Read This Before Travelling to Cuba – Cuba Travel Updates
If you're traveling to Cuba for the first time, or it's been a long time since you've been there, then you want to read this post.
I've been to Cuba at least six times, including right before the lockdowns and most recently in June of 2022. So, I wanted to share with you everything that you need to know before traveling to Cuba on your next trip. There have been some BIG changes, so keep reading to find out what those changes are.
#1) Currency
Cuba before 2020 was using the CUC, which was the Cuban convertible peso, and there were talks that they were going to get rid of that. There were actually two currencies in Cuba at the time. The Cuban Convertible Peso (CUC) was really for the tourists and the locals always used the CUP, which is the Cuban National Peso or also known as Moneda National (MN). Now everyone including the tourists use CUP.
#2) No More Pandemic Restrictions
This could be permanent, or it could be temporary, but currently right now there are no more mandates in Cuba from the pandemic. All mask requirements in the airport and everywhere you go have been removed. Also, there are no more vaccine requirements anywhere in Cuba including entering Cuba. It is a completely back to normal the way it was before the pandemic but keep up to date with the Cuba travel requirements in case this changes.
#3) Exchanging Money
There are 4 ways to exchange money in Cuba. You can exchange your money when you land at the airport and every hotel pretty much has a currency exchange called Cadeca, or you can go to a local bank.
The other unorthodox way that a lot of people exchange money in Cuba is actually when you're in the hotel, you meet some of the staff, they can actually exchange your money for you and they will give you the best currency exchange rate as opposed to the bank or the airport or the hotel because they value Euros, Pounds, Canadian dollars or American dollars more than their own national currency.
We were told this from the local staff. To them, their national currency is pretty much worthless because they can't do anything with that money. If they want to buy anything, leave the country, etc. they need to have international currency. So that's why they will give you a better exchange rate and they will be more than happy to exchange your money for you. Of course if you choose to exchange your money this way, this is completely up to your discretion, it's not a recommendation.
Also, Cubans will not accept any sort of coins at all, only paper money. If someone does accept coins, they will later ask another tourist to exchange those coins they have, if they have enough, into a paper bill. What I would recommend is to exchange your money in your home country and take American $1 bills with you because that's going to help you when tipping or if you need small change. Most people won't have exact change for you. You'll also notice that everything is priced mostly in US Dollars or CUP (MN). Most of the clothing or any shopping that you do, is priced in USD.
Keep in mind, you can pay with the Cuban National Peso (CUP/MN), or you can use American, Canadian, Pounds or Euros to pay when you're in Cuba. If you bring enough of your own currency, you don't have to actually exchange into Cuban money when you're there. However, keep in mind that most of the people, especially if you're outside of the resorts, won't have change.
#4) Tipping
How much you tip really depends on where you go. If you're just having a coffee at the lobby in your hotel, tipping $1 $2 is fine but if you're going to eat at a restaurant, or tipping your housekeeper, then of course you want to tip a little bit more.
There is no standard percentage of tipping in Cuba. It's up to your discretion how much you want to tip.
#5) Airport Transportation
If you booked your trip as an all-inclusive package with hotel and flight, your package will include an airport shuttle bus pickup and drop off. So, when you arrive to the airport, you have to look for a representative from company that you booked with.
They usually have a representative at the arrivals area when you exit the airport. You just approach them and give them your name, your flight and what hotel you’re staying at, and they will tell you what bus is going to take you to your hotel. If you choose to fly in without a tour company and you booked your own way, there are definitely lots of taxis when you get there.
As part of the shuttle when you're getting to your hotel, there will be also other people on that bus and the bus will be stopping at different hotels to drop them off.
There is a guide on the bus who announces which hotel stop is next, and sometimes they'll provide you beer and refreshments on the bus! They always will ask for a tip for the shuttle bus driver and the guide.
#6) Getting a Local SIM
You can go to an ETECSA store, and got a Cubacel SIM card. The sim card will work on even the newest iPhone and gives you a local phone number and depending on the plan you choose, you get some minutes, data, texting, calling for about 250 CUP (about $10-$15 USD).
This is very convenient because if you leave the resort, then you won't have cell service or data and perhaps you don't want to be paying the exorbitant roaming fees that your home cell phone provider will charge you if you remove your phone from airplane mode. So this is very convenient and it works perfectly. If you keep that SIM card and use it at least once a year you get to keep the same number.
#7) The World Famous Tropicana Show
This show is the famous show in Havana and has been going on since 1939. Ernest Hemingway actually used to go and watch the shows there. It's very famous and it's a great experience that I highly recommend! You can go on your own or as part of a tour package to Havana you can book from your hotel. It will be a day trip to Havana and then they will take you to a hotel where you can shower change and get ready for the show.
It starts around 8pm or 9pm and goes until midnight. As part of your admission, you have drinks included and a complimentary cigar you can smoke while watching the show.
The venue is so beautiful surrounded by trees and when you go inside, the actual seating and show is outside in a very large outdoor courtyard.
#8) New Cabaret Show in Varadero
In Varadero they have opened up a new cabaret show similar to the Tropicana which is located just outside the Malia International Hotel. There's a separate building and it's called the Continental Cabaret.
This show is a wonderful experience and if you're in Varadero, I highly recommend going there as a night out. You can go really early and have dinner there. Then there's a little bit of a break before the show starts around 9pm. The price for entry includes some drinks as well. The show goes on until midnight with a disco afterwards until about 3am.
#9) How Do You Say Cigars in Spanish?
Well, I don't know about Spanish, but in Cuba you don't call a cigar Cigarro, you actually call it Tobacco. If you say Cigarro, they're will think you're talking about cigarettes.
#10) Buying Cigars
Right now finding Cohiba cigars is very difficult especially the thick ones. They're quite hard to find everywhere in Cuba. Also, the prices of all Cuban cigars in Cuba have increased in the summer of 2022.
I will also tell you to be careful not to buy cigars from a local who's selling it to you from the hotel or anywhere who tells you, “I can get you a great deal. I have a friend who can get you great cigars, Cohibas, brand names, etc.”
Most of the time those are actually fakes and unless you are a seasoned cigar smoker and you know exactly what to look for, you probably won't be able to tell if it's a fake or not. So whether you're a seasoned cigar smoker or not, I highly recommend to always stick to buying it at the official retail stores. That way you know that you're not going to find yourself shortchanged.
#11) Getting Around Varadero
There are 2 ways to get around Varadero. Taxi, which is very easy and convenient. You'll have to negotiate the fair with the taxi driver. The other option is you can take the double decker bus that drives you up and down Varadero from downtown Varadero all the way to the end, which is the Marina Varadero.
It stops at certain hotels along the way and it's also very easy and convenient. The price is $5 USD or 5 Euros and they will either take or cash or credit card on the bus and then give you tickets that are good for the whole day to hop on and hop off as you wish.
#12) Food In Cuba
Most people complain and say that the food is bad in Cuba, but this is actually not true.
I've noticed that when I leave the resort, the food is really good.
The food quality and taste will vary depending on the hotel you’re staying at. I’ve stayed at the Melia Las Americas and Royalton Hicacos and both hotels had great food especially at the A La Carte restaurants.
If you want a truly five star dining experience in Varadero, I would highly recommend to go to the DuPont Mansion also known as the Xanadu Mansion in Varadero. The drinks, the service, the food is just incredible!! There is also a rooftop bar that also sells cigars you can enjoy. If you go around sunset, you're going to be able to see the most gorgeous sunset view.
#13) VIP Airport Lounge.
It's absolutely worth the money. The fee is $30 USD or $40 CAD and I believe they have them in all the major airports in Cuba. You can either pay for access at your hotel with your airline representative with a credit card or when you get to the airport, simply look for a lady with a sign walking around that says “VIP Lounge” and you would pay her (cash only). The lounge is fully air conditioned (the airport is not air conditioned), you get free snacks, free food and one hour of free WI-FI, and there's also a smoking section in that lounge.
The other big perk to paying for the lounge is that the lady will take you to the front of the check-in line for your flight, a separate line for customs, and then you go through security and then she'll take you to the lounge. The lady is with you throughout the whole time, escorting you which is great if something happens. There was something funny that happened on our last trip so you can go here to watch my vlog where I talk about it!
What surprised you the most? Do you have any questions? Let me know in the comments.
If you want to learn more or check out my experience travelling to Cuba after the pandemic, check out these 2 videos - Cuba Vlog and Cuba Travel Tips.
Happy Travels,
Asya