Staying one step ahead in Cuba starts well before you get on the plane. There are several things to get ready before you leave, and one of them is your visa. Depending on your nationality, there’s a chance you’ll need to apply for a Cuba Tourist Card to enter the country. These can be bought from your local Cuban embassy. One thing to be aware of is that some airlines include these tourist cards as part of their tickets. If that’s the case, you’ll need to collect it from the Cubana Air counter at check-in. It’s imperative to have travel insurance if you’re traveling to Cuba. If you’re asked to produce your documentation in customs and you can’t, you will have to purchase it there. It saves a headache to organize it before you leave for the airport. MasterCard may not work in Cuba, so bring a Visa card and sufficient cash. Tourists in Cuba use the Cuban Convertible Peso, or the Cuban Dollar, while locals use the Cuban National Peso. Exchange your cash and have it ready before you go. Remember to let your bank know before you leave for Cuba. The final thing you should do to prepare yourself for a trip to Cuba is to learn as much Spanish as you can. You’ll find that not everyone speaks English and not being able to converse in Spanish could leave you in an awkward position. At the least, learn a few key phrases and greetings that will help you to communicate with locals. RELATED: 20 Things People Do When They Travel To Cuba (The Locals Don't Advise)

Once you’ve arrived in Cuba, it’s important to know where to get your money out. Hotels, resorts, and the airport are known for providing a bureau de change. There is also an ATM at the Havana International Airport. You can get money out from the Banco de Cuba, which is a proper bank. The other option is to get money out from a currency kiosk, but the bank is known to give premium rates. Cuba is the kind of country where bartering and negotiating are commonplace. It is possible to exchange gifts or non-monetary goods for other items. For example, there’s a good chance you’ll be able to give away American clothing with popular brand names on it in exchange for something else. While many tourists never leave Havana, be sure to explore what else Cuba has to offer. There are so many fascinating and gorgeous destinations to get to know around the country, so don’t be afraid to venture outside of the capital city. Once you’re in Cuba, it’s important to only take licensed cabs. Unlicensed cabs will sometimes try to pick up tourists, but this can get you in trouble with the local authorities. It’s much safer to always stick to licensed cabs, which are normally yellow and contain official signage. RELATED: Travel Hacks: 20 Things To Avoid Doing When Traveling To Cuba

One of the biggest mistakes that travelers make in Cuba is failing to tip people. Locals live in extremely low wages and often don’t have access to the basic necessities of life. It’s important to tip generously to support the local communities. Another common mistake is relying on online maps and other resources to help you. As previously mentioned, there is not always internet access available in Cuba, so it’s not wise to rely on it for anything. Instead, try screenshotting important maps and addresses that you need to know. There are also offline apps you can download, such as Galileo Offline Maps. Completely forgetting about the weather is another mistake that most people make when they visit Cuba. The dry season is between November and March, but this period is usually busier. On the other hand, May through June is the wet season but it’s also when the tobacco is harvested and other exciting events take place. The important thing is to be aware of the change in weather and make the right decision for you. RELATED: 10 Major Reasons To Skip Florida And Visit Cuba Instead