Planning a trip to Cuba is exciting and it can be easy if you know the right tips. With the recent update in US policies towards Cuba, many people are now heading there as tourists for either touristic or business purposes. Here are some important things that you need to know before planning a trip to this beautiful island nation.
Currency And Prices
The official currency of Cuba is the Cuban Peso (CUP). However, it’s a good idea to have some regular US dollars on hand for most purchases. Cuba is a place where bargaining down prices can be done especially at the street level. Haggling is a common practice in Cuba and most people will be willing to put a price lower if you ask. Don’t take this too far, however, as it’s considered rude not to agree on a final price when buying something especially from a street vendor.
Transportation Tips And Suggestions
The best way to get around Cuba is by using Viazul buses which stop at all major towns and cities throughout the country. As far as cars go, Cuba has a large number of old American-style cars that still run reliably on the roadways. It’s also worth mentioning that Cuba has a very high number of motorcycles and mopeds which are typically driven by locals, so you need to be careful when walking around the streets as a pedestrian. Besides these, there is an interesting Cuba flight option available for those looking to see Cuba from above from in the comfort of the private jet. This might be the most exciting way to see the island, and it’s a popular option among those who have no problem with spending a little extra cash.
Accommodations And Food
The biggest thing that most people need to know about Cuba is that it’s not a place where you can easily find 5-star accommodations. The island nation has an average of 2 to 3 stars at best It’s also worth checking out hostels throughout the island as there are many quality budget options for those who want an affordable place to stay while traveling around Cuba. As far as food goes, you can find just about anything in the country and it might be worth doing some research online before your trip so that you know where to go. Besides, the food is one of the biggest Cuban highlights, so you want to make sure that you get the chance to eat some of the local cuisines during your stay.
Drinking The Water
One thing that you will learn quickly in Cuba is that tap water is not safe for drinking. It’s not even recommended to brush your teeth with this water as it can cause some serious problems down the road. So, where does one get water to drink if the majority of public sources are not safe? Most locals will fill up their empty drink bottles with whatever they can find, but this is also typically not recommended. If you do find yourself needing water to drink, then it’s best to purchase it from one of the many small street stands that are available throughout the country.
Cell Phone And Internet Usage
The use of cell phones and the internet are still very limited in this country. Some places offer wifi access, but for the most part, all you can count on is being able to make a phone call if needed. It’s also important to note that it’s not recommended to go around taking photos of military facilities or anything that could be considered a national security risk. People will generally not say anything to you, but it’s just something to keep in mind when walking around taking pictures of the local scenery.
Safety Tips And Other Warnings
While Cuba is generally a safe place to travel, it’s a good idea to take the usual precautions that you would take when traveling any other part of the world. It’s also worth mentioning that Cuban people are generally very nice and friendly, and they like to welcome tourists into their country. Just be sure to remember that you are in another country with different customs, so you need to be respectful when interacting with people. Also, the pace of change in Cuba is especially slow compared to what you might expect coming from countries like the US or Canada.
Planning a trip to Cuba is relatively easy if you know the right information upfront. Hopefully, this article has given you some good information to get started with. It’s an amazing island country that is rich in culture and history, so it is worth seeing for yourself at least once in your life!
While Cuba is a pretty safe place to visit, it’s important to exercise caution, especially when using your credit cards there. It would be best not to use them as they are often targeted for scams, so you can only exchange money in the form of cash if necessary and withdraw some from ATMs instead.
Cuba is a wonderful place to visit and explore. You can find delicious food, beautiful beaches, fascinating culture, and friendly people in the country of Cuba. If you are planning on traveling there soon, we hope that this article has been helpful for you!
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