Travel tips
Few things you should know.
Getting there (at the airport)
To go to Cuba you need a passport and visa. The visa or "Tourist Card" can be
obtained abroad in any Cuban consulate. If you have not managed to get a visa
before your trip, it is possible to do at the destination airport for 10
dollars.
In the airplane or when arriving at the airport, you need to fill in an entry
form. This form and in the police control you will be asked to provide the name
of the hotel you will be staying in. You can put your "private house" without
problems.
You are allowed to take with you up two bottles of spirits, 200 cigarettes
and a reasonable amount of cosmetics.
Products of animal origin are restricted.
You are not allowed to introduce pornography, Cuban currency, firearms or
narcotics without medical prescription.
In order to go from the airport to your
"private house", you can take a
tourist taxi (which use a taximeter). Approx 20 USS in La Havana, 7USS in
Santiago) or, when booking, you can request to be picked from the airport. (This
service is available in La Havana and Santiago of Cuba.15 USS for 1 to 3 people
or 20 $ for more than 4. Payable to the driver)
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In your private house
If you have asked for the transfer service from the airport, you will be
introduced to the Island by our partner. If you go by taxi, someone will be
waiting for you in the house.
If you are going to stay in a shared house, you decide how involved you wish
to become with your hosts and, considering that you are the guest, respect and
the common rules of courtesy will mark the relationship.
Do not worry if you do not speak Spanish, your hosts will manage to make
themselves understood and get on well with you. You can decide on the number of
meals and their prices, if you choose to take advantage of this service. You
will be able to ask for this kind of information when booking.
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In the streets
Enjoy walking the streets of Cuba, chatting to the people, watching the
scenes and the resourcefulness of people to earn a living: refilling lighters,
pealing oranges, repairing glasses, selling peanuts (maniseros)
Streets are safe any time of day and there is police in every corner looking
after foreigners. Poverty and high unemployment rates have encouraged all kinds
of ways of tricking tourists.
As a general rule you shouldn’t accept any proposal made by strangers, no
matter how tempting. Take special care of:
- Currency exchange:
Always change your money in Official Exchange Bureaux, called "CADECA". Anyone will be able to tell you where to
find the closest one. If someone offers you convertible pesos for
your £ do not even listen to them. It will be a sham, for sure.
- Beware of buying cigars (tobacco) out of official shops,
since you have every chance of getting fake ones. Keep in mind that every
Cuban "has a cousin working in the tobacco factory".
- You will often find people offering their services as tourist
guides for free. They are usually looking to get a tip or a
commission from the places they will be taking you, and you will be paying
extra. They might be very annoying and it is sometimes best to ignore them to
avoid being pestered. Here is a piece of advice: with due common sense, ask
for help when needed and refuse it when offered.
- Drugs: It is best to avoid all contact. The Cuban
government is very strict and the consequences could be deportation or prison.
- Jineteras (jockey women): Although some women
are just looking to get to the nice places reserved for tourists or to find
"the man of their dreams", the large majority of girls luring men out in the
streets are prostitutes. Many of them are underage. In any case, you better
keep an eye on your wallet.
At first sight, foreigners may feel overwhelmed and uncomfortable in the
streets, especially in La Havana. With some common sense, however, you will be
able to distinguish easily the kindness and dignity of the majority of citizens.
By avoiding tourist traps it is easy to find the essence of the Cuban people.
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Getting around
The best thing you can do is walk
around as much as possible; you never know when are you going to come across an
unforgettable scene. If you feel tired, you can use "bici-taxis" (rickshaws),
tourist taxis with the word "turismo" on them (with a taxi metre)
or non-authorised taxis, agreeing the price beforehand. Keep in
mind that they never have change in order to get a generous tip. They all charge
US$. Catching a "Camel" may be a worthwhile experience. They
are old trailers with a massive wagon that can fit up to 400 people ("slightly"
squeezed). You can pay in Cuban Pesos.
Between cities:
You can rent a
car or buy a ticket for the "tourist omnibus".
The second option is safer and easier. If you decide to rent a car,
do not forget to bring with you a good map. Beware of the potholes, bicycles and
cattle. Road signs are bad, if there at all. If you get lost, the best thing to
do is stop and ask the locals. It is better to avoid giving lifts to
hitchhikers. In the "Useful Information" section you can find more information
on the different means of transport
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