Cuba   

General Information

Geography | Weather | Time Zone | Entry Requirements | Customs | Money | Electricity & Drinking Water | Health & Medical | Transportation | Communications | Mailing Services | Pets

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Republic of Cuba

Havana

11 Million

Spanish

60% Spanish, 22% Mulatto, 11% African, 1% Chinese

Catholic

Communist Republic

Fidel Castro

110,860Km²

1,974m

370Km

81%

25^°C

Location & Geography

The island of Cuba is 1,250 km long and 191km at its widest point.  Located in the Western Caribbean Sea, it is the largest of the Caribbean islands and only 145 km south of Florida.  To the east is Hispaniola shared by Haiti and the Dominican Republic at a distance of 77 kms, and to the South is Jamaica, 140 kms away. 

Cuba consists of 1600 islets and islands, among them two of the well-known greater Antilles; Cuba proper and the Isle of Youth (Isla di la Juventud).  There are some 300 white sand beaches, and the unspoiled coral reefs provide a wide range of marine flora and fauna, and the diving visibility is second to none.  The land is made up of lush mountains, rolling hills and flat plains, all covered with fertile soil.  the mountains, swamps and offshore keys conceal a wealth of plant and wildlife that has barely been seen by natives, let alone tourists.

Its main industries are sugar, minerals, tobacco, agriculture, medicine and tourism.

Climate & Weather

Cuba is a tropical country, with temperatures averaging 85°F, with light sea breezes mainly easterly.  The warmest months are July and August, with temperatures averaging 90°F, with high humidity.  The coolest month is January, with temperatures averaging 75°F, with little to no humidity.  May through October is the rainy season, with hurricane season from June through October, however storms are more likely to hit in September and October.  November through April, being the cooler and drier months, also experience cold fronts from the north bringing clouds and drizzle.  Sea temperatures average 80°F in summer and 84°F in winter.

Time Zone

Cuba is in the eastern standard time zone, and uses daylight savings time from May to October.

Entry Requirements

Visitors to Cuba must arrive with a valid passport and a visa issued by the Cuban Government, which can be obtained from the airline issuing your ticket.  All visitors must have a return ticket when they arrive on the island.

Customs

Tourists are allowed to bring in duty-free two bottles of alcohol and one carton of cigarettes per adult and personal effects and electronics for personal use only (camera, video recorder, laptop, etc) in reasonable amounts.  It is prohibited to import narcotics and all types of pornographic material; Cuban coins, except for those coming from countries which have concluded bilateral agreements in such field; firearms, except for those who come for game hunting and receive the corresponding Cuban import permit upon arrival.

When a traveler purchases durable goods or other items during his or her stay, he or she must retain the corresponding invoice so as to produce it to customs officers upon request when leaving the country.  It is prohibited to export items considered to belong to the national wealth, precious metals, sea shells, antiques and certain types of animals and plants.

Money Matters

Cuba's official currency is the peso, which is used mainly by Cuban nationals.  The US dollar is accepted everywhere at an exchange of one-to-one.  Bring lots of small bills, as places outside of your hotel are skeptical of accepting bills of $50 and larger.  Credit Cards are accepted at banks and major hotels, with the exception of those drawn on an American Bank.  Also, US travelers checks are not accepted (e.g. American Express).

Electricity and Drinking Water

Cuba's electrical system is 110 volts, with outlets taking same sized flat-bladed plugs, the same as in the USA, and Canada.

Unlike many other third world countries, the water in Cuba is generally quite safe to drink.  However, like any different country in the tropics, there are going to be microorganisms to which you may have little resistance.  Be safe and stick to bottled water, which is widely available.

Health

If you are coming from a country with yellow fever, you must show a vaccination certificate.  The most common health problems tourists encounter are the "Cuban cold" and stomach problems known as "la turista".  Medicine can be difficult to come by due to the current economic situation, so it is advisable to bring any medication you think you may need.  If you need to see a doctor all hotels have a doctor on call.

Transportation

Public transportation, such as trains and busses are nearly impossible to get on as the cues for tickets can be days long.  Big comfortable tourist busses run from Havana to the major tourist destinations, and you may purchase tickets from any hotel travel agent

Cubana, the national airline, has daily flights to Santiago and Varadero from Havana, and weekly flights (or more) to Baracoa, Bayamo, Camaguey, Ciego de Avila, Guantanamo, Holguin, Las Tunas, Manzanillo, Moa, and Nueva Gerona. Aero Caribbean and Aero Gaviota also fly some of these routes, and Aero Caribbean is the only internal airline that flies to Cayo Largo.  It is advisable to purchase tickets for any of these flights at least a week in advance. 

Renting a car is by far the most efficient way to travel Cuba.  Unfortunately it is not cheap, $50 a day and upwards, and a tank of gas is approximately $40.  There are gas stations dotted throughout Cuba.  the main car rental agencies are  Havanautos, Cubacar, Transautos and Gaviota.  These you can book at the tourist desk in your hotel.  Driving around Cuba can be quite the challenge as there tends to be a deficiency of signage, however it is the best way see the country.  As in most countries, they drive on the right side of the road.

Communications

All the major hotels offer international direct dialing, however be aware, at a significant surcharge. Most of the large tourist hotels have an international telephone center located in their lobbies, and their rates are more reasonable.  The most economical way to make a phone call, both national and international, is by purchasing a phone card and using it on the public pay phones.

Mailing Services

The special agencies are:

Cubanacan Express, phone # 24-2331

Cubapost, phone #33-6097 and 33-6098

D.H.L., phone #24-1578

Cubapack International, phone # 24-2134

You can also use the national post office service by purchasing stamps and placing your mail in the corresponding mailboxes.

Pets

The importation of vaccinated domestic animals is allowed provided they are duly accompanied by the corresponding certifying documents.