Cuba Travel Resources
Cuba is mainly a safe destination to travel to. All Cuban cities are safe in general and the island counts with one of lowest crime rates in the hemisphere.
However we feel you should be alerted of the following:
Petty crime such as pick pocketing and bag snatching occurs. Good advice is not to take a lot of cash with you on the streets. Leave your credit card and passport in the hotel safe and take a copy with you. Do not wear expensive jewels or gold chains; snatching off gold chains does happen sometimes.
Never exchange money on the streets; chances are that you will receive counterfeit or outdated banknotes in exchange for your good money.
When you rent a car, never leave it unattended; always leave it in a guarded parking lot.
Avoid walking alone at night in scarcely lit streets, especially in Old and Central Havana.
However we feel you should be alerted of the following:
Petty crime such as pick pocketing and bag snatching occurs. Good advice is not to take a lot of cash with you on the streets. Leave your credit card and passport in the hotel safe and take a copy with you. Do not wear expensive jewels or gold chains; snatching off gold chains does happen sometimes.
Never exchange money on the streets; chances are that you will receive counterfeit or outdated banknotes in exchange for your good money.
When you rent a car, never leave it unattended; always leave it in a guarded parking lot.
Avoid walking alone at night in scarcely lit streets, especially in Old and Central Havana.
Isn't Cuba a dangerous country?
Actually, Cuba has the lowest crime rate in the Western Hemisphere! You will be surprised by the visible police presence in Cuba. They are there specifically to protect and help tourists.
Foreign currency and/or convertible pesos (CUC) are vital to their economy, they bend over backwards to make sure everyone has a safe and pleasant stay.
Although, be aware of your belongings in cities like Havana and Santiago de Cuba just like in every capital city
Foreign currency and/or convertible pesos (CUC) are vital to their economy, they bend over backwards to make sure everyone has a safe and pleasant stay.
Although, be aware of your belongings in cities like Havana and Santiago de Cuba just like in every capital city
What is the best time to go to Cuba, and what is the cheapest period?
Cuba enjoys a warm weather all year round with temperatures seldom below 24 degrees Celsius. From May to October is the rainy season and humidity reaches its peaks. The hurricane season is most likely between September and October. In general, nice weather all year long. Summer is quite hot making the winter months the peak travel season.
Do I need a Visa and a passport?
Yes and yes
Cuba will give you a Visa / Tourist Card, however, you must acquire the visa before you arrive.
You can accomplish this by contacting the nearest Cuban Embassy or Consulate in your country, except for citizens of the USA, whom will be issued a visa onboard their flights to Cuba.
You can accomplish this by contacting the nearest Cuban Embassy or Consulate in your country, except for citizens of the USA, whom will be issued a visa onboard their flights to Cuba.
What about electricity?
Generally the electricity in Cuba is 110 V / 60 Hz, but in the resorts usually 220 V / 50 Hz. The plug is US type.
What about money? Can I use my credit card?
You can as long as it's not issued by an American bank. Unfortunately, it's part of the US embargo restrictions on Cuba. No US travelers cheque either. Americans have to carry cash. Electronic cards don’t work in Cuba (Maestro, Visa electron, etc.)
I'm a woman traveling alone. Is Cuba a safe place to travel for me?
Yes! No problem. And don't go down dark streets at night, the same streets you wouldn't go in in your own hometown, and just be careful while hitch hiking. Hitch hiking should be considered as a last resort.
In the bigger cities like Havana take a taxi when you go out at night. Ask the taxi driver to wait until you close the door of your home behind you. Smaller towns like Trinidad or Viñales are safe at night time for female travelers, you can just walk home.
In the bigger cities like Havana take a taxi when you go out at night. Ask the taxi driver to wait until you close the door of your home behind you. Smaller towns like Trinidad or Viñales are safe at night time for female travelers, you can just walk home.
Can you play golf in Cuba?
Yes. In Cuba there are two golf courses: in Havana a 9 hole course, and in Varadero a 18 hole PGA course.
What's the best way to travel around Cuba?
If you prefer traveling by your own, the most convenient way to explore Cuba is with rental car, domestic flight or Viazul bus.
What currency should I bring?
It’ preferred EUR or CAD or GBP.
Can I bring home cigars?
You can export up to 50 cigars as far as they are in their original packaging. US travelers unfortunately cannot bring Cuban cigars to US.
Is the water safe?
Do not drink tap water unless it has been boiled, filtered, or chemically disinfected. Do not drink unbottled beverages or drinks with ice. Do not eat fruits or vegetables unless they have been peeled or cooked.
Avoid unpasteurized milk and any products that might have been made from unpasteurized milk, such as ice cream. Avoid food and beverages obtained from street vendors.
Do not eat raw or undercooked meat or fish, including ceviche. Some types of fish may contain poisonous biotoxins even when cooked. Barracuda in particular should never be eaten. Other fish that may contain toxins include red snapper, grouper, amberjack, sea bass, and a large number of tropical reef fish.
Please, do notice that in our trips, all included meals are served in places that meet food and water precautions.
Avoid unpasteurized milk and any products that might have been made from unpasteurized milk, such as ice cream. Avoid food and beverages obtained from street vendors.
Do not eat raw or undercooked meat or fish, including ceviche. Some types of fish may contain poisonous biotoxins even when cooked. Barracuda in particular should never be eaten. Other fish that may contain toxins include red snapper, grouper, amberjack, sea bass, and a large number of tropical reef fish.
Please, do notice that in our trips, all included meals are served in places that meet food and water precautions.
How much should I tip?
Tipping is greatly appreciated for services received that are not included in your program. (Cab drivers, wait staff, barmen, etc.) This provides considerable supplementary income for Cubans and is usually expected. The minimum tip is 1 CUC, usually we tip 10-15%. For group tours we recommend $5 per person, per day for the guide and $3 per person per day for the driver.
Do I need to get any shots to travel to Cuba?
No special requirements for shots.
What are the new mandatory Cuban medical insurance requirements to enter Cuba?
To check it, please visit: www.asistur.cu
What time zone is Cuba in?
Cuba is the same as Eastern Standard Time in America. Please note that Cuba also follows Daylight Saving Time.
Deposits and Payments
How do I receive my confirmation?
Once I make my booking, what happens and how do I get my confirmation?
Once you send us your booking, we process it and confirm it within 24-48 hours. This period is needed for the hotels/rental car companies to check the availability and confirm your booking. Once ready we will send the detailed confirmation to you.
How do I pay for my tour?
With wire transfer.
Do you accept any other currencies than USD?
Yes. You can pay in USD, EUR, GBP and CAD.
When do I have to pay my payment?
The wire should be at our bank account at least 21 days prior to your travel. Please note that banks process payment usually during 3-5 days, so you have to calculate these extra days by the wire.
Do your prices include taxes?
Yes. Our prices include all taxes.
What happens if I need to cancel my participation in one of your tours?
If you cancel your tour, we will return your money. For our administration a 35 USD administration cost should be deducted and we return the rest of the money. If you prefer rebooking your trip at a different time, you can do it, in this case we will keep your money at deposit and you can use it anytime.
Is my air ticket refundable?
Unless otherwise stated all air tickets sold by Marysol Travel Cuba are not refundable. Air Canada tickets can be used for up to one year on the same route. A change fee applies. Date changes to tickets once issued incur a change fee and are subject to availability of new flight dates. Air Canada tickets often do not qualify for AeroPlan points unless upgraded to a higher ticket class and cost. Ticket quotations are valid for 48 hours unless noted otherwise.
What is included in my tour?
Unless otherwise detailed, your tour or Cuba-side costs include ground transportation and accommodations on the island, all breakfasts, lunches and dinners as noted in your itinerary (unless noted as not included), admissions and entrance fees (unless noted as not included), an expert bilingual guide/translator. Tour prices are based on double room (shared) occupancy. Specific inclusions and exclusions in the itinerary you have purchased will govern in all matters above.
Legal Matters
Is it legal to travel to Cuba?
For citizens other than USA the travel to Cuba is legal. US citizens please read our information for US citizens and residents here>>
Do I need a passport to travel to Cuba?
Yes you need. Your passport should be valid for at least 6 months from the entry date to Cuba.
Will Cubans stamp my passport?
No. You will get a stamp to your Cuban visa that is carried separately from your passport.
Is Marysol Travel Cuba legal?
Yes. Marysol Travel Cuba is a registered travel agency in Cuba, it is registered at the Chamber of Commerce of Havana and bears the permission of the Cuban Ministry of Tourism.