Frequently asked questions about Cuba
Questions often arise when planning a trip. Here are the most frequently asked questions and answers about a vacation in Cuba. We will be happy to answer any further questions personally by e-mail.
01
How much should I tip my tour guide and driver?
We pay our tour guides and drivers fairly and well above the standard wage in the country - which we consider to be a prerequisite for successful cooperation. However, as in many industries, the tip is an additional reward and serves as an incentive to take special care of the guests' well-being. We are happy to offer recommendations on tipping in advance when you book through us.
02
Who do I contact in an emergency on site?
Guests who book through us will receive the contact details of our operations team in Cuba with their final travel documents. We are available 24 hours a day (also in English).
03
What is the exchange rate in Cuba?
There are several exchange rates in Cuba (as of November 2024):
- Official exchange rate: 1 USD is approximately 120 CUP Bienvenido a Cadeca | Cadeca
- Unofficial exchange rate: 1 USD is approximately 330 CUP Tasas de cambio | elTOQUE
04
Where can I exchange CUP at the official exchange rate?
- Banks
- Hotels
- CADECAs (exchange offices; CAsa DE CAmbio)
- At airports
05
Where can I exchange CUP at the unofficial exchange rate?
In private accommodation and in many restaurants. The official exchange rate is the legal way to change money. The unofficial rate is of course much better, but illegal. Many locals offer to exchange at the unofficial rate.
06
What should you bear in mind when changing money in Cuba?
- It is better not to change money on the street with strangers
- Don't change too much money at once (changing back to EUR or USD is almost impossible)
07
Can you withdraw money in Cuba?
There are ATMs in larger towns, but they are often out of order, run out of money or the queue is long. In addition, you can only withdraw CUP at the official exchange rate.
08
What is the MLC and how do you need it for a trip to Cuba?
The MLC is the "electronic dollar" (Moneda libremente convertible). It is linked to the USD and, according to the official exchange offices, is equivalent to around 120 CUP. The locals use it to pay in the so-called "MLC/dollar stores". These are stores selling imported products. As a tourist, you can pay in these stores with a credit card. When paying, you often have to show your passport (a photo of your passport should work). Cash is not accepted in these stores.
09
How can Cubans pay with MLC?
Locals need a Cuban bank card to pay in the MLC stores. This can be partially loaded with an international bank transfer or they must deposit USD or EUR in cash at the Cuban bank so that it is credited to their MLC account.
10
Can I pay with EUR or USD in Cuba?
Due to the MLC and the declining value of the CUP, locals are very interested in foreign currencies. It is therefore very easy to pay in USD or EUR.
It is best to bring small bills. Where 5 EUR bills are too large, you can pay with smaller USD bills (never coins in foreign currency). You can pay in foreign currency almost everywhere and usually get a better price. However, change is usually only given in CUP. The exchange rate is a matter of negotiation.
It is best to bring small bills. Where 5 EUR bills are too large, you can pay with smaller USD bills (never coins in foreign currency). You can pay in foreign currency almost everywhere and usually get a better price. However, change is usually only given in CUP. The exchange rate is a matter of negotiation.
11
Do you need to speak Spanish to travel to Cuba?
Basically, a few words of Spanish won't do you any harm. In touristic places such as Havana, Varadero or Trinidad, many hotel staff, cab drivers and young people speak English. In other areas and in casas particulares run by private individuals, however, it can be a little difficult to speak English. However, Cubans are usually very helpful and if necessary you can communicate using sign language. For a trip to Cuba, we recommend bringing a dictionary (or DeepL or Google Translate app if you have internet access).
12
Do the local tour guides speak English?
Almost all of our tours in Cuba are led by English-speaking, local guides. The tour guides can tell you a lot about the history or life in Cuba that you would otherwise not hear. Especially on private tours in more remote areas of Cuba, we may have to use a Spanish-speaking tour guide. If this is the case, we will always indicate it in the travel offer.
13
Can I receive internet with an eSIM smartphone in Cuba?
Yes, you can buy mobile data for Cuba via the "AIRALO" app.
14
Do GPS systems work in Cuba?
Offline map apps can now be installed on smartphones, which work quite well. We recommend the "MAPS.ME" app. However, the apps and the map material must be downloaded before the trip. Access to the Apple Store or Google Play is blocked from Cuba.
Our recommendations are all marked on MAPS.ME and can be easily found by entering the name of the tip in the search field.
You can also find all casas particulares that have been booked via GREEN ALLIGATOR.
Our recommendations are all marked on MAPS.ME and can be easily found by entering the name of the tip in the search field.
You can also find all casas particulares that have been booked via GREEN ALLIGATOR.
15
What kind of weather can you expect in Cuba?
Cuba has a hot, tropical climate. Hurricanes often occur from August to November. Temperatures in summer are between 25 - 30° C, whereas in winter it is "only" 20 - 25° C with very little rain. The rainy season is from May to October and a dry season can be expected between November and April - according to the textbooks. During the rainy season, short (but heavy) rain occurs mainly in the afternoons.
16
What is the currency in Cuba?
Since January 01, 2021, there has only been one official currency in Cuba:
There is also a virtual currency, the MLC (Moneda Libremente Convertible). This has roughly the same value as the US dollar, but is not an official currency.
- the Cuban peso (CUP)
There is also a virtual currency, the MLC (Moneda Libremente Convertible). This has roughly the same value as the US dollar, but is not an official currency.
17
Is it possible to use mobile data on a trip to Cuba?
A Cuban SIM card can be purchased in advance in the website: https://suenacuba.com/phone (approx. 30 USD). This can be picked up on site in the official ETECSA shops* (passport must be shown and you should be prepared for a long wait).
With this SIM card you can top up your mobile data and thus have internet reception almost everywhere on the island. You must bring your own smartphone. There are none for sale locally at reasonable prices.
*Some ETECSA stores in Havana:
With this SIM card you can top up your mobile data and thus have internet reception almost everywhere on the island. You must bring your own smartphone. There are none for sale locally at reasonable prices.
*Some ETECSA stores in Havana:
- Jose Marti Airport, Havana (Terminal 2 and 3)
- Calle Obispo esq. Cuba, No. 302, La Habana Vieja
- Calle 17, No. 604, e/ B y C, Vedado
18
What clothing is suitable for a trip to Cuba?
Due to the hot and humid climate, light clothing is recommended. Cotton or linen is best. In elegant restaurants, bars and discos, men should wear long pants in the evening. The well-known Cabaret Tropicana in particular expects elegant clothing and does not admit shorts on men (not even jeans). Polo shirts are accepted. Ties are not required.
It can get chilly in the evenings in winter (November to March). A light sweater or scarf should be in your luggage! The air conditioning is very strong, so don't forget your scarf even in summer.
It can get chilly in the evenings in winter (November to March). A light sweater or scarf should be in your luggage! The air conditioning is very strong, so don't forget your scarf even in summer.
19
What gifts for the local population are recommended for a trip to Cuba?
- Clothes that would otherwise go to the old clothes collection
- Used children's clothing
- Flip-flops or Croks or other sandals
- Rubber boots (for people in the countryside)
- Generally used shoes
- Rechargeable flashlights (preferably solar)
- Repair kits for bicycle tires
- Condoms
- Colored pencils, pens, notepads, etc.
- Shampoo & conditioner
- Soaps
- Used smartphones
- Medicines of all kinds
- Powdered milk
20
Can I pay by credit card?
The use of credit cards is restricted to international hotels and "MLC/Dollar stores".
21
What means of payment do I need as a tourist in Cuba?
- Pesos Cubanos (CUP) in cash
- Credit card (Attention: Credit cards that are even remotely related to the USA are not accepted at all.
- Euro or Dollar in cash
22
How do you get Pesos Cubanos (CUP)?
The Peso Cubano CUP is only available in Cuba. It may not be taken abroad. Therefore, you can only change money into CUP after entering Cuba. If possible, you should not withdraw money in Cuba, but take sufficient cash (preferably USD or EUR) with you. You are allowed to bring up to 5,000 USD into Cuba. Cuba is a safe country to travel to and most accommodations have safes.
23
Can I customize my trip according to my wishes?
As a Cuba specialist, we can fulfill almost any travel wish. Our staff will be happy to advise you in detail and organize individual programs. At the moment, we recommend planning and booking as much as possible in advance. Spontaneous on site means allowing at least 2-3 days lead time for everything.
24
What is the main voltage in Cuba? How can electronic devices be charged in Cuba?
The main voltage is 110-120 volts, 60 Hz. Many hotels also have 220 volt sockets. You will need an American flat plug as an adapter. You should also take a flashlight with you, as power cuts are common in Cuba.
25
What vaccines do I need for my vacation in Cuba?
There are no mandatory vaccines. However, those against hepatitis A, diphtheria, tetanus and hepatitis B for long-term stays are recommended. Typhoid and rabies are very strong shots and, in our opinion, not necessary. However, as a tour operator we can only make recommendations. In general, this applies to every traveler: vaccines must be discussed with the your own doctor before departure.
26
Is there malaria or dengue in Cuba?
Cuba is malaria-free, although there have been occasional cases of dengue fever in recent years. We recommend that you seek medical advice from a tropical institute or health authority before your trip.
27
Can you drink the tap water in Cuba?
Tap water is not suitable for drinking. Bottled drinking water should be purchased in stores. Local warnings should always be heeded. For local emergencies, medicines can be obtained from international pharmacies. There are also international hospitals for medical treatment.
28
What happens to the ESTA visa for the USA during a stay in Cuba?
The US State Department classified Cuba as a "State Sponsor of Terrorism" (SST) on January 12, 2021. This means that persons who have stayed in Cuba after that date are not entitled to travel to the USA under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) with ESTA, but must apply for a visa. As a rule, this will be a B-1 (business) or B-2 (tourist) visa. Visas are also required for travelers who are dual nationals of a VWP country and Cuba.
We strongly advise all travelers not to make false statements in the ESTA application form. This applies to both new and existing ESTA authorizations. If an ESTA has been issued and it is later discovered that the traveler has been in Cuba on or after January 12, 2021 or has dual citizenship of a VWP country and Cuba, the ESTA will be revoked and entry will be denied. False information or concealment of previous trips to Cuba can lead to deportation and entry bans.
A travel visa is normally approved for 10 years and can even be used to travel between the USA and Cuba on direct flights without any worries. Passports are not stamped when entering Cuba.
We strongly advise all travelers not to make false statements in the ESTA application form. This applies to both new and existing ESTA authorizations. If an ESTA has been issued and it is later discovered that the traveler has been in Cuba on or after January 12, 2021 or has dual citizenship of a VWP country and Cuba, the ESTA will be revoked and entry will be denied. False information or concealment of previous trips to Cuba can lead to deportation and entry bans.
A travel visa is normally approved for 10 years and can even be used to travel between the USA and Cuba on direct flights without any worries. Passports are not stamped when entering Cuba.
29
Is there only rice and beans in Cuba? Is it true that there is not enough food in Cuba?
Cuba's culinary art is a fascinating mosaic of different cultural influences. In Havana, the vibrant capital, travelers are presented with a diverse selection of restaurants that often pleasantly surprise. When booking through us, guests automatically receive our carefully selected restaurant recommendations showcasing the best of Cuban cuisine.
Although the choice of food can sometimes be limited, Cuban products always guarantee freshness, regionality, seasonality and the absence of additives. A real treat for the senses!
Cuba is changing, also in the food trade. Tourists will never go short.
Although the choice of food can sometimes be limited, Cuban products always guarantee freshness, regionality, seasonality and the absence of additives. A real treat for the senses!
Cuba is changing, also in the food trade. Tourists will never go short.
30
What should you bear in mind when eating vegetarian or vegan food in Cuba?
The selection of vegetables and fruits on the Caribbean island is limited in variety. Vegetarians and vegans should be prepared for a monotonous diet during their entire stay in Cuba. We recommend that guests with special diets bring their own food. Under no circumstances should you rely on finding the products on site.
31
Can you travel Cuba by rental car?
Exploring Cuba by car is probably one of the most exciting and beautiful vacation adventures. You travel with complete flexibility and can combine beach stays, city sightseeing and hiking days as you wish. A flexible attitude is required when choosing the car category, as model adjustments are sometimes made. It is best never to travel with too much luggage or hard-sided suitcases, so you can easily adapt to the car model.
32
How to make calls in Cuba?
Cell phones work if the provider has a contract with Cuba. Be sure to check before you travel and check roaming charges.
33
How do you get gasoline in Cuba? How does refueling for rental cars in Cuba work?
There are two types of gas stations in Cuba: CUP gas stations and USD gas stations. At CUP stations, a Liter of Especial (unleaded) costs about 156 CUP, while at USD stations it costs about 1.30 USD. At USD petrol stations, payment can only be made by credit card and rental cars are only allowed to fill up with petrol there. Long queues can usually only be found at CUP filling stations. USD petrol stations are well distributed throughout the country, so travellers with rental cars do not have to worry about fuel supplies. With a little advance planning, you can travel the entire island without any problems.
34
How can I connect to the Internet in Cuba? Is there WLAN in the Cuban hotels?
You should enjoy your stay as a trip back in time! Cuba is an offline island and this is not changing very fast. Internet is not available everywhere in Cuba and is not stable all the time.
Wi-Fi is available in almost all hotels and is free if you stay there. Many restaurants and private accommodations also offer free Wi-Fi.
The WIFI connections in the hotels are not good throughout the entire complex; good reception is usually limited to the lobby and the rooms. WiFi hotspots are now available in almost every town and large village. WiFi cards can be purchased at any local branch of ETECSA (the Telecommunications Company in Cuba, according to its acronym in Spanish), but you can only get 3 cards per person per day (this arbitrary rule also applies to tourists). Please have your identity card (or a copy of your passport) with you when buying the cards. If you buy the WiFi cards through a third party, they will cost double or three times the price (but it is still a good option if there is no ETECSA branch nearby and you need 1 hour of internet). The internet connection in Cuba is very slow, some websites are still blocked.
Wi-Fi is available in almost all hotels and is free if you stay there. Many restaurants and private accommodations also offer free Wi-Fi.
The WIFI connections in the hotels are not good throughout the entire complex; good reception is usually limited to the lobby and the rooms. WiFi hotspots are now available in almost every town and large village. WiFi cards can be purchased at any local branch of ETECSA (the Telecommunications Company in Cuba, according to its acronym in Spanish), but you can only get 3 cards per person per day (this arbitrary rule also applies to tourists). Please have your identity card (or a copy of your passport) with you when buying the cards. If you buy the WiFi cards through a third party, they will cost double or three times the price (but it is still a good option if there is no ETECSA branch nearby and you need 1 hour of internet). The internet connection in Cuba is very slow, some websites are still blocked.
35
What documents do I need to travel to Cuba?
- Passport (valid for at least 6 months after departure from Cuba)
- Tourist card or E-Visa for Cuba eVisa-Cuba (evisacuba.cu) / TIP: Complete the E-Visa process with at least 1 week in advance!
- Return Ticket
- Medical insurance (valid for Cuba)
- Pre-filled customs form for entry https://www.dviajeros.mitrans.gob.cu/datosMigratorios
36
How long does my passport have to be valid to enter Cuba?
The passport must be valid for 6 months after the departure date from Cuba.
37
Do I need a travel visa for Cuba?
An entry card (tourist card) is required for Cuba. This is valid for 90 days and can be purchased from us when booking or online eVisa-Cuba. It can be purchased in advance in your own country, as the airlines will not allow passengers to fly without a tourist card. The entry card cannot be purchased in Cuba on arrival! Travelers who organize their trip themselves can obtain it online eVisa-Cuba. Depending on the country of issue, the costs are between 25-120 EUR.
38
How long is the tourist visa for Cuba valid for?
For all those who can't get enough of Cuba: Since November 2022, the normal tourist visa, which is valid for 90 days, can be extended by another 90 days. That means 180 days of Cuba enjoyment without interruption!
39
Do I need travel insurance for Cuba?
Travel insurance is always recommended, as an unexpected event can occur, for example, which means that the trip has to be canceled at short notice. Please note that travel health insurance is mandatory. You may be asked to show the policy upon entry.
40
Do I need health insurance to travel to Cuba?
Yes, travel insurance valid for Cuba must be presented. Travelers without international health insurance can purchase it at the airport in Cuba before entering the country. The cost is 3 USD per person/day for non-Americans. More information at: www.asistur.cu or www.esen.cu.
41
What other documents are required for a trip to Cuba?
Customs form filled out in advance for entry:
https://www.dviajeros.mitrans.gob.cu/datosMigratorios
https://www.dviajeros.mitrans.gob.cu/datosMigratorios
42
The right attitude for a trip around Cuba / Who should definitely visit Cuba?
Everything that is currently being "hyped" in Europe can be experienced here in everyday life and also as a visitor. What is life like without constant guaranteed electricity? What is life like with a "guaranteed basic income"? What is farming like without fertilizers and pesticides? What is it like not always being able to plan everything perfectly in advance? How can I enjoy the moment more? After a trip like this, you will have a second thought about a lot of things. Cuba is a country for adventurers who are flexible and open-minded.
43
Is Cuba a safe country to travel to?
In general, Cuba is a very safe country to travel to, not only in comparison to other Caribbean or Latin American countries, but also to European countries. There are no weapons on the streets and the laws regarding drugs and prostitution are very strict. Cuban police is also very harsh when it comes to tourism. As this is the country's most important source of income, crimes against tourists are punished very severely. However, these are relatively low - apart from minor offenses. If you follow a few rules of conduct, nothing usually happens.
44
Can I enter Cuba with a one-way ticket?
No, you must be able to show a round flight ticket.
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