Cuba travel advice
eating
in Cuba
in Cuba
Advice on eating in Cuba
Clarita Derwent, from our supplier Cuban Adventures, shares her Cuba travel advice:
"I’m always being told that people feel so guilty when they don’t eat all their food – but Cubans are very, very generous and welcoming, so they’ll always give you way more than you can possibly eat. But the thing is they never, ever throw food away; Cubans are very resourceful. If you’ve touched the food they’ll give it to the pigs or to the chickens. If you haven’t touched it, it will go back into the kitchen and feed someone else. That’s a really important thing to know, because if it can really affect your time in Cuba as you’re worrying all the time!"
Georgina Johnson, from our supplier Chimu Adventures, shares her Cuba Travel advice for foodies:
“I wouldn’t send someone to Cuba if they wanted cordon bleu cuisine. I found that the worst meals I had were in hotel restaurants, and the best meal were always paladares [privately owned restaurants]. The best-known one is phenomenal. It’s called La Guarida, and every time I’ve eaten there it’s delicious. I love the setting, you get there and walk up dark stairs, thinking “where the hell am I going?” – that's all part of the excitement.”
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Staying in a casa
Tips on staying in a casa
Marcel, a guide with our supplier Latin America Journeys, shares his Cuba travel advice:
"People say they absolutely don't want to stay in a casa. They think that they have to socialise and are obligated to do things. But really you have your own room, and if you don't want to have any conversation with the owners it's no problem - but they are of course open - and the more you put into in the more you'll get out."
Packing
Packing tips
Georgina Johnson, from our supplier Chimu Adventures, shares her Cuba travel advice:
“Take medicines and feminine hygiene products. You cannot find things like that anywhere in Cuba, other than the departure lounge in the airport, when it’s too late! You can get aspirin and things like that, but you really have to hunt around. On one occasion my luggage got lost and I had to wait six days for it to turn up. I now always take a change of clothes in my hand luggage because buying clothes out there was an interesting experience. Everyone dresses in very short, tight clothes, which don’t suit all of us! It’s no more likely to happen to you in Cuba than it is elsewhere – but if it does, then it’s a bit of a nightmare because you can’t just go out and buy what you need.”
Communication
Communication tips
Adam Roberts, from our supplier Exodus, shares his Cuba travel advice:
"Learning some Spanish certainly goes a long way - especially if you are planning on staying in casas. Your hosts may not speak a word of English, so if you can tell them what time you'd like breakfast and how you'd like your eggs, not only does it make your life easier but it puts your hosts at ease. People are so friendly in Cuba, so if you do go that extra mile you'll find it really rewarding. Maybe you just sit next to someone on the street and you'll end up having a conversation. They'll make time for you and they're always interested as to why you're there and what you think of the country."
Internet
access
access
Internet access
To get online in Cuba, the easiest way is to take advantage of the WiFi hotspots, which were launched in 2015. These are available throughout Cuba’s cities, particularly in the plazas. You’ll find them by looking for the clusters of people chatting, emailing and surfing the Internet on their phones. There will also be groups of people using the internet outside hotels that offer WiFi.
To use these hotspots, you’ll need internet cards which each give you one hour of access. These can be purchased at the hotels with WiFi, at ETECSA’s hops and telecom offices (you’ll need to bring your passport as ID) and the owners of your casa particular may also e able to help you obtain cards. We recommend stocking up when you buy the cards as they are not always available. And do remember to log out when you’ve finished otherwise you’ll use up all of your credit.
Our top Cuba Vacation
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Immerse yourself in Cuban culture on this 8 day adventure
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Small group travel:
2019: 29 Sep, 6 Oct, 13 Oct, 20 Oct, 27 Oct, 3 Nov, 10 Nov, 17 Nov, 8 Dec, 15 Dec, 29 Dec
2020: 5 Jan, 12 Jan, 19 Jan, 26 Jan, 2 Feb, 9 Feb, 16 Feb, 23 Feb, 1 Mar, 8 Mar, 15 Mar, 22 Mar, 29 Mar, 5 Apr, 12 Apr, 19 Apr, 26 Apr, 3 May, 10 May, 17 May, 24 May, 31 May, 7 Jun, 14 Jun, 21 Jun, 28 Jun, 5 Jul, 12 Jul, 19 Jul, 26 Jul, 2 Aug, 9 Aug, 16 Aug, 23 Aug, 30 Aug, 6 Sep, 13 Sep, 20 Sep, 27 Sep, 4 Oct, 11 Oct, 18 Oct, 25 Oct ...
2019: 29 Sep, 6 Oct, 13 Oct, 20 Oct, 27 Oct, 3 Nov, 10 Nov, 17 Nov, 8 Dec, 15 Dec, 29 Dec
2020: 5 Jan, 12 Jan, 19 Jan, 26 Jan, 2 Feb, 9 Feb, 16 Feb, 23 Feb, 1 Mar, 8 Mar, 15 Mar, 22 Mar, 29 Mar, 5 Apr, 12 Apr, 19 Apr, 26 Apr, 3 May, 10 May, 17 May, 24 May, 31 May, 7 Jun, 14 Jun, 21 Jun, 28 Jun, 5 Jul, 12 Jul, 19 Jul, 26 Jul, 2 Aug, 9 Aug, 16 Aug, 23 Aug, 30 Aug, 6 Sep, 13 Sep, 20 Sep, 27 Sep, 4 Oct, 11 Oct, 18 Oct, 25 Oct ...
Travel Team
If you'd like to chat about Cuba or need help finding a vacation to suit you we're very happy to help.
Health & safety in Cuba
HEALTH
SAFETY
Money in Cuba
Cuba operates a dual currency system. Tourists in Cuba will generally be using Cuban convertible pesos, or CUCs (pronounced “cooks”), which are equal in value to the US dollar. Casas particulares, Viazul buses, paladar restaurants, private taxis and other services aimed at foreign visitors will be priced in CUCs. When you exchange foreign money in Cuba, you will be given CUCs.
The second currency is the Cuban peso – CUP. These are used by Cubans, and one CUC is roughly equal to 24 CUPs. You can only obtain CUPs by exchanging CUCs, not foreign currency.
The second currency is the Cuban peso – CUP. These are used by Cubans, and one CUC is roughly equal to 24 CUPs. You can only obtain CUPs by exchanging CUCs, not foreign currency.
Most tourists will have no need to obtain CUPs. However, if you feel like going a bit more local, CUPs will come in handy. You can buy street food, or fruit from street vendors. You can buy a drink at venues more commonly frequented by Cubans, such as the smaller cultural centers. You can also ride in a local taxi, which is shared with other passengers. Given the exchange rate, anything you pay for with CUPs will also seem ridiculously cheap – although the main reason for using them would be to have more of an immersive Cuban experience, rather than to save money on a mojito. Basic Spanish is advised if you want to go for this option. For tips, stick to CUCs – these are far more valuable to Cubans.
The other reason that some tourists are keen to get their hands on CUPs is that the 3 CUP note features Che Guevara – making for an unusual souvenir.
ATMs are widely available in cities, but cards issued by US banks (ie. American Express and Mastercard) are not currently accepted; Visa is the safest option. Bring cash to exchange and check with your vacation company on the best Cadecas to use, checking the current rates as you go. Although the CUC is pegged to the US dollar, there is a 10 percent surcharge on exchanging them, so Sterling, Canadian dollars or Euros are advised. Always check with your vacation company prior to travel, as the political situation is shifting, and things may change in the near future.
Cuba advice from our travelers
At Responsible Travel, we think the best people to advise our travelers are often... other travelers. They always return from our tours with packing tips, weather reports, ideas about what to do - and opinions about what not to.
We have selected some of the most useful Cuba travel advice that our guests have provided over the years to help you make the very most of your vacation - and the space inside your suitcase.
Take guitar and double bass accessories, eg strings and give to primary schools in the countryside
- Catherine Wilmers
"Forget about internet - it practically does not exist where it does it's expensive and very, very slow. Be a Cuban for a while." - Dorothy Woods
"As our guide said 'be horizontal', enjoy Cuba for what it is and expect changes to any plans." - Brian Willis
"It was our home whilst we were there - in each casa - we were made to feel we were really at home whilst still being free to come and go as we wanted." - Charles Butler
"Good maps would be helpful for drivers. Or an off-line GPS program - otherwise, when you needed it most, it completely was lost." - Jason Falk
"Be prepared to have your ideals about socialism challenged! Learn Spanish - it's Cuba not England." - George Turnbull
"As our guide said 'be horizontal', enjoy Cuba for what it is and expect changes to any plans." - Brian Willis
"It was our home whilst we were there - in each casa - we were made to feel we were really at home whilst still being free to come and go as we wanted." - Charles Butler
"Good maps would be helpful for drivers. Or an off-line GPS program - otherwise, when you needed it most, it completely was lost." - Jason Falk
"Be prepared to have your ideals about socialism challenged! Learn Spanish - it's Cuba not England." - George Turnbull
Take a trip in a Coco taxi in Havana - uncomfortable, noisy but great fun.
- Stuart McCletchie
"Take ear plugs, particularly if staying in town center casas particulares (rooms can be by the street, and therefore noisy)..." – Saavan Gatfield
"Set your mind to a different scale. Things not always go smoothly - and if you expect it to be like Europe you might get upset easily." - Anna Vissens
"Don't expect great vegetarian food if... there's plenty of rice, beans, salad etc. but not the variety of foods we're perhaps used to. However, what you do get is fresh, plentiful and in large quantities." - Kiona Simpson
"It wasn't really a vacation more an experience! The way Cubans live their lives with such fortitude and good humour under such trying circumstances is humbling." - Gillian Rowe
"Cubans have to hitchhike to get to work. We gave quite a few lifts which was a good way to meet people." - Philippa Widman
"What I know is I don't know Cuba. I had an opinion on Cuba before I left, however this is a very complex society and as our tour guide said, unless you live here it is difficult to understand." - Lois Brassart
"Set your mind to a different scale. Things not always go smoothly - and if you expect it to be like Europe you might get upset easily." - Anna Vissens
"Don't expect great vegetarian food if... there's plenty of rice, beans, salad etc. but not the variety of foods we're perhaps used to. However, what you do get is fresh, plentiful and in large quantities." - Kiona Simpson
"It wasn't really a vacation more an experience! The way Cubans live their lives with such fortitude and good humour under such trying circumstances is humbling." - Gillian Rowe
"Cubans have to hitchhike to get to work. We gave quite a few lifts which was a good way to meet people." - Philippa Widman
"What I know is I don't know Cuba. I had an opinion on Cuba before I left, however this is a very complex society and as our tour guide said, unless you live here it is difficult to understand." - Lois Brassart
More about Cuba
With temperatures hovering between 20 and 35C, and the water bathtub warm all year round, Cuba has a classically cosy Caribbean climate...
Few nations have the romance of Cuba; a beautiful, tropical island that fought its way out of capitalism led by charismatic comrades...
Cuba is bigger than you think. If you’re planning to spend a week or two here then take a look at our interactive map to help you choose a route...
Cuba's charms are not all cultural; its natural wonders have been recognised by UNESCO, including the ethereal, karst-filled Valley of Vinales...
Casas particulares in Cuba are the original Airbnb: homestays with Cuban families in a network that stretches across the country...
Cuba has 5,700km of coastline, so there are quiet beaches, beaches for water sports, reefs to snorkel, deserted coves and family friendly facilities...
Our favourite cities include Havana with its classic Malecon, Cienfuegos - the 'Pearl of the South', and labyrinthine Camaguey - designed to confuse pirates...
Our mini guide reveals the pros and cons of public and private transport, self drive options and classic cars when planning your Cuba vacation...
A self drive vacation in Cuba offers independence, flexibility and just that extra little pinch of adventure, as you explore at your own pace...
Diving in Cuba reveals a marine culture that is just as fascinating as the one on land: a rainbow of reef fish, sponges, turtles and gorgonians...
You cannot hope to understand Cuba if you don’t understand the Caribbean island’s culture of music and dance - dancing vacations in Cuba are one of the best ways to immerse yourself into everyday life.
Travel to Cuba is still straightforward from the United States, despite President Trump's increased travel restrictions, announced in November 2017...
Communism may hold the promise of equality for all, yet as Cuba’s LBGT community can attest, this is far from the truth.
As with most Latin countries, Cuba welcomes children with open arms. But it does so without malaria, altitude or crime; this is a fab family spot...
We've explored some of the big issues facing this little island, from the end of communism to the dual currency; donating goods and keeping an open mind...
Find all of our Cuba guides in one place, for different types of Cuba vacations we offer such as scuba diving or walking in Cuba.
protection
Photo credits: [Page banner: Nick Kenrick] [Top box - advice on eating in Cuba: Vicki Brown]
[La Guarida buidling (best paladare): Tony Hisgett]
[Tips on staying in a casa: Vicki Brown]
[Packing tips: Stephen Colebourne]
[Internet access: Nano Anderson]
[Trinidad: Guillaume Baviere]
[Money: Michel Curi]
[Review 1 - donations: Soumyadeep Paul]
[Review 2 - cocotaxi: MattJP]
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