Quick facts
Budget breakdown
| Category | Budget | Midrange |
|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | $15–25 | $40–80 |
| Food | $10–20 | $25–45 |
| Transport | $2–5 | $10–20 |
| Activities | $5–10 | $15–30 |
| Drinks | $3–6 | $8–15 |
| Daily Total | $35–66 | $98–190 |
Daily per-person estimates. Costs vary by season and travel style.
Practical info
Getting Around
- Colectivo taxis (shared old American cars) run fixed routes for CUP50–200 per person — wave one down going your direction. They're an authentic Cuban experience
- Yellow coco-taxis (egg-shaped three-wheelers) are fun for short trips — CUP1,000–3,000 per ride. Negotiate before boarding
- Havana is very walkable — Old Havana to Vedado is a 45-minute walk along the Malecon. For longer distances, negotiate with private taxi drivers in classic cars
Connectivity
- Cuba has limited internet. Buy an ETECSA card (CUP1,500/hour) or a Nauta account to use WiFi hotspots in parks and hotels. Connection is slow but functional
- WiFi hotspots exist in main plazas, Parque Central, and most hotel lobbies. Look for crowds staring at phones — that's the hotspot
- eSIMs and foreign SIMs generally don't work in Cuba. Download offline maps, translation apps, and entertainment before arrival. Consider a portable WiFi device rental
Money
- Bring clean EUR or USD cash — ATMs are unreliable and often empty. US credit cards do NOT work in Cuba due to the embargo. European cards sometimes work at major hotels
- Exchange at official CADECA offices or banks. The informal exchange rate can be significantly higher but carries legal risks. Always count your money carefully
- Cuba has a dual economy — tourists pay USD-equivalent prices for hotels, attractions, and some restaurants. Learning to pay in CUP at local spots saves enormously
Visa & Entry
- A tourist card (tarjeta de turista) is required — $50–100 USD depending on your airline. Some airlines sell them onboard, others require advance purchase from the embassy
- US citizens must travel under one of 12 authorized categories (most common: Support for the Cuban People). Keep receipts of casa particular stays and paladar meals as documentation
- Travel insurance is mandatory for Cuba — you may be asked to show proof at immigration. Some airlines include it; otherwise buy a policy covering Cuba specifically
Health & Safety
- Cuba is very safe — violent crime against tourists is extremely rare. Petty scams exist: inflated prices, jineteros (hustlers) offering "help" — politely decline and walk on
- Tap water is not safe to drink. Bottled water can be scarce — buy when you see it and carry a water bottle. Your casa particular will usually provide filtered water
- Cuba has excellent doctors but limited medical supplies. Bring all necessary medications. International clinics (Clinica Internacional) exist in Havana for tourist emergencies
Packing Tips
- Bring everything you'll need — sunscreen, toiletries, medications, snacks, and a power bank. Cuba has chronic shortages and tourist-grade supplies are scarce or expensive
- Pack light cotton clothing for humidity, a rain jacket for afternoon showers, and one smart outfit for paladares. Comfortable walking shoes for cobblestone streets
- Bring small gifts for casa particular hosts — toiletries, cosmetics, pens, aspirin, and children's items are deeply appreciated and help build genuine connections
Cultural tips
Music & Dance
Music is Cuba's lifeblood — son, salsa, rumba, and reggaeton fill every street. Don't be shy about dancing. Cubans are patient teachers and love when visitors try. Even basic salsa steps earn smiles and encouragement.
Jinetero Culture
Jineteros (hustlers) will approach tourists offering taxis, restaurants, or cigars. Most are harmless but persistent. A firm "no gracias" works. Some are genuinely helpful — use judgment. Never buy cigars on the street (usually fake).
Casa Particular Life
Staying in casas is the best way to experience Cuba. Hosts are proud of their homes and cooking. Show appreciation, tip fairly ($2–3 per day), and engage in conversation. Many hosts become lifelong friends to returning travellers.
Patience Required
Cuba runs on its own timeline. Internet is slow, queues are long, plans change, and shortages are constant. Embrace the pace. Frustration achieves nothing — flexibility and humour are your best tools for enjoying Cuba.
Cigar Etiquette
Buy cigars only from official La Casa del Habano shops or licensed vendors (look for the hologram seal). Street sellers almost always sell fakes. A box of Cohiba Robustos costs $150–250 USD officially. Never smoke indoors without asking.
Photography Respect
Cubans are generally photogenic and willing to pose, but always ask first — "Puedo tomar una foto?" Many elderly musicians and performers expect a small tip (CUP200–500) for photos. Never photograph military personnel or installations.
