I’ve been asked – “what are the do’s and don’ts of visiting Cuba?”
The most trending destination today is Cuba. Everyone wants to go and see it before it changes. I grew up in the era of the ’60s when information about Cuba centered around the revolution, Communism, and a strangely unique area called the “Bay of Pigs!” To a six-year-old, that name alone created both fear and curiosity of what type of place would have a bay with pigs. I wanted to see it for myself – not on a TV screen or during social science class.
Through the years, we heard of boat loads of refugees seeking a better life and risking all to join family members in the U.S. The photos and news reports had me wanting to know more; to understand and learn more about Cuba and what would persuade people to risk their lives to sail across the ocean.
In the 1980’s I worked with Pan Am in Miami and developed a love for Cuban sandwiches, drinks, and music. It is the flavor of my experience when I think of those days. A country that is the base of such great culture – must be an amazing place.
I always wanted to visit this mysterious island. I asked myself, “Where exactly is it located?” Although geographically speaking I knew exactly where it was on the map; my childhood impressions lived on, making Cuba a mysterious land of beautiful people, delicious food, and heart-throbbing music. I pictured myself sailing up to the island through a thick haze of fog, clearing to reveal a lush tropical land, with calypso dancers greeting me, dressed in colorful attire with fruit piled high on top of their heads. Cuba – I have arrived!
Last year I had an opportunity to visit for a short trip. The night before, I packed with the excitement of a college student preparing for her spring break trip. I couldn’t sleep. I looked forward to the antique cars and beautiful shoreline and tasting Cuban food prepared in a kitchen on home soil.
We arrived and started our tour right away. Bright orange and neon blue 1950’s cars zipped by honking horns with tourists smiling while their hair blew in the wind. People were gathered in small groups, talking and laughing during quick chats; which seemed to be an everyday experience they were anxious to share.
We passed buildings with architectural designs that rival some of the best colonial buildings I have seen. The only surprise was the amount of disrepair and crumbling facades in need of paint and patchwork. As I looked closer, the effects of so many years of economic embargo became evident; fading paint, broken windows, and doors with people watching the day go-by.
Our tour took us all around the sites and tourists spots of Havana; with a guided tour Old Havana. We hit the high points. With each stop the national pride and human fortitude shone through as people performed musical selections, share artistic creations and talked about their beloved country.
Amazing to see the human spirit soar to such great heights of strength and love, in the face of limited economic resources. We enjoyed excellent meals, visited the home of Hemingway and learned about the history of this beautiful island through the stories and points of interest shared by our local tour guide.
Visiting Cuba you are struck by the question of “how will the country change now 
that tourism is opening between Cuba and the U.S.?” It is sure to change. “Will this change include everyone?” I have been asked, “Will we see the major U.S. fast food chains dotting the corners around the island?” I think what travelers deeply want to know, is “will I have a chance to see it before things change too much? Will I see it as it is now – a trip back in time?”
Some of those questions are easier to solve than others. Change never includes everyone. There are those who prosper more than others, those who can shift with change and those left behind. We can hope the gap between people who have access to opportunities and those who are limited is not wide. And, eventually there will be the famous and popular fast-food chains; and if we compare to other Caribbean countries, there probably will not be a huge amount. That’s a good thing to maintain the authentic Cuban food experience.
According to travel professional who follow and stay up-to-date on changes, have said travel for U.S. citizens isn’t likely to change too much too fast. Today, the majority of U.S. citizens continue to go under the People-to-People designation. There are some who travel to visit family or on business.
I enjoyed my time in Cuba and wanted to share the experience with others. I am planning a trip in May, which will include visits to several of the places on my previous trip and new spots too. I am frequently asked, what can I do and not do in Cuba. I’ve put together a list that should be helpful. It’s important to keep in mind, things are changing fast, while some things continue to change slowly; and it’s best to double check with your tour company. But, this list should help for now! Here’s wishing you a trip filled with intrigue, adventure and fun – all while learning about this beautiful island at the tip of the Caribbean.
Don’ts
– Do not bring along credit cards. Many American banks do not have an agreement with local banks for card usage in Cuba. Hopefully, this will change soon with Visa and MasterCards accepted. Keep in mind, this will most certainly come with a significant commission of eleven percent.
– Do not take photos of military or police personnel
– Do not carry anything for someone to or from the country.
– Do not drink the water. Use sealed bottle water for drinking and brushing teeth
– Do not exchange money on the streets. Use official Cadeca Casa de Cambio (exchange bureau),
– Beware of street hustlers offering unsolicited help and assistance.
– When taking photos, especially in Old Havana, watch for street performers dressed in costumes requiring money to take their pictures. While some will be great photos, be prepared with small change if you will want those photos.
– Do not assume pictures with residents in tourist areas are free of charge. Especially photos with people dressed in national costumes.
– Cell phone service is not available for U.S. cell service providers.
– The Internet is not widely available and where there is access it is expensive. Plan your time on the internet, so you get done what you need promptly. A good idea would be to pre-write email messages and any social media post you are planning.
– Do not bring valuable items such as jewelry with you. Leave your bling, bling at home and enjoy the laid back style of Cuba.
Do’s
– Bring along gift items for tour guides, hotel staff and some of the residents you meet. Things such as shampoo, soap, and toys. Some people feel this is not a good idea and encourage begging back-street markets. There is a large amount of poverty, and small useful gifts are appreciated by those you interact with closely.
– Count your change to ensure you receive the correct amount. Cuba has a dual currency system. The official currency used by locals is the Cuban Peso (CUP), and Cuban Convertible Peso (CUC) is the tourist currency. The CUC incurs a hefty tax and commission when exchanging dollars. Canadian dollars or British pounds are not taxed as much. Shop owners may short change you, so count your money carefully.
– Cuba is a cash society – bring it along and leave the credit cards at home. Many people say, “Cash is King!” Take this as a strong suggestion to carry a larger amount of money than you normally would on a trip. On my trip, I had $1000. I didn’t need very much of it because everything was included in the tour. But, I always travel with my “just in case” cash and took extra because of the lack of access to cash via ATMs or credit card use.
– Pack and travel light. Luggage weight is checked going into and out of Cuba. No need to pay for overweight bags.
– Take care of your personal items. While crime is low in Cuba, there are incidents of pickpocketing and purse snatching. Carry limited amounts of cash with you, leave important documents in the hotel safe.
– Make a photocopy of your important documents. Leave a copy at home and bring an extra copy in the hotel safe or locked in your luggage.
– Learn a few words in Spanish. It’s always a good idea to learn a few basics in the local language.
– Bring along your electrical adapters. Most hotels use the two prong adapter.
– Bring along condiments. I found the food on my trip to be appetizing. There was lobster on the menu; flavorful pork dishes all excellent. However, I know people who have traveled to Cuba and found the food lacking in flavor. They have suggested bringing individual packets of sauces to help make food tastier.
– Tipping is allowed and also a nice gesture. Salaries are very limited. Travelers can help by tipping and even in situations where tips may be included in the tour fees.
Traveling is a very important and main part in human life. It is the best way to explore and enjoy the new places and explore the beauty of the world. Now I have decided go to explore Vegas. I must visit this place.
Thank you that was a great review. I’m going to Cuba in january and was getting a little nervous of going as there are so many warnings from the uk government about trips to cuba.
Hi Jane, have you gone on your tip yet?
Great tips, Annita! I especially appreciated the section on cultural etiquette – it’s so important to respect local traditions when traveling. I can’t wait to put your advice into practice on my upcoming trip to Cuba!
A great post, but I couldn’t find the date of your trip and you’re right that things change. I would add that and your advice depends on how you travel and where you go. I’ve travelled to Cuba three times, each time for a couple of months and the last time in 2024. I didn’t go with a tour or stay at a resort. I like to immerse myself in the everyday life of countries I visit, make local friends and hopefully make myself useful in some way. I am also Canadian and have Canadian friends who stay in Cuba over winter and they introduced me to their Cuban friends My experience was therefore quite different and although I agree with most of the great advice you’ve given, I would modify a few pointers:
DO bring a Visa if you plan to travel by bus. The main tourist bus, Viazul can be booked online using a Visa. You can also book Casa particulares or homes owned by Cubans who rent out rooms online, using the popular booking apps. But in most cases you will need cash to pay for your stay.
DO bring lots of American dollars or Euros as these currencies are preferred over others. I found a reluctance to accept Canadian dollars. You will need cash for Casa accommodation (I paid $15 to $30 USD per night), meals and drinks, shopping, local and long distance transport in taxis or collectivos, entrance to museums and excursions. I loved the excursions provided by Cuban travel agencies.
The CUC was discontinued about 4 years ago. Only Cuban Pesos (CUP) are now used.
You could choose to exchange money on the street as the rate will be triple what you get at a bank…but only if you get a trusted Cuban friend to do it for you.
DO get a Cuban SIM card from an Ecsteca agency if you plan to stay for any length of time to avoid high roaming charges. You’ll need a Visa card or US dollars to pay for data but the rate is fairly cheap.
DO drink the tap water, but use your discretion. It is very well treated in most places. I drank it all the time and never got sick. Avoid bottled water and reduce pollution. If you’re concerned, bring your own bottle, fill it with tap water and use a UV light to sterilize it. These devices are available at most camping goods shops.
DO bring gifts!! Aside from toiletries, and toys, other welcomed items include: makeup, school supplies,, toothbrushes, OTC medicine such as painkillers and ointments, mosquito repellent, rechargeable flashlights and lightbulbs, powdered milk, snacks and cheese, running shoes, bras…etc. if you feel generous, bring an extra old suitcase or carryon packed solely with supplies for Cubans. You likely earn more in one day than most Cubans earn in a year, even doctors. Don’t ask questions about how your gifts are used after they’ve been given – they may end up being sold for the black market but that means a family might be able to afford chicken or pork for dinner.
If you can, give your gifts to people you meet outside your resort. Those working in hotels and on tours are in constant contact with foreign tourists so are likely awash in shampoo and soap.
DON’T complain without thinking about the seriousness of your complaint and the situation of the person you are complaining to. You have a right to a good experience as you’re likely paying top dollar in American currency for your tour and hotel. But before you go off on the staff about an insect in your room or less cheese on a pizza than you expected, remember that they are doing the best they can with what they’ve got. Most Cubans go without luxuries like toilet paper, air conditioning and hairdryers and cheese. It’s a daily struggle just to get to work and back, keep food on their plates, and cook a meal when half the time they don’t have electricity to power their cookers. And if you’re going to Eastern Cuba, conditions have been made much worse by hurricane Melissa. Be part of their solution not their problem.
Loved this post! The tips on local customs were super helpful for planning my trip to Cuba. Can’t wait to experience the culture firsthand. Thanks, Annita!
Thank you for sharing these amazing tips, Annita! The Do’s and Don’ts are super helpful, especially the part about local customs and etiquette. Can’t wait to apply your advice during my trip!
Great tips, Annita! I particularly found your advice on local cuisine helpful—can’t wait to try the ropa vieja! Also, your insights on respecting customs will definitely enhance the travel experience. Thanks for sharing!
I really appreciated the tips you shared in this post! The Do’s and Don’ts are super helpful, especially for first-time travelers like me. I didn’t realize how important it is to respect local customs. Looking forward to putting this advice into practice on my trip to Cuba! Thanks, Annita!
Great tips, Annita! I love how you highlighted the importance of respecting local customs. Can’t wait to apply these do’s and don’ts on my upcoming trip to Cuba!
What a fantastic guide, Annita! Your insights on the cultural nuances really help set expectations for travelers. I especially appreciated the tips on local food and etiquette. Can’t wait to put your advice into practice on my upcoming trip to Cuba!
Great tips, Annita! I especially appreciated the section on local customs—it’s so important to respect cultural differences when traveling. Your do’s and don’ts will definitely help me navigate my trip to Cuba more smoothly. Thank you for sharing your insights!
Great tips, Annita! Your insights on the cultural nuances in Cuba are really helpful for first-time travelers like me. I especially appreciate the advice about local etiquette. Can’t wait to experience the beautiful island!
Great tips, Annita! I especially appreciated the section on local etiquette—it’s always good to know how to respect the culture when traveling. Can’t wait to apply all these do’s and don’ts on my upcoming trip to Cuba!
Great tips, Annita! Your insights on local customs and etiquette are really helpful for first-time travelers like me. I especially appreciated the dos and don’ts regarding interactions with locals. Can’t wait to plan my trip to Cuba!
Great tips, Annita! Your insights about the local culture and customs are super helpful for first-time travelers like me. I never knew about the importance of greeting people properly. Can’t wait to explore Cuba with these do’s and don’ts in mind!
I absolutely loved this post, Annita! Your insights on navigating Cuba are incredibly helpful. I’ll definitely keep your do’s and don’ts in mind while planning my trip. Can’t wait to explore the culture and the beautiful landscapes! Thank you for sharing your experiences!
Thank you for the insightful tips, Annita! I appreciate the detailed ‘Do’s and Don’ts’ for traveling in Cuba. It really helps me prepare for my upcoming trip. Can’t wait to experience the vibrant culture and beautiful landscapes!
Great tips, Annita! I really appreciated the section on cultural etiquette. It’s so important to respect local customs when traveling. Can’t wait for my trip to Cuba now!
Thank you for these valuable tips, Annita! I appreciate the insights on both cultural etiquette and practical travel advice. I’m especially intrigued by the local food recommendations—can’t wait to try the ropa vieja!
Great tips, Annita! I’ve always wanted to visit Cuba, and your insights on the dos and don’ts will definitely help me navigate the culture better. Can’t wait to try the local cuisine and explore the vibrant streets! Thank you for sharing your experiences!