Caribbean Islands

Cuban Peso (CUP). Cuba eliminated the dual currency in 2021. USD and euros are accepted at tourist establishments. Bring all the cash you will need. US bank cards do NOT work in Cuba.

No US bank cards, no reliable ATMs for foreign cards. Bring more than you think you'll need in EUR or CAD (USD faces a conversion penalty at some exchange points).

Important and genuinely meaningful in Cuba. Musicians, guides, casa hosts, restaurant staff — $1–5 USD goes an extraordinarily long way. Always tip in person, in cash.

CST. Cuba Standard Time
UTC−5 winter / UTC−4 summer. Cuba observes daylight saving time.

Cuba is in the same time zone as US Eastern Standard Time in winter, and US Eastern Daylight Time in summer.

Best: Nov–AprHurricane season: Jun–Nov Tropical. Dry season (Nov–Apr) is warm and glorious (22–28°C).

February & March are considered the sweet spot — dry, not too hot, and outside peak Christmas/New Year pricing.

Spanish (Cuban dialect). Cubans speak quickly and drop syllables. Warm up with basics and Cubans will meet you with enormous friendliness.

¿Qué bolá?. What's up? (very Cuban)
Asere: Friend/mate
La cuenta, por favor: The bill
¿Donde hay musica?: Where is there music?

Limited outside major tourist hotels. In Old Havana some restaurant and hotel staff speak basic English. A few Spanish phrases reward you enormously.

Most visitors need a pink tourist card, available from airlines or Cuban embassies. $25–50. Valid 30 days, extendable once in Cuba for another 30.

Legal travel under OFAC license categories. "Support for the Cuban People" most commonly used. Keep records of how your trip qualifies.

Cuba requires proof of travel health insurance for entry. Some airlines include it in the ticket price — confirm before travelling.

Vintage American cars (almendrones) serve as shared local transport. Viazul buses connect cities reliably. Private taxis (particulares) offer the most flexibility.

Scarce and should be booked months ahead. Roads and signage can be inconsistent outside Havana.

The historic centre is walkable. Coco taxis (small yellow three-wheelers) are a fun, inexpensive way to cover short distances.

Very Safe Cuba is one of the safest countries in the Caribbean. Violent crime against tourists is extremely rare. Cubans are extraordinarily warm and hospitable.

106. Police
104 — Ambulance
105 — Fire

Stay in casas particulares (private Cuban homes) for a better experience and better value, money goes directly to Cuban families. Jineteros (touts) in Havana will approach you — politely decline and keep walking.