Any tips for a Canadian travelling to Cuba?

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Richard K

Just take Canadian dollars which you can change into Convertible Pesos either at the airport when you arrive or at your resort. They have no value outside Cuba so you can either spend them all in Cuba or change the ones you have left back to Canadian when you are leaving. I like to keep a few for my next visit. when I arrive in my room I always put the 25 Pesos per person departure tax plus my tip for the housekeeper together with my passport and tourist card into the room safe so I'm not short at the end. Please be generous with your tipping with the servers, beach guys and others who will ensure you have a wonderful time. It's nice to visit your neighborhood dollar store and load up with small items for the kids and also take down used but not abused t-shirts, running shoes, shorts, etc. for the Cubans you will meet. Safety is not a concern, Cubans will treat you like royalty, remember too your server may be an engineer or other professional but makes more money working in the hospitality industry. If possible be sure to go to Havana most tourists will say it's the highlight of their trip. If someone approaches you on the beach offering you a lobster dinner in their home don't be afraid to accept, you will enjoy it. Also if you are approached to buy cigars on the beach, that is illegal , the cigars may be inferior but the price will be much lower than in a shop and won't have the certificate required should you be checked when leaving the country.Cubans are very proud of their country and no doubt. if you go once, you will go back. Check the links below, they may help you. No matter where you are going in Cuba, have a great time.

Imaka

You have had excellent advice so far about money, etc. - except the one about the water - we drank the water during our weeks at Marina Hemingway and had no problem with it. We found that the water in Cuba at tourist places is safe. If you are worried take Twinrix before you go, and talk to a travel clinic.

If you are so inclined bring plenty of small items to give away - clothing, toiletries, baseballs, small toys, baby products, over the counter medications, used eyeglasses, anything you can think of. It will be very much appreciated. Pack them as if they are part of your personal effects, not things to give away.

Make sure you arrange at least a day trip to Havana. You can go to the beach anywhere, but there is only one Havana. Walk along the Malecon, visit the old buildings, go to the big open air market, eat a pizza for lunch sold from the door of someone's house. Watch a man doing a valve job on his old Buick while sitting on the curb, see the old lady with the cigar posing for photos, and get your picture taken with a very old box type camera. If you can, also arrange for a day trip with a vehicle and driver throughout the countryside and you will see lots of interesting things.

As others have said, be kind and courteous and generous, and remember that your tour guides, waiters, etc. are probably engineers, teachers, professionals, working in the tourist industry because it puts them in contact with foreigners and therefore with more money and with products they could not otherwise get. We have so much and they have so little.

Cuba is very safe, but always carry your visa with you. They will tell you that when you clear in. When walking in Havana be aware that there will be eyes watching you for various reasons - some to see if they can get something from you, others to make sure you do not give anything away, etc. If you go inside the old Catholic church in downtown Havana you are expected to be dressed respectfully.

Mainly, just enjoy your experience and be as helpful as possible while you are there. Cuba is a wonderful place with wonderful people.

Beardo

You will mainly need CUC (Convertible pesos). [You will probably not need much ordinary pesos - CUP.]

Boiled water is fine, but safest to stick to bottled.

Take mosquito repellant.

If you are going off-resort, try to speak some Spanish.

Guido F

currency u should get in the airport. Look for something called a CADECA. and try not to wonder off at night or make it evident that you are a tourist

Amanda W

i could write a novel to who this may concern but i have been 8times and can answer pretty much any ques thrown at me,advice??? take can $ there, the cuban convertible peso is like monopoly$ once you leave so if you have no plans of ever returning to cuba make sure to get your can$ or save it for next time. THE CONVERTIBLE PESO CANNOT BE EXCHANGED AT CURRENCY EXCHANGE BOOTHS IN CANADA, dont ask ques about castro and govn't, unless you feel you can talk to that individual, i have learned alot going there,and the bartender or chambermaid could be a gov't spy......dont kid your self....just be safe,cubans are warm and friendly and to me its like a 2nd home there i love it,bring toiletries,ie= razors,toothbrushes,asprin,feminin products,shampoo/conditioner,soap.....di... you know a family of 4or5 has to share a bar of soap and prob has to last a month??? these poeple work 12hr days 6 days a week and make $20usd equiv / month??? im not kidding i now what im talking about....rent a moped and explore your surroundings...cuba is very safe unlike most other islands where once its dark watch out.....not in cuba a single girl could go there and be fine of course exercising some caution, the water is fine, im very sensitive and can drink tap water bottle is better but its not like mexican tap water so if you drink a bit dont fret!!! when you see guards around the beach and property dont be freaked or scared they are there to protect you and if you say hi they will converse with you, i hope i have helped a bit i could go in for hours but there is atleast some insite for you..... relax and enjoy

Tropicales

No need to repeat what was said already...Richard K and Beardo are right. The only thing I'll add is be smart in the water. Depending where you are, you can come across undercurrents...and the lifeguards there will tell you that. So don't go out too far.
Other than that, enjoy yourself...be courteous, generous, and kind with everyone. Be friendly and be friends. There will always be some who look at others as 'servants'. Everyone works hard and wants to be treated with respect...just like anywhere else in the world. Have an open mind to culture and hospitality.

Enjoy your trip! I know I always do.

Bob G

Don't drink the water.

Lazy A

I am going to cuba to!! tell me where in cuba you going and what day and month. by the way try to aviod sharks in deep water

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