Traveling to Cuba may be like stepping into the past, but it’s still one of the world’s most exciting travel destinations.

Visiting this beautiful country will give you a chance to waltz through history, taste delectable local cuisine, and experience the spirit of locals who find happiness in the simplicity of life (and a good party or two!).

Cuba is an amazing travel destination, but there are a few things that people always do when visiting the country that they shouldn’t. When traveling anywhere, there are typically unspoken rules visitors need to follow. Of course, not every country has the same rules, and travelers don't always know what to expect.

Check out these 20 things that you should avoid doing in Cuba—the locals definitely don’t advise them!

20 Relying On A Travel Card

Travel cards make everything easier when traveling. It’s so much more convenient not to have to worry about cash. But according to The Points Guy, Cuba is the kind of destination where you’ll always want to have cash with you. Some places might not accept your travel card.

19 Wasting Their Cash

It’s important to have cash in Cuba, but Gap Year points out that it’s also important not to waste it all straight away. You might not have access to an ATM for a while in Cuba, and you might have to go a while without withdrawing any new cash.

18 Not Realizing That Cuba Has Two Currencies

If you’re going to travel to Cuba, it’s important to realize that the country has two currencies. Daily Hive explains that there is the Cuba Peso for locals and the Cuban Convertible Peso for tourists. It’s helpful to keep this mind so you don’t get confused!

17 Bringing Too Much Luggage

Bringing too much luggage is never a good idea, but in Cuba, it’s an especially bad move. Seasoned travelers reveal that the luggage carousel at the Havana International Airport is much less advanced than the luggage carousels you might be used to. It takes a long time to retrieve your luggage, so you’re best to travel light.

16 Expecting Havana Nightlife Everywhere In Cuba

Some tourists go to Cuba expecting there to be the kind of nightlife you’d find in Havana all over the country. But those tourists end up disappointed. Beyond Havana, Cuba does have a lot to offer, but it’s not in the way of exciting clubs and nightlife.

15 Failing To Tip

One mistake you don’t want to make in Cuba is failing to tip appropriately. Many locals rely on tips to get them by so it’s up to every tourist to do the right thing and tip what’s expected of them. Always tip housekeepers, tour guides, and others who offer a service.

14 Relying On Online Maps To Help Them Get Around

Online maps are super helpful when you’re in a brand new place, but the problem is they need an internet connection to work. And that’s something that you won’t always come across in Cuba. Even if you organize data beforehand, it could still be difficult to get up and running.

13 Not Telling Their Bank That They're In Cuba

It’s always a good idea to tell your bank when you leave the country. And that’s especially true when you go to Cuba. Some travel cards or bank cards might not work there so your bank will be able to give you a heads up.

12 Letting Jet Lag Stop Them From Partying

The jet lag can be seriously annoying when you first arrive in Cuba. But it’s a mistake to let that stop you from making the most of your trip. Try to resist sleeping during the day so you can get on Cuban time as soon as possible and start having fun.

11 Being Too Scared To Eat Authentic Local Fare

You might have heard that the local food in Cuba can be overwhelming for stomachs that aren’t used to it. But the cuisine is so delicious that you shouldn’t be too scared to try some and see how it goes! There’s no point in traveling to a foreign country and only eating fast food.

10 Never Leaving Havana

The rest of Cuba might not always offer the kind of parties that Havana does, but that doesn’t mean you should never leave the city. There are so many hidden gems all over the country that are worth exploring and waiting to be discovered.

9 Forgetting To Bring A Flashlight

Bringing a flashlight (if you don’t have a working light on your phone or you’re not bringing your phone) is wise in Cuba, according to one Trip Advisor user. There may be areas that you visit which are so poorly lit at night that you can’t see where you’re going.

8 Trusting Everyone Who Approaches Them

In general, the locals that you meet in Cuba will be friendly and welcoming. But no place is perfect—there are still people there who are looking to rip you off or worse. That’s why you shouldn’t trust everyone who approaches you. Be careful who you trust.

7 Being Careless When Traveling Alone In Cuba

You should always practice extra caution when traveling alone in any country. Cuba is no different. When you’re by yourself, always have your wits about you, be aware of your surroundings, and follow basic common sense to keep yourself out of trouble.

6 Not Researching Before Booking Tours

There are lots of fantastic tours to experience in Cuba. According to Gap Year, it’s important to always do your research before committing to anything as some tours might be better than others. Make sure you have all the details before you sign up.

5 Taking Unlicensed Taxis

The Points Guy explains that this is one of the biggest mistakes to avoid making in Cuba. While there are plenty of registered taxis, there also unlicensed ones that you should avoid getting in as they may charge more or be unsafe. Licensed cabs are yellow and always have a meter.

4 Expecting Extravagance And Luxury

Cuba has a lot to offer, but if you’re looking for the type of vacation where you live like royalty and are waited on hand and foot in a resort, you might want to change your travel plans. Although Cuba is beautiful, much of it is still underdeveloped. It isn’t the kind of destination you’d describe as extravagant or luxurious.

3 Thinking Everyone Understands English

Although there will be some locals in Cuba who do understand English, that’s not true of everyone you’ll come across. That’s why it’s a good idea to always learn a few phrases in Spanish so you can at least communicate when you meet someone who doesn’t speak English.

2 Forgetting To Carry Their Passport And Visa With Them

Always be careful with your passport, visa, and any other travel documents when traveling. This is especially applicable in Cuba, where you may be asked to produce your documents. Bring a theft-proof bag where you can keep these items during the day.

1 Planning Their Trip Around Wi-Fi

Wi-Fi is central to our lives now, but it is definitely not a major part of the average Cuban’s life. That means that Wi-Fi may not always be accessible in Cuba so you shouldn’t rely on it. You may still come across it, but don’t count on that happening.