Pre-Planning
You've decided to make your travel plans for Cuba and you're ready to book your flights; it is important that you now determine if you require a Visitor's Visa.
It is a good idea to check with your Airline to determine if they will provide your Visa; many Canadian Airlines include the tourist card with the ticket, but always confirm first.
Click on the image below which will direct you to the Cuban Visa website. This site will explain all that you need to do and is the easiest and quickest way to apply for your Visa.
Cuba has a dual currency system, whereby most wages and prices are set in Cuban pesos (CUP), while the tourist economy operates with Convertible pesos (CUC), set at par with the US dollar. The currency situation is made more confusing since Cubans will refer to both CUCs and Moneda Nacional as Pesos.
For most tourists moneda nacional has little relevance since most, if not all of their expenditure will be in CUCs. This includes accommodation, food in most restaurants, taxis, bus tickets, nightclub entrances, gratuities and so on. Things, which can be paid for in local currency include, fruit and vegetables at the agricultural market, street foods as well as local buses.
ATM's are few and far between; bring as much cash as you can or travelers cheques.
Avoid US dollars; you will be subject to a 10% additional tax/commission. The best currencies are Euros, Canadian Dollars, or Sterling since these are the most common and the exchange rates are generally quite reasonable. The CUC is set to the US Dollar (at 1:1), so a stronger US Dollar means a stronger CUC for other currencies. Universally accepted at banks or Cadecas include the Swiss Francs (CHF), Mexican Pesos (MXN) and Japanese Yen (JPY). There is no outright commission charged on transactions in cash although the exchange rate will generally be 3% worse than you would be charged on your credit card (for which you pay a 3% processing fee), so you receive the same CUCs for changing 100 Euros in cash or 100 Euros on your credit card.
Currency
Click the image to access the Currency Exchange Site
EXCHANGING CURRENCY
The easiest place to change money is at a CADECA (change bureau) or at a Cuban *BFI Bank. The exchange rates in all CADECAS and all banks are identical so there is no need to shop around. Hotels often have CADECAS within their premises. If you change money at the hotel front desk you will generally receive a worse exchange rate then elsewhere.
There are 4 main banks in Cuba. BFI is the most reliable. All foreign coins are useless. Make sure that you get a printed receipt when changing money.
CREDIT CARDS
Cash is king in Cuba. Except in major hotels
you should not count on paying for goods or
services with a credit card anywhere in Cuba.
WHAT TO WEAR
Dependent upon your departure location and the time of year you are travelling your travel clothing will be based on your departure location. However, once you arrive in Cuba you will find that the weather is tropical, year round.
Light clothing and fabrics such as cotton, linen, rayon and chambray are ideal for outdoor activities, they are breathable fabrics that wear well in warmer climates. Air conditioning is typical in larger hotels, shopping malls and charter buses; however it is recommended that you dress for the temperature outside. During the cooler months a light overcoat or sweater will be sufficient. During the rainy season (May to October), rain gear or an umbrella will come in handy.
Casual dress is most common in Cuba, and there are wonderful vendors everywhere who offer light, colorful outerwear. Visitors who enjoy elegant dining, theater and other sophisticated entertainment tend to dress more formally for those occasions.
Area Maps
Click on the Maps Button to access
maps for areas and Cities in Cuba.
TripAdvisor
Click on the Globe Button to access information and reviews on TripAdvisor.com
Passport
All travelers to Cuba must possess a valid passport that does not expire in six months or less, a return ticket, travel insurance policy with medical coverage, and a visa or tourist visa.
Unlicensed U.S. citizens may be allowed a stay of up to 90 days upon entry.
British citizens are granted 30 days upon entry; this can be extended for another 30 days within Cuba.
Canadian citizens are granted a visa for 90 days; this can be extended for 90 days only.
For all other countries please check with your local government agency.
Travel Insurance
As of May 1, 2010 all travelers to Cuba must have Medical Insurance.
The insurance should be purchased in the country of departure; most international insurance companies receive travel assistance services in Cuba from Asistur S.A, available 24 hours all year round.
Upon arrival in Cuba travelers will be required to provide proof of their medical insurance.
In case of any medical emergency, the Cuban health system guarantees the necessary medical care through a network of clinics and hospitals, covering every corner of the island. Primary health care is provided in most of the hotels.
Tourist Card
The tourist card allows its holder to stay in Cuba for 90 days from the date of entry into the country, and is valid for 1 entry into Cuba. For a stay of more than 90 days, one can request an extension of another 3 months at any tourism office in Cuba, for a maximum stay of 6 months.
Children, regardless of their age, also require a tourist card, even if they are registered on their parents' passports
Charity
We have been donating a bike each per trip to families and guides that we have been fortunate enough to meet while exploring Cuba. Our local Bicycle businesses have been more than happy to donate bikes; your local businesses may be happy to donate too.
Ask us how you can easily bring a bike per traveler for free.
Time Zone
Cuba is on Eastern Standard Time. From May through October, Cuba moves into daylight savings time (an hour ahead).
Cuba’s electricity is 110 volts, 60 Hz, but most hotels and resorts have 220 volts. Electrical outlets take flat plug prongs. If you’re bringing an electrical appliance, check before you leave to see if you need an adapter or converter.