A First Timer's Guide to Cuba

Caribbean Cuba has mystified travellers for decades with its lively culture and geopolitics—here’s everything you need to know about planning your trip of a lifetime

For so long, timeworn Cuba was reserved for the most adventurous travellers. Its cities were shrouded in mystery and its cobbled, colonial towns were all but closed to foreigners. But the landscape, both physically and mentally, is changing. More people than ever are visiting the vibrant streets of this Caribbean gem to see what Cuban hospitality is all about, and explore the country while it retains its authentic spirit.

Here, everything you need to know for your first trip to Cuba.

Travel insurance, visas, passports 

Travel insurance is compulsory for entry into Cuba. Please ensure your policy covers Cuba as a destination. If you are utilising credit card insurance please check that it will cover travel to Cuba and obtain a copy of the policy to carry with you as you may be asked to present a copy on arrival.

It is your responsibility to ensure you have a valid passport for travel. Your passport must be valid for a minimum of six months from the intended date of return. Visas to travel to Cuba and entry requirements are subject to change without notice. For the most up-to-date visa requirements, we recommend visiting the official travel advisory site in your country of residence or the passport you intend to travel to Cuba with: 

In Australia, visit Smart Traveller 
In New Zealand, visit Safe Travel 
In the United States, visit Travel. State. Gov.
In Canada, visit Travel Advice and Advisories
In India, visit Ministry of Home Affairs

Currency

Cuba's official currency is the Cuban Peso (moneda nacional or CUP). USD and Euro are the most useful currencies in Cuba and are accepted nearly everywhere. Due to the banking arrangements in Cuba, it may not be as easy to access funds via your credit or debit card as it is in other countries. We therefore recommend bringing enough cash to cover your visit, with your cards serving as a back up only. Before you travel, check with your bank if your cards will work in Cuba, and please keep in mind that ATMs are limited outside Havana.

Make sure you have plenty of small notes with you, and exchange small amounts of money to CUP. Before you leave, change your Cuban Pesos. Keep in mind that all Cuban State-operated places (including State-run restaurants and markets) will always require payment in CUP. Private businesses (including taxis, bars, privately-run restaurants, and small shops) will most likely prefer payment in USD or Euro.

Tipping

In Cuba, tipping is an important part of life. Many Cubans live on government salaries, taking home less than US$50 a month, so while a few dollars may not be much to you, it could significantly help your driver, hotel staff or anyone else who assists you during your travels. Additionally, if someone goes out of their way to help you on the street, or promises you entry to a special event, you can expect they’ll ask for a tip. Carry plenty of small notes with you if you wish to tip and at restaurants, aim to tip around 10% of the bill and more for great service.  

Telecommunications and the internet 

The internet in Cuba isn’t as simple as finding a network and entering a password. Internet access in Cuba is provided by a Cuban Government-owned telecommunications company called ETECSA (Empresa de Telecomunicaciones de Cuba S.A). ETECSA strictly controls where you can access the internet, although the number of locations is increasing. Be mindful that you may not be able to access the entire network and certain websites are blocked and prepare to have inconsistent access. 

To access Wi-Fi, you’ll need to purchase a NAUTA internet card, either from an ETECSA (Cuba’s telecommunications company) office, or from a hotel (your guide may be able to assist). While the network gets stronger, cheaper and more accessible every year, don’t expect the speeds you get at home. Instead, embrace the Cuban way and enjoy your time off the grid!

Language

The official language of Cuba is Spanish, but the country’s location and historic African ties mean that a small percentage speak other languages like Lucumí, Haitian and Creole. Due to Cuba’s isolation from the west, many older people never learned English, unless they were involved in the tourism industry.

In Havana, a growing number of young people are learning English and are eager to interact with visitors. Ultimately, whether you speak to locals in Spanish or English is up to you, but the more you can communicate, the richer your experience will be.

Weather

For the most part, Cuba is hot and humid and experiences distinct wet and dry seasons.  

If you prefer dry and sunny weather, visiting during the dry season (November to April) may suit you best. Temperatures are hot, and peak around 30 degrees Celsius in April. The temperatures do get even hotter in the wet season, but the humidity is lower. 

Temperatures are at their hottest during the wet season from May to October, but there can be significant rain in November. Temperatures peak to an average of 32 degrees Celsius in August with high humidity, especially in September. 

Hurricanes can bring huge amounts of rainfall and extreme winds, with the peak of the hurricane season during August and September. Keep in mind destructive weather is rare and there are plenty of pleasant, sunny days.

Safety

While there’s a lingering stereotype that Latin America is dangerous, the opposite could be said for Cuba. Serious crime rates across Cuba are also very low, and unlike most places around the world, there’s practically no dangerous, off-limits areas, even in Havana. 

Other than keeping your wits about you as you would anywhere, the only thing to be aware of is petty theft and swindlers. These professional scam-artists or jineteros target tourists and offer everything from Cuban cigars, to private tours, or exclusive restaurant entry, all in the pursuit of dinero (money). Thankfully, jineteros are typically friendly and non-violent—most of them live off the tips garnered from generous visitors. In most cases, if you give a firm no gracias (no thanks) or no me molestes (don’t bother me), you'll be left alone.

Finally, set your expectations accordingly

Cuba is home to beautiful landscapes and a vibrant culture, but it’s important to remember that this country isn’t like its glamourous Caribbean neighbours. Facilities across Cuba are relatively basic and its hotels, while perfectly clean and comfortable, shouldn’t be compared to western 5-star standards. Power outages and blackouts are common but no cause for concern—it’s all part of the Cuban experience. B&Bs are among the best accommodation options, as they connect you with locals and have their own distinctive charm. Plus, by staying in homestays, you’re directly supporting the Cuban people.

Between touring the colonial streets, taking salsa classes and relaxing on the pristine coastline with a mojito in hand, you’ll barely have time to worry about anything except relaxing!