With every country that you visit for the first time, there is always some research and preparation. Cuba would be no exception. In fact, I would say it’s necessary. Why? Well, there is very limited internet, so once you’re there, you are on your own. I learned this the hard way. The first time I went I did some research, but not enough. The second time I went, I was sure I was well prepared and it definitely made a difference.
1. Drink Mojitos
Drink as many mojitos as possible while in Cuba. They are delicious. You can taste the freshness in every drink. The Havana Club is great rum and then you have it with fresh mint.
Every restaurant and bar will have mojitos and piña coladas. Enjoy them both.
2. Take Cash
There are no ATM’s in Cuba. Or at least, none that worked while I was there. So whatever money you plan on spending, make sure you take it in cash. Also, make sure you set money aside for your last day. You will need it for a cab to the airport, food and last-minute souvenirs
3. There are Two Currencies
Yes, there are two types of currencies so make sure you know the difference. One type of currency is for locals and the other is for tourists. For this reason alone you should only exchange money at the bank.
4. There are Two Menus at Restaurants
What! Yes, that is correct! I learned this the hard way. There are two menus with two different prices. For myself, as for many travelers, it’s very common to ask a cab driver or a local for a recommendation to a restaurant. Don’t do it! If you do, they will kindly take you to the restaurant, introduce you to the server and then leave. Awesome right! No. When they do this, the server brings over a menu that has higher prices. In some places almost twice as high. This is because they give the driver or local a tip. So if this happens, be careful.
5. Limited Internet
There is limited internet, and whatever internet there is, you have to pay for it. At first, I wondered why so many people were at the park on their phones. Well, it’s because that’s where you can get internet service. You first go to a convenience store or a hotel and buy an internet card. Then you go to designated locations where the government provides internet, the parks being one of those locations. You log in using your card. There is limited internet. I only used it to talk to my family back home.
6. Insurance
You can get insurance when you are entering the country at immigration. Sometimes, they make you buy it. I didn’t buy it, but it’s not a bad idea. If you get sick, have to go to the doctor or buy medicine. It’s covered with the insurance you purchased.
7. Cuban Visa
Check your country to see if you need a visa. Check to see if you can get your visa at the airport or if you will need to get it before.
8. Eat at Paladares
These restaurants are private restaurants. Many of these restaurants are in people’s homes and by doing so, you are giving a local your money.
9. Pack Everything You Will Need
I knew there would be limited resources in Cuba, but I wasn’t prepared for how limited they would be. Don’t expect to find a large convenience store where you can find items that you forgot to bring. Stores are limited. No memory cards, phone chargers, medicine or many other basic items. If you do find something, it will be expensive, so be sure to check that packing list twice.
10. Bring Basic Medication
I usually don’t bring medicine or an essential first-aid kit with me, but I would recommend ibuprofen, stomach medicine, bug spray, first aid kit, tampons, SPF and anything else you might find useful.
11. Enjoy Street Food
Yes, enjoy it! Of course, you have to be careful, but there are so many great food options on the street. One of my favorites is sugar cane water. They put the sugar cane through a grinding machine and then….bam you have delicious water. Try it!
12. Cuba is Not Cheap
Contrary to what you would believe, tours, cabs, and good food is expensive. Dining at a nice rooftop restaurant with great service, delicious food and cocktails cost about $80 for two people. Granted, it can be cheap if you want it to be, but if you want to enjoy your time and not have to be crammed into a Colectivo or eat bland food…it’s going to cost you.
13. Download WhatsApp
There is no phone service in Cuba. The only option for you to talk to family or friends back home is to have an app where you can talk to people through an internet connection. WhatsApp is a great option, or you can look at other options as well.
14. Bring Gifts
This was probably one of my favorite things to do. I brought my Airbnb family some candy and cookies as a thank you gift. I also had some really nice clothes for adults and kids. I would give these items to people on the street that I thought could use them. Of course, be considerate and respectful. I would usually start a conversation and see if it’s something they would want.
15. Think Twice About Taking Photos of Locals
If you see a cool Cuban and they ask you if you want to take a photo….think about it before you do. They will expect you to pay for them. These women here, specifically hang out and ask people if they want a photo, then they let you know what the fee is.
16. Tours are Expensive
Tours and Excursions are expensive. You can always negotiate the price.
17. Bring Candy for Kids
I started doing this when I traveled to the Dominican Republic. Bring a smile to the kids on the street by giving them some candy. They will love it.
18. Game Night
Have game night with your friends or family. There are so many online games that you can play over the internet. If not, get creative and play a game over Facetime. How about Mexican Loteria? Cause who doesn’t have it at home? Just make sure you pick a different card than your opponent.
19. Learn Something New
Say what? Yes! If there is something you want to learn…do it. You can either pay for a course or find a lot of relevant videos for free on YouTube.
20. Take an Instant Photo
There is a gentleman walking around with an old vintage camera that will take your photo and you will get it instantly. One of my favorite memories. I still have the negative and the black and white photo.
21. Negotiate Cab Rides
.Be sure to ask what the rate is before you get in a cab. This will eliminate any issues of being overcharged.
22. Go to Fabrica de Arte
This is an art studio turned to a club at night. You will have some delicious food and drinks to choose from. There will be different rooms as well as an outdoor space to enjoy.
23. Enjoy Street Art
There will be graffiti and street art everywhere. Allow yourself to walk around the different neighborhoods and enjoy it.
24. Most Food is Bland
I know, this is not what you want to hear or what you expect. The reason is, most restaurants are owned by locals who are cooking with what food they have available, and that is very limited. On the positive side, a lot of food options will be cheap.
15. Make Restaurant Reservations
There are many restaurants that serve bland food. However, there are also many delicious restaurants around the city so be sure to do your research beforehand and make reservations. The good restaurants are difficult to get into without one. You can find stunning roof-top restaurants with amazingly delicious food.
This is it. This is my 25 things to know before you travel to CubaeHopefully, you find this helpful. Let me know what else you want to learn about Cuba and I can definitely write a blog about it.
