Welcome to Cuba 😊

Quick Facts About Cuba

Money and Finances

The currency in Cuba is the Cuban peso (CUP) and the convertible peso (CUC). CUP denominations are available in coins of 1, 2, 5, and 20 cents and 1, 3, 5, 10, 20, 50 and 100 pesos. CUC denominations are available in coins of 5, 10, 25, and 50 cents and 1 CUC and 3 CUC notes.

ATM Network

ATMs are not widely available in Cuba and the ones that are present may not dispense cash to foreign cards due to US sanctions.

Credit Cards

Credit cards are not widely accepted in Cuba and it is recommended to carry cash for most expenses. Some hotels and restaurants may accept Visa or Mastercard but it is always advisable to confirm in advance. American Express is generally not accepted in Cuba.

Internet and Phones

Internet speeds in Cuba are generally slow, with average download speeds around 1 Mbps and upload speeds around 0.5 Mbps. The government heavily restricts internet access and censors online content.

Phone Plans and SIM Cards

Cuba has two telecom companies, ETECSA and CUBACEL. Mobile phone plans are relatively expensive, averaging around $30-$40 USD per month. There are also sim compatibility issues, as some phones from foreign countries may not work with Cuban sim cards.

Dialling to Cuba

To call Cuba from another country, you need to dial the country code +53, followed by the area code and phone number. Within Cuba, the area codes are three digits and vary depending on the region.

Transport Around Cuba

Air Travel

Cuba has several airports, including the Jose Martí International Airport in Havana, the Juan Gualberto Gómez Airport in Varadero, and the Ignacio Agramonte International Airport in Camagüey.

Train Travel

Cuba has few inter-city train services, and they can be unreliable. However, the Hershey Train that runs from Havana to the eastern town of Matanzas is a popular tourist attraction. The journey takes around 2.5 hours and costs around 1 CUC.

Metro / Local Trains

Cuba does not have a metro system in any of its major cities.

Buses

The Viazul bus is the main bus network for tourists, connecting most major cities. A ticket from Havana to Varadero costs around 10 CUC and takes around 2 hours. Buses are generally clean and comfortable.

Rideshare

There are no popular ride-sharing services available in Cuba, but private taxis are available for hire in most cities. The average cost of a taxi ride in Havana is around 10 CUC per hour.

Driving by Car

Driving in Cuba can be challenging due to the poor condition of roads outside major cities. The speed limit is generally 50 km/h in urban areas and 100 km/h on highways. Cuba uses right-hand drive vehicles.

Local Customs

In Cuba, tipping is common in the service industry. A tip of 10% is suggested for good service. Locals greet each other with a handshake or a kiss on the cheek. When speaking with strangers, it is common to exchange pleasantries before getting down to business. Men and women typically address each other with the formal terms 'señor' and 'señora', respectively.

Health and Diseases

Medical System

Cuba has a universal health care system that provides free medical and dental care to all its citizens. The system is publicly funded and controlled by the government. The approximate cost for a visit to the doctor is around $10-20. It is important to note that while the health care system is accessible to all, there may be a shortage of medical supplies and medications.

COVID Situation

Cuba has implemented strict measures to control the spread of COVID-19, including closing its borders and requiring quarantines for incoming travelers. As of September 2021, Cuba has reported a relatively low number of COVID-19 cases compared to other countries. However, it is important to note that access to COVID-19 testing and treatment may be limited in some areas.

Common Health Risks

Common health risks in Cuba include mosquito-borne illnesses such as dengue fever and chikungunya. Travelers are advised to take precautions such as using insect repellent and wearing long-sleeved clothing. Food poisoning is also a risk, especially from eating street food or drinking tap water. It is recommended to drink bottled water and avoid raw or undercooked meats and seafood.

Laws and Regulations

Alcohol Consumption

In Cuba, the legal drinking age is 18. Alcohol consumption is legal for adults and alcohol is widely available in bars and discotheques. However, public drinking and intoxication are prohibited and can result in fines or detention.

Recreational Drugs

The use, possession, and sale of most drugs are illegal in Cuba, including cannabis and other party drugs. Penalties can range from fines to imprisonment.

Pre-Marital Relationships

Cuba has a liberal stance on pre-marital relationships and cohabitation, and there are no laws specifically criminalizing such relationships. However, adultery is considered a civil offense and can result in fines or imprisonment.

LGBTQ and Same-Sex

Homosexuality was decriminalized in Cuba in 1979, and in recent years, the Cuban government has passed laws and measures to protect the rights of LGBTQ individuals. Same-sex marriage is not yet legal, but it is recognized in some cases under a concept called 'de facto union.' Discrimination based on sexual orientation is also illegal in Cuba.

Firearms / Guns

Civilians are not allowed to own firearms in Cuba, except in special circumstances such as for sports or hunting. Possession of firearms without proper authorization can result in imprisonment.