And of course, you can fly there from Canadian cities like Toronto. Download Adobe . Gone are the days of having to complete lengthy applications for special travel permissions to Cuba, or flying through Canada or Mexico to avoid scrutiny by U.S. Immigration. As anywhere, if you are not happy with what you see, it is appropriate to complain to management and/or your travel provider. Cubans come in every color of the rainbow. You can have an awesome time in Cuba by following these basic safety tips. There is absolutely no reason for the ban on travel to Cuba today. Thats why you should bring your own reusable water bottle, like this one from LifeStraw. Super touristy? As the lobster cooks, we squish plantains for tostones, chop up tomatoes, and add lime juice to our glasses filled with Havana Club rum. I also discovered that some high end hotels can accomodate guest for a credit card withdrawal but to a maximum amount. ViaHero builds custom itineraries for trips, and each itinerary is designed by locals. In 2023, the average monthly salary in Cuba is projected to be $1050 CUP, which is just $44 per month. The current currency moves appear to be to tie the Paso to the Euro, but there are not many Euros floating around and the are few direct flight to Cuba from Europe these days. Use your common sense and follow a few helpful ground rules: You should always be ready to show a photocopy of your passport or any other important document if the police or other service providers ask for them. It is rare for travelers to experience safety issues in Cuba, although minor crimes like pickpockets and currency scams are not uncommon. Get started. $25 per night plus $5 each for breakfast. It probably is the safest and nicest country in the world. Covid vaccination rate for their Cuban produced Soberea vaccine is about 85% for people 2 years + and masks in public places are mandatory. Worried about crime? You can go to Cuba, but you can't go to Cuba as a tourist under the circumstances. Been to Varadero 7 times and once to Santa Clara. In 2014, President Obama announced a new way forward in the relationship between the United States and Cuba, including lifting many of the travel restrictions that made it quite challenging for U.S. citizens to travel to Cuba. Americans traveling to Cuba can be assured that theyll be completely safe, I can promise you that. In fact, some of our favorite hotels in Havana and around the country are still open and ready for business for American travelers (La Reserva Vedado, La Rosa de Ortega, and El Candil Boutique Hotel are among our Havana favorites). (2023 update: In the past, I recommended World Nomads for travel insurance, an Australian company, but they have stopped providing coverage in Cuba.). Havana, Cuba. U.S. DEPARTMENT of STATE BUREAU of CONSULAR AFFAIRS, +(53) (7) 839-4100 and dial 1 to speak with the emergency operator. A negative test is no longer a requirement for foreigners entering Cuba, and its no longer a requirement to be fully vaccinated against COVID. However, the Biden administration has recently lifted this restriction. In fact, Cuba was recently ranked the safest country in the world at the Madrid Tourism Fair. Plus, some are solar-powered, so you dont have to worry about batteries. Review the Country Security Report for Cuba. You can visit Cuba in a completely legal way, obtaining a visa in advance, or you can do what many Americans do simply book a flight from another country, like Mexico. This bright green region was like a balm for my soul. Thanks for sharing your experience, Yvonne! People will approach you with trinkets or food to buy or to play some music, but if you are not interested, say so and they will leave you alone. Cest trs juste comme commentaires. a guide to the best restaurants in Havana, Lebanon had very little travel infrastructure. Book Your Flight Book cheap flights to Cuba on Skyscanner, our favorite flight search engine to find deals on flights to Cuba. Dont expect many stores or restaurants to have the infrastructure to accept credit or debit cards, and dont plan to find any ATMs while youre there. Devices like ZOLEO connect your phone and let you communicate GPS and SMS messages with your travel buddys ZOLEO device without wifi or cell service. However, despite its relative safety, Cuba shares many of the same safety threats for travelers as other developing countries. Tostones, rice, and sliced tomatoes fill out the rest of the meal. I AM A U. S. CITIZEN AND I AM VISITING CUBA FROM 2-3 YEARS BACK AND FROM MY POINT OF VIEW, CUBA AND LA HAVANA IN GENERAL I NEVER EVER HAD ANY TYPE OF PROBLEMS; EVEN WITH THE NEEDS OF ALL THE CUBANS THEY CARRY ON A DAILY BASIS, CUBANS NEVER EVER WILL HARM ANY PERSON BELONGINGS I LOVE CUBA MORE EVERY TIME I GO TO SEE MY WOMAN.EVEN WITH ALL RESTRICTIONS THAT COME WITH THE COVID 19 PANDEMIA. You will see prices in USD, but in officially approved restaurants, the only currency/cash accepted will be Euros. 20 things to know before going to Cuba But the funniest thing by far is that the English songbook has the songs and artists out of order, making the most hilarious pairings. If youre flying to Cuba from the United States, youll need to pick up the pink tourist card at the airport. These categories include educational activities, journalism, family visits, business meetings, and the most popular category, Support for the Cuban People. Exercise increased caution in Cuba due tocrime. A MacBook could be equal to a full years' income. Occasionally you might see sweet potatoes, bitter oranges, or garlic, but theres very little variety. The embargo prevents most American companies from doing . If you come to Cuba as a visitor, you wont be watched or tracked, or questioned with doubt about your motives for visiting Cuba. Enter tourism. We did hear complaints about how C19 was impacting tourism as it was pretty much shut down until early November. Here is some interesting information about it: https://www.cnn.com/2021/03/31/americas/cuba-vaccines-covid-phase-three-intl-latam/index.html. To cover most of your trip to Cuba costs, youll have to use cash CUPs. Her friend Ivan serves as translator. American citizens can fly from the United States directly to Cuba, travel independently (no need for a group trip or guided trip here! Thanks. Its tough to find good food in Havana, but Ayngelina has a guide to Havana restaurants here. In Viales I stayed atthis one-bedroom, one-bathroom suitein a casa particular in town. Travel to Cuba for tourist activities remains prohibited by statute. Ive traveled to more than 80 countries around the world and Ive seen that the US has close relationships with countries who do far worse than Cuba. It is a ridiculous grudge that our government has held for more than 60 years. Do have to get all of the cash you need before flying in to Cuba? Im jammed up in the middle seat in the front row between Charlie and the driver. tant moi-mme mari depuis 7 ans une cubaine, je passe la majorit de mon temps vivre ici Cuba. This post contains affiliate links that may reward me monetarily or otherwise when you use them to make qualifying purchases at no cost to you. Il ny a pas de taxes ici. We booked our Viales tour through Osniel, one of the sons at the casa particular. Yvonne, in addition to my last question, can you share the names of hotels/resorts and area of Cuba? Recent news stories about sonic attacks had many people asking, especially those going to Cuba from the US. The US government is allowed to ask you for your receipts from a trip to Cuba for up to five years after you return. It was large and spacious with two rocking chairs on the porch out front peaceful in the countryside! She was happy to provide drinking water, for a fee, and to change money, at a rate that would earn her money. Throughout Havana you see vegetable carts pushed through the street. My cooking class with Odalys in Havana was booked here through Airbnb Experiences. 2023 Adventurous Kate | Powered by Reggio Digital, Can Americans Travel to Cuba in 2023? The concierge (a Canadian expat) at our hotel told us a few things. He drops us off on a garbage-strewn road outside the bus station. Keep in mind that upon returning to the US, all travelers must show a negative antigen test (PCR not required) taken no more than one day before their flight to the US. For short rides, its better to hire one of those colorful classic American cars in Cuba. This is common practise for tens upon thousands of Americans every year. Where travel from the U.S. to Cuba stands This is quite important, as it means that if plan to travel to Cuba, you need to plan ahead and bring the money youll need for your trip with you in cash. . Is Cuba Safe? (How to Visit SAFELY in 2023) Why You Need to Stop Wondering "Is Cuba Safe?" This is especially true in hotels and major Cuban airports. In no time, youll be walking the cobbled streets of Old Havana or skimming your feet along one of Cubas pristine beaches with a cold glass of rum in your sun-kissed hand. And because youre traveling with large amounts of cash, its imperative to keep it stowed safely. Not every problem in Latin America is caused by US policy, but if we took responsibility to understand the policies that we are responsible for, we would not only make the lives of Cubans easier, but life as a tourist would be easier as well. However, the country still remains off limits for tourist activities. Classic cars lining the streets, crumbling colonial buildings, high-rise hotels, salsa bands, beaches lining the edges of the city? Although unknown in origin, the attacks appear to have targeted only members of the U.S. government, like diplomats and CIA agents. So, regardless of American regulations, your US passport is valid in Cuba. It is, however, located right on a bus route and extremely loud buses rumble by all night. And guess what all of these things are perfectly legal and welcomed! Eating foods from street vendors could be a problem. You can do a tour of the Museo del Ron, or just sit back with a cocktail. Using the Havana Embassy. Charlie arrived a day before me with some cash, planning to hit the ATM later to take out more, but ATMs in Havana arent working for him. You should also be aware of threats to your health, like contaminated tap water, COVID-19, mosquito-borne diseases, and terrible road conditions if you are driving. Anything from taking a guided tour of Havana to eating at a restaurant operated as a small business or taking salsa classes are ways to enjoy Cuba. Its laid out with casas particulares, restaurants, and bars. US citizens are not permitted to travel to Cuba as "normal" tourists or for tourism purposes. The tour was fabulous because they organized transportation, we stayed in casas, and we had some free time, and after the tour I felt comfortable exploring on my own as a single 58 year old, with rusty high school Spanish. Read More: Support for the Cuban People Travel Guide. This could result in nausea, upset stomach, and other unpleasant gastrointestinal issues you would rather not deal with while trying to have fun and explore a new country! Or worse if your phone plan is attached to your frozen bank account and you miss a payment, you might not even have working data when you get back to America! Roughly one third of the cars in and around Old Havana were classic cars; there were also plenty of grungy 80s hatchbacks and early 2000s taxis. Also, it is true I only found 1 place that accepted credit cards, so you will need cash, and it can be a pain when all ATMs go down, which happens on occasions. Were you happy when Obama came to Cuba?. Cuba is an exceptionally poor country. Theyll even get you a ride if you need one. That means that, while American citizens can travel to Cuba, they cant access their money from Cuba. The US State Department asks Americans to "exercise increased caution," placing Cuba on the same safety level as England, France, Germany, Denmark, Spain, Italy, and Belgium. And it goes without saying that you see zero American brands in Cuban grocery stores. The nicest, shiniest classic cars are used for expensive taxi rides and city tours for tourists. I would say stay in a casa than a hotel, but that is down to you. With that said, there is a very limited supply of many common commodities in Cuba and as a result what we were told was a very appropriate tip for maids at the end of a stay were things like tooth paste and other consumables. If done properly the risks of getting caught are very low. If you get injured, you dont want to be caught unprepared. As in Canada there is variance between resorts, so where ever one goes it is a good idea to get the lay of the land before assuming all is good. This includes safety risks associated with the countrys crumbling infrastructure, such as unsafe water and mosquito-borne diseases. Les voleurs sont plus des occasions de faire un peu dargent rapide .. Travel protection benefits such as trip interruption and cancellation, baggage delay insurance, etc., are not required. I went with an inexpensive tour company for 10 days and spent another 3 days on my own in Havana two years ago, and would do it again although not so sure with current US political situation. Cancn is a popular option, as its often cheap to fly there and flights from Cancn to Havana take just over an hour. Onions, peppers, and tomatoes, again and again. It needs to be said that many problems within Cuba can be directly related to challenges for the Cuban people and government from the US embargo of 60 years duration. And I think that we as travelers have a responsibility to use Airbnb responsibly. We just dont like your president., Well, that makes two of us, I say. Rates were extremely high at $3 per minute, $0.50 per text, and $1.30 per photo or video sent. Is Cuba safe to travel to? ViaHero Updated December 18, 2022 Let's be clear: despite the new restrictions introduced by President Trump in June 2019, it is still 100% legal for Americans to travel to Cuba. Cut them small.. While Americans still cant travel to Cuba for purely tourism purposes, its all just semantics now. If youre planning a trip to Cuba, this is probably one of your burning questions, particularly during the Covid-19 pandemic. If you run into trouble, make a lot of noise, and the police will come running! Did you now that the whole population of Havana knows how to be prepared from a very early age, and that every neighborhood in Cuba has an elected official who goes from house to house warning of the danger of the approaching hurricane? For your safety and ease of travel by motor vehicle, its highly suggested to bring a road map like this StreetSmart Map of Cuba. American citizens can fly to Cuba either from the United States directly or from other countries. Cuba had a dual currency system: the Cuban Convertible Peso (CUC) and the Cuban Peso (CUP). While many tourist resorts are equipped with backup generators, that isnt always the case, so you want to be prepared or risk getting caught in the dark. Certain export transactions that may be considered for authorization under existing Department of Commerce regulations and guidelines with respect to Cuba or engaged in by U.S.-owned or -controlled foreign firms. We left some clothing and cash for different resort staff when leaving. So all of the government sanctioned restaurants and hotels (some are privately owned) are required to use filtered water for ice, food prep, etc. Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. . All people who are not U.S. citizens or permanent residents (green card holders) entering the US must be fully vaccinated before entering the US. There are some limitations worth noting about what you can bring into Cuba. Dec 1/21 Just returned from 2 weeks in Cuba. What U.S. travelers need to know before traveling to Cuba Travel to Cuba. (We grab cigars.) She shows off the three lobsters not quite North Atlantic lobsters, but large and juicy. Travel insurance is required in order to visit Cuba. Will they be watching me and tracking me? Generally, hotels, casas particulares (private rooms), and Airbnbs in Cuba allow you to receive guests. Karaoke isnt much of a thing in Cuba but if anyone can track a karaoke spot down, its my friend Harvey (a.k.a. Looking at the departure screen, I shake my head at the list of cities Miami. It is still illegal for Americans to vacation in Cuba. I been going to cuba holguin for 21 years i live inland i am married to a cuban lady have 2 step daughteri have never had any problem with anybodyi can walk on the streets day time night time better to have someone with you..in the city been there many time no problemand with buying anything i rather pay someone on the street they need money badly.in the last couple of year its had for cuban people to find foodmy wife has to line up for sometime 10 hour for bread or chicken and shampoo that if they have any left when its her time to buy sometimes she get lucky sometimes nothing terrible People exchange money at the banks in Cuba, and there are always long lines. I hand him my navy blue passport and half-smile, half-cringe. See CDC for recommendations. Occasionally youll find a place where you can hop on the wifi without entering your card info. Some newspapers and websites have been incorrectly reporting that Americans are not allowed to stay in any hotel in Cuba, but this is not actually the case. A pregnant dog snuggles up to us, her belly suggesting that she doesnt have long to go, and a tiny black kitten screeches at the top of his lungs, sounding more like a goat than anything feline. The tastiest one was at Chacon 162; another standouts was the creamy pia colada on the rooftop of El Louvre Bazar. Cuba is not a country where people are used to many luxuries. Im nervous in the waiting line at Cuban immigration, but I know I shouldnt be. While there are groups that travel to Cuba and tout the ease of traveling to Cuba by purchasing a spot on a group trip doing so, it isnt necessary to travel to Cuba with a group. Food gets better each time we go but we can always find something to eat. Best experience ever!!! Onions, peppers, and tomatoes. Yes! A new iPhone might be worth half a years' salary to the average Cuban. Would I return? Osniel books us a ride back a classic car, natch and we return to Havana Airport. The currency scam can go one of two ways: 1) you receive forged currency in exchange for your money; or 2) you get change in CUC instead of CUP. As such, the vast majority of crime in Cuba boils down to economics. Keep your wallet and valuables in a zippered inner pocket, and carry the bag in front of you. Now when traveling to Cuba, you simply state which of these twelve categories of authorized travel to Cuba your trips falls under most travelers trips fall under the Support for the Cuban People category of authorized travel. Is Cuba Safe? (Updated 2022) Gringo's Travel Guide - Nomadic Hustle Feel free to travel to Cuba with a group if this is your preferred style of travel or plan your trip to Cuba independently, too! You can easily get around this if you want by using a VPN (Virtual Private Network) in Cuba. 2023 Home to Havana Im from Cuba. Due to Cubas infrastructure, power outages and blackouts occur semi-regularly. Your bank will freeze your account if you attempt to do so. Yes, there are nonstop flights to Havana from cities like Miami, New York, Fort Lauderdale, Atlanta, and more. Cuba requires travel insurance, and they may ask for proof at immigration. My friend Ayngelina wrote a guide to the best restaurants in Havana, which was very helpful, but aside from places on that list, we ate a lot of disappointing food. Je suis la retraite et franchement, sur une chelle de 10, vivre Cuba vaut un 9 pour la scurit (comparativement 5 pour Montral , Canada) , un 2 pour lacces au besoin de base si lon vit ici comparativement un 9 Montral., Les touristes auront accs des 8 et +). More of the same? Apparently the US is imposing a 13% surcharge on USD coming out of Cuba and as a consequence the Cuban government has cut the USD/Paso tie. Hi! The average traveler has little reason to worry about personal safety in the streets, hotels or any other places a person might visit. Cuban Tourist Card If yourCuban Tourist Card (a.k.a Cuban Tourist Visa)isnt bundled into your airline ticket or travel package, buy it only throughEasyTouristCard. Official business of the U.S. government, foreign governments, and international organizations; Professional research and professional meetings; Public performances, clinics, workshops, athletic and other competitions, and exhibitions; Activities of private foundations or research or educational institutes; Exportation, importation, or transmission of information or informational materials; American citizens are now prohibited (by the U.S. government not the Cuban government) from staying at, Some methods of traveling to Cuba, such as . Want to know where to go? Support for the People Tour: This is the most popular . Looking for some engaging tours in Cuba, ways to meet up with local guides, or fun activities and excursions in Cuba? when you travel to Cuba as part of a Support for the Cuban People trip. Write down important phone numbers in a travel notebook like this and always keep it with you. If you make a purchase through these links, I will earn a commission at no extra cost to you. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Since 01.01.2021 there is no cuc anymore Im Cuba just cup. You can get this at check-in or at the ticket office of your airline. For the record, I didnt. what if you have an American based debit or credit card? Face masks are required at all entry points to Cuba, in transportation hubs and on public transportation (airports, buses, bus stations, ferries, etc.). There are flights from Miami, New York, Fort Lauderdale, Atlanta, and more. He did more to open Cuba than any other president.. Staying in long-distance contact with people can be challenging in Cuba, where cellphone service and wi-fi access are dodgy. The Rupununi region of Guyana was remote, unconnected, and mice pooped on my head from the rafters in the bathroom, but I fell in love with the nature and loved being off the grid. Yes, Im here, and Im American, and Im sorry our country has cut you off, and I disagree with it but hey, Im here, and I want to get to know you. Pickpocketing is problematic in Cuba, especially in large cities like Havana or popular tourist destinations where thieves hope to encounter wealthy, distracted travelers. Cuba is no exception. Walking down the street, people constantly asked if I wanted a taxi. Since Cuba is warm all year, mosquitoes are active regardless of the travel season. The restrictions on traveler activities (and where they can spend money) are all US government rules. You can find cheap flights from the US to Cuba on Skyscanner. Charlie picks up the kitten and names him Montecristo. Nevertheless, guests are told to "observe normal travel precautions" when visiting the island. - ViaHero Can Americans Travel to Cuba in 2023? Beyond that, Cuba has two currencies Cuban Convertible Peso (CUC) and Cuban National Peso (CUP). Do NOT travel ifwereexposed to COVID-19,if you are sick, ifyou test positive for COVID-19, or if you are waiting for results of a COVID-19 test. We recommend NordVPN its by far the best VPN to use in Cuba But, even without a VPN, you can still use the internet in Cuba without too much of a hassle. Thanks so much!!! Here's what you need to know about safety in Cuba. Cuba - Traveler view | Travelers' Health | CDC Travel To Cuba With A US Passport: 2023 Rules - ViaHero Can Americans Travel To Cuba? How To Travel From US Hassle-Free (2023)! Im not sure. Is Cuba safe from currency scams? Im fairly certain I didnt see merchandise from any other sport. Internet and cell phone coverage are sporadic, so its best to have a paper map on hand. If you access any banking sites or apps while in Cuba, your account will be frozen. Will this change in the future? Cuba Travel Advisories, Warnings, and Safety Concerns Cubans really love their Havana Club rum. You can find more specific information from the US State Department here. A hot pink Corvette drops us off at a brightly painted building in Central Havana. What about the Cuban government? I just hope the Cubans that rely so much on tourism are able to keep their incomes afloat in 2023 and beyond. Hand sanitizer is in short supply in Cuba and its a good idea to bring your own. Its an expression that will color my face for days, until a cooking class in central Havana sets me straight. Can Americans Travel to Cuba? [2023 Update] The official currency remains the Paso and the official exchange rate is about 20 Pasos to a USD. Where did you stay in Cuba? Can I Travel To Cuba Right Now? Here's What To Know Travelers can get travel health insurance for Cuba viaInsubuy. I think it needs more information about the weather. Located prominently along the Malecn sea wall in central Havana, the American Embassy in Cuba is currently providing services to American citizens, and has just started providing limited services to Cuban citizens seeking visas to the United States. Getting stranded with no money was a constant worry as I traveled the country. One friend even had his Venmo account frozen for reimbursing his friend for a Cuban sandwich! This may be especially true if you visitCuba from the US, where there is little to no information about travel safety on the island. If I had been traveling solo in Cuba, or only traveling with Americans, I would have kept enough US dollars for transportation to Havana Airport and a flight to Cancn in my underwear at all times. One of the few nice things about toxic masculinity is that some uptight men will refuse to touch menstrual products and that makes them great hiding places. And it wasnt because of the lack of internet.
