Traveling to Cuba is full of myths and rumors that no one ever really knows the truth about. In reality, Cuba travel isn't as scary and tense as most people make it out to be. There are rules and regulations, even more so when traveling from the US, but as long as travelers cross their T's and dot their I's, the problems are minimal. However, that doesn't mean that a guide isn't needed when traveling to a country with a reputation.
Once visitors have been cleared for travel - as in having one of 11 reasons for going - the fun can begin. There are plenty of things to be aware of, from knowing where to stay all the way to having a proper phone that works for local and international calls. Cuba isn't as tech-savvy or digitally-forward as many other countries, which makes travel either an adventure or a nightmare. Here are 15 things all travelers should know before heading to Cuba, along with some tips for turning a potential headache into a grand Havana adventure!
15 Travel Regulations Can Change Suddenly, And Unpredictably So
This is more true for US travelers than for anyone else. It has happened in the past and it's likely to happen again. The US does place travel regulations on certain countries, and Cuba is one of them, mainly for safety. Just pay attention to what these regulations are and know when - and how - to travel within them.
14 Visits Must Be For One Of 11 Reasons Before Being Allowed In
Those reasons are wide and varied and include anything from humanitarian work to family visits. Most travelers who are going for vacation reasons will likely need to claim the reason 'support the Cuban people'. This means you're basically going to experience the country and help its economy. This also means no government-run Cuban purchases, only privately-owned businesses allowed.
13 Records And Receipts From Visits Should Be Kept For Five Years, Minimum
For those traveling to Cuba, the work doesn't stop when you get back into the country. Anyone who visits Cuba must keep their receipts for at least five years. It's highly advised to do this in the event they need to be checked, it's better to have them than to have nothing.
12 Pink Tourist Cards And Green Tourist Cards: Know The Difference
There's a green tourist card and a pink tourist card. One of these must be purchased prior to the trip (granted regulations haven't changed). The pink tourist card is the one that US travelers will need to get into the country, while the green is for anyone in the rest of the world traveling to Cuba.
11 Anticipate Needing A Secondary (Local) Means Of Communication
While most smartphones do have international rates, it's always better to sort this out prior to entering another country. Check with your cell phone provider and if nothing else, you can purchase a SIM card in Cuba for long-distance calling, rather than pay for another means.
10 Print Out Documents Beforehand, It's Easier Than Finding A Printer In Cuba
As we said before, Cuba is not very technology-heavy. This means that you might run into some trouble when it comes to printing out important documents and paperwork. It's a pretty good rule of thumb for any travel, though - print out the important things beforehand.
9 Don't Get Caught In Hurricane Season
Knowing when to travel to Cuba is just as important as knowing how. This photo is from hurricane Irma back in 2017, and it's quite obvious how destructive hurricanes can be. The best time to visit Cuba is between November and March, since July through early November is hurricane season.
8 Travel Insurance Is Required, And Credit Cards Are Useless There
Sorry, there's no way around it that we know of right now! Travel insurance is required and if you're thinking about only bringing credit or debit cards, think again. Visiting Cuba is a cash-only trip, but more about money exchanges in the next post.
7 The Money Exchange Fee For USD Is Absurd
Many recommend entering Cuba with money other than USD (i.e. British Pounds or even Mexican Pesos), because the conversion fee is 10%, on top of the conversion rate. Additionally, Cuba has two forms of currency, so know what you need before you get there.
6 Airbnb And Casas Particulares Are The Only Legal Means Of Accommodations
Accommodations in Cuba can be a bit tricky. Many people resort to 'Couchsurfing', which isn't exactly what it means. It's illegal to stay in someone's home for free, but the concept is very similar to an Airbnb - which is a good resource for finding a suitable stay.
5 Avoid Drinking The Water At All Costs
The rule of thumb is to just avoid doing it. Be aware of drinks with ice in them and try to stick to bottled water when you can. We're not always used to the water in other counties, so if you want to make your stomach happy, be aware of your drinks.
4 Private Restaurants Are The Only Good Food Option
Many government-run options aren't the best because they don't necessarily need high profits to survive. Privately-owned restaurants are your best bet for great food because their livelihood actually depends on the money they make, similar to 'shopping small'.
3 Havana Isn't As Dangerous As It Seems, But Watch Out For Scams
There are plenty of rumors to scare people out of visiting Havana, but it's truly a unique and interesting city. The same rule applies here: Just be aware of your surroundings. Scams are very common in this city, though, so make sure to pay attention to your interactions.
2 Opt For Chauffeurs, Busses, Or Taxis Rather Than A Car Rental
For some reason, renting a car is astronomical in Cuba. Surprisingly, it's much cheaper to hire someone to drive you or resort to public transportation. Taxis are a great resource in Cuba, and if you're trying to hop the bus, get there early... like, an hour early.
1 The Vintage Taxis Havana Is Known For All Have Set Routes
All those vintage taxis Cuba is known for are actually on working routes. The catch is that they only drive specific routes so before getting in, make sure that the car is going somewhere that you actually want to be. Otherwise, have fun and enjoy the throwback ride!