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General Information about Travel to Cuba

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  • GEOGRAPHY: Cuba is the largest island in the Caribbean measuring 110,922 square kilometres. Cuba also lays claim to the 220 sq km Isla de la Juventud and a further 4200-odd coral cays and islets, most of which are low lying and uninhabited. It is a land so vast that all of the rest of the islands of the Caribbean could fit into it.
  • CAPITAL: Havana City, with a population of over 3 million.
  • POPULATION: 11 million. The people are an ethnic and cultural mixture of the descendants of African slaves and the white population originating in Spain. There is no racial discrimination and all Cubans are equal before the law.
  • LANGUAGE: Spanish.
  • GOVERNMENT: Socialist Republic.
  • MAIN RESOURCES: Sugar, minerals, tobacco, agricultural, medicine & tourism.
  • WEATHER: There are no great differences in seasonal temperatures in Cuba, its pleasant subtropical climate being augmented by the gentle north-easterly tradewinds. The wet summer season is between May and October, and the drier winter season runs from November through April. The average temperature reaches 27.4 degrees Celsius in July and August and 22.2 degrees Celsius in February. An average of 80% humidity exists all year round, with things just a little more sticky in the wet season.

General Information

  • ACCOMMODATION: All categories available, including 5 star properties.
  • AIRPORTS: 10 international airports. Havana’s Jose Marti is the main entry point to the country, followed by Varadero and Camaguey. The air terminals at Cayo Largo, Cienfuegos, Cayo Coco, Holguin, Manzanillo, Santa Clara and Santiago de Cuba also have international flights.
  • DEPARTURE TAX: $25 CUC cash to be paid on departure
  • CAR RENTAL: Cubacar, Havanautos
  • CLOTHING: Casual light clothing, preferably cotton.
  • CONDITIONS FOR TRAVEL: A valid passport and tourist card or visa is required. The tourist card is included with your documents if travel is purchased from A. Nash Travel. A special visa is required for business travelers, journalists, Cuban nationals and long-term stays.
  • CURRENCY: National currency is the Cuban Convertible Peso. You can exchange Canadian or U.S. dollars, British pounds or Euros for Convertible Peso’s at all airports, bank, and hotels. DO NOT exchange on the street where you will be given regular pesos, the currency of the Cuban population, which are worth a pittance.. Accepted are traveler's cheques and Visa and Mastercard cards issued by non U.S. banks. American Express is NOT accepted, no matter what the country of issuance.
  • CUSTOMS: travelers can bring in two bottles of liquor, a carton of cigarettes, personal effects, photographic equipment, typewriter, personal jewelry, etc., all duty free. They cannot bring in firearms, narcotics, pornography or Cuban currency. Durable goods or valuables acquired in Cuba must be declared upon leaving the country, showing receipts.
  • DRINK: Rum is the drink of Cuba. There are extra dry and aged rums of magnificent bouquet. The white rum mixes with practically everything and is ideal for cocktails. The traditional drinks of Cuba are the Cuba Libre, Mojito, Mulata and Daiquiri. There are various brands of beer as well as carbonated beverages. The water is safe for drinking, but bottled water is available and recommended.
  • ELECTRICITY: 110 volts, 60 cycles. The outlets are for flat prongs. Some new hotels are 220 volts.
  • FOOD: Cuban food is highly seasoned, but does not use hot spices. Traditional dishes are generally based on rice and beans, pork, and fried or bodied root vegetables flavoured with onion and garlic. Meals are usually accompanied by beer. Seafood is of excellent quality and taste.
  • HEALTH: Cuba’s quality public health system extends across the entire country and is free for Cubans.
  • MOBILITY: Tourists can go anywhere in the country with complete freedom, at any hour of the day or night, by foot, by taxi, by plane, by train, by bus or by rent-a-car.
  • OFFICIAL HOLIDAYS: Cuba's public holidays include Liberation Day (1 January), Labor Day (1 May), Celebration of the National Rebellion (25, 26 and 27 July), and Beginning of the War of Independence. (10 October). After 30 years of not doing so, beginning December 25, 1998, Cubans were once again permitted to celebrate Christmas.
  • PHOTOS: Can be taken anywhere except military and prohibited zones.
  • RELIGION: Cuba has no official religion The Constitution of the Republic of Cuba guarantees complete freedom of worship. The churches are open and can be attended by anyone who wishes to do so.
  • SAFETY: Cuba is a hospitable country. It is easy to find help whenever you need it. The streets are safe and attacks are rare. There are tourism police in hotel areas.
  • SHOPPING: Duty free shops can be found in all hotels and airports. Cuban cigars, rum, liqueurs, arts and crafts, t-shirts and other souvenirs are good buys. All goods taken out of the country must be accompanied by official government receipts, as well as a stamp of approval for certain arts and crafts.
  • TAXES: Nothing is taxed anywhere in Cuba.
  • TIPPING: At client's discretion, not included in bill. Normally tourists give to the waiter 10% (cash) of the bill.