Practical information

Visa

A tourist visa card is required. This can be purchased on arrival in Cuba, but most airlines require it to be presented at check in or you will be denied boarding. It is valid for 30 days and extendable for a further 30 days, except for Canadians who receive a 90-day visa. Apply by mail, in person or online for a visa with agencies or the Cuban Consulate. 

Medical Travel Insurance

Travel insurance is now required when visiting Cuba either before travelling or on arrival in Cuba. Caribbean ‘a la Carte could provide you with a travel insurance issued in Cuba.

Credit cards

Credit cards are accepted in most hotels but not generally in shops and restaurants. Travelers’ checks or credit cards issued by American banks will NOT be accepted anywhere on the island because of the embargo, so make sure that you have other means of payment if your card was issued in the US. There is virtually no cash points/ATM available for drawing cash or switch cards in Cuba. Any Cuban bank or CADECA should be able to issue a cash advance on a non-American credit card if you cannot find a cash point/ ATM for your VISA or MASTERCARD. Generally, banks are open from 09:00 to 14:00 Monday – Friday.

Currencies

Cuba has a dual currency system with a national currency used by locals and a convertible currency for tourists, which is roughly equivalent in value to the US dollar. You will need to use this currency – the Cuban Convertible Peso (CUC). Do not bring US dollars to exchange, as you will be liable to pay a tax of 10% because of the embargo. Bring pounds or Euros. Scottish bank notes are not recognized and should be avoided. You can convert CUC back into hard currencies when you leave. Nevertheless, it is recommended that you have a small amount left apart from some cash for your last day trip.

Internet Access

There are no Internet cafes in Cuba, but there is access in most hotels. Academic and enterprise attendees will have 2 hours daily free of charge in the venue of the congress. Sadly, the service is almost always slow and unreliable. It is also expensive: rates range between 3 CUC to 5 CUC for an hour. An alternative to hotels is ETECSA offices, equipped with computers and a bit cheaper Internet access. You buy a card and scratch off the login number and password to access the Internet. Most Cubans have no Internet access at home.

Telephone Calls

International phone calls can be made from your hotel room using any pre-paid cards or InternationalTelephone Centers. You can also use your mobile in Cuba, although it is expensive and you should check with your provider beforehand about rates. For dialing to Cuba you must dial the country code (+53) followed by the code of the city or town (Havana = 7) and then the number you want to call. Rates are very expensive from Europe and calls should be avoided if possible.

To dial from Cuba you need to dial 119, followed by the country code, then the code of the city and then the number that you want to dial. Using your mobile will be expensive at about 5 CUC per minute, and more if calling from a hotel phone.

Electricity

The norm in Cuba is 110-120V, 60 Hz, American-styled flat two-pin 110V, although most hotels have 220V sockets. However, make sure that you take an international adapter with you and read the instructions of your appliance before plugging it in. Power hungry appliances are mostly not advised.

Health & Vaccines

There are currently no vaccination requirements for international travelers coming from almost all countries (exceptions: Africa’s countries and countries that are infested by ebola, chikungunya, zika, etc), but consult your doctor before travelling for the latest immunization information. Drink bottled water instead of tap water, easily purchased at most hotels and restaurants. Temperatures frequently hover around the 30 °C mark, so stay hydrated throughout the day. If you need to seek private medical care, the quality of service you’ll receive will match that of developed countries.

If you are under any medical treatment, please, bring all medicines you will need during your stay in Cuba.

Food & Drinks

Cuban food is tasty and it is prepared in a healthy way everywhere. There are some good wines available, but not a lot.

Tips or gratuities

A tip to parking assistants, doormen, museum staff, housekeeping, waiting staff and tour guides is normal, but not essential. Tips are very welcomed.