You can’t walk around Havana and say that it reminds you of anywhere else in the world. It’s exquisite and unique...and it’s changing. Relations between Cuba and the US are improving which means that there will be some dramatic developments taking place this year.
Now, and I do mean right now, is the time to visit this stunning country. Slowly but surely cans of Coca Cola are replacing the Cuban soda, Wi-Fi hotspots are popping up across the cities, big screens are entering bars and American music is creeping into Havana’s nightlife.
So, how does one travel to Cuba? Here are my top 5 tips.
1. The Money
Cuban currency is divided into two; one is used by locals while the other is reserved for tourists. CUC can only be bought once you enter the country and I highly recommend exchanging at the airport. Once you enter Havana, the banks will charge some extreme interest rates and the queues are likely to be heavy.
I was told that sterling was easiest to exchange but euro will also be fine. To give you an idea of the exchange rate, I gave £600 and received about 750 CUC. This may not seem like a lot and to be honest, it’s not.
Cuba is not as cheap as you might think. While tourist attractions, taxis, and home grown materials such as rum and cigars remain extremely reasonable, some restaurants and shop prices were surprisingly similar to home.
2. The Paperwork
To enter Cuba you will need some paperwork, including:
- Proof of comprehensive travel insurance
- A photo copy of your passport
- Proof of flight details in and out of Cuba
- Cuban travel visa
Note: There is no Irish Embassy or Consulate in Cuba but you can contact the Embassies or Consulates of other EU countries for emergency consular assistance, advice and support. You can also follow the Department of Foreign Affairs on Twitter for the latest travel updates.
3. The Food
The food in Cuba was surprisingly delicious. I had heard from various sources that the meals were below par and that I would spend my time filling up on bread but 99% of my dining experiences were fantastic by any standard.
However, dining can be anything but straight forward depending on how you travel. If you have booked an all-inclusive holiday then you may be stuck for choice and the standard may be lower so I would suggest packing some snacks and staples.
If you are planning on making your own food then you should note that shops in Cuba don't stock a variety of food all year round, instead, they work on an availability basis. One day your local supermarket will be packed full of honey, the next you won't find a drop for love nor money.
Additionally, if you have a sweet tooth I would advice bringing some treats. Cuba is not known for its dessert selection and while there were plenty of ice-cream and churro stands, I don't recall seeing a single chocolate bar or packet of sweets. If you need it, bring it!
4. The People
Cuban are some of the most friendly, kind and animated bunch of people I have ever met. Taxi drivers will point out their favorite local spots while shop keepers will ask how you ended up in their home town.
Every time you step out on to the street, you will have ample opportunity to gain some local knowledge so don't miss out because of a language barrier! There is little to no Wi-Fi so don't rely on Google Translate.
5. The Nightlife
There is a great nightlife to be found in Cuba so do your research before getting on the plane. My experience was mainly in Havana where you can find a variety of entertainment.
The Maelcón is a long stretch of road by the seaside that acts as a social hotspot where you can find the locals flying kites, fishing, eating street food and salsa dancing on any night of the week.
If you're looking for something a bit more special why not take in dinner and a show at The Hotel Nacional's Cabaret Parisian or the Cabaret Tropicana? Additionally, Cuba is home to one of the most prestigious dance companies in the world, the Ballet Nacional so look online and book in advance!
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