1. Do i need to pay a fee / tax in my way out of Cuba?
2. Is Cuba a safe country for tourists ?
3. Do I need a Visa to go to Cuba?
4. Do I need a medical document to enter to Cuba?
5. Where can I search for tourist information about Cuba?
6. Which are main destinations and attractiveness Cuba?
7. Is medical attention guaranteed in all Cuban hotels?
8. Can I take photographs and movies freely into Cuba?
9. Are there areas for the hunting and sport fishing in Cuba?
10. Can I postpone and change the modes of tourism and types of visa available?
11. Can I export limitless amounts of Cuban cigars?
12. Does my cell phone work in Cuba? Can I use my cell phone or iPhone in Cuba?
13. How can I extend my stay permission in Cuba ?
14. In what condition are the streets in Cuba?
15. Do I need an international driving licence to drive in Cuba?
16. Fines / Tickets and the local police in Cuba.
17. Is it difficult to find fuel in Cuba? How much does it cost?
18. Are there in Cuba automatic and mechanical cars?
19. How is the nightlife in Varadero?
20. Can I carry out trips toward other areas of Cuba from Varadero?
21. Are there beaches in Havana?
22. How is the nightlife in Havana?
23. Do I need a car in Havana?
24. Is Havana a good place to begin a trip to Cuba?
25. Do I need a diving license to dive in Cuba?
26. Is the sea calm in Cuba?
27. What percent of Cubans speak English or Italian?
28. What currencies circulate in Cuba ?
29. Which is the Cuba Time Zone?
30. Which wardrobe is more appropriate in Cuba?
31. Phone in Cuba
32. How is the internet access in Cuba
33. What is the corresponding exchange of Cuban convertible pesos to foreign currencies?
34. What customs regulations exists?
35. Do I need a travel insurance policy to cover medical expenses to enter in Cuba?
36. When is the best time to go to Cuba?
37. How is the traffic in Cuba?
38. About the 10% tax applied to the United States Dollars (USD) in Cuba
39. How much money should I take to Cuba on my vacations?
40. Which is the Best month to visit Cuba?
41. Does Cuba have post codes in regards to mail?
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| Do i need to pay a fee / tax in my way out of Cuba? |
| Yes, in the airports in Cuba you need to pay a fee / tax of 25 C.U.C on your way out. This amount is equivalent to 27 U.S.D |
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| Is Cuba a safe country for tourists ? |
Cuba has the lowest crime rate and is considered the safest country in the world.
Nonetheless, we recommend that you use the safety deposit boxes available in most hotels. We advise you make a photocopy of your passport prior to your departure and carry it with you on outings and leave your original passport in the hotel safe along with the extra money, travelers checks and airline tickets. Normal precautions for foreign travel should be followed. |
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| Do I need a Visa to go to Cuba? |
Those who visit the country should have an effective passport or a trip document under their name and the corresponding visa or the tourist's card. This will be available on request in the Cuban consular representations in foreign countries.
There are two types of visa or tourist's card available: one for individual tourists or tourists that travel in groups.
Business men, journalists in work function and Cubans who do not reside in Cuba or that possess another nationality can obtain a Visa via the Cuban consulate.
To those who reside in the United States entrance to our country is not consigned by government officials. |
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| Do I need a medical document to enter to Cuba? |
| Sanitary restrictions only exist for travellers coming from countries where the yellow fever and the endemic cholera exist, or from areas under quarantine due to infections declared by the World Health Organisation (WHO), in which case it is demanded to present the International Certificate of Vaccination. |
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| Where can I search for tourist information about Cuba? |
Cuba has offices in different places, in accordance with areas in which our markets are present. These offices represent us before the institutions and tourist organizations of the host countries. Also, all the Cuban embassies assume among their tasks the tourist promotion of the island.
In these offices you will be able to obtain all the information you want about Cuba like tourist destinations, where you will be able to acquire pamphlets, videotapes, CD, promotional supports and exclusive offers in dependant on the offers available and the seasons of the year.
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| Which are main destinations and attractiveness Cuba? |
With the purpose that all of Cuba is a tourist destination of first order, the development of the sector in the country is integrated to offer the visitors different options that increase our competitiveness and the possibility of knowing the whole archipelago, several regions exists, all with its own image, in function of the markets and segments that you will love to capture.
Main destinations
La Habana
Varadero
Holguín
Cayo Guillermo
Cayo Coco
Cayo Largo del Sur
Santiago de Cuba
Santa Lucia de Cuba
Trinidad
Cienfuegos
Pinar del Río
Península de Zapata
Villa Clara
Granma
Las Tunas
Baracoa |
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| Is medical attention guaranteed in all Cuban hotels? |
More than 95 % of the hotels have a doctor that guarantees the patient's primary attention.There also exists, eight international clinics for treatments that demand more care in Pinar del Rio, Varadero, Cienfuegos, Trinidad, Cayo Coco, Santa Lucia, Guardalavaca and Santiago de Cuba
It is advisable that all tourists that travel to Cuba are aided by a policy of assurance that can also be acquired in the Island through the company of attendance to the traveller
Asistur S.A. |
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| Can I take photographs and movies freely into Cuba? |
You can take pictures and movies freely, except in restricted areas and those signalled to be of military character and others. The museums and some places of interest have specific regulations.
For the pictures in colours, the best schedule is between the 09:30 hours and the 11:30 hours, and after the 16:00 hours
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| Are there areas for the hunting and sport fishing in Cuba? |
There are rules and regulations in accordance with the dispositions of the Convention on the International Trade of Threatened Species of Fauna and Wild Flora (Cites). These rules inform that is it is prohibited to extract live or dissected animals, copies and articles elaborated with parts of species which are under protection.
The export of elaborated jewellery is admitted with species of the flora and the fauna, whenever they are aided by a Certification of the Administrative Authority of CITES in Cuba.
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| Can I postpone and change the modes of tourism and types of visa available? |
| To prolong your stay in Cuba or to vary the modes of tourism visas for which you have travelled to the country, you will go to the tourism desks of the hotels or to the nearest tourism offices closest to the place where you are staying. |
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| Can I export limitless amounts of Cuban cigars? |
When leaving the country the free export is authorized up to 23 Cuban cigars, loose or in containers without the necessity of presenting any document. If the travellers seek to export tobaccos above that quantity (23 units) they will be in the obligation of claiming original papers and its copies of the official invoice in the establishments designated to those effects by the company Habanos s.a, where they were acquired and to give a copy in Customs.
The Cigars will be in original containers with the official qualifications, including the new holographic stamp. If you do not fulfil the essential requirement of licit acquisition, the product will be confiscated by Customs.
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| Does my cell phone work in Cuba? Can I use my cell phone or iPhone in Cuba? |
| You can bring you cellular phone into Cuba: there exists a wide covering to the clients of any operator with which CUBACEL has roaming agreements. You can activate the service automatically since you arrive in Cuba. If the client is on a monthly contract, that is not pay as you go, you can activate with the operator the service of International Roaming, and if the terminal that uses is compatible with the characteristics of our net, that is to say that it supports the band of the 900 MHz. When arriving in Cuba in order activate your cell phone, simply switch it on it should register automatically in our net. It will show on the display 368-01 / CU-CCOM / CUBACEL, in dependence of the configuration of the telephone. But, in case the automatic registration is not achieved, it should be indicated the visitor that carries out the manual selection of net through the options of menu of the telephone. For more information visits CUBACEL |
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| How can I extend my stay permission in Cuba ? |
To their arrival to the country you should have their passport not with validity smaller than six months and their visa or entrance permission. The visa can be sent by a term of 30 days; later if you want to extend your stay, you can go to the offices of Immigration and Alienage before the expiration date of the visa in order to request the extension of your Visa.
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| In what condition are the streets in Cuba? |
In the main cities, the conditions of the streets are good. They are well signalled and relatively free of traffic. None of the main cities of Cuba suffer traffic jams, therefore moving around the city is rather easy. However the main freeways have 4 lanes, but on the roads you can find pedestrians, cycles, motorcycles, trucks etc.
This limits the speed and it requires the driver to be alert at all times. |
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| Do I need an international driving licence to drive in Cuba? |
No. Cuba accepts the local permits of any country.
The signalling of the traffic is in the international system. The steering wheel is on the right, thus the streets are signalled adequately.
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| Fines / Tickets and the local police in Cuba. |
As in most countries, Cuba is very severe with the excess of speed, driving under the influence of any intoxicating substance, irresponsible driving and the undermining of traffic signs.
If you are fined, the ticket is included in a special area of the rent contract and it is paid to the rent agency when giving the vehicle. There is a special traffic law for 5th Avenue in Havana that prohibits the stop in that road, to turn in between the central separators or to drive very slowly. |
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| Is it difficult to find fuel in Cuba? How much does it cost? |
In the main cities, to refuel is an easy thing. If you plan to travel to the country, you are almost forced to fill the tank in the city before leaving because in the freeways there are few service stations and it could be short of fuel.
The gasoline costs 1.10 CUC per litre (1.188 USD)
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| Are there in Cuba automatic and mechanical cars? |
| There are both types. The general rule is that the small cars are manual while the biggest and luxurious cars are automatic. If you require an automatic car, it is advisable that you reserve in advance. |
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| How is the nightlife in Varadero? |
| The format of the night life in Varadero is very similar to the European format, with big discos that offer European music predominantly. On the contrary, the entertainment that offers in the hotels is truly of world class or better. The night shows, theatres, dance and small discos are the norm and, like we said, they are very good. The shows are particularly creative with inclination toward the local culture. Families with children can count on good entertainment for all the ages. |
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| Can I carry out trips toward other areas of Cuba from Varadero? |
Yes, and this is very common. After some days pass in Varadero, you will want to visit other areas in Cuba. The most popular trips are to Colonial Havana and Trinidad. Both take two hours in a bus and they offer an excellent panoramic view of each place in one day. It is recommended you reserve in advance in order to guarantee your trips from Varadero to other places in Cuba.
Excursions |
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| Are there beaches in Havana? |
| In the city of Havana there are no beaches, but Havana covers more than 70 Km. of coastal line and this way, the Beaches of the East are inside Havana, but 25 Km. downtown. To visit the beaches you are required a car or a bus service (we recommend the first one). Those who want to visit the beach they can stay in the city and then stay in hotels closer to the beach. It is as easy as driving 20km and you will find luxurious beaches typical of the Caribbean. The so called “Playas del Este� east from Havana. |
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| How is the nightlife in Havana? |
Wonderful, would be the most precise word. From welcoming bars to big discos, Havana has everything. Many visitors enjoy the small bars located in the patios of many historical places with the light rhythm of the numerous travelling musicians and the street entertainment.
The Cubans make an entire party and their open nature means that soon you will make friends if you want to. The Jazz bars include El Gato Tuerto , Jazz Cafe and La Zorra y el Cuervo among other, the music is plentiful and it is often fantastic.
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| Do I need a car in Havana? |
| Most travellers prefer to travel independent and in their own cars. Havana is the destination of the vacations. The city is big and it covers more than 70 Km. and most of the people consider that to move with your own means is the best option. In this place you will find the ideal vehicle for your stay. |
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| Is Havana a good place to begin a trip to Cuba? |
Yes. Havana provides a good initiation in the knowledge of Cuba and excellent options of international flights of arrival supplemented with national flights and connections of transport with smaller prices to other areas of the island. This is particularly the case if you seek to visit other main cities as Santiago de Cuba, Holguín, Pinar del Rio, La isla de la Juventud, etc.
This place offers all the available options of transport toward those regions. |
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| Do I need a diving license to dive in Cuba? |
| Yes, you need it, unless you are in one of our learning courses. |
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| Is the sea calm in Cuba? |
| In winter the north coast can be little rough, but the rest of the year the Cuban waters are perfect for fishing, diving and swimming. |
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| What percent of Cubans speak English or Italian? |
A great quantity of Cubans speaks some English and Italian but most are not specialist in it. However communication is possible.
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| What currencies circulate in Cuba ? |
The whole system of prices settled down in the tourist places of the country is Peso Convertible ( CUC ) that substitutes the circulation of the foreign currencies in the country, with this currency all the services available and products can be obtained in Cuba, although certain services and products can also be obtained in Cuban pesos (not convertible), mainly products in sale in agricultural markets and foods offered by salespersons in the street (example: pizzas,hot dogs), taxis and buses.
The change of foreign currencies for convertible pesos is carried out in airports, banks, hotels, houses of change and big stores. However, it is necessary to make notice that the change of American dollars for convertible pesos is burdened with a tax of 10%, for that reason it would be convenient for travellers to bring cash in Canadian dollars, Euro, Pounds or Swiss francs whose change is not burdened with taxes.
The Euro is a currency with free circulation in Varadero, Jardines del Rey, Santa Lucia Beach, Covarrubias Beach, Cayo Largo.
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| Which is the Cuba Time Zone? |
Cuba is located in Time Zone 19 (Huso Horario) GMT - 05:00 and it coincides with the East Standard Hour in the United States, Cuba has the same hour that New York, Miami, Washington and the whole East Cost of United States and Canada.
From March to October the Summer Hour it is adopted with the advance from one hour to the normal schedule.
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| Which wardrobe is more appropriate in Cuba? |
Cotton dresses and similar they are those more appropriate during almost the whole year, however it is necessary to keep in mind that from October final and until March in Cuba is frequent the entrance of cold fronts and mainly in the months of December, January and February it happen sometimes minimum temperatures below 10 degrees Celsius (Fahrenheit 40 degrees).
For this year time it is necessary to have a slight sweater of wool or gabardine.
In rainy season (May to October) it is advisable to have a raincoat fast.
Although the informal clothes (jeans, short, T-shirt, etc.) it is well in almost all the places, to attend theaters, deluxe restaurants, concert rooms and other it is required of more formal clothes, in most of these places a long sleeves shirt and a tie will be enough, without discarding the use of sacks that is not uncommon
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| Phone in Cuba |
| CUBACEL |
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| How is the internet access in Cuba |
There are Internet access in most of the hotels and main tourism facilities, also exist cyber coffees in the main cities and tourist destinations.
The connection is generally for MODEM (dial up) and it is usually quite slow.
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| What is the corresponding exchange of Cuban convertible pesos to foreign currencies? |
This is time dependant, as the exchange can rise or fall as in any economy.
You can check the exchange rate of the CUC for other foreign currencies in the web place of Central Bank of Cuba
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| What customs regulations exists? |
| Aduana de la Republica de Cuba |
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| Do I need a travel insurance policy to cover medical expenses to enter in Cuba? |
Yes. Beginning May 1st 2010, Cuba will require all travelers, foreigners and Cubans living abroad, a travel insurance policy to cover medical expenses, in order to enter the country.
To fulfill this demand, the traveller should have a travel insurance that includes
medical expenses or a medical expenses policy, with cover inside of Cuba.
The policy should be acquired in the country of residence. Those travellers that exceptionally don't have the insurance at their arrival, they will be able to acquire a policy with insurance and assistance cover subscribed by Cuban insurance companies at the airport, port or marines.
The travel insurances subscribed by Cuban insurance companies and by most of the
international insurance companies have the ASISTUR Assistance Services in trip
inside of Cuba. It is a 24 hours service during 365 days of the year.
According to statistics, more than 80 per cent of persons who visit Cuba at the moment; have an insurance provided by companies of their country of residence.
This insurance covers the medical expenses in Cuba.
In the case of residents in the United States that travel directly to Cuba, they will
have to acquire a policy with Cuban insurance cover in the country of residence.
This policy is marketed through a network of agencies associated to HAVANATUR - CELIMAR
Company, due to the impossibility for North American insurance companies to guarantee covering in the national territory.
The traveller who is checked when arriving to the country, should show the policy,
certificate of insurance or travel assistance card, which is valid during the stay in
Cuba.
See More... |
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| When is the best time to go to Cuba? |
Cuba enjoys a warm, tropical climate throughout the year, the best time for visit Cuba is during the winter months from November to April.
March, April October and November are the months with the nicest weather and less rain.
The high season in Cuba is July and August, but is also the warmest.
Peak Season is December, January and February.
Hurricane season is from June 1 till November 30. |
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| How is the traffic in Cuba? |
In Cuba, the cars are driven on the right side of the highway and excepting the big cities, the traffic is slow.
At night you should drive with more care. The inadequate or little illumination can be very dangerous.
In the whole country you have to pay attention to the cyclists and animals.
The traffic signs in Cuba obey with the international norms.
Speeds more than 100 Km. /h are not often allowed in the Cuban streets.
Have present that some less important roads are under worse conditions that the main streets. |
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| About the 10% tax applied to the United States Dollars (USD) in Cuba |
In November 8, 2004, the Cuban authorities eliminated the circulation of dollars and any other " foreign currency" in all the country. On a related measure, the Cuban Central Bank (BCC) resolution 80 / 2004, establishes from November 8, 2004 onward, the exchange of US dollars for Cuban Convertible Pesos will bear a 10 % tax. The measure is applied to nationals and foreign visitors, in stores, hotels, bars, cafeterias, taxis, car rental companies and any other business that presently accepts cash payments in US dollars.
Additionally, after these measures, the Central Bank of Cuba established in April, 2005 , the Agreement No.15, where the rate of change of the Cuban Convertible Peso with relationship to the American Dollar and other foreign currencies was re evaluated in 8%.
The practical implication of these measurements are that if you exchange any foreign currency with Cuban Convertible Pesos, you will get 8% less CUC than the amount of USD that you will obtain at the current exchange rate.
But if you exchange USD, you will have applied a 10% tax and then an 8% exchange rate, with a "practical" result of almost 20% devaluation of the USD against the CUC |
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| How much money should I take to Cuba on my vacations? |
In general the beers and sodas vary of 1 up to 2 CUC, a meal in a medium restaurant, varies among 10 up to 15 CUC for person. Be sure to save 25 CUC per person to pay the departure tax. You can check the prices of excursions in Cuba Excursions
Euro, Canadian dollars, pounds sterling and Swiss francs, may be exchanged for convertible pesos and have a better exchange rate. Do not take American dollars; there is a 10% penalty to change it. Try to bring only 5, 10, 20 bills and not 50 bills and changing them at the Cuban airport money exchange when you enter Cuba or at the Hotel front desk where you are staying.
Travellers can exchange money at the airport, hotels, banks and exchange offices (CADECA). |
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| Which is the Best month to visit Cuba? |
The best month to go to Cuba depends on your travel preferences, the high season for tourists is from December to March, but at this time the prices for accommodation are higher and it can be difficult finding available rooms and rental cars, for that reason we advise that you rent your car in advance.
The low season months are from April to October but remember that from June to October is hurricane season (September and October having the highest risk). In low season many hotels, travel agencies and rental car companies offer discounts. If you have little budget for the trip, consider then to make it in low season to enjoy discounted prices.
You can travel to Cuba in November and early December or late January to March but that during this period there is a possibility of low temperatures for cold fronts, particularly December to February.
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| Does Cuba have post codes in regards to mail? |
Yes, here I leave the codes for you to look at, if you have the municipality of residence, is better, but I think your letter will reach your destination anyway.
Codigo Postal de las Provincias de Cuba |
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