Jose Marti International Airport is very basic and has not yet undergone the substantial upgrade required to accommodate the large increase in tourism in the last couple of years. There are no restaurants at Cuban airports and you are only likely to find a few café style bars which sell water, soft drinks and sandwiches that are expensive and not very good. We suggest having a late lunch before you leave and taking a snack with you, you should be able to get a better quality sandwich from your hotel, casa or a restaurant in the city before you leave. Duty free is also pretty basic selling mainly Cuban products such as locally made jewellery, music, rum and cigars.
Clients are always met at the airport by our representative after going through Customs and will lead you to your driver. He will have a sign with the client name clearly printed on it.
Cuba is GMT minus 5 hours.
Your itinerary will have the services of a general concierge included. Your Concierge will meet you at the start of your trip and go through your itinerary with you. They will reserve any restaurants or additional activities for you if you wish and give you options for evening entertainment. The Concierge will arrange to contact you by phone during your stay, if any problems should arise at any point you must contact them immediately so they can help you resolve them. Prior to your departure they will meet with you again for feedback on your holiday.
At the end of your itinerary you will find all the necessary contact numbers you may require during your holiday. These will include the name of your concierge and the emergency contact number.
ATMs can be found in Havana and most of the major cities in Cuba, however we advise to work on the basis that 'cash is king' here. There can often be long queues for ATMs, they sometimes run out of cash at the time you need to take out money, and on occasion the overall system goes down which means none of the machines work.
To avoid finding yourself in a situation where you don't have access to cash out of banking hours, we suggest bringing as much cash as you can and using your card for any extra cash you may need at a later point during your trip. It is very important to inform your bank that you plan to travel to and will be using your card in Cuba and to ensure that your card will work here. There are no problems using Visa and Mastercard.
Cirrus, American Express and Diners are NOT VALID in Cuba. U.S. CLIENTS CANNOT TAKE MONEY OUT ON THEIR US CREDIT CARDS SO PLEASE ENSURE YOU BRING MORE THAN YOU PLANNED FOR IN CASE OF EMERGENCIES.
Most foreign currencies can be exchanged at the CADECA's (Casas de Cambio), Cuba's official exchange bureaus which offer the best rate. There is a Cadeca at Jose Marti International Airport in Havana where you can exchange currency upon exiting the arrivals hall.
Note: queues may be long so you can also exchange money the following day or change a smaller amount at the hotel reception at check-in where rates are slightly lower. The Australian dollar cannot be exchanged in Cuba. Strongest currencies are the GBP and the Euro.
We recommend you a spending allowance of between 75-100CUC per person per day for lunch, dinner, drinks and snacks. Breakfast is included in the cost of your accommodation but lunch and dinners will need to be paid locally except for where you have an all-inclusive room stay booked at Varadero or one of the cayos.
In Havana, you should allow between 10-25CUCs for lunch and 30-50CUC with prices showing from the lower end to the higher end restaurants. Drinks range from 1.5CUC for soft drinks and water to 5-6CUC for cocktails or a glass of wine. The amounts shown are suggestions only and you should make your own calculations based on your spending habits.
US CITIZENS: PLEASE REMEMBER THAT U.S. CUBAN CREDIT CARDS DO NOT WORK IN CUBA SO YOU SHOULD BRING ENOUGH CASH TO LAST YOU FOR THE ENTIRE HOLIDAY. U.S. citizens may want to consider having an alternative plan for someone at home to send them money via Western Union in case you run out of cash.
The country code for Cuba is +53 followed by the area code and local number eg: Havana is 07 so to call you would dial +53 76402531. To call a mobile phone is 05 so you would dial +53 53262116.
To call your home country from Cuba you need to dial 119 then the country code and phone number. eg: 119 52 2461286129. Alternatively, press + followed by the country code and phone number.
A dual currency system currently exists in Cuba but this is due to change in the not too distant future. At least we hope so...
The PESO CONVERTIBLE (CUC) HAS NO VALUE OUTSIDE OF CUBA so you will not be able to exchange currency prior to arrival in Cuba. There are few airport exceptions as Ciudad Mexico airport where you can gt CUC even with better rates than USD. When exchanging currency, we suggest doing this in stages so as not to exchange more than you need. The CUC is roughly tracked against the USD, however there is still a penalty charge for this currency despite the fact that you may find it being listed as 1:1 on currency exchange websites. For every 100USD you can expect to receive 80CUC. You can differentiate the CUC from the MN because bank notes will clearly have the words PESOS CONVERTIBLES written on the front. Coins are shinier and slightly heavier than their MN counterparts. Always exchange your bank at a Cadeca (Casa de Cambio, Cuba's official exchange centres) at a hotel or at a bank. Never exchange money on the streets with a local who claims they can give you a better rate. If you have any doubt or asistance please ask to your concierge to assist you. As a tourist you will always be charged in the CUC currency everywhere you go in Cuba.
The PESO CUBANO or MONEDA NACIONAL as it more commonly known is the currency in which Cubans are paid. They can use this currency to purchase food items at specifics local stores that charge in local currency such as bakeries, pharmacies, butchers, vegetable markets or ration stores. They can also use it to purchase food sold at street stalls and some local restaurants and for public transport. There are around 24 pesos cubanos to every 1 CUC. The average Cuban salary is around 300 pesos cubanos, approximately 15CUC per month which is not enough to cover their basic living requirements, much of which has to be purchased in CUC. (eg a bottle of cooking oil costs 2CUC, a pair of shoes 20CUC, shampoo 3CUC etc).
Check in: 16:00 (an early check in may be possible, subject to hotel agreement)
Check out: 12:00 (a late check out may be possible subject to hotel agreement and has an extra cost)
In both cases you will be able to leave your bags in the luggage area and enjoy the hotel facilities until your room becomes available.
To call your home country from Cuba you need to dial 119 then the country code and phone number. eg: 119 52 2461286128. Alternatively, press + followed by the country code and phone number.
You can only use credit cards for cash withdrawals. Credit cards cannot be used to make any payments anywhere, including hotels and restaurants. U.S. CREDIT AND DEBIT CARDS DO NOT WORK ANYWHERE IN CUBA
Your itinerary may have the services of a full-time guide and driver, a guide/driver included outside of Havana, or a guide/driver included if you have requested this. This person will accompany you during your trip either from start to finish if you have a booked car services for the duration of your stay, or they will join you when you depart for the provinces. They are english speaking professional drivers and provide a general guide services, your tours in each city will be provided by specialist guides.
You can assume that all hotels will have hair dryers but not all casas, although more are starting to provide them as standard. If you cannot be without a hair dryer, we recommend bringing your own.
Don't forget you will need to bring your international adaptor!
We only use outstanding guides for our specialized tour in your Itinerary. They provide a top level service for all the clients and are all experts in their fields, including ex- university lectures, art curators and architects.
There are no vaccinations required for entering Cuba, but it is always best to consult your local doctor or visit a travel health clinic six weeks before travelling to ensure you have the latest immunisation information.
Baseball is Cuba's national sport. If your visit falls within the baseball season (from Augost to February before the start of Caribe's Serie) and there is a game on in Havana, then we can arrange for you to attend. If you come out of season but are very interested in baseball, then we can arrange other baseball related activates such as a visit to a stadium or a visit to a little league practice. We are able also to arrange private baseball game with professional players in Havana but must be planned in advance.
Each passenger is allowed to take out a maximum of up to 50 cigars (2boxes). We recommend you only purchase cigars from official HABANOS shops where you will receive a receipt of purchase and boxes are sealed with a hologram stamp.
All Cuban art purchased in Cuba and taken abroad requires an official stamp to verify it has been approved for export. Art that is purchased at a local artisan market will have a stamp that will cost between 2-5CUC per piece. Art purchased at galleries will have the cost of the stamp included in the cost of the artwork.
If you purchase any art during an Art Tour booked through the agency which will generally be considered collector's art, the art curator will organise the certificate provided by the National registry of Patrimony and Culture which protects what they consider to be patrimonial works. In order to draw up this document they will require the full name, passport number, and final destination of the buyer. In this case the costs will be around the 10CUC mark and the documentation will be provided 24 hours later. Alternatively for 15CUC the document can be drawn up the same day for collection after 2pm.
Cuba is generally relaxed when it comes to dress codes so you can walk around in shorts and t-shirts and enter casual bars and cafes for lunch or drinks. However, dinner reservations and evening entertainment recommend smart/casual attire for restaurants and entertainment venues.
Men are not required to wear a dinner jacket but a short or long sleeved shirt, or smart t-shirt and trousers (eg chinos) will be expected. If you plan to see the Cuban National Ballet when you are in town then do get dressed up, perhaps a blazer and tie for men and ladies a dress and pashmina.
As of the 1st March 2015 all airline tickets now include airport departure tax so you will no longer need to set aside 25cuc per person as was previously required.
In the event you lose or have your passport stolen you should contact your embassy immediately or the following morning if you discover the fact out of working hours. If your passport has been stolen, you must also go and register the theft at a local police station. Make sure you call your concierge to notify them of this.
Cuba has a rigorous fumegation campaign which is conducted on a regular weekly basis. All casas, private houses, hotels and any official buildings are obliged by law to allow the fumegation process to take place one day a week.
If you notice a strong smell in your room on a particular day it will be due to the fact that the fumegation team has been in recently, however this does not linger for very long. In most cases it is unlikely your holiday will be affected by this.
The norm in Cuba is 110-220V 60 Hz, American-styled flat two-pin 110V, although most hotels have 220V sockets. Make sure that you take an international adapter with you and read the instructions of your appliance before plugging it in. Power hungry appliances are not advised as the wiring in many hotels and private homes is of low quality.
Hotels all use a voucher system to confirm payment has been made in advance and some may require you to present a voucher at check-in. In most cases we send the voucher via email directly to the hotel on your behalf, however, there are a few who don't accept this. If this is the case the voucher will be given to you on arrival at the airport for you to and in to reception at check-in. If you have any difficulties whatsoever with vouchers, get the reception to call your concierge immediately. Some reception staff are in training from hotel school and may not know the systems of their own hotel or cannot find the voucher in the system. One call to your concierge can usually resolve the issue very quickly. If you do not have a phone you can ask reception to call for you.
The official language of Cuba is Spanish following more than 400 years as a colony of the Spanish empire. English is spoken at hotels and most restaurants however it is worth trying to understand a basic level of Spanish if possible. The Cuban dialect is more difficult to understand and is closest in comparison to Venezuelan Spanish, however Cubans are very good at making themselves understood despite the language barrier.
Your transfer will collect you 3 hours before an internal flights which are mainly on ATR aircraft. Flight schedules may be subject to changes and the airlines should advise the agency of this 24 hours prior to any modification. Reservations must include the passenger's full name, sex, nationality and passport. Children up to 11 months and 29 days will be free of charge if NOT occupying a seat. Child discount does not apply. Luggage allowance is 20kg per passenger, for excess baggage please leave additional time at the airport to arrange for payment as this could take some time. Costs for additional luggage vary but start at 10 CUC per kilo. Please note: in high season there are frequent change to internal flights and clients may be transferred by bus to their next destination. The state provider cannot give us details of these changes until the day before.
The official dates for hurricane season in Cuba are 1st June to end of November. Cuba has an excellent response programme and some of the best evacuation procedures in the Caribbean. Whilst the island has had to withstand its fair share of tropical storms they tend not to hit the island directly but rather pass the it by on its the way to the U.S. There will be plenty of very heavy rain and strong winds but hopefully no more than that. It is always best to come prepared and ensure you have the number of your embassy to hand in case of such an emergency. You should check your travel insurance covers your trip in the event of a hurricane or storm which may require you to change your arrangements if you are planning to travel to Cuba between the months of June and November.
Most of the hotels have doctors in place and medication to provide you with medical assistance. If possible, bring a first aid travel kit in case you are far from a main city should you feel unwell. If you need to seek private medical care, the quality of service you will receive at the international clinics should match that of developed countries.
In Havana the international clinic is the Cira Garcia Hospital located in the suburbs of Miramar. www.cirag.cu Medical consultations and treatment at Cira Garcia require payment in cash in Cuban convertible pesos (CUC) or by credit card issued by a non-U.S. bank or payable through your insurance provider.
Internet access has improved greatly over the past few years but is still not in line with the rest of the world. Wifi is limited to hotels, branches of the national communications agency (ETECSA) offices and to wifi 'spots' (usually public areas such as parks). Despite being a guest at a hotel you may still be required to purchase internet cards (prices range from 1.5cuc per hour upwards) at hotels or from the ETECSA offices (1cuc per hour) but you'll want to avoid the latter due to the large queues. Please ask to your concierge to assit you if you want to use this service.
You must enter Cuba with proof of health insurance (insurance policy, insurance certificate or medical assistance card) valid for the period of your stay in Cuba and not issued by U.S insurance companies as they cannot provide coverage in Cuba. U.S. citizens can take out a medical insurance policy for Cuba with your charter company or insurance provider. It is a good idea to keep a copy of these documents to hand in case you are asked for them on arrival. We suggest you check with your insurance providers exactly how your insurance works should you fall in or experience and accident when in Cuba and ensure you are covered for all eventualities.
Before requesting a visa to Cuba you must ensure that you have a passport which is valid for at least 6 months after entry into the country. If you are a European citizen or resident but born in Cuba after 1959 you are considered a Cuban citizen and you will need to enter to Cuba with a Cuban passport. Cuba does not recognise dual- citizenship.
Mosquitos are an annoyance at certain times and places in Cuba, particularly during the rainy season or close to the sea or near lakes. We strongly recommend bringing strong mosquito repellant for use during both the day and night. A plug-in mosquito repellant device would also be a good idea, make sure you bring an international plug adaptor.
Alternatively, Pyramid do a great pop-up dome mosquito net that is great for travelling. read more...
U.S. CITIZENS MUST TRAVEL UNDER ONE OF 12 CATEGORIES OF AUTHORIZED TRAVEL. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE VISIT: Havana US Embassy Site
You can buy phone cards to make international calls from your hotel room or casa particular (this will be the landline of the house). Alternatively, you can use the business centre of the hotel. If you prefer to use your mobile in Cuba but you will need to contact your service provider to enquire about the rates but you may find that it is still cheaper than using a phone card or calling from a hotel buseinss centre. Calling from Cuba is VERY expensive so you should try to text or email wherever possible. PLEASE NOTE: U.S. CELL PHONES DO NOT CURRENTLY WORK IN CUBA.
Cuba is considered a safe country to visit and has a strong police presence throughout the country, especially in Havana and other areas with a high tourist presence. We recommend taking sensible precautions, as you would in any foreign country, - do not walk alone at night in dark streets and do not carry more cash than you need for the day or evening. Make sure your cameras, mobiles and backpacks or handbags are worn to the front and don't wear expensive flashly jewellery which may invite the interest of petty thieves.
If you purchase your flight with a charter company approved by OFAC, then your travel package will include the flight ticket, the permit to travel to Cuba, the visa and health insurance. After check-in in Miami or other US departure airports your boarding pass will be given a sticker which shows that you have medical insurance paid. Please keep this handy for presentation on arrival in case you are asked for this.
A tourist visa card is required for entry to Cuba. Most airlines require it at check-in or you will be denied boarding your flight. Your visa is valid for 30 days and extendable for a further 30 days except for Canadians who receive a 90-day visa. Apply by mail, in person or online for a visa at Cuban tourist agencies or at the Cuban Consulate in your country.
Rental cars can be difficult to hire during high season and there is also a chance you will not receive the model of car you were promised; alhtough we do aim to keep you within the same level you requested. (eg economic, medium or premium). You will pay a daily insurance charge ranging from 15 CUC- 30 CUC per day and a refundable deposit of between 200 CUC and 450 CUC again depending on the model of car. You will also need to pay for the cost of the 1st fuel tank which varies according to the size of the car but allow for between 50 CUC to 80 CUC. All these charges are normally paid by cash when you collect your rental car. Credit cards are normally accepted however at times due to telecommunications issues it can be difficult to use them.
REMEMBER U.S. CREDIT/DEBIT CARDS DO NOT WORK IN CUBA
There are a number of public holidays in Cuba to celebrate revolutionary and independence victories. Shops, bars and restaurants remain open, whilst offices, schools and other public or government institutions that are closed on these days.
Liberation Day - 1st January
Labour Day – 1st May
Anniversary of the attacks on the Moncada Barracks in Santiago in 1953 – 25th, 26th & 27th July
Christmas Day
Umbrella for both the sun and the rain (a staple item for most Cuban women against the sun)
Light clothing, preferably linen or 100% cotton
Sturdy shoes, especially if your itinerary includes any walking trips such as a day trip to Viñales or a visit to Topes de Collantes
Camera plus charger
Medication you take regularly or practical medicines you may need during your stay such as paracetamol, ibuprofen or medication for an upset stomach. Pharmacies are expensive and do not always have items in stock. Bring condoms, aspirin and dental floss.
Feminine hygiene products. It is highly unlikely you will find what you need here so it is recommended you bring sanitary towels, tampons etc. if necessary
Plug adaptors U.S. flat pin. See section on electricity
Mosquito repellant and a mosquito net
Money-wise, your best bet is to bring cash, preferably in Canadian dollars, euros or pound sterling (avoid US dollars as the cost of changing them into Cuban Convertibles is a lot higher. See Currency Exchange section)
Temperatures in summer (from May to September) frequently hover around the 30°-34°C, so we recommend you stay hydrated throughout the day. Always drink bottled water rather than tap water, as you may find tap water will leave you with an upset stomach for a few days and is not worth the risk. Water can be purchased from your hotel, casa, restaurants, cafes and bars. You should also be able to find them at the smaller kiosks or supermarkets but occasion you may find they have run out and are awaiting a delivery.
If you are worried about using ice in your drinks it is best to go without, although most places now use water that has either been boiled or purified using hydrochloric drops.
You should not have to worry about salad or vegetables which have been washed in tap water. To be on the safe side we suggest brushing your teeth with bottled water.
Cuban is a Caribbean island which means that the weather is warm almost year round. There are generally 3 seasons: dry, wet and hurricane season.
The dry season runs from November to April with occasional cold fronts where temperatures can drop to as low as 10.0°C (72°F) though climate change is affecting how often and how long these take place. Cold fronts generally only last a few days and you should bring the necessary clothing.
The wet season runs from May to October where you can generally expect tropical downpours which are short and heavy. Again climate change means that over the past few years have seen very little rain and a lot of drought. Temperatures in May and June are now reaching similar levels of those in July and August which can reach 38°C (100°F) in the South and East of the island. Humidity levels are extremely high at this time. Read more information under the section listed hurricane season
Cuba's inclusive culture translate to disabled traveleres, and while facilities may be lacking, the generous nature of Cubans generally compensates. Sight-impaired travelers will be helped across streets and given priority in lines. The same holds true for travelers in wheelchairs, who will find the few ramps ridiculously steep and will have trouble in colonial parts of town where sidewalks are narrow and streets are cobblestone. Elevators are often out of order in private buildings but in hotels are working without problems.
Tipping is common practice in Cuba and is is greatly appreciated as a supplement to local salaries. Here is a basic guide as to how much you can give according to the services supplied and is completely at your discretion:
Concierges - If you are happy with the service you received from your personal concierge during your stay we recommend tipping them 5CUC a day.
Specialized Tour Guides - Guides are paid well, but if you feel it met or surpassed your expectations you can give a tip. We suggest 5CUC per hour, eg. 10CUC for a 2-hour walking tour, 30CUC for a 6-hour trek in the mountains etc.
Guide/Drivers – 30CUC a day could be a good start. Drivers often work long and hours and often late into the night for you and if this is the case please do reflect this in a generous tip. (They are booked for 8 hours a day driving but very often drive far more).
Restaurants – Normally 10% but some are starting to include a service charge automatically for this amount.
Taxi drivers – round up the amount you have paid for the journey eg: 3.5 or 4 – 5 CUC
Parking attendants – 1–2CUCs per car
Porters – 1–2CUC for main luggage
Maids – 1CUC a day for cleaning your room
Toilet attendant - 0.5CUC - 1CUCs per person
While Cuba can't be called a queer destination (yet), it's more tolerant than many other Latin American countries. The hitmovie "Fresa y Chocolate" (Strawberry and Chocolate) sparked a national dialogue about homosexuality, and Cuba is pretty tolerant, all things considered. Everyone has agay friend, relative, co-worker, whom they'll mention when the topic arises and recently new movement leads by Mariela Castro is moving Cuba in the right direction abou it. On the other hands there are growing some new private business as bar, hostels and parties for gay community along the whole Havana. There is no any restriction in state hotels for gay couple.
We use the word suggestion to denote a tour, restaurant or music suggestion which we suggest to you but its cost is not included in your itinerary. All restaurants marked "suggestion – to be paid" locally have been booked in advance for you. If you would like to cancel a reservation please let us know so we can inform the restaurant and not leave an empty table in the high season.
