Cuba: A Journey Through History and Emotions – A Mini Guide to Everything You Need to Know Before Visiting This Amazing Country

Cuba: a series of images come to mind: expensive cigars, rum-based drinks, joyful music, and colorful colonial-style houses. There are also bright-colored Cadillacs and tropical landscapes. Cuba is all of this and much more.

It’s a very contradictory country, much like the bittersweet smile of some of its people. Beneath the joyful surface lies a microcosm wounded by the communist regime, with several organizational, social, and infrastructural problems. However, it is absolutely worth experiencing and getting to know from the inside out.

If you are curious enough to look beyond the first impression, you will see its true beauty. Personally, it is one of the most fascinating places I have ever visited. This trip made me discover a side of myself I didn’t know I had and deeply touched me on a human level.

It was indeed a tiring vacation, but at the same time, it was an experience that changed me positively, and for that reason, I’m happy I lived it. I spent 11 days in Cuba, almost entirely in Havana, where I met many people and talked to each one of them—each with their own story, a bit confused, with both shadows and light in the same image.

Below, I’ve gathered a series of tips and information about traveling to Cuba, starting from what you need to do before you leave, what to bring, advice on interacting with locals, food, and transportation, in case you decide to leave Havana for a few days. 

Visa and Other Necessary Documents

The tourist visa, called “tarjeta del turista”, must be requested before departure.
I used the online service http://www.ufficiovisti.it/visto-turistico-cuba. Once on the site, you submit the application, and in 10 days, a courier will deliver the original visa to your home.

The visa is valid for 30 days from your arrival in Cuba and allows a single entry into the country, which can be extended locally if needed. In addition to the visa, you’ll also need travel insurance from a recognized Cuban Insurance Company.

The Local Currency

Cuba uses two currencies: the CUP, reserved for Cubans, which is difficult for foreigners to acquire, and the CUC (1 CUC = 0.95 USD), which is the currency you’ll most likely deal with.

You can exchange euros for CUC at the airport, but be prepared for long lines since it’s the only exchange desk there.
You can also change money later in the city, including in hotel lobbies, but be careful about the exchange rate, as it’s not always favorable.

Budget and Expenses in Cuba

If you’re planning a trip to Cuba thinking it’s an inexpensive destination, you might be surprised. Despite its exotic and sometimes Spartan image, tourism costs are comparable to, if not higher than, many European countries.

For instance, while meals are certainly cheaper than in Italy—with a meal costing under 10 euros—you’ll find that basic tourist services are more expensive than expected. Accommodations, excursions, and transportation are often cheaper than you might expect.

Taxis and Bargaining: A Cuban Art

One way to save a bit is to learn the art of bargaining, especially when it comes to taxis. Licensed taxis are rare in Cuba; most of the time, you’ll encounter makeshift drivers, often in vintage cars, adding to the charm of the island.

Each taxi driver has their own “rate,” which can vary depending on their mood or how much they think you’re an inexperienced tourist. It’s essential to negotiate the fare before getting in to avoid paying inflated prices.

At first, I felt awkward bargaining, knowing that Cuba is a country with evident economic difficulties. However, over time, I realized that many taxi drivers deliberately inflate prices, taking advantage of tourists’ willingness to pay. After a while, I set aside my guilt and embraced bargaining, which can even become fun!

Everything Has a price in Cuba

In Cuba, everything, and I mean everything, has a cost, often in unexpected ways. For example, even using public restrooms requires a small contribution. At almost every toilet entrance, you’ll find a lady handing you a piece of toilet paper and asking for a small sum, usually 1 CUC (about 1 USD).

This custom, although unusual for many travelers, is part of the local culture and further reflects the country’s economic challenges.

Street Musicians and Tips

Another expense to consider is tipping the street musicians, who you’ll find almost everywhere, especially in restaurants. These artists create a unique atmosphere, providing your meal with a lively Cuban soundtrack. However, not tipping them is considered rude, so make sure to have some coins to show your appreciation.

How Much Does a Trip to Cuba Really Cost?

When planning your budget, keep in mind that every little detail can add to the cost. For me, with a not-so-spartan approach—eating out all the time, tipping everywhere, and buying souvenirs for friends and family—my 11-day stay in Cuba cost me around 400 euros, excluding flight and accommodation.

It was an intense vacation, but every single cent spent was worth it, not just for the experiences but also for the human contact with a population that, despite its difficulties, radiates authentic warmth.

È stata una vacanza intensa, ma ogni singolo centesimo speso ha avuto un valore, non solo per le esperienze vissute, ma anche per il contatto umano con una popolazione che, nonostante le difficoltà, trasmette un calore autentico.

Money-Saving Tips and Enjoying the Trip

1. Always negotiate prices: from taxis to guided tours, never assume the first price is final.
2. Carry small bills: having local currency (CUC) in small denominations will help pay for minor services like public restrooms or tips without having to do major exchanges.
3. Eat at “paladares”: these private restaurants often offer authentic food at lower prices than tourist spots.
4. Be mindful of tips: they’re an important part of the local economy, so set aside a small budget for this.

Medications to Bring and Health Tips

No vaccinations are required to enter Cuba, but, as mentioned, you must have health insurance. Havana’s hospitals seem efficient, but I can’t speak from direct experience as I fortunately didn’t need a doctor.

Here are some tips for your vacation in Cuba:

1. Don’t drink water unless from a sealed bottle.
2. Avoid drinks with ice since you don’t know what water they used to make it.
3. Don’t eat raw or undercooked fish, meat, or eggs.
4. Bring hand sanitizer and use it often during the day.
5. Bring medicine: I recommend aspirin, insect bite ointment, cortisone cream, and medicine for gastrointestinal issues.

Meals in Cuba

The food is very good and inexpensive. A single dish costs around 5 CUC. Cuban cuisine mainly consists of meat or fish dishes with rice, tropical fruit, or fries.

You’ll often find boiled lobster, which is special here, so I recommend trying it at least once. The price is higher than for meat dishes but not as expensive as in Europe. You won’t spend more than about 20 euros.

I also recommend ordering “Ropa Vieja,” a typical dish found in almost all restaurants. It’s shredded beef stew with tomato sauce. I know it may not look the best, but it tastes fantastic!

Street food markets scattered around the city are also a treat. Here you can find hamburgers, fries, roasted chicken, coconut, and other tropical fruits.

You absolutely have to try the mango here—it tastes completely different, especially if you buy it directly from a street vendor.

The Cubans: A Fascinating and Contradictory People

Cuba is known for being one of the safest islands in the Caribbean. Here, Cubans greet you with genuine smiles, showing warm hospitality and a laid-back attitude that makes you feel immediately at ease. They are social people, always ready to help and share a pleasant moment.

Traveling around the island is safe, even for solo travelers. The constant presence of police, who intervene promptly when necessary, helps maintain a peaceful environment for tourists.

Life Outdoors and Daily Habits

One of the first things you’ll notice is that Cubans live primarily outdoors. It’s easy to find them sitting in front of their houses, watching the world go by, or playing dominoes in parks and public gardens. This spontaneous sociability reflects a sense of community that is rarely found elsewhere.

A fascinating aspect is their habit of always exchanging a few words when they meet on the street. They don’t just give a quick hello; they gladly spend time chatting. This happens because phone use is limited compared to other countries. Because of this, Cubans are generally very punctual. If they make an appointment, they’re rarely late, because they might not have a way to let you know!

Walking the streets of Cuba is like stepping into the past, in a place where human relationships…

“Roots are important in a man’s life, but we have legs, not roots, and legs are made to go elsewhere.”
– Pino Cacucci

This trip gave me a new perspective on the world: on appearances, on freedom, and on what truly matters in life. The problems we think we have, seen from this different perspective, seem like mere whims. Cubans are a proud and lively people, and despite the daily challenges they face, they never lose their smile.

Cuba is a unique place, and the experiences you’ll have there are unlike any other. You’ll feel as excited as I did, I’m sure of it.

Go on traveling!

Lety goes on

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