Do’s And Don’ts When Traveling to Cuba

A beautiful destination, Cuba remains at the top of many people’s travel bucket list. Carriers across the world have direct flights to Cuba and there’s no best time to visit. EasyTouristCard.com does Cuban visas and can guide you with your trip. The experts state, “If you are looking for cool and dry months, consider December to May but you can visit anytime in the year and you will not be disappointed.” The months from June to November tend to get hot and humid while January and February see milder weather. Here are some dos and don’ts to follow if you are planning a trip to Cuba anytime this year.

Do: Dress down

You never have to worry about what to wear when you’re in Cuba. Right from the capital city of Havana to Santiago and through the small towns of Santa Clara and Trinidad, Cuba is very casual and there is not much concern about what you wear. Do remember to wear comfortable shoes since Havana is a walking city. Carry sunglasses, sunscreen, and a hat. It tends to get hot and sunny there. If you plan to travel during the monsoon, do carry an umbrella or a light poncho, and do remember to pack all your personal hygiene products and medicines.

Do: Make friends with the locals

Cuba has some of the warmest and friendliest people who will be willing to share things about themselves and ask you questions freely. Avoid talking about religion and politics but do talk openly about your life, your culture, and your country. Yes, there will be people who might try to sell you cigars or other services but you can politely discourage them. It is a very safe country so do not miss out on the chance of having genuine interactions with the locals.

Do: Sample Cuban goods

While the top products to buy in Cuba are honey, tobacco, and rum, there are many other goods you might want to consider. Cuba has a lot of coffee, excellent coffee that you can take home for friends and family. If you plan to buy tobacco, do check your country’s regulations and ensure they allow you to carry it home.

Do: Buy travel insurance

An essential on any trip, travel insurance will secure you and your possessions in case of flight cancellations, lost baggage, or anything unforeseeable. You will find many insurance companies offering a policy at a reasonable rate. Compare different quotes and choose one that best fits your needs. Travel insurance is a crucial requirement when traveling on international flights.

Do: Enjoy the culture

Cuba has an amazing culture and it is worthwhile to immerse yourself in it. Havana has some really amazing museums, architecture, history, and art. Take the time to engage in it and you will be blown away.

Don’t: Expect much from the internet. 

Wi-Fi in Cuba can be a pain if you are accustomed to high-speed internet connectivity. It might become time-consuming and inconvenient but you can minimize this hassle by downloading the key files on your device so you can access them offline if needed. Keep the important files and documents in your photos folder on the phone and carry a good-old map with you to navigate your way in Cuba. Let your friends and family know that the internet may not be as readily available as it is at home. You can buy a prepaid internet card and pay for the Wi-Fi service.

Don’t: Expect Cuba to be cheap

Many travelers have a misunderstanding that Cuba will be really cheap but it is not the fact. It is not as cheap as you might expect. Hence, if you are traveling without a tour operator, be prepared to spend $200 each day on the trip. If you are with an agent, you might want to consider the inclusions and exclusions offered by them and still carry enough cash for the trip.

Don’t: Drink tap water

When traveling to Cuba, always remember to carry bottled water with you. It is hot there and you always want to be hydrated but avoid drinking tap water. Buy a bottled water and carry it with you. Some casas do offer filtered water and you can also ask the casa host to boil water for you which you can then carry in a bottle.

Don’t: Flash cash, electronics, or jewelry.

While Cuba is a very safe country for travelers, you still want to take the necessary measures to keep yourself safe and secure. The government makes a large amount of money from tourists and ensures that they feel safe at all times. You will see police positioned across tourist areas. But do exercise caution and avoid flashing any jewelry, cash, or electronics in public.

Cuba is a beautiful country to visit and if you are planning a trip in 2025, keep these do’s and don’ts in mind.