13 Things you should NEVER DO in Cuba
- #1 Don’t criticize Fidel! …
- #2 Do not take pictures of the Police! …
- #3 Don’t drink water from the tap! …
- #4 Don’t bring American Express! …
- #5 Don’t blow your nose in public! …
- # 6 Don’t be confused with both Currencies! …
- #7 Don’t bring Bling! …
- #8 Do not take taxis without a License!
What can you not eat in Cuba?
Avoid undercooked and prepared foods
Dishes containing beans and roots are typically safe to eat in Cuba since they need to be cooked anyway. Keep an eye out for bananas, yucca, pumpkins, sweet potatoes, frijoles negros (black beans), and other potajes.
What is considered rude in Cuba?
Try to avoid these taboos when in Cuba: Spitting on the ground or blowing your nose in public. Taking pictures of anyone (without first asking their permission). Littering (this is not only rude, but it’s also against the law).
What should I be careful of in Cuba?
Although Cuba is generally a safe country to visit, a trip to Cuba may expose you to “minor” crimes such as currency scams, pickpocketing, and theft. You should also be aware of threats to your health like contaminated tap water, COVID-19, mosquito-borne diseases, and terrible road conditions if you are driving.
What should I know before going to Cuba?
19 things to know before travelling to Cuba
- Cuba is changing, albeit slowly. …
- You probably need a tourist visa. …
- Adequate travel insurance is essential. …
- You will only get Cuban pesos in Cuba. …
- Havana is a gem. …
- Beachgoers won’t be disappointed. …
- Try out a casa particular instead of a hotel. …
- Camping doesn’t mean tents.
Do and don’ts in Cuba?
If you want your stay to remain peaceful, here are some things you should never, ever do when visiting in Cuba.
- Don’t talk about politics.
- Don’t stay in the orange casa particulares.
- Don’t work on a tourist visa.
- Don’t take photos of police or soldiers.
- Don’t be shy.
- Don’t get confused by the two currencies.
What does Cuba eat for breakfast?
Breakfast in Cuba tends to consist of toast or, more commonly, bread eaten with fried, boiled or scrambled eggs. Fresh fruit is often served alongside. The better hotels do buffet breakfasts that cover cooked eggs and meats, cold meat and cheeses, fruits and cereals.
Is there crime in Cuba?
Most of the crimes committed in Cuba are theft related and are typically non-violent in nature. Two of the most common being pickpocketing and purse snatching, which as in most cases, tend to occur in more crowded or touristy areas.
What can you not do in Cuba 2020?
13 Things you should NEVER DO in Cuba
- #1 Don’t criticize Fidel! …
- #2 Do not take pictures of the Police! …
- #3 Don’t drink water from the tap! …
- #4 Don’t bring American Express! …
- #5 Don’t blow your nose in public! …
- # 6 Don’t be confused with both Currencies! …
- #7 Don’t bring Bling! …
- #8 Do not take taxis without a License!
What language does Cuba speak?
13 Things you should NEVER DO in Cuba
- #1 Don’t criticize Fidel! …
- #2 Do not take pictures of the Police! …
- #3 Don’t drink water from the tap! …
- #4 Don’t bring American Express! …
- #5 Don’t blow your nose in public! …
- # 6 Don’t be confused with both Currencies! …
- #7 Don’t bring Bling! …
- #8 Do not take taxis without a License!
Why can’t Americans go to Cuba?
The U.S. government has limited travel to Cuba since 1960—after Fidel Castro came to power—and to this day, travel for tourist activities remains controlled largely due to a fear of communism in Cuba.
Is Mexico safer than Cuba?
Cuba is generally safer than Mexico, e.g. Varadero is much more secure than Cancun. Cuba has a more authentic real-life experience vs Mexico’s more touristic experience.
Is Cuba safe for a woman Travelling alone?
Cuba is a safe country, with virtually no violent crime, although pick-pocketing and petty theft do happen. If you stay aware of your surroundings, you should be able to have a safe, enjoyable time.
Can you flush toilet paper in Cuba?
You will not necessarily be allowed to flush toilet paper or have taps to wash your hands. It’s advisable to carry your own toilet paper and hand sanitiser wherever you go. Bring small gifts for the locals, especially the staff working in the hotels and establishments you visit on your trip.
What is visiting Cuba like?
It’s beautiful and colorful. Cuba can be many things, but for sure it is beautiful and colorful. All the colonial houses, even though most are abandoned or need a real work, and the stunning beaches and turquoise water, some are the most beautiful I’ve ever seen.
What are the 12 reasons to visit Cuba?
The 12 categories of authorized travel to Cuba are: family visits, official business of the U.S. government, foreign governments, and certain intergovernmental organizations, journalistic activity, professional research and professional meetings, educational activities, religious activities, public performances, …
Can you use the US dollar in Cuba?
As a traveler, you cannot use US dollars in Cuba since the Government is pushing for the de-dollarization of the economy. Even the currency exchange offices in airports are no longer exchanging US dollars for CUPs. You can’t use credit or debit cards issued by US banks either.
How do you dress in Cuba?
An average wardrobe in Cuba today is likely to consist of casual slacks or jeans, shorts, skirts (for women) and T-shirts or loose-fitting tops. One traditional Cuban garment is in widespread use on the island, though. It’s called a guayabera shirt, Havana shirt, Mexican wedding shirt or cigar shirt.
Is it illegal to leave Cuba?
Travel and emigration. As of January 14, 2013, all Cuban government-imposed travel restrictions and controls have been abolished. Since that date, any Cuban citizen, with a valid passport, can leave the country at will, without let or hindrance from the Cuban authorities.
Is Cuban food spicy?
Cuban food is Not Spicy. It is flavorful and tasty. We use onion, bell pepper and garlic to spice our food.
Is Cuba cheap for food and drink?
The cost of food in Cuba can be very cheap or quite expensive. If you’re spending in CUC, you’re spending at tourist prices. Meals start at around 3 CUC and can cost anywhere up to 50 CUC including dinner and drinks if you dine somewhere nice.
What is Cuba’s national dish?
Ropa Vieja, the national dish of Cuba, is a meal that is steeped in history. This rustic, humble dish so perfectly tells the story of the country’s culinary and cultural evolution over the last half-century. It’s fascinating – and a perfect read if you’re feeling a little hungry – so, ropa vieja.
Can you buy a Coke in Cuba?
There are now just two countries in the world where Coca-Cola cannot be bought or sold – at least, not officially. They are Cuba and North Korea, which are both under long-term US trade embargoes (Cuba since 1962 and North Korea since 1950).
What drugs are legal in Cuba?
The only drug that is allowed in Cuba is alcohol (yup that’s a hard drug too.) It’s even pushed by the government and for sale on every street corner, gas station, grocery store or supermarket.
Is Cuba a poor or rich country?
In 2019, Cuba ranked 70th out of 189 countries on the Human Development Index, placed in the high human development category. As of 2012, the country’s public debt comprised 35.3% of GDP, inflation (CDP) was 5.5%, and GDP growth was 3%. Housing and transportation costs are low.
Is Internet illegal in Cuba?
As mentioned above, all internet is controlled by the ETECSA, so ownership of Wi-Fi equipment privately without the consent of the government is illegal without a license from the Ministry of Communications.
How cheap is Cuba?
Cuba is generally pretty affordable, especially compared to other Caribbean Islands, yet is more expensive than other parts of Latin America like Mexico or Central American nations. With a special 2nd currency just for tourists, you’ll be forced to pay tourist prices most of the time.
Is it safe to go to Cuba right now?
Cuba is open for travel and it’s generally safe to travel to Cuba. However, amid the COVID-19 pandemic, the Cuban Government is enforcing additional travel restrictions, such as requiring proof of vaccination or a negative PCR test.
What religion is in Cuba?
Cuba’s prevailing religion is Christianity, primarily Roman Catholicism, although in some instances it is profoundly modified and influenced through syncretism.
Is English spoken in Cuba?
The majority of Cubans only know Spanish, but in larger cities and tourist areas, English is more commonly spoken. Although knowledge of Spanish isn’t required, you are encouraged to learn simple words and basic phrases in order to maximize your experience with the Cuban people.
What are the top 3 languages in Cuba?
Cuban Spanish and Haitian Creole are the dominant languages in the country.
- The Most Popular Language of Cuba: Cuban Spanish. …
- Haitian Creole. …
- Liturgical Language of Cuba: Lucumi. …
- Foreign Languages Spoken in Cuba: Galician and Corsican.
Can u drive to Cuba?
It’s perfectly legal for Americans to travel to Cuba, except for explicit tourism purposes. However, you will need to meet some requirements. Specifically, you need a Cuban Tourist Card (a.k.a Cuban Visa), travel insurance, and a self-certification under one of the 12 travel categories of authorized travel to Cuba.
Is Cuba owned by the United States?
After the Spanish–American War, Spain and the United States signed the Treaty of Paris (1898), by which Spain ceded Puerto Rico, the Philippines, and Guam to the United States for the sum of US$20 million and Cuba became a protectorate of the United States.
Does Cuba have allies?
Currently, Cuba has diplomatically friendly relationships with Presidents Nicolás Maduro of Venezuela and Daniel Ortega of Nicaragua, with Maduro as perhaps the country’s staunchest ally in the post-Soviet era.
Which is better Cancun or Cuba?
To sum up, I would say that Cancun (and Riviera Maya) is a better destination in terms of hotels, food, attractions and value. However, Cuba is a very special country and visiting Havana (2.5 hours driving from Varadero) is a unique experience. It’s worth going there already because of that.
What is the cheapest month to go to Cuba?
Top tips for finding cheap flights to Cuba
High season is considered to be January, November and December. The cheapest month to fly to Cuba is September.
Is Cuba or Dominican Republic safer?
Cuba or Dominican Republic: what travelers say
Cuba is better than Dominican Republic for off-resort sightseeing and walking around without a guide. It has much better safety including when walking at night downtown and in Varadero. The country has great culture and history, namely in Havana and Santiago.
Can you go to Cuba with a baby?
Most resorts are about a 30- to 60-minute drive from the airport. Havana is about a 90-minute drive from Varadero, making it an easy day trip, even with a baby or toddler in tow. The beach is very wide and long, and the water very gradually deepens. It’s perfect for babies and toddlers to splash in.
Is Havana safe?
Havana is a city that is not considered too dangerous, and travelers should behave as in any other major city. Local authorities are doing their best to protect tourists from criminals since the city depends on tourism. Cuban police are everywhere, so you do not have to be afraid of criminals during the daytime.
How safe is Varadero Cuba?
Stay safe[edit]
Varadero is pretty strictly a tourist enclave, with limited access for locals, and routinely policed. Elsewhere in Cuba is much different. It is, however, arguably the safest country in the Caribbean for travelers, including single females. Use your common sense and you’ll be fine.
Why are there no toilet seats in Cuba?
Toilet seats are considered an unnecessary luxury in Cuba. If you go into an ironmongery store in Cuba most brand new toilets that are sold still have no seats.
Can you make phone calls to Cuba?
To call Cuba: If you’re calling Cuba from the United States: First dial 011, the international access code. Then dial 53, the country code. And last, dial the area code and then the number.
How much cash can you take into Cuba?
Foreign currencies: up to the equivalent of USD 5,000. – in freely convertible currencies. Exceeding amounts must be declared. Traveler’s cheques in freely convertible currencies are accepted, except those issued by American Express.
When should you not go to Cuba?
The best time to visit Cuba is from the end of the year, December, to the beginning of the rainy season that tends to start any time from April, May and into June. August, September and October are probably the worst times to go to Cuba due to potential hurricanes, especially close to beach resorts.
What is a popular food in Cuba?
One of the most popular entrees in Cuban cuisine is ropa vieja. This stewed shredded beef dish is slow cooked in fresh tomatoes, onions, peppers, garlic and wine to create a mouthwatering meal. And following its origins, the dish is accompanied by white rice, black beans and sweet plantains.
What are 5 interesting facts about Cuba?
Five fun facts about Cuba
- The main island of Cuba is the largest island in the Caribbean. …
- Cuba’s coastline stretches over 3500 miles. …
- The most popular sport in Cuba is baseball. …
- Cuba’s three biggest exports are tobacco, sugar and nickel. …
- Cuba has nine UNESCO World Heritage sites.
What’s special about Cuba?
Cuba, with its mix of Spanish and African roots, is the largest, least commercialized, and most exciting island in the Caribbean. It is also one of the world’s last bastions of communism with a fascinating modern history.
How do Americans vacation in Cuba?
Travel To Cuba With A US Passport: 2022 Rules
- Overview: Traveling to Cuba With a US Passport.
- Declare a Valid Travel Category.
- Get a Tourist Card.
- Get Valid Health Insurance.
- Prepare an Itinerary.
- Be sure to check the Restricted List before you go.
- What to know about your receipts from your trip.
- Check The Latest COVID-19 News.
What kind of passport do I need to go to Cuba?
Please note: A valid U.S. passport is required for entry into Cuba and for us to obtain your Cuban Visa. If you do not have a valid U.S. passport, you may apply for a new one by visiting the U.S. Passports &, International travel website by clicking here.