Cuba key facts
Airport
Most international flights serve Havana's Jose Marti Airport, Varadero and Santiago de Cuba. The terminals provide banking, car-hire and tourist information office services, in addition to duty-free shop, restaurant and snack bar facilities. There are bus and taxi links to town.
Climate
Caressed by the prevailing northeast trade winds, the island's climate is agreeably sub-tropical, most often around 25deg.C (77deg.F), rising to an average 28deg.C (82deg.F) in July and August and "dipping" to 22deg.C (71deg.F) in the coolest month, February.
Credit Cards
Local currency is the Peso. Whilst travellers cheques are widely accepted in Cuba not all hotels change these (regardless of currency) but all International banks provide this service within their normal working hours. Clients taking currency of any sort including Sterling pounds or Euros will now find that currency exchanges and banks levy a minimum 8% fee of the transaction and 3% for credit card payments. Nearly all major cards are accepted except those issued by United States banks. For credit card transaction with NO American ties you will receive convertible pesos (CUC) instead of USD.
Customs Allowance
Passengers aged 18 years or over may import, duty-free, 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 250 g of tobacco; 3 bottles of alcoholic beverages; gifts up to the equivalent of USD 50; up to 10 kg of medicines. Free export of 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars; 5 bottles of alcoholic beverages; goods and souvenirs up to equivalent of USD200.
It is prohibited to import video cassette players, and at entry, any DVDs, DVD players and computers with incorporated player will be confiscated at customs. When you leave Cuba, customs officers always look out for cigars, so if you buy them, keep the official receipts. The free export limit without a receipt is 23 cigars per person.
Electricity
110 volts. Bring your own adapter for personal appliances.
Health
Health facilities, hygiene and disease risk vary worldwide. You should take health advice about your specific needs as early as possible through either your general practitioner or a specialist clinic.
Language
Spanish is the official language, but people in the tourist industry speak English, French and increasingly German.
Passport
We can advise passport and visa requirements only for British and Irish passport holders at the time of booking. For non-British passport holders and for British passports endorsed in any way, requirements should be checked with the nearest relevant embassy.
Your passport should be valid for at least six months after you enter Cuba, and you need a tourist card (tarjeta de turista) usually provided by your tour operator. Keep it safe during your stay as you will need to hand it in when leaving.§
Safety
Cuba is much safer than other Latin American countries. Pickpockets, however, work the tourist areas of Havana and the resort towns. A much sought-after item is your passport, so keep it well-protected. Prostitutes in hotel lobbies and street-corner hustlers are an inevitable offshoot of tourism and the island's economic difficulties, but beggars and anyone else that hassles you can be shooed off with a calm "Por favor, no moleste"-"Please, don't bother me."
Telephone
The island's telephone services are problematic, though a phone card system is being progressively installed in the major tourist areas. Calls are best handled through your hotel, which also usually has fax facilities. Check the price first to avoid unpleasant surprises.
Tipping
A discreet tip here and there is always welcome.
Transport
Since the bus service has been crippled by fuel shortages and lack of spare parts for vehicles, your best bet is the really good national train network or, for longer distances, domestic flights. The railway links all the major towns and tourists pay very reasonable fares. The seating is old-fashioned but comfortable. Coffee and sandwiches are served from station platforms along the route. For getting around town, there are plenty of taxis; negotiate the fare before boarding. Bicycle-taxis with the rider pedalling in front of a couple of passengers are also plentiful. Again prices should be determined before you get in.
