What you need to remember is that Cuba is a politically and economically isolated country, which means it’s good to do some research and organize a few things before you travel. I was traveling solo across the United States before departing to Havana and made all possible mistakes by skipping proper planning. So, check my Cuba travel guide to know what to organize ahead of your trip.
Most importantly, Cuba is a very safe place, even for solo female travelers. People are warm, extremely friendly and always willing to assist you.
Cuba travel guide - best tips!
Cuba is easily accessible from various locations around the world. Major airlines offer frequent flights to Havana, the capital city, as well as other key destinations like Varadero, Santiago de Cuba, and Cienfuegos. Be sure to check entry requirements, as travelers from certain countries may need a tourist card, which can often be obtained through your airline or at the airport.
Important ravel advise to CUBA:
ACCOMMODATION BOOKING – Booking.com and agencies like that don’t list Cuban hotels because of the threat of fines from the US government.
Don’t buy cigars in Havana, they are fake. Do not talk to people on the street who are offering help or guidance.
Cuban Visa – getting a tourist card.
You need to apply for a visa before going to Cuba. Many online services will help you do it for a small fee. It is easy to get it, but you need to present a few details. You definitely need:
- Travel insurance document for the entire duration of the trip.
- Passport – you need to attach a passport along with visa application.
- Travel itinerary – flights confirmation.
- Visa application – you need to specify visa type, which is not too clear for an independent traveler (Pick that you will be contributing to a local community by attending dance classes, etc.).
Is Cuba safe for traveling?
Yes, Cuba is a very safe place. Although scams are a nightmare! Everyone is scamming you all the time! People are nice only because they want to offer something. I don’t want to generalize, as I’ve met a bunch of wonderful people, but the number of scams is terrifying. Don’t believe when you hear you need a guide, there are no restrictions against traveling alone.
Cash is KING in CUBA!
Cuba has a unique currency structure that was previously divided into two currencies: the Cuban Convertible Peso (CUC) and the Cuban Peso (CUP).
As of January 2021, Cuba has moved towards a single currency system.
CASH IS KING IN CUBA! Credit and debit cards are often not accepted. Make sure to exchange a reasonable amount of money upon arrival.
Convertible pesos (CUCs) and Cuban pesos (moneda nacional). As a tourist, you will always be charged in CUC for taxis, restaurants, guesthouses, etc. Sometimes in very small local ‘shops’.
Cuban currency is only available for exchange on the island; it’s not possible to exchange it in advance.
It is also not possible to take any notes outside Cuba. The best currency you can bring is the British Pound or the Euro. Do not take Dollars!!! It has the worst exchange rate, and they also apply a 13% charge! I didn’t check, and as I was coming from the USA had just $$$ 🙂 Make sure all notes are in perfect condition. Some of my dollars weren’t accepted because they had a tiny scratch..
Money exchange in Cuba.
CADECA is a good exchange office. You’ll find it at the airport and in big hotels in the city. Don’t be surprised by the exchange process! I did it at the airport and in front of Cadeca, where there are a few security officers. You need to scan your passport, then insert a certain amount of currency to get CUC (Cuban tourist money), some notes get rejected.. and everything happens so quickly that you actually have no idea how much you have already inserted and how much CUC you already have. Anyway, nobody cheated on me so that’s fine.
The exchange rate: $100 = 2400 Cuban Pesos.
ATM’s are easily available but use those located in the banks.
Travel insurance and medical kit!
Medical kit – it’s a MUST! This is one of the countries where you should pack a full medical kit. You should have something for stomach problems and mosquito spray. Dengue and malaria are present in Cuba.
I don’t take any malaria pills, so I always carry a spray with DEET.. I advise a mosquito net too, although in most hostels, nets are available in the rooms, no harm in using it as a comforter. Get travel insurance too before you go, it is required for visa purposes anyway.
Public Transport in Cuba.
VIAZUL – are the most popular buses running between cities. The buses condition is ok, although some people advise to check tyres condition before you get in. They might remember the previous century. The greatest story I have is from one night Viazul, I had 7 hours ride to reach my next city.
I sit back comfortably hoping to get some sleep when I realized something was moving on the window glass. I immediately realized the bus was inhabited by cockroaches which were slouching around! NOT joking! All you can do is hide yourself in your silky sleeping bag to isolate from the rest of the world and all will be fine! 🙂
Taxi collectivo and others
You will need a passport to buy a ticket and always buy ticket in advance! I would advise at least few days in advance. Why?? Deficiency of gasoline, which is affecting bus schedules extremely often. The buses might be cancelled for 2-3 days just like that. Cuba has a huge issue with gasoline!! If that happens you can always take TAXI COLLECTIVO – shared taxis. This might be an interesting adventure (as the taxis are usually vintage) but a long distance ride can be also very tiring.
Havana Viazul bus terminal is Terminal de Omnibus. You will be asked for Taxi collectivo many times. Price from havana to famous Vinales Valley shouldn’t cost you more than 20$/per person.
HITCHHIKING is not popular in Cuba for one simple reason. Cubans cannot take foreigners, they would be in trouble if they were stopped by a police. Unless it’s a taxi.
Internet in Cuba
WIFI – there are no SIM cards in Cuba. You need to get Internet cards (Internet tarjeta) – available only in big hotels. Good news is they are very cheap. One card – 1 hour internet. Then you need to find a Wifi spot to apply a code from a card to get an internet access.
What’s more you won’t be able to make any reservations while you are in Cuba. Non of the reservation websites worked which was a bit of a problem for me, as I hadn’t booked anything before traveling.
Luckily this was a low season which gave me a chance to bargain around accomodation price. In most cities for a nice single room you’ll need to pay 10 CUC (with private bathroom).
