Top Tips Cuba

‘I’ve got the travel bug’ 

So Cuba what to do and what not to do!! 

Here’s some top tips to follow that I think you should know before travelling to this beautiful destination... 

Number 1 - Money

So the money is confusing!! 

In Cuba there are two currencies- the CUP which is the Cuban Peso but this is mainly used by locals. You may end up with change in this money if buying from the local shops etc. 

The other is CUC’s but which are Cuban Convertible Peso and what we used and most tourists, it  is the same rate as US Dollars... 1 CUC is the same as $1. It  has more value and easier to use. 

Cubans also accept Euros and Canadian Dollars.

Neither CUC or CUP are available outside of Cuba, which means you'll need to take your travel money with you in pounds, ready to convert at one of the banks or the hotel your staying at. 

Take cash, not many places accept card and make sure you have lots of smaller notes to tip, buy drinks etc because most places don’t have change. 

Number 2 - Food

Cuban cuisine is a blend of Spanish, African, and other Caribbean cuisines. 

One food you must try is Tamales. Similar to the Mexican ones, but in Cuba the meat is actually mixed with the dough and not used as a filling. Delicious!!!! 

One tip to make sure you follow is once something runs out in Cuba you wont see it again for a while. Food takes a lot longer to get to Cuba as there are restrictions and also trade isn’t great so the food isn’t always the best. We had delicious food whilst travelling the island and no problems but do watch for any left out meat and fish as a funny tummy is common in Cuba! 

Number 3 - Travel Insurance 

Make sure you have travel insurance which will cover you for most things out in Cuba. They do random checks in the airports to check people are travelling with insurance. If you can’t prove you have it they will stop you entering the country. We wasn’t checked but we’ve heard random selection is common.

Number 4 - Safe

Cuba is very safe for you to wander but like in any country I would be wary at night unless you know where you’re going. 

We had one issue with two boys who followed us because we had a camera but you get problems with theft wherever you go and once they realised we knew they ran off. 

Don’t wander alleys and don’t go out on your own.

Number 5 - Printing 

There are not many Printers in Cuba, in fact you would be lucky to find one. Make sure you have all your travel documents that’s you need printed before you leave for Cuba.

Number 6 - Tourist Card

Check with your airline but most companies give you a tourist card to fill out on the plane prior to landing for you to fill out. You must do so before going through passport control. 

If your airline provider does not give you one then you must get one offline before you travel.

Cuba, like many countries, has a departure tax. It is 25 CUC (pesos convertibles) per person and paid at the airport when leaving. 

Number 7 - Water 

The water is not safe to drink in Cuba! We made sure we had bottles of water by the sink as well as in our room to brush our teeth with. 

Number 8 - Sea 

The sea is safe in Cuba but there’s always things in the sea that can hurt you wherever you go!

There were a few tiny jelly fish swimming around that would give you a little tingle as they swam past but they were harmless, my partner got one stuck in his shorts which was entertaining! 

I do know though that you must stay out the sea at night as sharks rests in the shallow waters at night, so no skinny dipping! 

Also crocodiles are common in Cuba so watch before you jump in any water.

Number 9 - Things don’t get fixed!

One thing you will learn in Cuba is once something is broken it won’t get fixed for a while, maybe not at all! Cubans are very relaxed and things take a lot longer than we are used to. 

I remember the baggage carrier broke in the airport and we had to wait ages while they did it by hand, funny thing is we found out that it hadn’t broken that day it had broken the week before haha! 

Just prepare to wait or just get used to it!!

Number 10 - Cuban Music 

Do not leave Cuba without having a dance! The Spanish music is played everywhere but it is a good way to learn the moves and get involved! 

Go have fun, you won’t regret a trip here, just follow these top tips and go with a open mind!!