Last Updated on January 23, 2021
4. Don’t Leave Home Without Travel Insurance
Before traveling to Cuba, consider purchasing Travel insurance. You can do this in your own country from the Cuban state company ASISTUR, which is also responsible for assisting tourists in the country. The international vaccination card with proof of vaccination against yellow fever is another indispensable document. Tourists go through a (quick) screening at the airport where it is necessary to present this card. If you do not have proof of insurance purchase, the officers will require you to enter the country – which will certainly be much more expensive.
5. Set Aside A Small Part Of The Budget For Tips
If you have traveled to North America, you know that tips are essential, since a good part of the workers’ income comes from there. Traveling to Cuba is no different, and you need to be used to tipping all service providers. For waiters and taxi drivers, it is usually 15% or 20%. For those who carry your luggage, deliver CUC $ 1.00. Maids and tour bus drivers also receive CUC $ 1.00/day. For your guide/translator, give CUC $ 1.50/day.
6. Beware Of The Pleasantries That Cost Money
As in other tourist places around the world, traveling to Cuba also involves its “pranks” for tourists. If someone stops you on the street or the shore of Cuba beaches and starts some manual work, like a cartoon, a bracelet, or a painting, you can be sure that it is not a gift. The price will come in the end. Just thank, decline, and go your way.
7. Take Adapters For Your Electronics
Traveling to Cuba involves rescuing your childhood memories when recharging your cell phone or computer. Because the pins are double and round, similar to our old plugs. If you are carrying something of a straight pin or triple pin, invest in a universal adapter. All outlets are 220V, so be careful with your 110V devices!
8. Internet Access Is Not So Easy
Internet access in Cuba is still very limited, and hotels with free Wi-Fi are rare. When it does, it is not good, as is the case with the Hotel Nacional, considered one of Havana’s best. To access the internet, it is necessary to buy an access card from ETECSA, the country’s telecommunications company. This card most of the time gives access to 1 hour of internet and costs 1 CUC. That done, you need to put the code on your phone and connect it to one of the Wi-Fi points in the city you are in. It may seem strange, but it does not work as a 3G, only on the WiFi_ETECSA network. In hotels, this is the same scheme to follow.
