Travel Tips by Countries

Cuba

Tips for Travel

Tips for travel to Cuba

ZIKA

Cuba is considered a Zika zone, as such you should take the recommended precautions, particularly if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant.  These recommendations should be received from your Doctor or preferred medical personnel.

What is Zika? 

CASH

The currency in Cuba for tourists is Convertible Peso's (CUCs- pronounced "cooks") this form of currency cannot be purchased outside of Cuba.  This means the best approach for Canadians is to bring Canadian cash and convert in destination.  Please note that you should not covert a lot of cash, as if you don't spend it, you will have to convert it back to Canadian before leaving otherwise you will be stuck with the cash since it is not available outside of Cuba and it is considered illegal to remove the Cuban currency from the island.  You may be offered a "better rate" for CUCs at the airport, but I honestly suggest that you do the exchange at the hotel.  This way you can do smaller amounts so you don't convert too much money (saving on the exchange back!) and the line up is wild at the airport and you will likely miss your transportation. USD may be accepted BUT there will be a surcharge on it, meaning that Canadians end up loosing a lot exchanging the currency twice.

For Credit Cards, most Canadian credit cards will work in destination EXCEPT if the credit card company is owned by an American company.  It is best if you contact your credit card company before departure to ensure that you will be able to use it.  Many places will only accept cash, but for booking tours and on resort you will generally be able to use it.

ATMs are few and far between.  Do not rely on this as your main source of funds.

PRIOR TO DEPARTURE

• YOUR PASSPORT SHOULD BE VALID FOR 6 MONTHS PAST RETURN DATE!

• Review your documents if there are any errors with names or birth dates Let your travel agent know immediately

• Learn a Few Phrases in Spanish Before You Go: In resort areas you’ll find most folks speak at least some English, but you never know when you’ll need to ask an important question like: “¿Dónde está el baño?” Be prepared! Learn a few essential phrases in advance.

• Check in 24 hours before departure- except with Sunwing- check in 12 hours before departure

• Arrive at the airport at least 2 hours before departure to avoid any issues

• ADAPTERS, depending on your hotel you may require an adapter.  These can be purchased at most box stores, or on amazon.

INSURANCE

You may be required to provide proof of medical coverage.  Depending on your province your health card may be sufficient, however it is recommended that you also either purchase additional coverage, or at minimum bring confirmation from you work health coverage showing that you have out of country medical coverage.  Most insurance companies will have this available somewhere on your personal profile on their online system.  You should always travel with this information, including the phone number to call in cash of emergency.

It should be noted that with most coverage if something happens you will be required to pay for the medical expenses up front!  So make sure to find this out before travel by contacting you medical insurance provider!!

IN DESTINATION

• ARRIVAL/DEPARTURE

  • Travellers are required to have a visa, or a tourist card. These are only $10 and included in your Cuba all-inclusive vacation package pricing. Once this fee has been paid for your Cuba tourist card, you’ll be given the card itself onboard the plane before landing. You’ll need to show this before leaving the airport to go to your resort. If you lose the card, these can be purchased at the airport.

  • If booking an all inclusive package, it will include transportation to your resort, DO NOT STOP and get sidelined by the taxi services, find your vacation representative.

  • Departure tax, a fee of $25CUC, it is recommended that you keep 25.00CUC in your passport for this as you will not be able to pass security at the airport without this.

• Bring sunscreen and bug spray this stuff is very expensive on resort if you run out.

• I recommend you bring a water bottle to fill with additional water.

• STRAWS- most resorts are no longer handing out straws at the resort due to the damage that they do to aquatic water life, so i encourage you to look at bringing a metal reusable straw if you prefer to drink from a straw.

• Internet is not great in Cuba, the connection is dodgy at best.  You are going on vacation, so put it all away and enjoy what Cuba is known for: BEACHES and MOJITIOS.

SAFETY

• Practice General Safety Precautions: As a tourist you may be targeted by thieves and pickpockets. There are a few simple steps you can take that will greatly increase your safety.

• Don’t Drink Water From the Tap.  You should buy bottled purified water to drink – it’s inexpensive and available on virtually every street corner. Most hotels provide bottles of water for your consumption in the hotel, OR bring your own water bottle and refill it at the bar.

• Do Beware of Scams. It is not recommended to go off with individuals on tours that are not through a reputable tour company.  You want to make sure that any tours you are on have quality equipment and proper insurance to ensure your safety.

• Like in any country, there are some areas more dangerous than others. Some places are even outside the law where a tourist may be an easy prey for muggers and robbers.

• Be cautious if you visit the capital! Havana is more dangerous compared to other cities. Your safety might be threatened if you visit some neighborhoods in Centro Habana, Marianao and Guanabacoa. You should go there only with a local friend, someone you really trust.

• Avoid getting drunk with unknown people. There’s always a sober person in the room that can seize the opportunity and take what belongs to others. Hold on to your purse and don’t leave cameras or other belongings unattended.

• There are strict laws on the use, possession and trafficking of illegal drugs, though you may still be offered marijuana or cocaine in the most popular nightclubs. Even some people have passed out after mixing up pills and alcohol.

• Most Cubans are humble and don’t count on resources to live as they wish. So, when in Rome… it is better not to be ostentatious. Using valuable jewels and showing off a lot of money can lead to dangerous situations.  Remember that you will be in a country where getting easy money is always a temptation.

• If you get someone into your room, make sure you to register him/her. Most Cubans only expect from you to pay for drinks and food, but be always cautious. You never know what could happen in a foreign country with unknown people. That’s why is very important to register any person you get into your room. Otherwise, how would you make a report if something bad happens?

Cuba is a beautiful country, full of amazing people.  The white sand beaches and Caribbean waters are some of the best out there.  Due to the embargos, it does get a bad wrap for food, but this has been increasing in quality.  I believe that it is one of the top places for beaches and love the culture, I have never had an issue with the food, but know that you are not eating Canadian food!

To find out more about travel to Cuba, visit the Government of Canada's Travel destination tips.