Practical guide to traveling in Cuba

Cuba was a huge coup de coeur. I was seduced from the start.
In December, I have a two-week vacation. My criteria are simple: sunshine, a direct flight and not too many hours on the road.
A few searches later, Cuba was the obvious choice.
I'm in luck. This country has so much more to offer.

Would you like to discover its magnificent landscapes? Its unique and fascinating history? Its relaxing atmosphere in a safe country?

So how do you get your visa? Where to stay? How do you get around? All the latest information is in this article

Do I need a visa for Cuba?

Yes. You need an electronic visa. You can get one online for €22 from this site.

Beware, some blogs still talk about the tourist card. Forget it, it's a thing of the past.

An important point about the USA:

Since 2021, Cuba has been on the list of countries supporting terrorism. Clearly, if you go to Cuba, you will no longer be able to apply for anESTA to enter the United States or make a stopover there. Many travelers are unaware of this information. But it's crucial.

To avoid trouble, your passport will not be stamped on arrival. But don't kid yourself, U.S. Customs will still know you've been there.

The result? If you want to visit the USA you'll have to apply for a classic visa. It's expensive. It takes time. You'll also have to pass an interview at the American embassy.

How much does the flight cost?

For my stay, I spent 750 € for a round-trip ticket from Paris... purchased a week before departure.

Good news: you can pay less (around €550)! How can you save? By booking in advance or by choosing a flight with a stopover.

Want to pay less? Read my guide: How to find a cheap plane ticket in 40 minutes.

Should you leave with cash or rely on local withdrawals?

Alwaysleave with cash.
All banknotes are accepted, regardless of their condition. You can easily pay in euros for transport, accommodation and many restaurants. On the other hand, withdrawing money on the spot is complicated and unattractive.

Check the black market rate on Eltoque.
The black market exchange rate is three times better. In other words, with the official rate, you get a mojito. With the black market rate, you get a round of drinks.

Tip Change at the casas. A €20 bill is equivalent to about 6,000 pesos (12 bills of 500 or 6 of 1,000). You won't have to carry around a suitcase full of bills.

How do I leave Havana airport?

You have two main options for getting to the city center from José Martí airport: cab or public bus.

Cab: fast and convenient

Official cabs are parked just outside the arrivals hall. They'll take you straight into the city center.

• Journey time : about 30 to 40 minutes.
• Cost : between €25 to €30.
• Tip: Don't forget to agree the fare with the driver before you get in.

Public bus: economical, but less practical

Public buses are the cheapest option, but also the sportiest!

• Cost : approximately 0,10 € (yes, you read that right).
• Stop : about 200 meters from Terminal 2 or 3.5 km from Terminal 3.
• Disadvantages: often crowded, irregular schedules, and not really suitable for travelers with lots of luggage.

What language is spoken in Cuba?

The official language of Cuba is Spanish.
In tourist areas, you'll come across a few Cubans who speak English, but don't rely on them too much. A basic knowledge of Spanish will be invaluable in communicating with the locals and avoiding misunderstandings.

Making the effort to speak Spanish will make your experience much more authentic and open many doors ...

How do you organize your accommodation and travel arrangements?

Where to eat?

Manger in Cuba won't ruin you. The breakfast in casas will cost you 5 €. It's hearty: eggs, fresh fruit, coffee...

For other meals, please allow between 1 and €10especially if you're eating in the street or in a local guinguette. Between a pulled pork sandwich, a local pizza or a dish of rice and black beans (the famous " moros y cristianos"), you'll always find something to eat.

Cuba is an island. And an island means fish and seafood! For 10 €you can enjoy grilled lobsterlobster ultra-fresh fishor even a shrimp dish to die for.

In short, in Cuba, you can eat very well, for very little money.

What essential equipment should you take with you?

• Headlamp In Cuba, power cuts are a daily occurrence. A headlamp is perfect for walking around at night without ending up in a hole.
• Power bank puissante : Electricity plays hide-and-seek all day long... It's best to be prepared. A good external battery, and you can recharge your phone, your camera...
  Without a power bank, your phone will be off more often than it's on. Unless you really want to disconnect...
• Electrical outlet adapter Cuban plugs are 110V. Don't want your charger to melt? Grab a universal adapter and plug in with no headaches.

How easy is it to access the Internet?

Yes, it's easier than you think!

Public Wi-Fi is available in town centers, but you have to pay for it. You'll find them in the main squares.

For more convenient access, you can rent a 3G SIM card. At the airport, it costs €35 for 8 GB... but with a little flair (and a good network of casas), you can rent it for just €10 in Havana, directly from your casa.

Don't expect an ultra-fast connection. Internet in Cuba: progress is being made, but patience is required. Some applications don't work at all, so it's best to think ahead. To avoid unpleasant surprises, install a VPN before you leave, to get around a few local restrictions.

What are the most practical means of transport?

• Shared cabs: practical and efficient.
  They pick you up at your casa and take you right to the next one. No need to chase a bus or get lost on the way. Just hop in, chat, and off you go.
  Budget-wise, expect between €25 and €40 for the most common routes.
• Viazul buses: a slightly cheaper option, but less practical.
  Ideal if you're traveling light and have time to spare. You often have to book in advance, and they don't take you all the way to your casa.

When is the best time to visit Cuba?

For sunshine without sweating too much, go between November and April, during the dry season.
Temperatures are ideal, between 25 and 30°C, perfect for tanning without baking, and rain is rare.

From May to October, get ready for a completely different experience.
Expect regular showers and hammam-like humidity.
August to October is also the hurricane season, when cyclones make their grand rounds. If extreme adventure is your thing, why not, but if not, it's best to avoid this period.

What itinerary to follow in Cuba?

During my stay, I took my time to visit some of the island's must-sees. If you're looking for a detailed itinerary, many blogs offer comprehensive itineraries - here, I'm simply sharing my route.

Havana - 3 days

• Lively capital with old cars, colonial buildings and local markets.

Viñales - 4 days

• A rural region renowned for its tobacco plantations, mogotes and horseback or bicycle rides.

Playa Girón - 2 days

• Seaside resort known for its beaches, diving spots and Bay of Pigs Museum.

Trinidad - 4 days

• UNESCO-listed colonial town, famous for its cobblestone streets, handicrafts and nearby beaches.

How is safety?

Cuba is one of the safest countries in the Caribbean. Violent crime is rare, and you can walk around peacefully, even at night.

Stay vigilant, especially in tourist areas. Small scams do exist, so keep your eyes open.

Like anywhere else in the world, be polite but firm. A smile, a "No, gracias", and go on your way without a care in the world. You'll be able to enjoy your trip without any unpleasant surprises.

What to pack in your backpack?

As always, my bag didn't exceed 8 kg. A featherweight that allows me to keep it in the cabinand above all... to travel light without breaking my back.

My golden rule? No more than 5 days' worth of clothes. It's the perfect compromise: enough to enjoy, and not enough to feel overwhelmed by my stuff. A Cuba as elsewhere, you'll always find a way to wash your clothes.

My bag, in efficient minimalist mode:

• Decathlon Forclaz 50 L bagwith small backpack for the day
• Clothing :
  • 1 pair of canvas pants
  • 2 shorts + 2 swimming shorts
  • 6 shorts, 5 pairs of socks
  • 2 Décathlon shirts, 4 t-shirts
  • 1 hoodie
• Useful accessories :
  • Padlock (because you can never be too careful)
  • Headlamp (essential in Cuba!)
  • Waterproof bag
  • Microfiber towel
• Hygiene and care :
  • Toothbrush, toothpaste
  • USB adapter
  • Power bank (Cuba and electricity, quite a story...)
• Style & comfort :
  • Spare cap, sunglasses and glasses
  • Cloth shoes + a pair of flip-flops

In short, the essentials for traveling light, without forgetting the essentials... and a few extras to keep you comfortable!

Can you travel on a backpacker budget?

During my 12-day tripI spent 1 745 €including the flight.

Addition details :

• Airfare : 750 €
• Food: 240 € (I ate a lot of lobsters... had to test it!)
• Accommodation : 220 €
• Transportation : 175 €
• Leisure activities : 250 € (bike rental, horse, catamaran...)
• Souvenirs : 100 €
• SIM card : 10 € (to stay connected without blowing my plan)

Total cost: €1,745

With this budget, you can enjoy Cuba without depriving yourself, while keeping an eye on your expenses. Of course, there are always ways to save by eating less lobster or choosing even more economical accommodation.

Cuba is a beautiful country, safe and easy to get around. Power cuts and the need to travel with cash are part of the adventure.

If you want a stress-free trip, book everything in advance. Otherwise, go with a headlamp, some cash and a spirit of improvisation.

Have a good trip! And remember: shared cabs and headlamps make all the difference!