First Time Cuba
Checklist
ACheck with your bank/credit card company whether your debit and credit cards will work in Cuba.
APrint out a copy of your medical insurance to show at the airport.
ACheck when booking your air ticket that the tourist card is included in your flight package.
ABook ahead for accommodation and bus tickets.
What to Pack
ALatin American Spanish dictionary/phrasebook
APlug adaptors for European and US sockets
AGood money belt that fits snugly around your waist
ABasic first aid kit, pain killers and any required medications
AInsect repellent, sunscreen and sunglasses
AStash of cash in euros, Canadian dollars or pound sterling
AEnergy bars for long road trips
Top Tips for Your Trip
AFor a glimpse of the real Cuba and a chance to put your money directly into the pockets of individual Cubans, stay in a casa particular (private homestay).
ACarry toilet paper and antiseptic hand-wash, and drink bottled water.
AAvoid driving in Havana. The city has various public transportation options and reasonably priced taxis. Most neighborhoods are walkable.
AThanks to heavy bureaucracy, answers to simple requests aren’t always straightforward. Probe politely and ask at least five different people before you make important decisions.
ABring a warm jumper for buses – the air-conditioning is often freezing.
AUS travelers shouldn't rely on credit/debit cards – despite diplomatic talk, their use in Cuba still hasn't been activated.
ABook ahead for accommodation and transport, especially in peak season.
What to Wear
Cuba is a hot, humid country which, thankfully, has a casual approach to clothing. Locals generally opt for shorts, sandals and T-shirts; women favor tight-fitting Lycra, men looser guayabera shirts (invented in Cuba). There are only two nude beaches in Cuba, frequented almost exclusively by foreigners. Cinemas and theaters usually have a ‘no shorts’ rule for men.
Sleeping
Cuba's tourist numbers continue to climb, but hotel provision has lagged behind. It is thus advisable to book all accommodation well in advance.
ACasas particulares Cuban homes that rent rooms to foreigners; an authentic and economic form of cultural immersion.
ACampismos Cheap, rustic accommodations in rural areas, usually in bungalows or cabins.
AHotels All Cuban hotels are government-owned. Prices and quality range from cheap Soviet-era to high-flying colonial chic.
AResorts Large international-standard hotels in resort areas that sell all-inclusive packages.
Money
Cuba has two currencies though the government is in the process of unifying them. At the time of writing, convertibles (CUC$) and pesos (moneda nacional; MN$) were both still in circulation. One convertible is worth 25 pesos. Non-Cubans deal almost exclusively in convertibles.
Bargaining
Cuba’s socialist economy doesn’t have a history of bargaining, though there may be some room for maneuver on prices at private enterprise markets.
Tipping
Tipping in Cuba is important. Since most Cubans earn their money in moneda nacional (MN$), leaving a small tip of CUC$1 (MN$25) or more can make a huge difference.
AResorts/hotels Tip for good service with bellboys, room maids and bar/restaurant staff.
AMusicians Carry small notes for the ubiquitous musicians in restaurants. Tip when the basket comes round.
ATour guides Depending on tour length, tip from a dollar for a few hours to more for extensive guiding.
ARestaurants Standard 10%, or up to 15% if service is excellent and/or you’re feeling generous.
ATaxis Tip 10% if you are on the meter, otherwise agree full fare beforehand.
Etiquette
Cuba is an informal country with few rules of etiquette.
AGreetings Shake hands with strangers; a kiss or double-cheek kiss is appropriate between people (men–women and women–women) who have already met.
AConversation Although they can be surprisingly candid, Cubans aren’t keen to discuss politics, especially with strangers and if it involves being openly critical of the government.
ADancing Cubans don’t harbor any self-consciousness about dancing. Throw your reservations out of the window and let loose.
Eating
APrivate restaurants Although slightly pricier than their state-run equivalents, private restaurants nearly always offer the best, freshest food and the highest quality service.
ACasas particulares Cuban homestays invariably serve a massive breakfast for around CUC$5; some also offer an equally large and tasty dinner made from the freshest ingredients.
AHotels & resorts The all-inclusives offer buffet food of an international standard but after a week it can get a bit bland.
AState-run restaurants Varying food and service from top-notch places in Havana to unimaginative rations in the provinces. Prices often lower than private places.
Language
Cubans working in the tourist industry are usually proficient in English as well as other European languages. Elsewhere, Spanish predominates. Many casa particular owners speak limited or no English, and most museums print explanations in Spanish. Bring a phrasebook or install a language app on your phone before travel.
For more on Latin American Spanish, see the language chapter.