Travel

Essential Cuba Travel Tips: How To Plan Your Perfect Trip

Are you traveling to Cuba and want to know the best Cuba travel tips? This comprehensive guide has the ultimate Cuba travel tips including the currency, safety, accommodations, and more.

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Cuba is a beautiful country located in the Caribbean between the Caribbean Sea, the Gulf of Mexico, and the Atlantic Ocean. Cuba is a very unique destination that has a fun vibrant culture, amazing history, stunning landscapes, and the best beaches.

Traveling to Cuba isn’t as easy as it may seem. There are certain rules to follow, multiple different currencies they use, Visa requirements that you need to have before you enter, important safety tips to follow, and so much more.

This comprehensive guide will show you all the essential Cuba travel tips that will ensure you have a great time and enjoy everything this amazing country has to offer. Also includes the best time to visit Cuba, what to pack for Cuba, the best Cuba tourist destinations, and more.

This post is all about the ultimate essential Cuba travel tips.

Cuba Travel Tips

1. Cuba Currency System

Cuba has 2 main currencies they use. One is the Cuban Peso (CUP) and the second is the Cuban Convertible Peso (CUC). Tourists mainly use the Cuban Convertible Peso (CUC), and the locals use the Cuban Peso (CUP). For exchanging money it is best to exchange right at the resort bank, this is where you will get a fair exchange rate and you won’t get ripped off. Try not to exchange money out and about unless it is a bank in Cuba since you may get ripped off or get the wrong currency.

It is also important to get small bills, the smaller the better, this way they can be used for tipping or buying stuff when you are off the resort. Also, make sure you have lots of cash for buying items or even for tipping since a lot of places do not accept credit or debit cards.

Also for tipping it is good to have Euros, Canadian Dollars, and even American Dollars. All of these currencies are much appreciated.

2. Internet In Cuba

Internet in Cuba is very hit-and-miss. Although it has improved a lot in the last couple of years it is still not 100% reliable. A lot of people buy an ETECSA Wi-Fi card at the hotel/ resort lobby. You can also buy them at the airports or in official stores. With these cards, you are allowed 1-5 hours of internet access in certain spots like hotels, restaurants, public squares, parks, etc. This is a very different system than most other countries which is why Cuba is a great place to disconnect and just relax.

3. Best Time To Visit Cuba

Cuba overall has pretty good weather year-round, although there is a rainy season it is still nice to visit. For the best time to visit Cuba, it all depends on what you are looking for high season, low season, cheaper prices, etc.

Cuba’s high season is the most popular time for tourists to visit since it is the best and warmest weather. The high season is between December to March and also between July to August. December to March is ideal for many travelers because this time of year it is winter for the northern countries and everyone just wants to get away to the heat and sun. July and August tend to be busy as well since this is an off time for kids from school so a lot of families come during this time. The high season tends to be a little bit more expensive due to high demand, and also there are more crowds at this time as well.

Cuba’s low season is from May to October. These months it is cheaper to visit and the weather is still good. It is still warm but not overly hot, it is known as the rainy season so you will experience showers throughout the day. There are fewer tourists during this time as well, so if you are looking for a quiet relaxing time this may be for you.

The best months in my opinion to travel to Cuba are November and April. The weather is fantastic, with little to no rain, not too busy since it is just before or after high season and you can find vacation deals at this time as well.

4. Transportation Options In Cuba

Cuba does not have a large transportation system so getting around may be a little more difficult than some places. Here are some options for getting around:

Buses – Buses are the easiest way to get around for many tourists. There are buses that go from city to city which is a great option if you want to see other places. There are local buses but they do not always come at their scheduled times and may not be as reliable.
Taxis – A lot of tourists like to use taxis to get around, they are not too expensive and are great for visiting local areas and attractions.
Car Rentals – Great if you are looking to explore on your own. Car rentals do get a little pricey but they are great for exploring on your own. They should be booked in advance to ensure they have some available. Cuba is known for having many vintage cars and this would be a cool unique experience.
If you are doing excursions through the resort, transportation will be arranged.

5. Cuba’s Cultural Etiquette – Do’s And Dont’s

Cuba has a great heritage and lots of culture. Here are some important tips to keep in mind when visiting:

Tipping – Cubans working in the tourism area rely on tips to provide for their families. Tipping is greatly appreciated throughout the resort like at the bars, restaurants, room service, housekeepers, and anyone who goes above and beyond what is expected. When out and about again, a common courtesy is to tip at bars, restaurants, and taxi drivers. A lot of people also bring little items for hotel staff like, toiletries including toothpaste, toothbrushes, shampoo, body wash, etc. Kid’s toys and clothing are also appreciated. Cubans like these types of tips as well since a lot of these items are not readily available.
Photography – Taking photos of military personnel around government buildings may be frowned upon, so before taking pictures always ask if it is ok to do so. The same goes for locals, it is always nice to ask permission. In very touristy places like Havana, there are many locals dressed up in unique dresses or other outfits that tourists want to take a picture of. Just be prepared to exchange money for taking a picture, this is very common in their touristy areas.
Dress Code – Cuba’s dress code is very relaxed and you don’t have to worry too much about what to wear as long as it is respectful to everyone. When going out it is customary to dress up, Cubans love to dress up in stylish outfits, especially at parties, fancy restaurants, and clubs.
Cash, not Credit Cards – Credit and debit cards are often not accepted in Cuba at many places, so it is important to always have cash.
Drinking water – Cuba’s water is not safe for others to drink since most people are not used to the bacteria within the water. Drink from water bottles or from the resort bar since this water will be filtered. Also for ice in public places, always ask for no ice. Resort bars make their ice from filtered water so that ice should be ok to have in drinks.

6. What To Pack For Cuba: Essentials For Your Trip

You don’t need too many items to bring to Cuba but some essentials to bring to Cuba are:

Clothing – Bring mostly summer clothing to Cuba, bathing suits, nice outfits for dinners, and maybe a sweater for nighttime.
Shoes – A comfortable pair of shoes for walking, nice shoes for nighttime, and waterproof flip-flops for the beach or pool throughout the day.
Reusable water bottle or Yeti thermos – A reusable water bottle is great for water. A Yeti or any kind of thermos is great for drinks at the resort. Hotel bars give you little plastic cups for drinks, it is better if you have your own big cup that way you have to make fewer trips to the bar. And since most resorts in Cuba are all-inclusive this is a great item to bring.
Toiletries – Bring your own toiletries like shampoo, conditioner, body wash, toothpaste, etc. These items may not be available to buy in certain places so it is good to come prepared.
Other essentials – Sunscreen, bug spray, hat, etc.

For a more in-depth review on what to pack for Cuba check out the blog post “The Ultimate Cuba Packing List: Essential Items You Need“.

7. Safety Tips For Travelers In Cuba

More Important Cuba travel tips. Cuba is generally a safe place for tourists to visit. Just keep in mind regular safety tips like you would anywhere you go like don’t walk alone at night or in dark or unfamiliar places, keep important belongings in your room, walk with your bag or purse in front of you, don’t go anywhere by yourself with strangers. Just common safety tips are always good to practice. Theft can occur in Cuba as well but mostly petty theft in busy areas like pickpockets.

8. Must Visit Destinations In Cuba – Top Places To Visit In Cuba

Cuba is an amazing country to visit. There is so much history and culture to see. These are some of the most popular places for tourists to visit in Cuba:

Havana – Havana is the capital city of Cuba and it is also the largest. In Havana, you will see the most culture all around. The buildings are all vibrant and very colorful, and it is a great place for tourists to see Cuba’s culture.
Varadero – Varadero is one of the most popular places for people to visit as well. It’s famous for having some of the best resorts, the best food, and the most beautiful white sandy beaches with crystal clear blue water. A great place for families to visit as well.
Vinales Valley – This is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is great for anyone who loves hiking and enjoys nature. This area is full of unique hills that are rounded at the top and also has tobacco plantations for you to explore.
Cayo Coco – This is a stunning island in Cuba. It has amazing resorts and one-of-a-kind coral reefs. This is a very popular place for divers from all over to visit. The island also has its own airport which is very convenient.
Trinidad – This a beautiful colonial town to visit that is full of interesting history.

9. Accommodations in Cuba

Cuba is mainly known for its resorts along the ocean. Cuba does have hotels as well, but all-inclusive resorts seem to be the best way to enjoy your vacation here in Cuba. All-inclusive resorts allow for a worry-free vacation. Meaning that all your food and drinks are included when you arrive. Most of these amazing resorts are located right on the beachfront and have access to the white sandy beaches, and the crystal clear water. Resorts also have a pool or multiple pools for guests to enjoy. They have lots of rooms and very large dining areas as well. All resorts have bars and some even have swim-up bars. They also have lobbies where you can enjoy some relaxation. There are resorts with spas and fitness centers as well.

In Cuba, it is important to choose a hotel with a 4-5 star rating since Cuba is a third-world country, the lower rating hotels may be a little rough. With a 4-5 star hotel, you will get better rooms and better food as well. If you are not picky with accommodation and food then any star rating may be ok for you. Just remember you are here for a relaxing vacation in the sun!

Check out BOOKING.COM to book resorts in Cuba for the best prices.

10. Cuba Visa Requirements

When heading to Cuba you need to make sure you have a proper Visa to enter the country. Everyone entering Cuba for a vacation will need to have a Tourist Visa upon entering the country. This includes American travelers, Canadian travelers, European travelers, etc. This Tourist Visa is usually valid for up to 90 days. You can get this Cuba Tourist Visa from many places. Including online, from the airline when arriving at the airport, from your travel agency when you book your holiday, or from the Cuban Embassy in your country. Also, make sure you have travel insurance before heading to Cuba.