Exploring Havana: Travel Tips And Insights

What to Know About Traveling to Havana

Havana, Cuba's capital, is a vibrant city with a rich history and culture. However, for travellers, it can be a challenging destination due to its unique economic and political situation. Here are some essential things to know before planning a trip to Havana:

- Visa Requirements: Most visitors to Cuba need a tourist card or visa, which can be purchased from the Cuban Embassy, airlines, or travel agencies. US citizens must fall under one of the 12 approved travel categories and may need to obtain a specific visa.

- Travel Insurance: All visitors are required to have valid medical insurance and proof of it. Random checks are conducted at the airport, and those without insurance will have to buy a Cuban policy.

- Currency Complications: Cuba has a dual currency system with the Cuban Peso (CUP) and the Cuban Convertible Peso (CUC). Foreign currencies, especially euros, are widely accepted, and it's best to carry cash as credit cards may not work.

- Accommodation: Booking accommodation in advance is recommended, and staying in a casa particular (private homestay) offers an authentic experience.

- Health Precautions: Bring your own medications, including prescriptions and essentials like ibuprofen, as Cuba's healthcare system may not have all the supplies. Avoid drinking tap water, and be cautious of street food.

- Transportation: Classic cars and taxis are a fun way to get around, but walking is also a great option for exploring Havana.

- Communication Barriers: Spanish is the main language, and Cuban Spanish can be fast and informal. Learning some basic phrases will be helpful, and an offline translation app is recommended.

- Safety: Havana is generally safe, but pickpocketing occurs. Keep valuables secure, and be aware of your surroundings, especially at night.

- Cultural Differences: Greeting locals with qué bola, asere? is a friendly way to connect. Dress is typically casual, but some venues require long trousers and shirts with sleeves for men.

- Practical Tips: Bring toilet paper, as it's not always available in public restrooms. Also, be prepared for power outages and bring a portable charger.

Currency and money matters

Cuba's monetary policy changes often, and the exchange rates are volatile. The official currency in Cuba is the Cuban Peso (CUP), and you will use it the most while on the island. However, as a traveler, using CUPs and money in general is not straightforward.

Cuban Pesos (CUP)

Cuban Pesos are available in bills of 1, 3, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, 500, and 1000. You can also find coins in denominations of 1, 3, and 5 pesos, as well as 5 and 20-cent coins.

Using CUPs

As a traveler, you will cover most of your trip to Cuba costs in Cuban Pesos, including local transportation, tours and travel services by state-owned companies, and shopping at state-owned stores.

Foreign Currencies

You must pay for certain transactions in foreign currency. For example:

• All-inclusive hotels and some resorts won't accept cash in Cuban Pesos.
• When renting a car, you must pay in foreign currency at car rental offices in Cuba, and you can't use cash.
• You must use your home currency at the airport past the security checkpoint.
• You can also use foreign currency when tipping in Cuba, but remember that the people you tip will later need to exchange the foreign currency for Cuban Pesos.

US Dollars in Cuba

You can bring US dollars to Cuba and exchange them for Cuban Pesos at CADECA (Casas de Cambio, the government's currency exchange house) or in the informal market. However, you cannot use US dollars in Cuba at any government-owned facility. You can't use credit or debit cards issued by US banks either.

The Euro is the best currency to bring to Cuba if you plan to use it. It's convenient, widely accepted on the island, and subject to the lowest bank fee (2%) when exchanging them.

Credit Cards in Cuba

You can use credit cards in Cuba as long as they are not issued by a US bank or a subsidiary of a US bank. However, Cuba is primarily a cash country, as the credit card processing infrastructure on the island is quite poor. ATMs are scarce, expensive, and unreliable.

MLC Cards for Travelers

On June 15, 2021, the Cuban Government launched prepaid MLC cards exclusively available to foreign visitors. BANDEC (a Cuban bank) issues these cards, and you can use them to pay for goods and services at facilities that accept "Moneda Libremente Convertible" (MLC). MLC is a digital currency that Cuban residents can use at "dollar stores."

Tips for Handling Money in Cuba

• Cuba's currency system is unique, so be prepared.
• You must use CUPs for most of your expenses in Cuba.
• You can use your home currency only when paying for a rental car, tipping, and past the airport security checkpoint.
• Bring US dollars or Euros and sell them in the informal market. You will get twice what you would have gotten at CADECA.
• Keep in mind that US dollars are not accepted at any state-owned facility.
• You can use non-US credit cards and ATMs in Cuba, but the infrastructure is scattered and old.
• Exchange your leftover Cuban Pesos before going to the airport. It will be hard to sell them once you are there, and you can't use them past the security checkpoint.

Required visas and insurance

When travelling to Havana, it is important to ensure that you have the correct visa and adequate insurance. Here is what you need to know:

Visas

Most countries require a tourist visa to enter Cuba. The cost of a tourist visa ranges from $$20 to $85 and can usually be purchased at the airport before checking in for your flight. However, it is recommended to double-check with your airline, as some may include the visa in the price of the ticket or offer it during the online booking process. For US citizens, the process is more complicated. Due to strained political relations, different rules apply. US citizens must apply for a travel license under one of 12 special categories, as tourist visas are not available. These categories include "support for the Cuban people", "educational activities", and "humanitarian projects", among others. It is important to note that there is no category for vacation or tourism, so US citizens must choose the category that best fits their purpose of travel. Additionally, US citizens should be prepared to show their visa not only when entering Cuba but also when returning to the US.

Transportation options

Havana is a relatively walkable city, with many of its top attractions within a few miles of each other. However, there are several other transportation options to get you around the city.

Taxi

The most common and iconic mode of transport in Havana is the classic American car, which operates as a taxi. These vintage cars, known as "taxi particulares", charge around CUC$5 for a ride anywhere in the city. However, drivers may try to charge tourists more, so be prepared to negotiate. At certain tourist locations, such as Hotel Nacional, you may have to pay CUC$10-15 for a taxi. There are also modern government taxis that charge a flat rate of CUC$10.

Colectivo and Almendrones

Locals also get around the city using shared taxis known as "colectivo" or "almendrones". These shared taxis operate on fixed routes and are a cheap way to get around, but they may not always be willing to take tourists.

Bus

For longer distances within the city, there is a local bus system. Buses are affordable, costing only 1 CUP (around $0.05), but it can be challenging to understand the routes. Your host or accommodation may be able to provide guidance on which buses to take.

Train

Train travel in Cuba has improved in recent years, with the government replacing old railcars with modern, air-conditioned trains. However, train travel is still not the most reliable option, and you must purchase tickets in person and present your passport.

Bicycle

Bicycles are a popular mode of transport for locals, and you can rent one to get around Havana. This can be a fun and eco-friendly way to explore the city.

Long-Distance Travel

For travel between cities in Cuba, flying is the fastest option, with a flight time of around 1 hour and 25 minutes from Havana to Santiago de Cuba. Alternatively, you can take a long-distance coach, such as Viazul, or Conectando, which offers a customised pick-up service.

Accommodation types

Casa Particulares

The most common form of accommodation in Cuba is Casa Particulares. These are rooms or apartments rented by locals for a daily fee. Sometimes, you might rent an apartment for yourself, while in other cases, you might rent a room in a family's house and share the common spaces with them. Many families have turned their houses into Casa Particulares with several rooms to make a living in Cuba. If you can, stay in a Casa Particular for the local experience and to help the family's local business. The base price per night in a Casa Particular is $25+, which is a fraction of what you'll pay at a hotel. Many Casa Particulares are now bookable via Airbnb.

Hotels

There are several hotels in Cuba, but they are more expensive than Casa Particulares. It is recommended to book your hotel in advance, which will not only guarantee you have a place to stay, but will also allow you to pay in advance and travel with less cash. Book a hotel through a reputable agency – Canada-based A Nash Travel has some excellent deals.

Airbnb

Many Casa Particulares are using Airbnb and HostelWorld to promote themselves without the need for a website. At the moment, these are the easiest and most straightforward options to book accommodation in Cuba.

Food and drink

Havana's food scene is unlike any other in the world, but not in the way you might think. Yes, there are staple dishes and notable places to eat and drink, but like much of the country, food is heavily socialised. Cuba has a tricky history with trade relations, and as a result, food must be rationed. As a visitor, your food won't be rationed, but try not to get disgruntled if meals listed on restaurant menus aren't available. And considering the average Cuban only makes 471 pesos (about $20) per month and is typically rationed five eggs during that same time period, don't be surprised if you find locals staring at you for not finishing your meal.

A typical Cuban dish is moros y cristianos, or congris, which is a combination of black beans and rice served with your choice of meat. Stews made with shredded beef and vegetables (ropa vieja) are also popular, as is suckling pig. Fried plantains are a must-try snack, along with Cuban coffee. Cuban coffee is espresso mixed with sugar while brewing. It is so strong that it is served in tiny cups, so don't expect to find anything resembling a Frappuccino.

There are two types of restaurants: state-run restaurants and paladares, or private establishments. State-run restaurants primarily cater to Cubans and hold a reputation for offering less than stellar food and service. Paladares, on the other hand, are privately owned eateries housed in residences that tend to offer better food and service. Popular paladares include the French-themed Le Chansonnier, San Cristóbal, which serves Cuban-Creole fusion food, and Atelier. Another iconic eatery lauded by both travel experts and visitors is La Guarida, which was featured in the Oscar-nominated Cuban film, "Fresa y Chocolate" ("Strawberry and Chocolate"). The former movie set became so popular that its owner turned it into a restaurant.

As the inventor of the mojito and the daiquiri, not to mention world-class rum purveyors, Cuba – especially Havana – thrives at night-time. If you're a Hemingway fan, stop by El Floridita, home to the writer's favourite daiquiri. If you want more than just a bar, try Fabrica de Arte Cubano, which features multiple bars and has space for an art gallery, a dance club and a concert hall. For strictly dancing, hit up La Casa de la Música in Centro Habana (there are two locations in Havana – stick to the central one). Tropicana is a name that might come up in your research, too. It's not a club, but rather a historic Las Vegas-style cabaret show. No matter what path you choose, make sure to end your night at El Malecón.

Frequently asked questions