Cuba Guide de voyage
Informations essentielles de voyage — numéros d’urgence, sécurité, monnaie, visas, coutumes et déplacements.
Cuba is generally a safe destination for travelers, with low rates of violent crime compared to many countries in the region. Petty crime such as pickpocketing and theft is the main concern, especially in tourist areas of Havana and on crowded transport. The larger practical challenges are economic: persistent shortages of food, fuel, medicine, and cash, along with frequent and sometimes prolonged power outages (apagones). Travelers should bring sufficient cash, as international cards (especially US-issued cards) often do not work.
Cuban peso (CUP)
Types A and B (and sometimes C); voltage is commonly 110V but many newer hotels also offer 220V, at 60Hz. Carry a universal adapter and check voltage before plugging in appliances.
Tipping is widespread and important. Leave around 10% in restaurants if service isn't included, tip hotel staff, musicians, and guides a few dollars or the equivalent, and round up or give a small tip to taxi drivers. Cash tips in euros or US dollars are especially valued, though pesos are fine too.
ETECSA is the sole telecom provider. Buy a Cubacel tourist SIM or eSIM for data, available at airports, ETECSA offices, and some hotels; bring your passport. Mobile data exists but can be slow and patchy, and outages affect connectivity. Public Wi-Fi historically required Nauta scratch cards in parks and hotels, though mobile data has largely replaced this. Do not expect reliable, fast internet anywhere.
Most tourists need a Cuban Tourist Card (commonly called the 'tarjeta del turista' or tourist visa), available through airlines, travel agencies, or Cuban consulates, valid for a single stay of typically 30 days and extendable once. Passports should be valid for the duration of stay. Travelers must show proof of valid travel health insurance on entry. US travelers face additional rules under US law: travel must fall under one of the authorized categories (tourism is technically not permitted), and a pink tourist card is required for those arriving from the US. Always confirm current requirements before booking.
Right
Within cities, options include metered and unmetered taxis, shared collective taxis (colectivos/almendrones, often vintage American cars running fixed routes), bicitaxis (pedicabs), and horse carts in smaller towns. Havana has local buses (guaguas) that are extremely cheap but crowded and confusing for visitors. Agree fares in advance for private taxis.
La Nave, Yo Te Llevo, D'Taxi
Víazul is the main long-distance bus line for tourists, connecting Havana with Varadero, Trinidad, Viñales, Santiago de Cuba, and other hubs; book ahead, especially in high season, as seats sell out. Colectivos (shared classic-car taxis) run fixed intercity routes and can be faster and more flexible. Domestic flights via Cubana exist but are subject to delays and cancellations. Renting a car is possible but pricey, with fuel shortages and variable road conditions; drive cautiously and watch for cyclists, animals, and unlit vehicles at night.
- • Cubans are warm, social, and direct; greetings matter. A handshake is standard, and friends and women often exchange a single kiss on the cheek. Take time for small talk before business.
- • Music and dance are woven into daily life. Live son, salsa, rumba, and trova spill out of doorways and plazas; joining in or at least appreciating it is welcomed.
- • Tipping is genuinely important given low state wages; small tips in cash to waiters, musicians, taxi drivers, and casa particular hosts make a real difference and are appreciated.
- • Avoid heated public criticism of the government or political leadership with people you don't know well; Cubans may speak candidly in private but public discretion is wise and protects locals.
- • Casas particulares (licensed family homestays) and paladares (private restaurants) are central to travel here; staying and eating in them supports families directly and offers the most authentic welcome.
- • Be patient and flexible. Shortages, queues (colas), and changing schedules are part of daily life; a relaxed attitude and good humor go a long way.
Dress is casual and light for the tropical climate: cotton, linen, shorts, and sundresses are normal. Beachwear stays at the beach or pool, not in town. For churches, dress modestly by covering shoulders and knees. Evenings out at clubs, theaters, or upscale paladares warrant smarter casual attire.
Cuba is officially secular but predominantly Catholic, with a strong presence of Afro-Cuban religions such as Santería (Regla de Ocha). Visitors may see practitioners dressed in white or shrines and offerings; treat these with respect and ask permission before photographing people or ceremonies. Dress modestly in churches and avoid disrupting services. Religious processions, such as those for the Virgin of Charity (Cuba's patron saint), should be observed quietly and respectfully.
Baseball — Baseball (béisbol or pelota) is Cuba's national passion, played in dusty lots and packed stadiums alike. The Serie Nacional draws fervent crowds, and informal debate among fans at Havana's Parque Central 'esquina caliente' (hot corner) is a daily ritual. Boxing is the country's other powerhouse, producing a long line of Olympic champions. Football (soccer), volleyball, and athletics also have strong followings, and Cubans of all ages love an impromptu street game.
January 1
Triumph of the Revolution / New Year
Marks the 1959 victory of the Cuban Revolution, combined with New Year celebrations; a major public holiday with parades, music, and family gatherings.
February (annual)
Havana International Jazz Festival (Jazz Plaza)
A flagship music festival drawing top Cuban and international jazz musicians to venues across Havana for several days of concerts and jam sessions.
July (mid-late)
Carnaval de Santiago de Cuba
Cuba's most famous carnival, with congas, comparsas, elaborate costumes, drumming, and street dancing rooted in Afro-Cuban traditions in Santiago de Cuba.
December (early)
Havana International Film Festival (Festival del Nuevo Cine Latinoamericano)
A celebrated showcase of Latin American and world cinema held across Havana's historic cinemas, a highlight of the cultural calendar.