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It’s important that you know the necessary requirements to enter the country as a tourist. One of them is the visa, known as the “Tourist Card”, which is mandatory for citizens of most countries.
The Tourist Card has a validity of 30 days and can be renewed for another 30 days if requested at the Immigration Office before the expiration. This card can be obtained at Cuban consulates and embassies, travel agencies, and airports, where it can be purchased before boarding the flight to Cuba.
In addition to the visa, it’s important that tourists have valid health insurance for their stay in Cuba. This requirement is mandatory for all foreign visitors and must remain in force throughout their stay in the country.
The health insurance covers essential medical care services, emergencies, and hospitalization in case of illness, accident, among others. It’s recommended that this insurance also covers repatriation if necessary.
The health insurance can be purchased from the airline or travel agency, or through Cuban companies specialized in this type of insurance.
In summary, to enter Cuba as a tourist, it’s necessary to have the Tourist Card and valid and sufficient health insurance for the stay. It’s important to know and comply with these requirements to avoid problems at entry or during the stay in the country.
There’s only one currency in Cuba: the Cuban peso (CUP). This means that the convertible Cuban peso (CUC) is no longer in circulation.
The value of the Cuban peso varies according to the value of the US dollar. At the midle of 2024, 1 EUR was worth 345 CUP.
If you’re a tourist and need to change your currency, we recommend that you do it in CUP, the currency used in the country. You can change your money in official exchange offices or banks. It’s important to remember that not all stores, restaurants, or hotels accept foreign credit cards, so it’s advisable to carry enough cash for your daily needs.
In addition, it’s advisable to have CUP to make daily payments, such as restaurants, buses or vans within cities, street food stalls, ice cream shops, or basic stores that only accept pesos. On the other hand, it’s suggested to carry low-value notes (5€, 10€, and 20€) to pay for daily expenses, as many establishments don’t have change for large bills.
It should be noted that, in some cases, locals will offer to exchange your euros or dollars for CUP at a better exchange rate than official exchange offices. However, it’s advisable to make this type of exchange with people you trust (such as the private house where you’re staying, a regular taxi driver, etc.) and not to do it with strangers on the street.
Finally, it’s difficult to calculate exactly how much money to change at the beginning of the trip. If you have leftover CUP at the end of your adventure in Cuba, it’s advisable to exchange them before arriving at the airport, as exchange offices at international airports do not exchange CUP for foreign currencies.
Firstly, it’s important to know that the climate in Cuba is usually warm throughout the year. Therefore, it’s advisable to wear lightweight and breathable clothing, preferably made of cotton or linen. Beachwear is also a good option if you’re planning to visit one of the beautiful beaches in Cuba.
However, it’s also important to consider that many churches, museums, and other tourist sites have a more formal dress code. Therefore, I suggest that you bring slightly more elegant clothing for these places, such as long pants, collared shirts, dresses, and skirts.
Another important tip is to avoid wearing clothing that’s too tight or revealing, especially in public places. In Cuba, most people dress conservatively and respectfully, so it’s important to respect the local culture and traditions.
Finally, remember to wear comfortable shoes, as many streets can be irregular and paved. It’s also advisable to bring sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses to protect yourself from the tropical sun.