Visiting Cuba: Things to Know Before You Go
American travel to Cuba is now legal and super easy to book. But don’t plan your trip just yet. Here are some must-know details to help prepare you for your trip.
As of June 5, 2019, Trump’s latest regulation is now prohibiting cruises, cruises, private yachts or fishing vessels to visit under educational and cultural trips (aka people to people) category as a reason for travel to Cuba. Although the majority of American travel to Cuba has been via cruises, you are still able to visit Cuba via plane. In short, YES, you can still travel to Cuba using the category “support for the Cuban people” I suggested below.
Reason for travel
The U.S. government requires you to list your reason for travel to their country using one of the 12 categories listed below. This is by far the most asked question by Americans and it’s not as complicated as it seems. Although, travelling to Cuba for tourism is prohibited, there are other categories that will allow you to explore the country all the same.
If you are wanting to visit Cuba to simply explore the country and learn about the culture, then your best best is choosing “Support for the Cuban people.”
Family visits
Official business of the U.S. government, foreign governments, and certain intergovernmental organizations
Journalistic activity
Professional research and professional meetings
Educational activities
Religious activities
Public performances, clinics, workshops, athletic and other competitions, and exhibitions
Support for the Cuban people
Humanitarian projects
Activities of private foundations or research or educational institutes
Exportation, importation, or transmission of information or informational materials
Certain authorized export transactions
When choosing this category you’re vowing to support family-run businesses in Cuba, which isn’t hard to do considering the fact the U.S. government does not allow Americans to support the Cuban government-owned businesses—which fund the military.
Reminder: Be sure to keep receipts of your planned itineraries and tours booked. Now that stricter regulations are in place and more people will be travelling under this category you want to be sure you are complying with U.S. laws.
Restricted list of Cuban businesses
As mentioned previously, Americans are not allowed to purchase from or support government-owned businesses, this include: some tour companies, activities, hotels, restaurants and more. This is a law enforced by the U.S. government, not Cuba. The point of this law is to not provide money to aide the Cuban military efforts.
The good news is, there are plenty of locally owned tour companies, hotels, and restaurants for you to visit. The only way to know if you’re supporting a local business is by it not being on the following list.
U.S. passport
As you know, a passport is required for travelling internationally. But you want to make sure your passport does not expire within 6 months of your trip and that you have at least four empty pages available. There is a low chance these two minor things will stop your trip but it’s not worth the risk. You never know who you encounter at passport control in the U.S. or Cuba.
Visa (or Tourist Card)
The Cuban government requires most countries to purchase a Visa or Tourist Card to enter Cuba. Here are two easy ways to buy your Visa:
Purchase with your airline
Inquire with your airline about purchasing the Visa through them. It is usually the cheaper option and you can get it at the check-in counter before your flight.
Purchase online
If you’re more of a planner, you can purchase the Visa in advance at the website below. The pink card is travellers from the U.S. The green card is for travellers from another country. They offer trackable shipping within 1-3 days of your purchase.
Cuban currency
One of the most important things to note is you need to bring a lot of cash with you. American credit cards are not accepted in Cuba and your bank card will not work in their ATMs. Don’t risk running out on money and bring a bit more cash than you would normally bring. Everything in Cuba is pretty cheap and you can always bring USD back with you - just be sure not exchange it all. Cuban pesos have absolutely no value in the U.S. There is no way to exchange in back in the states.
Once you arrive in Cuba, exchanging money is as easy as it is anywhere else in the world. You can find a currency exchange place pretty much anywhere and the rates are usually the same. However, Cuba uses two different types of currencies, which have different functions:
Cuban Convertible Peso (CUC)
Cuban Convertible Peso (CUC)
CUC is the currency tourists use due to its 1:1 rate. This means you’re spending the equivalent of your U.S. dollar and buying the low-priced Cuban food, services, goods, etc. However, keep in mind that sometimes prices are raised for certain services because locals are aware of how cheap everything is to Americans. Tourists are required to use CUCs.
Cuban Peso Nacional (CUP)
Cuban Peso Nacional (CUP)
CUP is the currency used by locals who benefit from the better exchange rate of ~25 CUP per 1 USD (rates fluctuate). This is to help the Cuban economy profit off of tourism.
If you’re thinking “Well if it isn’t illegal to purchase CUPs and the value is better, what’s stopping me from getting CUPs?” Great question! Everything for purchase is labeled with two prices: one for CUC and one for CUP. The CUP price will always be higher, taking into consideration the higher rate, however, both are technically the same cost.
Tip: If you’re exchanging money at the airport, note that the lines can get very long.
Internet/WiFi access
Get ready to disconnect, because the internet is not as reliable as in the states. And I don’t mean spotty coverage, I mean no internet. Locals are not even allowed access, unless they are approved by the government to have internet for their business.
There is one way you can get WiFi and that is by purchasing a WiFi card for about $1 USD (or 1 CUC) per hour (prices range depending on where you purchase). This card will only work in the dedicated WiFi zones, which are few and far between in Cuba. You can usually spot them by the crowds of people staring at their phones and they are usually near hotels and public parks.
Tip: If you’re an avid Instagrammer when you travel (like me), I recommend loading your posts while offline then submitting them when you connect to internet access. You don’t realize how quickly an hour or two goes on WiFi, until you’re limited on time.
Additional tips:
1. The local equivalent to the 911 emergency line in Cuba:
106 for the Police Department
105 for the Fire Department
2. U.S. Embassy in Cuba, located in Havana:
