Cuba travel info
Electricity
Most older hotels use 110 volt power, 60Hz, while newer hotels use 220 volts, 60Hz. A variety of outlets are in use, but the flat and round two-pin plugs are most common.
Language
The official language is Spanish, but English is spoken in the main tourist spots.
Money
The official currency is the Cuban Peso (CUP), which divided into 100 centavos. The Peso Convertible (CUC) functioned as a 'tourist' currency but was removed from circulation in January 2021 as part of the Cuban government's currency reform. The Cuban National Peso is the only legal cash currency in Cuba, though private hotels, bars and restaurants usually accept cash payments in dollars or euros. Sterling is not widely accepted.
Visa and MasterCard are generally accepted only in major cities and hotels as long as they haven't been issued by a US bank; Diners Club has limited acceptance, and American Express is not accepted anywhere on the island. No US-issued credit or debit cards will work in ATMs, but those holding cards issued in other countries should be able to get pesos at most major tourist destinations.
Tipping
A 10 percent tip is appreciated in restaurants and by taxi drivers.
Health
Mosquito repellant is useful as chikungunya and dengue fever do occasionally break out, even in urban areas such as Havana, and visitors are advised to take precautions against typhoid, particularly if travelling to rural areas. Medical facilities in Havana are better than elsewhere in Cuba, but visitors may need to be medically evacuated if they need specialist care. Those requiring regular prescription drugs should bring them, along with a copy of the prescription and a doctor's letter to facilitate entry through customs. Travel insurance with provision for emergency repatriation is compulsory for visitors to Cuba.
Safety
Cuba is considered comparatively free from the threat of global terrorism, but visitors are advised to be vigilant regarding crime. Theft from baggage in airports is common, and valuables should not be packed in suitcases; travellers should be wary of pickpockets and bag snatchers in Old Havana, at major tourist sites and on buses and trains. Visitors are advised to take taxis after dark rather than walk but should always make sure taxis are registered.
If there are political demonstrations of any kind, travellers should avoid them, as Cuban authorities are known to clamp down on street protests quickly and sometimes violently. Tropical storms and hurricanes usually occur between June and November. Although good warning is usually given, electricity, water and communications can be disrupted for weeks.
Local customs
Visitors should address Cuban men as 'senor' and women as 'senora'. While many Cubans will engage in political discussion and debate, it is not advisable to criticise the government too vocally and it's best to be respectful of revolutionary figures such as Fidel Castro and Che Guevara.
Homosexuality is legal in Cuba but public displays of affection between same-sex couples are not always well received by locals. The penalties for possession of illegal drugs are very strict, as are the penalties for any breach of Cuban immigration rules.
Doing business
Cubans tend to be warm and hospitable, and business is conducted more informally than in many other countries. Establishing a good relationship is vital to successful business and some time may be given over to small talk. Owing to relative isolation from the global economy, business in Cuba tends to take some time and effort, and one is often hemmed in by the country's communist practices.
Punctuality is always important, but foreigners shouldn't expect meetings to begin on time or deals to be struck quickly. The dress code tends to be more casual than elsewhere, but businesspeople still usually wear collared shirts and the dress code for women is sophisticated. Business hours are usually about 8.30am to 12.30pm and 1.30pm to 4.30pm, Monday to Friday. Some businesses are open every second Saturday.
Duty free
Travellers to Cuba who are over 18 years do not need to pay customs duty on 400 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 500g of tobacco; 3 bottles of alcoholic beverages; medicines and perfume for personal use; and gifts to the value of CUP 1,000.
Communications
The international code for Cuba is +53. WiFi availability in Cuba is expanding rapidly and hotels will often provide access, but there is still limited connectivity. A prepaid NAUTA internet card is needed and is purchasable from a ETECSA station located throughout major cities or at upscale hotels. Once visitors have a NAUTA card they'll need to find a WiFi hotspot in a modern hotel or WiFi park.
Passport & Visa
In lieu of a visa, a Tourist Card ("Tarjeta del Turista") may be issued by tour operators, travel agents, or airlines for a single-entry holiday trip of up to 30 days, provided accommodation has been pre-booked and paid. A return ticket or proof of onward travel is required, as well as sufficient funds to cover the period of intended stay in Cuba (US$50 or equivalent per person, per day). All those entering Cuba must hold travel insurance, with coverage in Cuba, to ensure cover of medical expenses for the period of stay. It is highly recommended that travellers' passports have at least six months' validity remaining after the intended date of departure from their travel destination. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources.
Entry requirements
US nationals must have a passport valid on arrival. A visa is also required.
British nationals must have a passport valid on arrival. A visa is also required if the visitor does not have a Tourist Card.
Canadian citizens must have a passport valid on arrival. A visa is also required if the visitor does not have a Tourist Card.
Australian citizens must have a passport valid for a minimum of two months from the arrival date. A visa is also required if the visitor does not have a Tourist Card.
South African citizens must have a passport valid on arrival. A visa is also required if the visitor does not have a Tourist Card.
Irish nationals must have a passport valid for two months beyond the date of arrival. A visa is required if the visitor does not have a Tourist Card.
New Zealand citizens must have a passport valid for two months beyond the date of arrival. A visa is required if the visitor does not have a Tourist Card.
Useful contacts
Official Tourism Portal, Cuba: www.cubatravel.cu
106 (police), 104 (ambulance), 105 (fire department)Embassies / consulates in other countries
Cuban Embassy, Washington DC, United States: +1 202 797 8518.
Cuban Embassy, London, United Kingdom: +44 (0)20 7240 2488.
Cuban Embassy, Ottawa, Canada: +1 613 563 0141.
Cuban Embassy, Canberra, Australia: +61 2 6286 8770
Cuban Embassy, Pretoria, South Africa: +27 (0)12 346 2215.
Cuban Embassy, Dublin, Ireland: +353 (0)1 671 8300.
Cuban Embassy, Wellington, New Zealand: +64 (0)4 464 2210.
Embassies / consulates in Cuba
US Embassy, Havana: +53 (0)7 839 4100.
British Embassy, Havana: +53 (0)7 214 2200.
Canadian Embassy, Havana (also responsible for Australia): +53 (0)7 204 2516.
South African Embassy, Havana: +53 (0)7 204 9671.
Irish Embassy, Mexico City, Mexico (also responsible for Cuba): +52 55 5520 5803.
New Zealand Embassy, Mexico City, Mexico (also responsible for Cuba): +52 55 5283 9460.