ATMs.

Cuban currency can only be bought in Cuba so you will need to convert to pesos once you arrive. You can do this at the airport, though most hotels will have a currency exchange too.

Plumbing and facilities in Cuba are not great. Even bathrooms in public spaces will be below the standards most tourists are used to.

Some places will charge users for toilet paper and some will even charge for usage of the bathroom facilities! Many locations will also not have a high standard of running water.

You will not necessarily be allowed to flush toilet paper or have taps to wash your hands. It’s advisable to carry your own toilet paper and hand sanitiser wherever you go.

Bring small gifts for the locals, especially the staff working in the hotels and establishments you visit on your trip. By gifts we mean, toilet paper, diapers, shampoos, makeup, clothes and essential food items.

These items are available for the locals but they are often priced outside what they can afford.

Every Cuban has a rations booklet that allows them to buy these items but if they need extras before they are due their next allotment, it may cost them a huge portion of their weekly salary.

When you are on the beach or in other public spaces, you will likely meet locals trying to sell items, from cigars and rum to lobsters and chocolate.

They may offer good deals but generally, it’s best not to purchase these, as often they are selling cheap knock-offs.

How much money do you need per day in Cuba?

This number depends on your needs. The local currency of Cuba is the Cuban Peso. (CUP- ₱). However, as a tourist, you will have to use the Cuban Convertible Peso (CUC), which is connected to the US$. $1 CUC = $1 USD. Budget travellers can make it through the day with $50 USD.

$1 USD = 1 CUC
$1 USD = 25 CUP

What to know about travelling to Cuba?

You can get Coca-Cola! And Heinz ketchup, Nike clothes, Marlboro cigarettes, Disney toys and many other products by American brands. The products are usually manufactured or produced in Mexico or other Latin American countries but Cubans have access to these goods.

Not everyone drives a Lada or a 1950’s Ford. In fact, contemporary motors by European and Russian manufacturers are just as plentiful as classic cars.

Virtually every Cuban you meet will be bi- or tri-lingual. Spanish is the national language but most people can speak English, as well as French or German.

Prior to 1991, Russian was taught to students as a second language in schools, so many Cubans are fluent Russian speakers too.

Cuba has the best education system in Latin America and the Caribbean. Cuba also dedicates more of its national budget to education than any other country in the world!

Plus, education is free in Cuba which means most Cubans are highly educated to third or even fourth-level.

However, the most sought after jobs in Cuba are careers in the tourism industry.

Tourism jobs pay more than most – partially due to tips, so it’s not unusual to be served by a barman who is a qualified doctor or has a hotel room cleaned by a fully trained teacher.

Salsa, mambo and other Afro-Cuban music are everywhere, but Cubans also listen to modern rock and pop.

There is a Beatles bar in Varadero and Beyonce is as popular in Cuba as she is everywhere else.

You may even be serenaded by street musicians singing a Spanish-language version of Katy Perry or Ed Sheeran.

Service is limited but people have cell phones – including smartphones- and internet access.

However, internet access in Cuba is amongst the most censored and expensive in the world.

What are the most popular things to do in Cuba?

Make sure to take a trip in a classic car.

Most taxis are old fashioned American cars (appealing to the tourism market!) and they are pretty cheap too.

It’s not unusual to take a taxi for a long journey that you may do by bus somewhere else. It’s also not unusual to share a cab with strangers.

Go swimming and snorkelling.

The beaches in Cuba are some of the best, unspoiled, white sand beaches in the world.

Whether in the Atlantic and the Caribbean, be sure to hire snorkelling gear and take a look around the coral reefs.

Visit an animal sanctuary.

Cuba is home to many exotic creatures like the Cuban painted snail, iguanas, the world’s smallest hummingbird, vultures, snakes and crocodiles.

Cuba is dotted with caves and deep swimming holes.

It’s pretty spectacular – and kind of daunting – to go swimming in a 40ft deep cave and not know what lurks beneath. A must-do for the adventurous!

Of course, you must drink a mojito!

Wherever you are based for your vacation, find time for a day trip to Havana.

Old Cuba meets New Cuba in Havana and visitors will experience something truly unique and spectacular when in Havana where their history dates from Christopher Columbus to Hemingway and beyond.

What should I avoid in Cuba?

First of all, don’t talk about politics in Cuba. Despite the recent reforms, Cuba remains a communist country and criticism is not tolerated by the government.

If you are on a tourist visa for up to 60 consecutive days, don’t work. You might be called in for a police interview if you are suspected.

In Cuba, you will find many locals showing directions or offering advice. While some of them are genuine, there are others who will show you the way and wait for a payment from you. So, be careful about everything, since a lot of people will try to up-charge you or take money from you. Don’t get hustled.

Be careful what you photograph. It is not legal to take photos of soldiers or police in Cuba.

Do not spend all your cash during the first few days, since withdrawing money in Cuba is a complicated issue.

Don’t stay in Havana all the time. You should definitely try the nearby places since there’s so much to see around!

Don’t get confused by the two currencies!

Some taxi drivers may offer to give you a change back in Cuban Peso (CUP). But this is less valuable than the Cuban Convertible Peso (CUC).

Avoid this trick! Familiarise yourself with the difference between the two currencies and ensure you know what each looks like.

Do you need a visa to go to Cuba?

Yes, you must obtain a visa, unless you come from one of the visa-exempt countries.

How long does it take to get a visa to Cuba? How can I apply for a Cuba visa online?

Depending on where you come from, the processing time can take from several days up to a couple of weeks.

After the beginning of the pandemic, there is a change in processing times. Visa First can make the whole procedure as easy and as fast as possible. Contact us for more information.

What documents are needed for Cuba?

You will need your passport, visa and medical insurance. Visa First can assist you with your insurance as well.

Getting To Cuba

It’s pretty easy to get to Cuba unless you have an American passport as restrictions are still enforced for visitors from the U.S.

All other visitors simply need a Cuba tourist visa. Visa First can help you get your Cuban visitor card quickly and easily. If you are planning a trip of a lifetime to Cuba, get in touch today to get started.