CUBA TRAVEL TIPS - FAQ
Q: Will my Passport be stamped by Immigration in Cuba ?
NO, if you are an American Citizen your Passports will not be stamped.
If you’re not an American and you wish for your Passport not to be stamped then
you can ask them to stamp your Cuban Tourist Card (Cuban Visa / Tourist Visa).
Q: What type of money do they use in Cuba
and can credit cards and travelers cheques be used ?
Persons who travel to Cuba will exchange hard currency into Convertible Pesos (picture above) at Havana airport. The rate is fixed at 1 to 1 with the US dollar. HOWEVER, IT IS IMPORTANT TO NOTE that the exchange of US dollars into Convertible Pesos will result in a 10% commission being kept by the bank in Cuba. In the case Canadian dollars, British Pounds and Euros, zero% commission is applied by the bank in Cuba.
The exchange rate for these currencies against the Convertible Peso is the same as the daily rate between these currencies and the US dollar. In order to avoid the 10% commission applied to the US dollar, it is therefore recommendable to travel to Cuba with cash Canadian dollars, British Pounds or Euros. The Convertible Peso can be exchanged back into foreign currency upon departure. Visa and MasterCard credit cards are commonly used in most places.
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Q: What kind of clothes should I wear in Cuba?
We suggest you should dress lightly, especially in summer.
It is recommended to wear clothes made of cotton, linen or rayon; such as pullovers, shirts,
T-shirts, shorts and comfortable shoes (sandals or running shoes).
For winter, a light wool jacket or sweater and cotton pants can be enough for the occasional cold nights. Sunglasses, a hat and sun lotion are very necessary, as well as repellents against insects, especially if you travel to a beach area.
In some places, it is demanded to dress casually elegant (theaters, concerts and music halls, ballet presentations, luxury restaurants), so your wardrobe must include some appropriate clothing for the occasion.
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Q: What can we do at nights?
Go see a typical Cuban show like the Tropicana Show,
Jazz Café’s, Night Shows at the
Nacional Hotel & Melia Cohiba and others.
Q: Where can we eat?
Clubs, Private Restaurants (Paladara), Hotel Restaurants and Restaurants located
in Old Havana / Havana Vieja.
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Q: What can we bring ? Cuba customs regulations
You must be aware of some customs regulations before you travel to Cuba, for example: no weapons, explosives or pornographic magazines are allowed in the country; those tourists arriving from the States, either directly or from a third country, are not permitted to bring videocassette players. Tourists are allowed to bring, tax free, two bottles of liquor, one carton of cigarettes, personal belongings and jewels, photographic and video cameras, typewriters, sports and fishing gear. You can bring, duty free, up to 10 kilos of medicines in their original packaging.
Q: What is the voltage of the electricity supply?
The voltage in most residential and trade areas, offices and hotels is 110 V / 60 HZ,
though some facilities already have 220 V / 60 HZ. Wall outlets are for flat plugs.
Q: What about public transportation?
You should not take urban transportation - like the "camel" -, they are always crowded and unreliable. You should take taxis or tourist buses instead, or walk when it's short distances.
If you want to go on a tour of the island, your best option is to rent a car. There are several car rental offices at the airports, hotels and tourist spots providing high quality cars and services.
Q: What are the requirements to rent a car?
You must show your passport and driver's license in order to rent a car. The driver must be at least 21 years old; the license could be international or from your country but at least a year old. It is not advisable to drive at night. You must also watch out for animals on the road and cyclists in urban areas when you are driving. Park the car in a safe well-lit place and do not leave anything valuable in it. You are liable for traffic fines, failure to pay would mean incurring a debt with the State. We recommend you buy a "Road Guide of Cuba" which is very helpful for finding your way around on the roads.
Other useful information:
* There is no need to be vaccinated to come to Cuba. Most hotels provide 24-hours health care services with specialists and nurses. There are specialized clinics for tourists in the main cities.
* Though tap water is drinkable, we advise you to drink bottled water to avoid tropical illnesses.
* Population: 11,308,764 (July 2004 est.)
Capital: Havana (2004 est. pop. 2,306,000)
Second City: Santiago de Cuba (2000 est. pop. 441,524)
Total Area: 110,860 sq km (slightly smaller than the US State of Pennsylvania).
This is the largest country in Caribbean and westernmost island of the Greater Antilles Length
of the island (from Pinar del Rio to Guantanamo): 1074 kilometres.
Language: Spanish.
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