So you want to go to Cuba, but you have a bunch of questions…. you have come to the right place! Here are some of the most popular questions we get about traveling to Cuba.
How do I get to Cuba? For us the answer was flying via Southwest. Being in Florida, we were super lucky to have a direct flight. It was freaking early, but it was direct and only about an hour. Commercial flights were not affected by President Trump’s new restrictions but some airlines have scaled down their routes, so check for the best options from your city. A number of large cruise lines now stop in Havana and were also not affected by the new rules.
Which visa(s) do I use? We will give you some details on what we did, but keep in mind this was coming from the US (find out more regarding the USA Visas here). Our recommendation would be doing a bit of googling to see what your country’s regulations are! In the US, there are companies that can handle the visa for you and if you book through an approved tour company they will take care of this prior to you heading to Cuba. Some airlines have the capability to do it at the airport, but it is unclear if this will still be the case with the new restrictions. There was no need to get the visa early in our case, we just did it the morning of and it cost $50. Super easy!
Is Cuba expensive? Overall our answer is no. However, we paid for a lot in advance so it felt much more reasonable. It is not as cheap as we would have thought, but you shouldn’t pay more than $6 for a Mojito. And really that’s pricey.
Can I use my credit/debit card? Nope. No. Not at all. This is really important – you HAVE to bring enough cash to last you your whole trip in Cuba. You cannot pull out more money from an ATM – we didn’t even see any! And even if we had, American credit cards do not work there. You have a Charles Schwab international account? Sorry, it doesn’t work here either. We know, major bummer.
So then, how much money do I need? Great question! We recommend booking as much as possible prior to heading to Cuba, that way you don’t have to worry about it! It will depend greatly on what you decide to do there, but we budgeted for about $100 per day and had money left over. If you plan on buying lots of handicrafts or paying for a lot once you arrive, you may want to bring more. Also, Cuban currency is NOT an approved international currency – meaning if you have left over Cuban cash you cannot turn it in at most banks back home — make sure to switch them back before leaving Havana!
What’s the deal with the two currencies? If you’re like us, and you have the currency exchange app on your phone, as you type Cuba, two different currencies come up. Weird right?! We thought so too. Come to find out one is for transactions between the Cuban people and one is for transactions between the Cuban people and tourists. Yeah it’s pretty genius. There is a money exchange at the airport and you can also exchange money at some hotels. We definitely recommend figuring out what makes the most sense for your trip, since getting money can be tough! The line in Old Havana for the exchange was down around to corner! If you are staying at an Airbnb or similar, see if your host can change money for you or if they can direct you to a neighborhood bank where the lines are shorter.
Wait, which currency should I convert in the first place? As with any money exchange anywhere, there is always a conversion fee (usually about 3%). However, the Cuban government charges an extra 10% to change American dollars to Cuban CUCs. So you have a few options. You can order Canadian dollars, English pounds or Euros prior to traveling to Cuba and exchange those instead to avoid the extra 10%. Or, you can see if your Airbnb host will exchange you American dollars for you at a better rate. Some can and some can’t. Ask when booking! Many of the nicer hotels also have exchange booths in them.
How are the people? Really great! We were not sure what to expect, but we found the people to be warm, helpful and happy to see Americans. They seem genuinely interested in us and our culture. Most of the younger generations speak English but it’s not a given so be prepared!
What’s the food like? Simple and hearty. Think fresh seafood (lots of lobster) with light sauces. Plenty of the traditional Cuban staples like beans, plantains and rice as well! We actually thought the food wasn’t going to be very good based on what we read, but everyone was pleasantly surprised! We went to a combination of nice restaurants and street side cafes and had lovely experiences at all of them. If you have serious dietary restrictions (gluten, vegan, etc.) you may want to do some research before you go. For some of the more famous ones, like San Cristobal and La Guarida, make a reservation in advance – your hotel or host can help with this!
Is it safe? Yes! We felt safe no matter what time of the night it was. There were always lots of people out and about – especially on the Malecon! Crime in Cuba is extremely low, that being said, as with anywhere, always be aware of your surroundings and make good choices, especially after a few mojitos!
What is there to do? So much! Explore the streets of Old Havana, drink mojitos in the bars that Hemingway made famous, take a spin in a classic car, support local artists with a walk down Paseo de Marti/El Prado (modeled after Las Ramblas in Barcelona), eat and drink until your heart’s content at all the bars/restaurants on Obispo Street. For something a little different check out the weekly offerings at Fabrica de Art Cubano – a venue that hosts all sorts of different cultural events. For something really off the beaten path check out Fusterlandia, the passion project of painter and sculptor Jose Fuster.
How easy is it to explore the country beyond Havana? Depends on your definition of ‘easy”. According to President Trump’s new restrictions you must now book through an approved tour operator and prices vary drastically. Make sure to shop around. We used Locally Sourced Havana Tours (Formerly Havana Tour Company). There are other options out there, just make sure they can keep you compliant with your countries regulation if there are any! There are so many great places to visit beyond Havana and we highly recommend booking a tour to see some other spots!
Will I have internet access? No and yes, but mostly no with a small side of maybe. Traditionally, wifi is not really an option in Cuba, not even for the Cuban people. Sometimes a main park or large square will have wifi and that is where the neighborhood goes to check stuff out. However, that is changing sloooowly. You can get internet cards from your hotel or host, they are usually about $4 for 1 hour. But to be honest, the wifi is slow compared to what you are used to. Our tip – go dark and enjoy your time!
What should I pack? So this is a tough one. Packing light is hard no matter where you go, but it’s pretty important in Cuba. We heard some horror stores about people’s luggage taking hours to make it from the plane to the baggage claim. Opt for a carry on only! We know ladies….. we know. Also, the streets and sidewalks around Havana are in various states of disrepair so just pack sandals and comfortable shoes. Leave the heels for another trip! Casual dresses, jeans, yoga pants, t-shirts and shorts are all appropriate clothing for the hot, humid climate!
How do I get my hands on a Cuban cigar? There are no shortages of ways to get your hands on an authentic Cuban cigar while visiting the island nation. They really run the gamete quality wise, so if cigars are your thing, look in to booking a tobacco focused tour – either out to a tobacco farm or to a noted factory. Also, try to buy from a government shop or directly from a farmer, as the prices are more regulated that way. While many restrictions regarding the famous Cuban export were dropped last year there are still some things to note if you plan to buy a bunch of cigars. You can bring home up to 100 cigars/$800 value without paying a duty, anything more than that and Uncle Sam will be taking his cut!
Can I make that mojito at home? Buy your rum at the airport as you leave as opposed to at a grocery store in town – unless you plan to drink it right away, this way you are not having to schlep it around until the last minute! Lazy people unite! You can also get duty free cigars and other liqueurs. But the rum is good and cheap and some brands are only available in Cuba!
What about hygiene? You shouldn’t drink tap water, but bottled water is readily available. We showered and brushed our teeth in the regular water and the ice in our mojitos were fine, but we recommend limiting your tap water intake. Also, bring your own toilet paper everywhere. And we mean everywhere. Grab a travel pack of Kleenex and never let it go – bathrooms in Cuba are lacking this essential staple. Don’t forget hand sanitizer too! Check and double check that you have enough toiletries and medications packed, they are not readily available in Cuban stores.
If you’re still not sure you want to go to Cuba, check out how we spent the first part of our weekend here and the second part here! Then go, you know you want to! Seriously, just book the ticket. Now.
