FAQ Cuba
When planning a trip there are always a bunch of questions that come up, and some you don’t think of asking at all. We’ve put together a list of questions our Cuba Travel Specialists get asked the most and additional helpful information.
If you still have any unanswered questions, get in touch with our destination experts who would be happy to help.
Before departure
Your passport needs to be valid for six months after your planned departure from Cuba. You can find out more information on entry requirements on our Visa, Passport and Money Advice page.
You’ll need a Cuba tourist card (or Cuba visa). Your visa must be in your possession prior to your arrival in the country. When you book your trip with us we’ll arrange your tourist card for you and include the cost in the price of your trip. If you plan on staying in Cuba longer than 30 days, you will have to apply for an extension of your Cuba visa whilst you’re in Cuba.
You can find out more information on entry requirements on our Visa, Passport and Money Advice page.
Yes, we would always recommend taking out comprehensive travel insurance when travelling, especially overseas, that is suitable for your requirements and needs.
With a hot, humid climate we would advise loose clothing made of natural materials like cotton and linen to keep you cool. Swimsuits are essential for a cooling dip in the pool or sea. We would suggest avoiding anything too revealing. Clothing is quite casual in Cuba but you might want to pack something a bit smarter for evenings in Havana.
It is always best to get the advice of a GP or travel nurse before travelling overseas to check which vaccinations you might need or if any boosters are required. The Fit for Travel website provides a comprehensive guide on all the vaccinations you should consider.
Departure
We know heading off on holiday is always a little bit stressful, especially on the day you leave, so we would advise doing these things before you depart:
- Check you have all your necessary documentation, including your passport!
- Take a photo of your documents and email it to yourself and travelling partners. Having a copy on your phone always comes in handy too.
- Ensure you have all your chargers and converters for any phones, cameras, tablets you are taking. A portable battery pack is a handy item to have in your hand luggage.
- Take snacks and a big bottle of water for your flight.
- Get to the airport with plenty of time to spare, we advise arriving 3 hours prior to your flight departure.
- Pack a change of clothes in your hand luggage and take a photo of your checked bag in case it goes missing en route.
- Sit back and relax knowing we have your holiday sorted!
Arrival
English is spoken by a lot of people in Cuba nowadays in more touristy places, but you may come across some people who only speak Spanish, especially at local casa accommdation and older generations. Knowing some key phrases will help you along the way:
- Hola – Hello!
- Buenos dias/tardes/noches – Good morning/afternoon/evening
- Me llamo/llama – My name is.. (m)/(f) *Hint: two ‘ll’ is pronounced as a ‘y’ sound.
- Adios – Goodbye
- Hasta luego – See you later
- Hasta pronto – See you soon
- Necesito ir a el bano – I need to go to the bathroom?
- Donde esta el bano – Where is the bathroom?
- Cuanto cuesta? – How much does it cost?
- Me gustaria una cerveza/una ron por favor – I would like a beer/a rum please!
- Una cerveza, por favour – One beer please!
Whilst Cuba is known and celebrated for many things, food isn’t necessarily one of them. That’s not to say you won’t find some great, authentic Cuban dishes. In recent years, the rise of private restaurants (paladars) has meant that the variety and quality available is much better than in the past, and you can eat pretty well in most places now.
With restrictions on trade and rationing, certain ingredients can be limited – garlic, salt and onions tend to be the main staples for seasoning. Rice, beans, plantain and root vegetables are commonly incorporated into many dishes, and you’ll find great seafood near the coast (which is most of the country!).
Vegetarian and vegan options are a little limited at times so you may want to get some snacks just in case (you’ll find a bit more information on this in our food guide).
The majority of the country is Roman Catholic, while Santería and Abakúa have followers of two Afro-Cuban religions that are also practised widely across Cuba. There are very small Jewish, Hindu and Muslim communities too.
Cubans love going out, dancing and dressing up, with impromptu dancing in the main plazas commonplace. Festivals are also popular – take the Fire Festival in Santiago de Cuba, known locally as “La fiesta del fuego”. It takes place in early July and celebrates the local traditions and culture of the Caribbean people. You’ll feel cultural influences from Brazil, the Dominican Republic, Jamaica, Trinidad and others, getting a real flavour of the Caribbean spirit. Lasting over a week, you’ll experience everything from passionate dance routines, famous firework displays, live spoken word and poetry, along with a wealth of theatrical performances.
Safety
Cuba is considered a safe country to travel to, always take care of your belongings and money/cards though and exert the same caution as you do at home.
We are contactable in the UK during office hours and our local partners in destination are available 24/7 for any support or help you might need. They are in the best position as they will be on the same timezone, they should be your first contact in a case of emergency.
Tips and practical information
In Cuba, you’ll pay with the Cuba Peso (CUP). You won’t be able to get CUP until you arrive in Cuba. Currency exchange can be done in the airport in Havana when you land, or from cash machines in cities. Check with your bank that your card will work in Cuba before departing. Taking some cash in GBP is helpful, you can exchange this at the airport or any bank or hotel with your passport.
Tipping in Cuba is not mandatory, but it is generally expected in the tourism industry. It is customary to tip 10% of the total bill at restaurants, cafes, and bars. For tour guides, it is recommended to tip around $5 per person per day, and for hotel staff, $1-2 per day is appropriate. It is important to note that due to limited access to resources, tips can be very valuable to workers in Cuba.
