Essential Travel Information for Cuba

Here is the Essential Travel Information you will need to make any trip to Cuba a success!

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Cuba depends on various factors such as weather, crowds, and events. Here's a breakdown to help you decide:

Weather

Dry Season (November to April): These are the coolest and least humid months, with average highs ranging from the mid-70s to mid-80s°F (24-29°C). This is generally considered the best time to visit, especially for outdoor activities like hiking, sightseeing, and enjoying the beaches. However, this period is also the busiest and most expensive in terms of travel and accommodation.
Wet Season (May to October): This is the low season when the island experiences more rain and humidity, as well as the risk of hurricanes, particularly in September and October. On the upside, you'll encounter fewer tourists and enjoy lower prices. The temperatures are warmer, averaging in the mid-80s to low 90s°F (30-34°C).

Crowds

High Season (December to April, July to August): Expect more crowds and higher prices, especially during Christmas, New Year's, and Easter. However, the weather is generally pleasant and many cultural events take place.
Low Season (May, June, September, October): These months offer fewer crowds and lower prices but come with the risk of rain and hurricanes.

Festivals

Havana Jazz Festival (January): For music lovers, this festival is a great opportunity to explore Cuban jazz.
Havana Biennial Art Exhibition (Dates Vary): Held every two years, it's one of the leading art events in the country.
Carnival (July/August): Celebrated in several cities, with the largest in Santiago de Cuba, this is a lively time to visit with parades, music, and dance.
Festival del Habano (February/March): A must for cigar aficionados, this event in Havana celebrates Cuban cigars.
International Ballet Festival of Havana (October/November): One of the world’s oldest ballet festivals held in the Gran Teatro de La Habana.

Climate

Cuba has a tropical climate, characterized by warm temperatures and high humidity throughout the year. The country experiences two main seasons: the dry season and the wet season.

Dry Season (November to April)

Temperature: During the dry season, the average high temperatures range from around 75-85°F (24-29°C). The nights are cooler, with temperatures falling to around 60-70°F (16-21°C).
Humidity: Lower humidity levels make this season more comfortable for outdoor activities and sightseeing.
Conditions: This season is generally sunny with blue skies, although cold fronts from North America can occasionally lower temperatures for a short period.

Wet Season (May to October)

Temperature: The wet season is hot and humid, with average high temperatures ranging from 85-90°F (29-32°C) or higher.
Humidity: Humidity levels are high, often reaching over 80%.
Conditions: This season experiences frequent rainfall, usually in the form of short, heavy afternoon showers. This is also the hurricane season, with the highest risk from August to October.

Regional Variations

Coastal Areas: Coastal regions, including cities like Havana and Varadero, often experience milder temperatures and breezes from the sea.
Mountainous Areas: In mountainous regions like the Sierra Maestra and the Escambray Mountains, temperatures can be significantly cooler.
Eastern vs. Western Cuba: Eastern Cuba is generally hotter and more humid than the western part of the island.

Other Considerations

Hurricanes: Cuba is susceptible to hurricanes, particularly between June and November. If traveling during this period, it's important to keep an eye on weather forecasts and consider travel insurance that covers trip cancellations due to extreme weather events.
UV Index: Due to its tropical location, the sun in Cuba can be very strong. It's advisable to take precautions like wearing sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses, especially between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. when the sun is most intense.

Packing Tips

Packing for a trip to Cuba requires some careful consideration due to the country's climate, limited availability of certain items, and range of activities you may engage in. Here are some packing tips for Cuba:

Essentials

Passport and Visa: Ensure you have all necessary travel documents, including a valid passport and tourist visa.
Travel Insurance: It's mandatory to have travel insurance that covers medical expenses.
Currency: Cuba has a closed currency system, so it's advisable to bring enough cash to exchange upon arrival.

Clothing

Lightweight Clothes: Cuba is generally hot and humid, so pack lightweight, breathable clothes like t-shirts, tank tops, and shorts.
Swimwear: Don't forget your swimwear if you plan on enjoying Cuba’s beaches or hotel pools.
Evening Attire: Some upscale places require smart-casual attire, so bring a dress or collared shirt and slacks.
Footwear: Comfortable sandals and walking shoes are a must. Hiking boots may be necessary if you plan to trek.
Rain Gear: A light rain jacket and travel umbrella can be helpful, especially during the wet season.
Hats and Sunglasses: Protection against the sun is essential.

Personal Care

Toiletries: Bring all necessary toiletries as specific brands may not be readily available.
Sunscreen: A high-SPF sunscreen is crucial to protect against strong UV rays.
Insect Repellent: Especially important if you're planning to visit rural or wooded areas.
Medications: Prescription medicines and even common over-the-counter medications should be packed as they might be difficult to find.

Electronics

Power Adapter: Cuba generally uses 110V power with Type A and sometimes Type B outlets.
Portable Charger: Electricity can be unreliable in some areas, so a portable charger can be handy.
Phone and Camera: To capture memories. Just remember that internet access can be limited.

Miscellaneous

Snacks: Pack some non-perishable snacks, as these can be expensive or hard to find.
Water Bottle: To stay hydrated. Tap water is generally not safe to drink, so consider bringing a water purification method if you don't want to keep buying bottled water.
Travel Guide and Map: Internet access is not always readily available.
Small Backpack: Useful for day trips and excursions.

What Not to Bring

Items with American Flags or Political Messages: Given the history between Cuba and the U.S., these could be seen as disrespectful.
Expensive Jewelry: It’s best to leave valuable items at home to minimize risk.

Currency

Cuba underwent significant changes in its monetary system, including currency unification. Prior to this, Cuba had a dual-currency system that consisted of the Cuban Convertible Peso (CUC) mainly used by tourists, and the Cuban Peso (CUP), used by locals. However, the government moved to eliminate the CUC, making the Cuban Peso (CUP) the single official currency.

Cuban Peso (CUP)

Exchange Rate: The exchange rate for the Cuban Peso can fluctuate, and it's good to check up-to-date rates before your trip.
Availability: Cuban currency is a closed currency, meaning you cannot buy it outside of Cuba. You can exchange your money for CUP at airports, banks, and exchange bureaus (CADECAs) in Cuba.
Usage: CUP is used everywhere in Cuba for everything from small shops to larger hotels and restaurants.
Denominations: The Cuban Peso comes in various denominations, both in coin and paper money forms.

Some Tips

Cash is King: Credit and debit cards from American banks generally do not work in Cuba, and even cards from other countries may encounter issues due to lack of infrastructure. Always carry enough cash to cover your expenses.
ATMs: These are relatively few and far between, especially outside Havana and other large cities. Even when you find one, there's no guarantee it will accept foreign cards.

Time Zone

Cuba is in the time zone of UTC-5, also known as Eastern Standard Time (EST). Cuba observes Daylight Saving Time. During Daylight Saving Time, which generally runs from the second Sunday in March to the first Sunday in November, the time is adjusted to UTC-4, or Eastern Daylight Time (EDT).

Bargaining

In Cuba, the culture around bargaining varies depending on where you are and what you're buying. Here are some guidelines to consider:

Markets and Street Vendors

In informal settings like markets or with street vendors, bargaining is generally acceptable and even expected. Whether you're buying souvenirs, art, or other goods, feel free to negotiate the price. Vendors often quote higher prices to tourists, expecting some haggling.

Taxis

You can usually negotiate fares with private taxi drivers, especially if the vehicle is not metered. It's a good idea to agree on a price before starting the journey to avoid misunderstandings later.

State-Owned Stores and Restaurants

In contrast, bargaining is generally not acceptable in state-owned stores, supermarkets, and restaurants where prices are fixed. Attempting to negotiate in these settings can be considered disrespectful or inappropriate.

Communication

Language

The official language of Cuba is Spanish. While people working in the tourism industry often have a basic understanding of English, the general population may not be fluent. Knowing some basic Spanish phrases can greatly enhance your travel experience and help in everyday interactions. Phrasebooks or translation apps can be useful, but remember that internet access may be limited.

WiFi and Internet

Internet access in Cuba is improving but remains limited compared to many other countries:

WiFi Hotspots: Public WiFi is usually available in certain squares, parks, and some hotels. Look for people gathered in public spaces staring at their phones as an indication of a WiFi hotspot.
ETECSA: This is the state-run telecommunications company. You'll need to buy scratch-off cards with login credentials to access public WiFi. These cards provide limited time for internet usage, often 1 to 5 hours.
Hotels and Resorts: Some hotels and resorts offer WiFi, but it's often costly and can be slow.
Cafes and Restaurants: A few may offer WiFi, but this is less common.
Restricted Access: Note that certain websites and services may be blocked in Cuba.

Mobile Phones

Roaming: Check with your home provider about roaming charges in Cuba. Roaming can be expensive and not all foreign networks have agreements with Cuban providers.
Local SIM Cards: These can be purchased from ETECSA offices. You'll need to show your passport and the process can take some time. It’s often easier for short-term visitors to rely on WiFi.
Cubacel: This is the mobile arm of ETECSA. They offer prepaid SIM cards and rechargeable data plans, though the process can be cumbersome and the service may not be reliable everywhere.
Phone Rentals: Some travelers opt to rent a Cuban mobile phone for the duration of their stay, which can also be done at ETECSA outlets.

Other Communication Tips

Offline Maps and Translators: Given the spotty internet, having offline versions of maps or translation apps can be a lifesaver.
Emergency Numbers: It's good to know the local emergency numbers. The general emergency number in Cuba is 106.
Travel Insurance: Given the communication challenges, having travel insurance that provides 24/7 assistance can be very helpful.

Tipping Etiquette

Tipping is common practice in Cuba, particularly in the tourism and service industries.

General Guidelines for Tipping in Cuba:

Restaurants: A tip of 10-15% is customary in restaurants if service is not included in the bill. Some places might already include a service charge, so it’s a good idea to check before tipping.
Taxis: Tips for taxi drivers are common but not obligatory. You can round up the fare or tip 10% if the service is excellent.
Tour Guides: For a full-day tour, a tip of 5-10 CUC (Cuban Convertible Pesos, if still in circulation) or its equivalent in Cuban Pesos is appropriate. For shorter tours, 1-3 CUC or its equivalent is customary.
Hotel Staff: For bellboys or porters, a tip of 1 CUC or its equivalent per bag is standard. Housekeeping staff usually appreciate a tip of 1-2 CUC per day, left on the pillow or in a clearly visible spot.
Bars and Cafes: For smaller bills in bars and cafes, people usually leave the small change.
Musicians and Street Performers: It's customary to tip musicians or street performers if you enjoy their performance, often around 1 CUC or its equivalent.
Public Restrooms: Some public restrooms have attendants who hand out toilet paper and keep the facilities clean. A small tip of a few Cuban Pesos is appreciated here.
Beauty and Spa Services: For services like massages or beauty treatments, a tip of around 10-15% is customary.
Grocery Baggers: In some grocery stores, there are people who bag your groceries for you, and they usually appreciate a small tip.

Electric Plugs

Cuba primarily uses two types of electrical plugs:

Type A: This is a flat two-pin plug, also known as the "North American" or "NEMA 1-15" plug.
Type B: This is a flat three-pin plug, similar to Type A but with an additional grounding pin.

Here are some important details about the electrical system in Cuba:

Voltage: The standard voltage in Cuba is 110V, which is the same as in the United States and Canada. However, some hotels and resorts may also offer 220V outlets, especially for European travelers.
Frequency: The electrical frequency in Cuba is 60Hz.

Sustainable Travel Tips

Sustainable travel is becoming increasingly important as people become more conscious of their environmental and social impact while exploring new destinations. When it comes to Cuba, there are several ways you can make your travel more sustainable.

Transportation

Walk or Bike: Consider walking or cycling to explore cities like Havana, where many attractions are within a relatively small area. This not only reduces your carbon footprint but also allows for a more intimate experience of the local culture.
Public Transportation: Use public transportation like buses for longer distances within cities. It's a more sustainable option than renting a car or using taxis.
Shared Transport: If public transportation isn't an option, consider shared taxis or carpooling with other travelers.

Accommodation

Casas Particulares: Opt for "casas particulares" (private homes) over large hotel chains. This is a way to support local families directly and often results in a lower environmental impact.
Energy and Water: Use air conditioning sparingly, turn off lights when not in use, and be mindful of water usage, especially in areas where these resources are limited.

Food and Drinks

Local Produce: Eat at local restaurants or paladares and try to choose dishes made from locally-sourced ingredients. This supports local farmers and reduces your carbon footprint.
Reusable Water Bottle: Access to clean water can be limited in some parts of Cuba, but you can buy large 5-liter bottles and refill a reusable bottle to reduce plastic waste.

Waste Management

Minimize Plastic: Avoid single-use plastics whenever possible. Bring a reusable shopping bag for souvenirs or groceries.
Dispose Responsibly: Public trash bins can sometimes be hard to find. Keep a small bag with you to store your waste until you can dispose of it properly.

Tours and Activities

Ethical Choices: Choose tours and activities that respect local communities and the environment. For example, avoid attractions that exploit animals or are harmful to local ecosystems.
Leave No Trace: When enjoying Cuba's natural beauty, whether it's beaches, forests, or underwater scenes, adhere to "Leave No Trace" principles. Take only photos, leave only footprints.