Feel the Cuban warmth and rhythm of atmospheric Havana and the relaxed atmosphere of the countless exotic beaches that surround the island. In the soul of the Cubans there is not only the lively salsa music and fast-paced dance, but also the joy of life itself.
On this page you will find practical information and facts about Cuba.
PRACTICAL INFORMATION ABOUT TRAVELING IN CUBA
Climate and best travel time
Cuba has a tropical climate and can be visited all year round. The annual average temperature varies from 20 to 28 degrees. The best time to visit the country is between November and April, when the weather is mostly dry and the risk of hurricanes is lowest. Between April and November it is rainy season and hurricane season in Cuba, but that should not deter anyone from traveling to the country. It does not rain constantly and even if the temperatures are high it does not feel uncomfortable because the island is narrow and it constantly flows in cooling air currents from the sea. Visit thedresswizard.com for best time to travel to Cuba.
Our recommendations on when it is best to travel to Cuba are based on how the climate has been last year. The weather in Cuba can be very variable and unpredictable and therefore our recommendations should only be seen as an indication.
Accommodation
We recommend that you try to stay in a “Casa Particular” on your travels – it is accommodation in private rooms in a private home or with an ordinary family. It is often the cheapest but also the best way to experience Cuba.
Money
There are two currencies in the country, Cuban pesos (Cup) and pesos convertibles (CUC). These are pesos convertibles that you get paid out when you as a tourist exchange currency at the bank. Cuban pesos are the local currency that Cubans receive in salary.
We recommend that you bring euros to Cuba in cash. It is the cheapest currency to exchange for pesos convertibles.
Visa cards are accepted at banks and exchange offices (Casas de Cambio) as well as at state-owned hotels. However, please note that a change fee is often charged on your Visa card. In addition, it is not possible to withdraw money at all banks with foreign cards and it can be difficult to find ATMs. Passports must be shown when you want to withdraw money with your Visa card.
Visa
conditions NOTE! The visa rules can be changed at short notice, so We recommend that you check the current conditions at the country’s embassy. The following information may change.
We are approved by the Cuban state to issue visas for Swedish travelers to Cuba. If you book a package trip with us, a 30-day tourist visa (Tarjeta del Turista) is included. The visa is issued only in connection with a booking of at least two nights, which is a requirement of the Cuban state.
Passports must be valid for at least three months after the end of the trip. You must always have your “Tarjeta del Turista” with you during your stay in Cuba. Contact us for more information about visas.
Sickness insurance
As of May 1, 2010, the Cuban authorities have introduced a requirement for valid travel health insurance for entry into Cuba. Proof of valid travel health insurance in English or insurance certificate issued by an insurance company must be presented upon entry. Travelers who do not have travel insurance on arrival in Cuba must purchase insurance at the airport, port or marina.
Also pay special attention to the fact that not all insurance companies have been approved by the Cuban authorities.
European belongs to the companies approved by the Cuban authorities in accordance with the documentation requirements, and is on the Cuban embassy’s lists of approved travel insurance companies. European also issues documentation in English to all travelers traveling to Cuba.
Transportation
It is relatively expensive for foreigners to travel around Cuba.
Bus Bus
companies that focus on tourists work well. Video entertainment and air conditioning raise the price. You can choose between the Viazul and Astro buses. The astro buses are of a slightly lower standard. It is highly recommended that tickets be purchased a few days in advance or to arrive at the ticket office very early before departure. The buses stop for meals and it is not necessary to bring your own food.
Train
Trains are generally cheaper and slower than buses. Train tickets are purchased at the train station in the “LADIS” hatch and paid for in cash. Lighter dishes can be bought, but bring some food yourself as the trains can sometimes be many hours late. The tracks run from east to west and from north to south. The trains can recommend for long journeys, especially at night because the seats are large and comfortable – and there is plenty of legroom.
Car
There can be great benefits to renting a car. Your own car not only saves you time on transport, but you also have total freedom to reach places that cannot be reached by local transport. One-way rental is possible for an additional fee. Visa cards can be used at the Servi-Cupet petrol stations in all major cities. The road network in Cuba is well developed, but in many places the maintenance is poor. Except on motorways, it is not possible to maintain a speed of more than 60-70 km / h due to many holes in the asphalt. Always bring a spare wheel in the boot! Please note that on the motorways, in contrast to in Sweden, all means of transport are allowed, including bicycles and horse-drawn carriages.
We recommend that you bring a map or download maps that you can use offline.
Taxi
The worse the condition – the cheaper, is the basic rule of taxis. Alternatively, you can travel with the private “black” taxis without taximeters and without signs. Here you have to bargain on the price. If you are four people who are going on a longer trip, it often pays to share a “black” taxi instead of taking the bus.
Flights
It can be very time-saving to fly domestically, but book well in advance and expect overbookings and delays.
Tip
In most countries, tips are part of the salaries of employees in the service industry. Therefore, it is good practice (and sometimes directly necessary) to give tips to, for example, cleaning staff, waiters, guides, drivers, etc. depending on the country you are visiting. Therefore, we recommend that you familiarize yourself with how much is normally given in tips and to whom before you embark on your journey. Find information on tips in Lonely Planet’s guidebooks.
Wages in Cuba are generally low and it is therefore a really good idea to always leave tips. Just giving a little coin to someone who shows the way can be a great joy. In addition to tips, it is a good idea to bring some gifts for those you visit. This can be pencils and crayons, clothes, sweets and not least soap.
FACTS
CAPITAL: HAVANA
LANGUAGE: SPANISH
CLIMATE: TROPICAL
CURRENCY: CUBAN PESOS AND CONVERTIBLE PESOS
RELIGION: CATHOLICISM
INFORMATION CUBA
Cuba’s soul
Cuba is poor and worn but at the same time magnificently rich and prosperous. Cubans are curious and hospitable and despite the moderate lifestyle, Cubans exude an infectious zest for life. To really enjoy Cuba’s warm soul, you have to live in the country’s different and very relaxing pace and pace. Once the pace has been found, salsa, rum and cigar are the next step into the happy Cuban lifestyle.
Nightlife and pride
In Cuba, life is lived on the streets with the old charming Spanish colonial-style buildings. The streets are full of life, unless Fidel Castro’s speeches are broadcast, baseball is played in the stadium, or the daily episode of a South American television series (telenovela) is broadcast, music is heard from every street corner, dominoes are played in the shade of trees, cigars are smoked the benches and there is a lively discussion about Cuba before and after the revolution. Most Cubans notice a certain pride in the revolution, Fidel Castro, Che Guevara and the other comrades. But many Cubans are also very curious about the world outside the island.
Scenic pearl
Cuba is the largest island in the Caribbean. But the island is affordable whether you cycle, drive or take the train around the island. Everywhere, the dark red earth is seen as a sign of the lush Caribbean nature. Sugarcane plantations and banana plantations, orchid oases and not least some of the world’s best beaches make Cuba an interesting and beautiful experience.
