Planning Your Trip
Important Documents
A valid passport is required. The passport must be valid for at least one month beyond the date of your expected departure from Cuba. You will receive a tourist card on your return flight.
Currency
We strongly recommend you bring CASH in either Canadian or US currency. All transactions will be in the Cuban Convertible currency (CUC). There is also a Cuban peso, but it is not intended to be used by tourists. As of October 10, 2019, 1 CUC is worth about CAD$1.31. The US dollar is on par with the CUC but is discounted 10% when exchanging for CUC.
The actual rate will be whatever it is when we arrive depending on the strength of the dollar.
Bank Machines and Credit Cards
Do not count on the availability of bank machines. If you do you may spend days searching for machines that work. This may have changed but this has certainly been our experience in the past. Credit cards are rarely used and, if so, there is an 11% charge. Hotels have safe boxes in rooms. Therefore it is best to bring cash. A portion of your expected expenses should be cashed at the airport when you arrive.
Meal Costs
Breakfast will be provided (see 'What's Included '). We will be choosing restaurants that are reasonably-priced. Please consult the tour description to learn how many dinners and lunches are included. Lunches should range between 10-15 CUC, dinners 15-35. A “big splurge” meal for 25-45 CUC may also be planned. As with all the program activities, you can choose to opt in or make your own plans. Beer and mixed drinks are usually 1-4 CUC, while bottled water and coffee/tea are 1-2 CUC.
Communications
Communications between Cuba and Canada or the United States can be difficult.
In Havana, Internet maybe found in some hotels and there is recent talk of Wi-Fi availability in some parts. But generally Internet access is inconsistent, unreliable and frequently very slow.
Check with your internet provider to learn if cellular connectivity is possible in Cuba and, if so, where.
It is best to tell friends and family that you may not be able to reach them by Internet. Phone calls are often 3 to 5 CUC per minute between Canada and North America.
Health Insurance
Since May 1, 2010, travelers must present proof of health insurance in order to enter the country. Upon arrival, travelers may be required to present an insurance policy, insurance certificate, or medical assistance card valid for the period of their stay in Cuba. Those who do not have proof of insurance coverage may be required to obtain health insurance from a Cuban insurance company when they arrive
Dress
In Havana, dress is casual, but not beach-resort casual. Flat, comfortable shoes are recommended. Running shoes and sandals are fine. Temperatures typically average around 22-30C. However, bring a light jacket or sweater for cool evenings and air-conditioned restaurants. Plain, casual dress is acceptable anywhere in Cuba.
Time Zone
Eastern Standard Time (EST)
Souvenirs
There is not a lot to buy, but the following are available: cigars (of course!), rum, handicrafts, and t-shirts. The items that tourists typically purchase, such as rum, cigars, and t-shirts, are available at the airport departure lounge for about the same prices as elsewhere.
Fine art purchased requires a certificate (available from sellers) for leaving the country. More expensive art may also be available.
Packing
Please note that it may be difficult or impossible to find certain items in Cuba that you may have forgotten to pack. It is recommended that you take special care to include an ample supply of any prescription or over-the-counter medications you may require while on the trip, as well as common health and beauty aids such as antacids, laxatives, tampons, sunscreen, tissues, and bandages.
Suggested Items to Pack:
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Face cloth, shampoo, conditioner, hairspray, comb, hair brush
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If you are sensitive to foreign food and water, bring Kaopectate or Imodium
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Toothbrush, toothpaste, dental floss, mouthwash
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Shaver and supplies
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Deodorant, fragrance, moisturizer
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Bandages or a miniature first-aid kit
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Fingernail clippers, lip balm
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Insect repellent
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Earplugs (if trouble sleeping)
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Vitamins, aspirin or other equivalent OTC painkillers
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Camera, memory cards and lot of batteries for digital cameras
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MP3 player, batteries
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Rubber-bands, plastic bags, super glue, safety pins, sewing kit
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Novels, guide book, Spanish dictionary/phrase book, notebook, pens, pencils
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A 220 adapter may be useful for electrical devices
Electricity
Electricity in Cuba is 110 or 220 volts. In our hotel, the outlets will be (mostly) 110 and use two-prong plugs similar to what is used in Canada/US and which comply with Canadian standards. But bathrooms may have 220 volt outlets. It is advisable to check with the hotel desk.
Health
No inoculations are required before visiting Cuba and most people who have travelled with us have not taken extra precautions. Nevertheless we recommend you read this link that will take you to the Public Health Agency’s website and their specific page on Cuba, http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/tmp-pmv/countries-pays/country-pays-eng.php?id=322. It may be sensible to speak with your GP to get his/her advice as to what s/he thinks you may need if you have specific medical conditions or other concerns. Bottled water, which is easily accessible, is recommended; tap water is not.
Gifts/Donations
Cubans can use just about anything and everything. In the past, tour participants have brought items that we take to places we visit, including a children’s home, and other programs for families (and have often regretted not bringing more). Health items, cosmetics, reading glasses, school and office supplies, anything for children, and used clothing (summer variety!) will all be appreciated.