FAQ's

Listed below are a number of frequently asked questions with answers.

Geographic, population, political/economic make-up and language

Cuba is a tropical country located in the Tropic of Cancer. It is the largest Island in the Greater Antilles with a population of 11 million people. The language is Spanish though English is now taught in schools. The country follows a socialist/communist political structure. The economy is now headed by tourism followed by sugar, nickel, cigars and citrus fruits.

Local and foreign currency, credit cards and travellers cheques

The currency is the peso but tourists are expected to pay for everything in US$ while a convertible peso exists which is par with the $ in Cuba (20 pesos = US$ 1). Credit/debit cards and travellers cheques not drawn on an American banks are accepted for larger transactions such as hotels, car-hire and some restaurants. You can draw cash on your credit/debit card, commission usually 3%. Traveller’s cheques can be changed in banks but incur fairly high commissions.

Climate

Climate is tropical cooled by trade winds. The dry season is between November and April. Rainy season is from April/May to July but usually consists of shortish sharp downfalls. Cuba’s mean average temperature is 25.2c. July and August are very hot, 32c plus and highest humidity. Hurricane season is from June to November with likeliest probability in October.

Vaccinations and medical care

Vaccinations - check with your GP. Medical care is probably the best in Latin America and is free for Cuban’s. Tourists should have medical insurance. Most major cities and resort destinations have 24-hour international clinics for tourists.

Accommodation - hotels and casa particulares

Accommodation varies from 5* hotels with some interesting colonial conversions in old Havana. The beach resorts mostly consist of all-inclusive (all meals and drinks) hotels. Private homes (Homestays) known as casas particulares are where foreigners can stay relatively cheaply and are able to bring Cuban guests providing they register; these can be rooms in family homes or private apartments.

Time difference

Time difference is 5 hours behind from Greenwich Mean Time.

Flight travel time

Flights take approximately 9 hours actual flying time from Europe; airlines include Cubana, Air France, Iberia, and Alitalia. 1 hour from Florida, USA. 5 hours from Canada.

American restrictions

At the present time, US citizens are not allowed to travel to Cuba unless they have a valid US treasury visa. The Bush regime has tightened up the laws following many Americans arriving in Cuba via a third country during the Clinton regime.

Safety

Cuba is one of the safest countries in the world in which to travel. Common sense applies to valuables in hotel rooms (there are safes available to rent in the room). Old and Central Havana are subject to occasional petty thieving and jewellery/bag snatching.

Customs requirements

Customs is relatively easy with no forms to fill. Suitcases are X-rayed so electrical goods and food items may induce a search and possible confiscation until departure.

Visas

You will need a Tourist Visa Card that we can arrange on your behalf for a fee. Alternatively, you can obtain by person from the Cuban Consulate. Names on passport must be the same as the names that appear on flight tickets and Tourist Visa Card. Your passport must be valid for six months.

Water & Electric

Water should not be drunk, even in hotel rooms, unless it has been boiled. However, most visitors drink purchased mineral water, which is widely available. Cuba operates on 110-volt AC nation-wide, though 220-volt is found in places, take an adapter with you.

Salsa scene

Salsa is the national music and dance of Cuba. Most clubs play a mix of Salsa and international music, some with excellent live Salsa bands. Salsa lessons are available in Havana, Santiago de Cuba and some big hotels and resorts.

Arts and culture

There is a fairly active arts and cultural scene in Cuba. Havana has several theatres, cinemas, art galleries with two new superb galleries; one devoted to Cuban art. There are many interesting museums. The National Ballet is world famous. The International Jazz Festival is held in December, as well as other festivals throughout the year.

Food and drink

Cooking is Creole and international. The Creole is a mixture of Spanish and African components. Cooking is still a bit bland though some of the Paladars (family run restaurants) have developed a bit more imagination, prices range from US$ 8-15. Commonest meat is pork; rice and beans are ubiquitous. Beef, lobster and prawns are only legally available in state restaurants at generally rip-off prices. Despite being an island, Cubans are not great fish eaters; nevertheless fish is available and specially lobsters. Cocktails are good with most being rum based. The national cocktail is a Mojito followed by Cuba Libre, Daiquiri. A refreshing drink is 'Limonada natural' which is fresh lemon juice with water. Light beers are available. Wines are available but fairly expensive and not always very good. A Cuban/Italian wine exists. If you are self-catering there are a number of markets where you can buy fresh food, although limited in choice. You will find more variety in ‘dollar shops’ or supermarkets. Vegetarians and vegans are not well catered for, but you will manage. There is an excellent veggie restaurant, the Bambu Restaurant, which overlooks the Japanese garden in the botanical garden in Havana.

Women travellers

Women travelling on their own are generally safe but will be subject to lots of verbal cries from men and curiosity from everyone.

Gay travellers

Cuba has gradually become more open about gays after a time of repression just after the Revolution started. Private homes may not encourage overnight stays between same sexes where one of them is Cuban.

Nightlife

Nightlife is widely available from classic cabarets such as the world famous Tropicana to small intimate clubs interspersed by the commoner club which usually has a small show followed by dancing at midnight. Nightlife generally starts late. For Salsa and live bands try the Casa de la Musica. You will also find many musicians in hotels and in restaurants.

Beaches Resorts & Swimming Pools

Cuba has some beautiful beaches, many of which are largely unspoilt. There are a number of beach resorts east of Havana such as the Playas del Este within 20 minutes drive. Varadero is the best known and most developed, mainly for all-inclusive package holidays. Trinidad has a good beach. Escape islands with good beaches include Cayo largo and Cayo Coco. The sand in these places never gets hot owing to the formation from calcareous corals. Swimming is usually very good and safe. Scuba diving and snorkelling is excellent. Some hotels allow non-residents the use of there swimming pools and may charge a small fee for this.

Transportation and car hire

Transport is Cuba's biggest let down. Internal flights are available between major towns. There is only one reliable luxury coach service, Viazul, which travels between major towns; a return fare from Havana to Trinidad costs US$ 50. The rail system is fairly extensive but subject to delays and breakdowns. Hiring a car is the best way to see the island but is expensive, starting at about $ 60 per day. Petrol is widely available at 90 cents per litre. Roads are actually quite good but beware of potholes. Taxis are widely available and are probably the best means of transport within Havana. Taxi fares within Havana range from US$ 3 to US$ 5, fares from airport around US$ 15 to US$ 20.

Cycling

Cycling in Cuba is very popular and cycles can be hired. At the time of going to press, we understand that Iberia airline usually accommodates people bringing their own cycles from Europe.

Horse riding

One of the best horse riding excursions is a day trip through the surrounding mountains of Trinidad and a much needed chill-out at a waterfall.

Scuba diving

Excellent. The most famous areas are Isle of Youth, Maria la Gorda (Pinar del Rio state), Guajimico (near Trinidad). Largely unexplored and clear waters. Fish maybe less varied than other places.

Hemingway trail

You can see the hotel room where he stayed at the Ambos Mundos Hotel, old Havana, now a museum. Visit the Finca la Vigia near Havana - his old house now a museum.

Ecology

Cuba has much to offer for the Eco tourist with some beautiful places like the Vinales valley.

Travel Insurance

Travel insurance is highly recommended. Details of our travel insurance can be found on this website.

Communications

Telephone calls within Cuba can be made from your accommodation, and you can receive international calls at your accommodation (this applies to Homestays and private apartments). All local and international calls can be made from your hotel room or a telephone centre in the hotel. Outgoing international calls can be made with a prepaid charge card from designated telephone centres. There is also some Internet centres for sending and receiving emails.