Cuba Travel Guide — Country Guide

Cuba Travel Guide 🇨🇺

Everything a traveler should know before visiting Cuba — Havana old town, classic cars, colonial cities, beaches & music culture

🌤 Live Weather — Havana

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📌 Quick Facts

🏙 Capital Havana
🏝 Highlights Old Havana · Viñales Valley · Varadero Beaches
💱 Currency Cuban Peso (CUP)
🗣 Language Spanish (limited English)
⏱ Time Zone GMT−5
🔌 Plug Type Type A · B — 110–220V
Famous for: classic cars · salsa & street music · tobacco valleys · colorful colonial districts

🛂 Visa & Entry Rules

Tourist card required (most travelers) Passport valid 6+ months Travel insurance required
  • Return / onward ticket usually required
  • Special entry rules for some nationalities
  • Keep accommodation details handy
Always check airline or embassy guidance before travel.

🗓 Best Time to Visit

🌤 Nov–Apr Dry & peak tourist season
🌧 May–Oct Wet & humid season
🎶 Feb–Apr Best for festivals & events
💸 Shoulder Season Fewer crowds
Hurricane risk exists from Jun–Nov.

💰 Average Trip Budget

  • 🎒 Budget — $40–70 / ₹3,300–₹5,800 per day
  • 🏨 Mid-Range — $90–150 / ₹7,500–₹12,500 per day
  • 👑 Luxury — $220+ / ₹18,000+ per day
Private taxis & premium beach resorts increase costs.

🗺 Top Places to Visit

Havana Viñales Valley Varadero Trinidad Cienfuegos Santa Clara

🚇 Transport & Getting Around

  • Classic taxis & private transfers
  • Intercity tourist buses
  • Limited domestic flights
  • Shared colectivos in some routes
Book long-distance buses in advance in peak months.

📶 Mobile SIM & Internet

  • Main provider — ETECSA
  • Tourist SIMs available
  • Public Wi-Fi hotspots
  • Internet speeds vary
Download offline maps & tickets before arrival.

💵 Money & Payments

  • Cash-first economy
  • Cards accepted at limited places
  • USD/EUR sometimes exchangeable
  • ATMs limited outside big cities
Carry sufficient cash for rural & small-town travel.

🍽 Food & Local Cuisine

  • Ropa Vieja
  • Rice & beans
  • Yuca & plantain dishes
  • Cuban sandwiches
  • Tropical fruits & rum drinks

🎊 Festivals & Events

  • Havana Jazz Festival
  • Festival del Caribe
  • International Ballet Festival
  • Carnival celebrations

🛡 Safety & Travel Awareness

  • Tourist zones generally safe
  • Beware street scams
  • Use licensed taxis
  • Carry ID & entry documents
Local services in small towns may be limited — plan ahead.

🎒 What to Pack

  • Light tropical clothing
  • Cash reserve
  • Power adapter
  • Sunscreen & hat

🌡 Weather & Climate

  • Tropical Caribbean climate
  • Warm year-round
  • Dry & rainy seasons
  • Hurricane season Jun–Nov

🧳 Suggested 5-Day Itinerary

  • Day 1 — Old Havana & Malecón
  • Day 2 — Classic car tour & museums
  • Day 3 — Viñales Valley tobacco farms
  • Day 4 — Trinidad colonial streets
  • Day 5 — Varadero beach day

❓ FAQs

Is English widely spoken?
Limited — Spanish is essential outside tourist areas.

Do I need cash?
Yes — most everyday transactions are cash-based.

Is Cuba good for history & culture?
Yes — colonial towns, music, architecture & heritage streets.

🚨 Emergency Numbers

🚑 Ambulance 104
👮 Police 106
🔥 Fire 105
🩺 Medical Assistance Local Clinics / Hospitals

✈️ Plan Your Trip