USEFUL INFO CUBA
Practical information to organize the trip with details about the best period to go, necessary documents, how to get around and much more.
WHEN TO GO to CUBA
The best time to visit Cuba is from November to April, when the weather is milder, with temperatures ranging from 20°C to 30°C. This period coincides with the dry season, ideal for enjoying the beaches and outdoor activities. May through October is the rainy and hurricane season, with higher temperatures and high humidity, but also lower rates.
DOCUMENTS REQUIRED for CUBA
To enter Cuba, a passport valid for at least 6 months from the date of arrival is required. In addition, a tourist visa (tourist card) is required, which can be obtained through travel agencies or embassies. It is mandatory to have a health insurance policy that covers any medical expenses during your stay. For more information on this, we recommend that you consult the Farnesina website.
WHAT TO BRING TO CUBA
Cuba is fantastic country with lots of wonders to discover.
Don't forget the essentials:
Comfortable and resistant shoes
Mosquito repellent and hand sanitizer
Sunscreen and after-sun cream (especially in the summer months)
Credit card just in case (remember to notify the bank that you will make withdrawals and payments abroad)
Photocopy of your passport in case of loss
Kit of basic medicines (Paracetamol, Anti-inflammatory, Intestinal antibiotic and broad spectrum antibiotic, Antidiarrheal, Lactic ferments and Patches)
Light clothes to withstand the heat
If you travel with a lot of medicines, remember to enclose your medical prescriptions
CUBA'S CULTURE
Cuban culture is a vibrant interweaving of African, Spanish, and indigenous traditions, resulting in one of the Caribbean's most distinctive identities. Music is a staple of daily life, with iconic genres such as son, salsa, rumba, and jazz telling the story and soul of the Cuban people. Music is not only heard, but also experienced, with frequent live performances and dances that involve everyone, young and old.
Dance is another crucial cultural expression. Cuban dances, such as salsa, mambo, and cha-cha-cha, are a true body language, and dance schools are widespread everywhere, among Cubans and tourists alike. Cities like Havana are full of rhythms and movements that make every corner a celebration of culture.
Cuban art is equally expressive and diverse, with painters, sculptors and musicians finding inspiration in their history, politics and daily lives. Havana's galleries and museums, such as the Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes, showcase the talent and passion of Cuban artists.
Cuban cuisine blends Spanish, African, and Caribbean influences, with iconic dishes such as “ropa vieja” (stewed beef), arroz con pollo (rice with chicken), and “tostón” (fried plantain). The conviviality of Cuban cuisine reflects the welcoming and festive spirit of the people.
GAY FRIENDLY CUBA?
Cuba is generally considered a welcoming country for the LGBT+ community, although the situation varies by area and social perception. Havana is the most open and tolerant city, with a vibrant gay scene, bars, clubs, and events such as Cubadisco. Cuban law does not discriminate against LGBT+ people, and homosexuality has been decriminalized since 1979. However, conservative thinking persists in some rural areas. Cuba is making progress in inclusiveness, but the approach is still more progressive in large cities than in more remote areas.
LOCAL CURRENCY in CUBA
The local currency in Cuba is the Cuban peso (CUP). However, for tourists, the currency of choice for many transactions is the Euro (EUR) or the U.S. dollar (USD), as foreign currency payments are accepted in many tourist facilities. To facilitate exchanges, tourists can change money into CUP at exchange bureaus (CADECA) or banks. It is important to note that the use of international credit cards is limited, so it is advisable to bring cash. Local currency transactions are necessary for many everyday purchases, such as food and transportation.
CREDIT CARDS in CUBA
In Cuba, the use of international credit cards is limited because many cards issued by U.S. banking institutions are not accepted due to the embargo. Visa, MasterCard and some international credit cards are generally accepted in tourist areas and upscale hotels, but they cannot be used everywhere. It is advisable to bring cash in Euros or USD, as it is easier to change them into local currency. Also, when paying by card, a 3-5% surcharge may apply, so it is always preferable to have a good supply of cash.
LOCAL TIPS in CUBA
In Cuba, tips are an important part of the local culture and are generally highly appreciated. Although not obligatory, it is customary to leave a tip for services received. In restaurants, tipping about 10-15% is typical, especially if the service is not already included in the bill. For taxi drivers, it is common to round up the price or leave a little extra. Tips are also appreciated by tour guides, waiters, and hotel staff. It is advisable to always have small CUP (Cuban peso) bills to leave appropriate tips for various services.
BARGAIN in CUBA
In Cuba, bargaining is a common practice, especially in local markets, with handicraft vendors, and in nongovernment stores. Although prices are often fixed, it is possible to negotiate for discounts, especially in street markets or when buying souvenirs. However, it is important to do so with respect and consideration, since Cubans' income depends in part on tourism. In tourist facilities, such as hotels and restaurants, prices are generally fixed and non-negotiable. Haggling in a polite and friendly manner can lead to good results without compromising the relationship with locals.
ELECTRICITY AND TIME ZONE in CUBA
In Cuba, the electrical voltage is 110/220V with a frequency of 60Hz. The outlets are generally type A and B, similar to those in the United States, but some places may also have type C or L outlets. Therefore, it is advisable to bring a universal adapter if your devices are not compatible with these outlets. If you have sensitive electronic devices, such as laptops or cameras, you may also want to bring a power stabilizer, as there are occasional power outages or power surges.
Regarding the time zone, Cuba is in the UTC-5 time zone, but during the summer, due to daylight saving time, it is shifted to UTC-4. Therefore, during the winter period, Cuba's time is 5 hours behind Rome's time, while during the summer the difference is 6 hours. This means that when it is noon in Rome, in Cuba it is 7:00 a.m. (in winter) and 6:00 a.m. (in summer). Keeping these time zone differences in mind is important when planning calls or transfers, especially if you are traveling to or from European or American countries.
GETTING AROUND in CUBA
Getting around Cuba is a unique experience that requires some adaptation, as the country has a different transportation system than many tourists are used to. Travel options range from inexpensive public transportation to more comfortable and private options.
If you want to explore Cuba quickly, the plane is the most practical way to travel between major cities such as Havana, Santiago de Cuba, and Varadero. Cuban airlines offer cheap domestic flights, but sometimes schedules can be subject to sudden changes. If you plan to move within cities, cabs are a convenient and fairly common choice. In Havana, for example, it is possible to take traditional cabs or vintage cars, which are very popular with tourists, but it is always important to agree on the price before you leave, as taxis are not always metered.
For those who prefer a cheaper option, “camiones,” or public buses, are an alternative, although they can be very crowded, especially during peak hours. In tourist areas, collective cabs are common, a kind of minibus shared with others, and are often a convenient option for single travelers or in small groups.
Another interesting way to get around is to use bicycles or rickshaws. In Havana, the rickshaw is a traditional means of transportation that allows you to move quickly through the city's alleys, while also providing an opportunity for a more intimate and pleasant overview. In more rural areas, motorcycles are a popular means of transportation, but intercity travel often takes place via tour buses, which connect the island's main tourist attractions.
Walking is also an ideal choice for exploring the historic centers of cities such as Havana or Trinidad, where traffic is more limited. Getting around Cuba may require patience, but it offers an authentic experience of engaging with the local culture.
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