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Is Cuba one of your bucket list countries that you want to tick off in 2024? You’re not alone! Plenty of Americans and global travelers want to visit this once-off-limits Caribbean island.
Despite its draw, traveling to Cuba can be very daunting. The country has some unique travel restrictions and cultural differences to navigate.
I visited Cuba in 2015 for the first time and was lucky enough to go back again in 2019 and 2023, where I could really immerse myself in the local culture. Because of this, I was able to experience the country’s evolution and figure out the complexities of getting there (and getting around once there).
This guide is tailored to all travelers who are eager to explore Cuba’s rich culture and history, but who are a bit uncertain on how to ensure a smooth (and memorable) journey.
So, join me as I dive into more than 45 tips to travel to Cuba, from navigating the legal landscape to immersing yourself in the local Cuban lifestyle.
What to Expect When Visiting Cuba?
Before getting into what you should know before traveling to Cuba as an American, here is what you can expect…
Well, I guess the only thing you can expect is the unexpected!
One of the most important things to know about Cuba is that travel regulations can change at any moment (especially for US citizens). These regulatory changes are imposed by the US, not Cuba.
Is Cuba a good place to visit?
Cuba is a fascinating destination that offers a wealth of cultural experiences and natural beauty for travelers seeking something truly unique.
You can explore the colorful streets of Havana, wander through the lush countryside of Viñales, or soak up the sun on some of the country’s idyllic beaches.
So if you’re looking for an off-the-beaten-path adventure that is both affordable and unforgettable, Cuba is definitely a good place to visit.
WHAT TO KNOW BEFORE TRAVELING TO CUBA
If you’re traveling to Cuba as an American, these travel tips will make your journey a little smoother.
1. Getting an e-visa to visit Cuba
When it comes to planning a trip to Cuba, the most important thing is getting the correct visa. Travelers from 20 countries (see the list here) can travel to Cuba without a visa.
Travelers from the rest of the world can purchase an e-visa online from the official government site.
E-visas are valid for visits for up to 90 days.
Note: Previously, it was a “Tourist Card” you could purchase at the airport before checking into your flight, but since July 2024, it’s been changed to an online e-visa that you must apply for at least 72 hours before your flight. (I recommend applying for it weeks in advance, though).
The e-visa fee varies per country, but you can check the price using the link above. For example, for Americans, the fee is $50.
For Americans, while they can still get an e-visa, the process it’s a bit more complex. Sadly, tourist activities remain “prohibited” for Americans. But these travel tips will make your journey a little smoother.
To this date, only Americans traveling under one of 12 visa categories approved by the Department of Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) are allowed to visit Cuba:
- Family visits;
- Official business of the U.S. government, foreign governments, and certain intergovernmental organizations;
- Journalistic activity;
- Professional research and professional meetings;
- Educational activities;
- Religious activities;
- Public performances, clinics, workshops, athletic and other competitions, and exhibitions;
- Support for the Cuban people (if you’re going there as a tourist, this might be your category… keep reading for more info on this);
- Humanitarian projects;
- Activities of private foundations or research or educational institutes;
- Exportation, importation, or transmission of information or informational materials;
- Certain export transactions that may be considered for authorization under existing Department of Commerce regulations and guidelines with respect to Cuba or engaged in by U.S.-owned or -controlled foreign firms.
These e-visas can be obtained via the official website, a tour company, or a visa processing company like Cuba Visa Services and CubaVisa (while it costs a bit more, they do everything for you).
For the average American tourist, regular tourism is still forbidden, but travel under the “Support for the Cuban people” is available. More on that below.
TO CLARIFY: Since I get this question via email quite often. The e-visa applies to almost every traveler visiting Cuba (except the 20 countries linked above). Still, the 12 OFAC visa categories are only for Americans (if they choose to fly directly from the US).
I give more details below for non-Americans wishing to fly directly from the US to Cuba.
2. Americans: How to plan a “support for the Cuban People” trip to travel to Cuba on a tour or independently
During the Trump presidency, there was a clampdown on the people-to-people visa category, restricting the ability of Americans to travel independently to Cuba.
However, this category has been reinstated, but, US groups can now only travel to Cuba with a guide and are sponsored by a tour company.
Or, there is the “support for the Cuban people” category, which means you can’t stay in government-owned hotels or visit government restaurants, among other details that I’ll cover below.
Under the “support for the Cuban people” category, which is the most common category for independent travel to Cuba, you must adhere to the following:
- A full-time schedule of activities that support the Cuban locals. These activities can range from eating in privately-owned restaurants to spending money in locally-owned businesses, visiting local artists, and staying at Casas Particulares.
- You need to avoid spending money at military-owned businesses and staying at hotels banned by the US State Department.
- You must keep all of your records and receipts for 5 years.
As an American, the easiest way to legally travel to Cuba is by going with a tour company. You can do this as a private, personalized tour or a group tour.
Cuba Buddy offers excellent group and private/customized tours, and Intrepid Travel offers a great group tour for Americans, among others.
What if you want to travel independently as an American? You can!
You will need to plan your trip in detail to show you’re following the “support for the Cuban people” rules. This post shows an example of how to plan your trip independently. In general, you have to show where you’ll stay, where you’ll eat, and what you’ll do each day, etc. Make sure they are all non-state-owned businesses.
You can book activities and tours in Cuba on Civitatis, book accommodation on Airbnb and find restaurants to eat on TripAdvisor.
Some activities you can plan, are:
- Ride in a classic American car
- Cooking classes
- Free walking tours
- Bike tours
- Food tours
- Eat at Paladares
- Stay at Casas Particulares
- Take a dance lesson
- Go shopping
- Visit the countryside
- and more…
Many of these activities can be found at Civitatis.
A personal note: Previously, I used a service that offered the help of a local Cuban to plan my itinerary. Unfortunately, this company is no longer in service. From my experience, though, while the independent itinerary was pretty comprehensive, detailing all of the above, I had the flexibility to go with the flow and deviate from the plan as needed.
What if you don’t want to plan a detailed “support for the Cuban people” trip?
On my first trip to Cuba back in 2015, I played it by ear and chose where to go on a whim. To do this, I flew via Mexico to simply get the “Tourist Card” at the airport in Cancun.
This “layover” method has worked for years, but now that the visa is done online, I still need to verify if it’s applicable. I’ll update this post once I can confirm it.
Should you want to test the theory, I recommend applying for the e-visa before planning anything officially.
3. You also need to fill out the digital customs form online ahead of time (all travelers)
Now, before entering Cuba, you need to fill out a digital customs form on their official website called D’viajeros. You can only do this after you get your e-visa, as you must enter your electronic visa number in the form.
The site is in Spanish, but they have a translate button on the top right corner.
The form can only be completed no more than 72 hours before arrival in Cuba and you will need the following info:
- Personal data and passport number
- Flight information
- Travel reason (tourism)
- Electronic visa number
- Accommodation info
- And, declare how much money you’re bringing with you, cash.
It is a pretty straightforward process, and it shouldn’t take more than 15 minutes to complete.
4. Cuba wants visitors
While the U.S. still has “issues” allowing everyone to travel to Cuba freely, Cuba, on the other hand, does welcome everyone to their country, as long as they have a valid e-visa (more on that on #6).
5. There are direct flights between Cuba and the US
Anyone not from the U.S. can simply fly from their home country. Easy.
Americans with a visa can fly directly from cities like Los Angeles, New York, Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Orlando, Charlotte, Atlanta, Newark, and Houston.
Non-Americans can also fly directly from the US if they have an e-visa.
As mentioned, Americans will need to get one of the 12 visa approvals to legally travel as independent travelers (the latter being my recommended option).
When booking your flight from the US, you simply need to declare the “support for the Cuban people” category to be allowed to book it legally (as well as during re-entry into the US). The same applies to booking accommodation.
6. You can depart from a different country as an American
NOTE: While this “loophole” worked for a few of my trips during the “Tourist Card” days, I have not tested it yet with an e-visa. I will update this as soon as I can confirm it works.
Loophole time!
Anyone from the US wanting to visit Cuba as a regular, independent tourist can do so by flying to a stopover country (like Mexico) and then flying from Mexico to Cuba.
This “trampoline” technique has been used for decades by “rogue” American travelers. Mexico, Panama, the Dominican Republic, and the Bahamas are among the most popular stopover countries – though Mexico is almost always the cheapest.
An important detail here is that you must pass through immigration in this stopover country to be able to buy your “Cuban Tourist Card” during your flight check-in process there. (Now with an e-visa, I guess the process could be the same to show your e-visa during check-in).
Another important detail would be to buy your flights as two different round trips. For example, Denver to Cancun is one round-trip, and Cancun to Havana Airport is a separate round-trip.
To help with your flight search via a stopover country, check this page that lists all the airlines that currently fly to Cuba and from which airports.
7. You can enter Cuba with a US passport
The American passport presents no issue when entering Cuba, even without one of the 12 visas. As I said, Cuban authorities have no problem with America.
Cuba will not stamp your passport to avoid issues when returning to the US. I’ve never had any issues when returning to the US from Cuba. Immigration didn’t even ask why I was in Cuba or ask any other questions about the trip.
8. Some search engines don’t show flights to Cuba
Expedia, Orbitz, and other search engines don’t show flights to Cuba. But at the time of writing, skyscanner.com, momondo.com, WayAway.com, Google Flights, and kayak.com do show flights from the US that can be purchased online.
These sites will warn you that you can only buy them if you have a visa – otherwise, you will be denied boarding. You’re not required to show proof of a visa when buying the airfare.
Tourism in Cuba is still booming, so I expect more flight aggregators will start showing flights to Cuba from the US in the near future.
9. When is the best time to visit Cuba?
The best time to go there is between mid-November to April when the weather is mild (70 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit) and dry, but it is the busiest season.
May and June are the wet seasons, but Cuban highlights like tobacco harvesting and Carnival happen at this time.
July to November is hurricane season, so there’s a chance of stormy weather between these months. Especially towards late August to early October when it’s the peak of the rainy season.
10. Booking a tour to Cuba
If you want to take the easy, yet more expensive road, book your tours before arriving in Cuba – this is the “legal” way to visit Cuba as a regular American tourist flying straight from the US.
But, upfront booking is not the only way (especially if you enter Cuba from a stopover country) – you can wait until you get to Cuba before booking a tour.
Local tour agencies often offer tours and hotels for a fraction of the price (or the “national rates”). This is how I managed to stay in the Melia Cayo Coco for about 1/3 of what it costs online. But, prepare to have a hard time finding tour operators in some cities.
Also, your host can always recommend doing some tours, which often are run by locals, and not tour companies – adding to the local experience. That’s the best part of Cuba tourism.
Finding Cuban tour guides
I recommend checking Intrepid Travel, as they have several good tours to Cuba. Still, they have one specific tour that complies with the US regulations of “support for the Cuban people,” so it is legal for US travelers!
G Adventures also has really good tours to Cuba. Still, so far, none of them complies 100% with the new regulations, so these are more recommended for non-Americans (or Americans who don’t mind bending the rules a bit with the tricks mentioned above).
Cuba Buddy seems to offer some nice tours, too, and if you’re looking for day trips and activities, Civitatis has a good list of tours on its site.
No matter with which company you go, before booking online, make sure the tour complies with your visa as an American (if you want to comply 100% with the regulations). For all other citizens, you’re fine!
11. Cruising to Cuba (as an American)
Unfortunately, American cruises are restricted for the time being. As of June 2019, Americans are not allowed to travel to Cuba by cruise ship. This is not because of local laws – instead, it is due to policy changes by the US government.
NOTE: Since regulations change all the time, I recommend keeping an eye on the news or bookmarking this post in case major cruise lines start visiting Cuba again.
Non-Americans can book a cruise to Cuba through many of the major cruise lines, including Costa Favolosa, Norwegian Star, and MSC Cruises.
12. Print your documents before arriving in Cuba
Technology is not easily found in Cuba, and while there, I didn’t see a single internet café. Print and take any travel documents, reservations, insurance, or other information you need before leaving.
You might need to show your proof of travel and medical insurance at immigration in Cuba, and you will need to show your hotel booking confirmation at several road checkpoints, should you have to pass through them.
13. You need insurance
It is required to purchase medical insurance to enter Cuba. They may or may not ask for proof at the airport, and should you not have any, they could deny your entry.
I wasn’t asked for proof of my health insurance, nor other people I’ve asked or read about. But you never know, so better go safe and buy travel insurance – it is the responsible thing to do anyway, no matter where you are traveling to.
Before arriving in Cuba, you will also have to complete a health declaration form (this applies to all nationalities), which you will receive as an electronic or printed version upon completion. It is also possible, depending on your form, that health screening will be required on arrival in Cuba.
And, although not directly related to travel insurance – it is not a bad idea to get an international driving permit either, even though you can legally drive with a US driver’s license if over the age of 21.
WHAT TO KNOW ABOUT TRAVELING TO CUBA, CUBAN CURRENCY & MONEY
Ok, we are finally in Cuba! Now what?!
14. Americans can’t use credit and debit cards
And this sucks. The Cuban sanctions imposed by the US don’t allow any American to withdraw money or pay with a debit or credit card while in Cuba – you’re going to have to take a lot of Cuban pesos with you!
(Note: some private bars, guest houses, and restaurants actually prefer payments in euros or dollars.)
Not-so-fun fact: I got my bank account frozen just for signing in to my mobile banking while in Cuba. My bank didn’t even want to unfreeze it until after I left the country and showed proof of it via a copy of my boarding pass.
This restriction is supposed to be lifted soon as relationships improve, so I recommend checking for the latest updates regarding the sanctions on this page.
Other nationalities can use credit cards where accepted.
15. Tell your bank you’re going to Cuba (if you’re not American)
While this is highly recommended every time you travel outside your country, when going to Cuba it is quite important. You will want to make sure your debit/credit card will work there (non-Americans, of course).
Americans, on the other hand, it’s recommended you don’t mention anything to your bank since the US has sanctions against Cuba and could block your account just to make sure you don’t spend any of your money in Cuba.
Just withdraw all the money you need for your trip to Cuba before leaving, and pay everything in cash (more on that below).
16. Take lots of cash
Cuba is still mostly a cash economy, so even if you’re not American, you should take enough money with you to last most of your trip. Americans, of course, have to take all their money in cash, and then some more for contingencies.
On my last trip, I took with me what I calculated to be my full expense in cash (in euros), and then took about 25% more for contingencies in USD (since it gets a worse exchange rate).
Some companies are starting to accept credit cards and ATMs allow withdrawals with non-American cards.
If you have Canadian dollars or Sterling, you can exchange them upon arrival in Cuba to pesos. Just note: you can’t use pesos outside of Cuban territory, so remember to exchange it back to your own currency before you depart Cuba.
17. Don’t take USD to exchange
Currency exchange places are known as CADECAs. It is possible to exchange US dollars, euros, British pounds, Mexican pesos, and a few other currencies, but the worst currency to exchange there is the dollar. It is not impossible, I just don’t recommend it.
It gets charged a 10% fee in addition to the current exchange rate, while all the other currencies don’t get any additional fee besides the exchange spread.
Preferably, get euros or British Pounds from the US, as these get the best exchange rates since they are more liquid (euros being the best of the two).
Or, withdraw money from an ATM at your stopover country in their local currency (preferably Mexico) to then exchange that in Cuba for Cuban Pesos (CUP).
You can calculate the expected amount of CUPs you’ll receive with your currency on the Banco Central de Cuba page. Or, check the current exchange rate on the CADECA page.
18. Cuba used to have two currencies
This is more a fun fact than a tip, but it is still handy to know.
Until 2021, Cuba had two currencies: The National Peso (CUP) and the Convertible Peso (CUC). Funny enough, Convertible Pesos used to be valued at 1 to 1 with the USD, while the National Peso varies based on its value.
This was quite confusing among tourists who tended to confuse one currency with the other, so in 2021, the government decided to remove the CUC (which was mostly for tourists) and stick with the CUP.
As mentioned, it is a good idea to carry cash with you for most transactions. But please, be aware that pickpocketing is common in large cities like Havana. I recommend using an anti-theft travel money belt to keep your money safe.
Interestingly, there are technically still two currencies in Cuba as the government recently created the “Moneda Libremente Convertible” (MLC) (or “freely convertible currency”), which is a digital currency that Cuban residents can use at their “tiendas MLC” (“dollar stores”).
While the MLCs can be expressed in any foreign currency accepted in Cuba, the digital currency is mostly reserved for Cuban residents, so as a traveler, you most probably won’t need it.
Even though the government created a Prepaid MLC card exclusively for foreigners, as it stands right now, it’s not as convenient to use, so I recommend avoiding it for now. You can read more about it here.
As a foreigner, you will use the CUP for almost everything except for these few exceptions:
- All-inclusive hotels and some resorts won’t accept cash in CUP.
- When renting a car, you must pay in foreign currency at the car rental offices in Cuba.
- When leaving the country, you must use your home currency past the security check at airports.
- Tipping in Cuba: most Cuban citizens prefer foreign currency for their tips.
ACCOMMODATION IN CUBA
It can be tricky to find a place to stay in Cuba, so let me share my experience and lessons learned.
19. Casa Particular: The most common accommodation type
There are several hotels in Cuba, but the most common form of accommodation is the Casas Particulares. These are rooms or apartments rented by locals for a daily fee.
Sometimes, you might rent an apartment for yourself, while in other cases, you might rent a room in a family’s house and share the common spaces with them.
Many families have turned their houses into Casas Particulares with several rooms to make a living in Cuba. If you can, stay in a Casa Particular for the local experience and to help the family’s local business.
The base price per night in a Casa Particular is $25+, which is a fraction of what you’ll pay at a hotel.
Many Casas Particulares are now bookable via Airbnb.
20. Couchsurfing is “illegal”
While the site is not illegal itself, the act of staying at someone’s place for free is illegal in Cuba. Under Cuban law, every foreigner must pay for accommodation unless they are friends with a local.
In this case, the local must go to the appropriate agency with email exchanges, pictures, and other communications proving you know each other. The Cuban authorities may or may not approve it.
21. Online bookings are scarce (but slowly improving)
Given that the internet is still not widely accessible there (but more on that later), most hotels and Casas Particulares don’t have internet, nor a website. Most bookings are done through the phone and recommendations from other locals.
For example, I “couchsurfed” in Havana (don’t tell anyone), and my host from Havana recommended (and booked by phone) the other Casas Particulares where I stayed in Trinidad and Viñales. For my trips in 2019 and 2023, I pre-booked my Casas Particulares through Airbnb, which made it much easier.
Many Casas Particulares are using Airbnb and HostelWorld to promote themselves without the need for a website. At the moment, these are the easiest and most straightforward options to book accommodation in Cuba.
And, as I mentioned, the Couchsurfing app is not illegal in Cuba. So, Couchsurfing is another good option if you’re on a budget (though, unlike the rest of the world, you still have to pay per night, so you might as well use Airbnb or HostelWorld).
Book at least one night in advance
Free-spirited travelers take note: It’s recommended to have at least the first night booked before arriving in Cuba. The rest you can book or extend as you go. Some hotels can now be booked online by emailing them directly through their website, and some have their own booking engine available.
I recommend you read hotel reviews on TripAdvisor and then book based on your preference (sort them by “Traveler Ranked” to get the best-reviewed first). There are also a few hostels in Havana and other cities, which are worth considering too.
Update: The new directive that was set in place on April 24th, 2019, prohibits “direct financial transactions” with military assets on the Cuba Restricted List, which includes dozens of hotels and shops in Havana, Santiago de Cuba, Varadero, Baracoa, and elsewhere.
So, if you’re American and are booking a hotel or activity, do not use any on the list above if you want to have a “legal” trip. Airbnb and Casas Particulares are all fine!
EATING IN CUBA
No traveler can live on sightseeing alone — you need to eat while in Cuba too.
22. Carefully choose your Cuban dishes
Okay, before you come at me, I admit food is a matter of taste.
But, due to its trade restrictions, many restaurants in Cuba lacked culinary delights during my first visit to the country.
After my latest trips in 2019/2023, I can say that my Cuban food experience was much better than on my first trip. The culinary scene targeted towards tourists (Paladares Particulares – see #24 below) has improved substantially. Most of my meals on this last trip were delicious!
Some must-try dishes include:
- Mojo criollo: A sauce that is served with almost everything
- Ropa vieja: Shredded beef stew
- Cuban sandwich with pork, cheese, mustard and pickles
- The classic rice, beans, and plantains
So, yes, you can find good food here and there, but you need to do your research and ask around which are the best places to eat. Avoid state-run and really cheap restaurants (more on that below).
23. Don’t drink the water
Simple and easy. Buy bottled water. Otherwise, your tummy and booty will not be happy about it.
24. Try eating only at Paladares Particulares
Cuba has two types of restaurants, the state-run restaurants and the privately run ones known as Paladares Particulares. Try eating at the Paladares Particulares since they cost about the same as the state-run ones but usually have better quality food.
As locals say, state-run restaurants don’t care about the food quality since, in the end, they don’t need the profits (because they are supported by the Cuban government). The private ones, on the other hand, if they are not good, go bankrupt.
How to know which is state-run and which is private? Either ask them before ordering or just pay attention to where locals are eating and queuing. Cubans (who can afford to eat outside) don’t like state-run restaurants, so they prefer to queue at a Paladar Particular.
25. Skip the really cheap local restaurants
I usually eat street food from very cheap places, but Cuba was an exception. It is common to see places selling pizza and ice cream or other meals for a fraction of what they should cost (like 10 CUP or $0.50 and much less).
These foods, while cheap, are considered “garbage” by many Cuban nationals since they are made with local products of the lowest quality possible.
26. Take your favorite snacks with you
Not surprisingly, markets there don’t offer much variety since they focus on selling items of need to locals – which don’t include sweets and snacks. You may find a few snacks here and there, but those are rare, and there will not be a lot of varieties.
Avoid bringing any fresh food to Cuba, but go wild with cookies, candy, chocolate bars, and even dried fruit and jerky.
TRANSPORTATION IN CUBA
Traveling around Cuba isn’t too tricky, with plenty of transport options, but it’s best to plan how to get around before you arrive.
27. Cuba is relatively well-connected by bus
You can visit all the major cities and travel all around the country by bus. While there are a few bus companies there, as far as I know, only Viazul is the one that takes tourists traveling independently.
28. Go to the bus station at least an hour before departure
While Viazul has a site with a current service schedule, it is not possible to book tickets online. You must go to the bus station ahead of time and queue for a ticket. Since buses are not that frequent, they tend to sell out quickly. But, there’s another option…
29. Shared taxis
Taxi drivers stand in front of the bus station to transport the passengers without tickets. They offer a shared taxi ride to some of the most popular and well-connected cities in Cuba for about the same price as the bus… and faster!
If you’re going to a smaller town not covered by the shared taxi, you can take the shared taxi to the closest city possible, and from there, take a local shared taxi called “Almendrones.”
Should they price the shared taxi ride much higher than the bus, then you’ll need to haggle. Oh, and don’t be surprised if the local sharing your ride paid a fraction of what you paid. That’s Cuba. Foreigners almost always have to pay more than locals.
30. You can rent a car — but probably shouldn’t
First thing first, since all car rental companies in Cuba belong to the state, as an American, you shouldn’t rent a car (to drive yourself) if you want to have a legal trip. Having said that, you can still rent one if you choose to (or if you have any other citizenship).
The leading car rental companies are REX, Havanautos, and Transtur.
If you do want to rent a car, here are some things to keep in mind:
- Car rentals in Cuba are very expensive (remember, it’s a state-run monopoly, so not very customer-oriented)
- Cars don’t come with GPS
- Several roads are in terrible shape
- You can’t leave Cuba if you have an accident (not until the court case is over)
Alternative options
Personally, I prefer and recommend either taking shared taxis (as discussed above) or hiring a car with a driver. On my last trip to Cuba, my family and I hired one driver (with a vintage 1958 car that could fit us 5 plus the driver) to take us all over the country.
Not only was it cheaper than renting a car, but it was also safer and much more accessible because he knew all the roads and the best ways to get from A to B (remember, no internet or GPS for us if we were the drivers!).
While you can hire local drivers while in Havana, I recommend Roberto, the driver I used on my trip. If you want to contact him, his WhatsApp is +53 52914783.
31. Public transportation is affordable and safe
Local buses cost 1 CUP (or about $0.05 at the time of writing).
It is hard to understand the routes, but your host could tell you which ones you should take to go to most of the important places.
Taxis are not expensive (unless you book a vintage one), costing about $5 from Old to Central Havana.
32. Vintage taxis have a set route
All those pretty vintage Cuban cars you see in pictures are exclusive for tourists to ride (not drive), and they only go through a select route in Havana. You could, though, have the luck of riding a vintage car as your shared taxi from one city to the other.
33. Havana is walkable
Havana is big, but if you have a few days there, you can save money on transportation by walking it and seeing things at a slower pace.
I do recommend walking; that’s when you see the best scenes in the city. Prepare to sweat… I mean, sweat crazily!
Also, Viñales, Trinidad, and other popular cities can be walked easily.
TECHNOLOGY IN CUBA
From online resources to where to find the best WiFi, here are your tech updates for Cuba.
34. The internet is scarce
Don’t expect to have internet access at your hotel or Casa Particular. And, even if they have it, it might not be available for you to use.
In 2015, the local telecommunications company (ETECSA) started adding WiFi hotspots in major cities, which can be used with the purchase of a WiFi card, called Nauta, which allows you to use the WiFi for an hour.
Hot spots are found in select parks in Havana and in front of the ETECSA building in other cities. The Nauta cards can be bought at ETECSA and cost $1.20-$2.00 for an hour’s use. There are 1-hour and 5-hour cards available, and they’re valid for 30 days.
They often run out of cards quickly due to the demand, so make sure to buy a few when available (you can buy up to three cards). You can also buy cards from street vendors for $2.00. They often roam around the parks with WiFi access.
Just note: because of this demand, you are probably going to have to wait in a long line to buy your cards.
In Havana, for example, you’ll find them at Plaza del Cristo and in front of La Floridita, which are two spots with WiFi – among a few others. Oh, and don’t expect the WiFi to be reliable or fast.
UPDATE: Some Airbnbs now have WiFi! I still needed to use the Nauta card, but I had the convenience of not having to go out to a park to get online. The WiFi speed was still meh – like all other WiFi spots.
It is going to be a while still before Cuba becomes suitable for digital nomads!
35. Get a Tarjeta Propia
A Tarjeta Propia is a Cuba telephone card you can buy at ETECSA to make local phone calls in Cuba from any public phone – found all around the city in all cities. This was a saver for me when I needed to coordinate my arrival time with my hosts.
36. Don’t expect roaming phone service
It’s pretty simple… just don’t count on it. Most international calls will have to be made from a phone center.
US companies like Sprint and Verizon now have an agreement with ETECSA to offer roaming services. Of course, those calls and texts are expensive.
37. You can rent a local SIM card
Another way you can use your mobile phone in Cuba is to rent a SIM card from Cubacel (ETECSA’s mobile phone branch). You must have an unlocked GSM-capable phone operating on the 900 MHz frequency to use this SIM card.
You can rent the Cubacel SIM card from many of the major airports in Cuba. You will need to show your passport to get it.
The Cubacel Tur SIM Card is a temporary phone line for tourists that lasts for 30 days. The basic package starts at $25.00 USD, including 2.5 GB of data, 20 minutes of international and national calls, and 20 SMS.
If you wish, you can buy the Cubacel Tur Card before landing in Cuba through ETECSA’s authorized providers. Once you arrive, you can pick up the card at the Cubatur booth at Terminal 3 of Havana Airport. You can also pick up the card at any of ETECSA’s offices.
Alternatively, if you don’t want to use the local cellphone provider, you can buy a SIM card from an international provider like OneSimCard.
38. Use offline maps or preload your Google Maps
Guru Offline Maps App allows you to use your phone’s GPS to show your location on regular and pre-uploaded maps from other sites. Of course, you’ll have to download these before going to Cuba. It is a paid app ($64.99 at the time of writing), but it is worth it.
On this last trip, I marked all the spots I wanted to visit on Google Maps and downloaded the map on the app to have it available offline.
39. Cuba Junky is a good source of information
If there is any info you want to know about Cuba that I didn’t cover, then Cuba Junky is a good resource.
This blog not only gives you insights into Cuba, but it is also an excellent source for finding Casas Particulares. They have their director app on the app store (iOS and Android).
It might not have stellar reviews, but it might still be helpful while on the go. You can upload Cuba Junky’s map with the Casas Particulares onto your Guru app to locate them while in Cuba.
40. Stay up-to-date with current events and festivals
If you’re interested in music, arts, and events, Cuba Group Tour lists all current events in the city of Havana and around the country. The site is also full of current news and tips.
OTHER GREAT TIPS FOR VACATIONING IN CUBA
Before you pack your bags and go, here are a few final things you should know.
41. Be wary of scams – although Havana is safe
Other than petty theft, violent crimes are not common there. What many people do, though, is “friend you” and tell you about an awesome party happening at a restaurant or café, or some other event somewhere else.
They will take you there, sit down, chat, drink/eat, and make you pay for everything.
Additionally, they will ask for money for the “recommendations” given during your “lovely chat.” They also get a commission from the restaurant. Don’t be afraid to say no to them – trust your gut!
Having said that, Cubans are generally friendly, so don’t be afraid to chat openly with them, but be cautious about their intentions.
42. You can buy or trade items
Due to the trade restrictions, Cubans don’t have access to as many items as most people in the rest of the world.
When purchasing souvenirs, it is possible the seller might offer to trade something (a t-shirt, pants, school materials, old used phones, a bar of soap, snacks, or whatever you have available) for the souvenirs.
It is possible that the vendor may sell your traded items to get more money than if you paid for the souvenirs. This isn’t always the case (they might really be in need), but it does happen.
Don’t forget to haggle if needed!
43. You can bring Cuban products back to the U.S.
Americans can now import up to $400 worth of goods from Cuba, including up to $100 in tobacco and alcohol products. So, now there’s no need to smuggle those Cuban cigars as long as they are under the limit.
According to OFAC, Cuban-origin merchandise is allowed as long as it is not in commercial quantities.
44. Learn Spanish before traveling to Cuba
It will make your life easier there. At least learn a few basic words to communicate. Locals are also way friendlier with tourists who at least make an effort to communicate in Spanish.
Some useful phrases are:
- Hola: Hello
- Adios: Bye
- Me llamo: My name is
- Por favor: Please
- Gracias: Thank you
The country might be a hassle to travel to, and there might be a lot of limiting bureaucracy you might not understand, but this is part of the Cuban experience.
You must go through it to live the richness of the culture and, up to a certain extent, the hassles of their daily life.
45. Reconsider traveling to Cuba with a drone
You can travel to Cuba with a drone, but odds are it will be confiscated at customs – or you will be exposed to HOURS of questioning.
That is because drone use is banned if you do not have the correct permission.
46. Take your own medical supplies
Although there are medical services in Cuba, I would still recommend that you take a basic first aid kit as well as all your prescription medication. It can also be a challenge to find over-the-counter meds that you would usually have at home, so pack accordingly.
47. What if you need help while in Cuba?
According to the State Department, because of a reduction in personnel in the US Embassy in Havana, it will be able to help Americans only in emergencies. The State Department provides emergency telephone numbers and information here.
LAST THOUGHTS: VISITING CUBA TRAVEL TIPS
Having visited Cuba as an American citizen in 2015, 2019, and 2023, I can confidently say that it was an incredibly interesting experience. Despite being a relatively poor country with limited resources, Cuba is rich in culture, history, and hospitality.
While there are certainly challenges and differences that other travelers should be aware of before embarking on their trip, these should not deter anyone from exploring this beautiful and unique country.
Hopefully, this post has given you enough information to plan your trip and enjoy the best Cuba has to offer. Ready to visit Cuba?
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