things to know before you go to cuba
things to know before you go to cuba
I hope you will find some helpful hints that will help make your trip to Cuba more enjoyable. Clearly, I am only speaking from my point of view and do not wish to misrepresent myself or my knowledge as anything more extensive than my own personal travel experience. Also, if you are travelling from the U.S. to Cuba, please understand that as our country opens up trade relations, many things are bound to change. I imagine those changes will be welcomed by U.S. citizens as well as Cuban citizens.
Goes without saying? Cuba is still a communist country so many things we take for granted in the U.S. simply is not available or accessible in Cuba.
TSA locks: We were told to put TSA locks on our suitcases and we did. Some in our group also did and had them broken off either in Miami upon departure or when arriving in Havana. If this happens, don't be surprised if your suitcase has been ransacked. One person in our group had her perfume and several cosmetics taken. TSA locks aren't fail safe but they do offer a bit of an obstacle.
Also, upon arrival in Havana don't be alarmed while waiting for your bags. It seems to take a really long time while police officers walk around with drug sniffing beagles running from bag to bag, person to person sniffing. They're beagles, afterall. So with that said, don't bring in contraband. It's just a bad idea in most cases, but refer to my "goes without saying" comment earlier. Cuba is a communist country. Don't press your luck. If you are unsure whether you can bring something into the country, Google it or check with your travel guide or the U.S. State Department.
Also, upon arrival in Havana don't be alarmed while waiting for your bags. It seems to take a really long time while police officers walk around with drug sniffing beagles running from bag to bag, person to person sniffing. They're beagles, afterall. So with that said, don't bring in contraband. It's just a bad idea in most cases, but refer to my "goes without saying" comment earlier. Cuba is a communist country. Don't press your luck. If you are unsure whether you can bring something into the country, Google it or check with your travel guide or the U.S. State Department.
Money: You will need to bring U.S. cash so that you can exchange it into the local currency to make purchases during your stay in Cuba. Bring plenty of it, but DON'T pack it in your suitcase! Carry it on your body.
Cuban currency is NOT traded internationally, so you can’t buy it before your trip. The major legal currency for Cuba is the Cuban Convertible Peso, CUC (pronounced Kook.) Our guide recommended that we exchange our U.S. dollars for CUC upon arrival in Havana at the Jose Marti Havana Airport and that worked out great. Tourists will generally only ever deal with CUC.
For international exchange purposes 1.00 Cuban Convertible Peso = $1.00 USD. Note that there is a 10% penalty charged when exchanging US dollars so you will only receive 87 centavos CUC for one USA dollar when changing the money. There is a 10% penalty and a 3% currency exchange fee (generally speaking.)
The other legal currency in Cuba is the Cuban Peso, CUP. Although it is rarely used by tourists you should still know about it as it is perfectly legal for tourists to use. Our guide recommended that we stick with the CUC.
Cuban currency is NOT traded internationally, so you can’t buy it before your trip. The major legal currency for Cuba is the Cuban Convertible Peso, CUC (pronounced Kook.) Our guide recommended that we exchange our U.S. dollars for CUC upon arrival in Havana at the Jose Marti Havana Airport and that worked out great. Tourists will generally only ever deal with CUC.
For international exchange purposes 1.00 Cuban Convertible Peso = $1.00 USD. Note that there is a 10% penalty charged when exchanging US dollars so you will only receive 87 centavos CUC for one USA dollar when changing the money. There is a 10% penalty and a 3% currency exchange fee (generally speaking.)
The other legal currency in Cuba is the Cuban Peso, CUP. Although it is rarely used by tourists you should still know about it as it is perfectly legal for tourists to use. Our guide recommended that we stick with the CUC.
Water: It's not going to kill you but it could upset your stomach and make you ill for a few days. I would not drink the water. Use bottled water even to brush your teeth. Better hotels generally provide several bottles of water per day. Make sure the seals on the bottles are unbroken.
Internet: Cuba does have WiFi but it is not free like we are used to in the U.S. WiFi is expensive and internet access is restricted and controlled by the government. You can purchase a NAUTA card (internet minutes) from an ETECSA telecommunications center or a hotel that has WiFi access. This situation will hopefully improve in the coming months and years.
What to pack: Remember that many personal items will not be readily available if you should need them on the go, so please pack accordingly. If you have an opportunity to talk to your doctor before you leave on your trip, let him/her know your travel plans to that they can provide you with what they think will be helpful given your medical history.
- Mosquito Repellent (DEET is the most common ingredient at a maximum of approx. 30% solution.)
- Medications (ensure you have a doctor's note and leave medications in original bottles - do not mix them to save space) Pack them in your carry-on luggage. Never check them in a bag.
- Tampons
- First Aid Travel Kit (Immodium, Band Aids, PolySporin, Pepto Bismol tablets, etc.)
- Advil / Tylenol (always great for a hangover....these items are expensive in Cuba)
- Q-Tips
- Toothpaste, Toothbrush & Mouthwash
- MultiVitamins
- Hand / Skin Lotions
- Shampoo & Conditioner (some hotels supply but quality may be questionable)
- Sunblock if you plan on going the beach or being outdoors a lot during the day
- Electric shaver, Razors & Shaving lotion
- Deodorant
- Bring a good guidebook because you won't be able to easily look up information online
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