Any insight on how safe or unsafe old Havana is? The rules for Americans visiting Cuba in 2022 - Lonely Planet Note that Cuba has a typical 'Machismo' culture, and females walking by themselves will attract attention. are some exceptions. There's a load of beautiful beaches, mountain trekking, and famously sultry nightlife. Review. They do always stop at Parque Central in front of Hotel Inglaterra, so this is a good starting and ending point. Cubans love the American tourists and the ones that defy their own government and travel to (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? sounds. It was a lovely stay and I would highly recommend it! Cubans carry both types of cash and know where to use each. This figure does not include lodging and two tours which were booked and paid for online prior to arrival. Believe me, after the long currency exchange wait in line, it did sound like a really good deal! It's always been safe for Americans in (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Can you tell us more about airplain and airport? NOTE: Make sure to negotiate the price before you get into any taxi, because even though some have meters, they are hardly ever used. There is this machismo side to many Cuban men, and it can be a little People who live in Havana generally . wear flashy watches or jewels. You will choose the internet network (you must be near a hotspot) and then a box will appear asking for the login and password information on the card. Im heading to Cuba in a few weeks and your information is so thorough and great! There are only a handful of hotels in Havana and they are mostly owned by the government, so are very expensive (typically $300+ per night). Because all lines were about the same, with the same number of tellers, I opted to wait at the indoor exchange booth on the second floor due to the hot weather outside! US law states that US citizens can only travel to Cuba on a 'general license' based on one of 12 different approved categories, which include family visits, educational and religious activities, public performances and exhibitions, and the vague sounding 'support for the Cuban people.' I am leaving in July would love to hear your experience or tips you might offer?? To use our mobile site, please enable JavaScript. There are Illicit drugs (including marijuana) the slightest bit aware. Made with by Locally Sourced Havana Tours, Travelling to Cuba with a Toddler: All you need to know, 8 Cheap Things You Should Do on a Day Trip to Havana. You We will be going in 2 weeks. that is still getting used to seeing visitors from around the world, but if the When you visit the site, Dotdash Meredith and its partners may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. Any discussion of safety in Cuba should also include the safety of Cubans that you meet. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-2669744', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Cuba are some of the nicest people I have ever met. Americans can easily get a Cuban travel visa, and you can even fly to Cuba from the United States. Thanks Annette. Wow! The best time to visit Cuba is between January and February. Towards the end of our wait, I did notice some people at the back of the line making little side deals. This is a wifi hotspot and there will typically be people selling a little bit more expensive internet cards, but there wont be a line! Grandpa's. 24 $$ - $$$ American. 1. bit annoying or off-putting, but is generally nothing more than this. amzn_assoc_placement = "adunit0";
A unique economic situation, top-heavy state bureaucracy and decades of isolation from its frenemy in the north (the USA) can place obstacles in the way of even simple activities. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-2729672', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Cuba that they can be fined big $. It is still illegal for Americans to enter Cuba solely as a tourist, you technically cant just go to ride in a pink vintage convertibleor smoke Cuban cigars with the locals. If you care about the fate of the people you meet: Getting arrested in Cuba is no trivial matter and the fines for Cubans might amount to 2-6 months pay for an infraction - or jail. in fact San Pedro Sula, the second largest city in Honduras. (Dont worry, I know this isnt legal advice). Havanasound sweet. Youll can buy them at an ETECSA telecommunications centre (very long lines!) Excellent post! The rate of crime in Havana is 35.24 per 1,000 residents during a standard year. You need a Visa to enter Cuba and you can easily get one atyour gateway airport, either at the check-in or gate counter, just ask your airline for instructions. or select hotels (though many will only sell them to their guests). I Enjoyed your writing:). Probably the best received tourists from any country. Im a goal obsessed mid-lifer, traveler, experience collector, fear crusher, digital marketer and author with big bucket list dreams. After immigration and security, there were tables where these forms were dropped off. Get answers to your questions about Havana, Where to get unofficial exchange rate and what does it look, Cuba visa for Australian citizens from Miami to havana, Free medical supplies to donate from NJT.net. female visitors come away from the capital without having faced any worrying Having said that, its possible that you might Traveling to Cuba - U.S. Embassy in Cuba The island's location in the Caribbean affords warm temperatures year-round, with the average lows in Havana . Both of our kids still nap during the day. I only exchanged my money for the tourist CUC and did not encounter any need to have the other. Read on 20 things to know before going to Cuba - Lonely Planet Thanks for the helpful tips, I really enjoy the layout of your posts! You can exchange money at the Havana airport, and will need to if you plan on taking a taxi from there. New Legislation and Getting a Visa: Who Can Travel, Booking Hotels and Logistics of Visiting Cuba, FlyingFrom Canada, Cancun, Grand Cayman, and Jamaica, Official business of the U.S. government, foreign governments, and certain intergovernmental organizations, Professional research and professional meetings, Public performances, clinics, workshops, athletic and other competitions, and exhibitions, Activities of private foundations or research or educational institutes, Exportation, importation, or transmission of information or information materials, Certain export transactions that may be considered for authorization under existing regulations and guidelines. I exchanged all my Eurosat the airport, because I didnt want to wait in any more lines and I needed a taxi anyway. These cars are more likely to be fairly priced and have seatbelts! Updated January 10, 2023 Is Cuba safe? The best thing to do All the documentation requirements initially seemed really confusing to me, but in reality it was actually really simple. these items, it can be smart to keep them in your hotels safe or safety thinking is Havana safe for visitors? Avoid making yourself a target by not So if you are paying at a CUP place make sure you use the lowest denomination of CUC to pay or else you will be stuck with lots of CUPs that you may not be able to get rid of. This is measured by digital safety (as in how likely are you to have If you start your hotel search on a place like Expedia or Booking.com, you will begin to get worried. might find random men calling out to them, and even if you dont speak Spanish, Havana is in the 32nd percentile for safety, meaning 68% of cities are safer and 32% of cities are more dangerous. Or the StreetSmart map on Amazon beforehand. Your detailes have eased my worries about my upcoming trip. We spent a bit more because we ate at the fanciest restaurants, drank a lot of mojitos, took taxis everywhere and bought quite a few internet cards. It shouldnt be too hard. Havanna looks like a beautiful place! Im sure there are some sort of legalities against that, but I thought it was brilliant as it saved them a couple hours of waiting in line! When all these things are factored in, the Japanese capital comes out on top. We looked at airbnb and read in several blogs that we should avoid staying in old Havana because parts were sketchy at night and the homes werent updated. Havana, Cuba Travel Guide | U.S. News Travel The relentless cat calling tho, can be very traumatising for some. SIM cards for 1000 pesos for ALL (Cubans and tourists). This analysis applies to Havana's proper boundaries only. How Safe Is Havana for Travel? - Travel Safe - Abroad The cost can range from $25 CUC to $50 CUC per hour depending on the tourist season and where you want to go. In order to choose journalistic what kind of proof or certification do I need to have? Although some top U.S. airlines bid over the right to fly to Cuba in 2016, the 2017 restrictions have all but eliminated commercial airline travel between the two countries. If you arrive without insurance, you'll be asked to buy a Cuban policy at the airport for US$30. more, You seem to have JavaScript disabled. Please recommend some internal travel agencies who can organize local visits there.. home against petty crime, and your time in the Cuban capital will be a very you can probably guess what theyre saying, especially when they make kissing I hope you make it to Cuba soon, it was incredible! Read More > Tipping in Cuba: Who Should I Tip and How Much? Cuba visa for Australian citizens from Miami to havana May 16, 2023. Then we were in the arrival hall. But, it hadexcellent reviews, breakfast was included and there was internet access. - Cave bars, scenic valleys, and colorful houses: 7 reasons to visit . There will be other random taxis at some locations offering you a great deal, but most wont have seat belts and somedont know where they are going unless the destination is to a major landmark. To visit other Cuban cities, you will have to travel by land within the country. Im proud to say that we got back last Saturday after a week in Cuba and reading your blog ahead of time was extremely useful. If you stay in Vedado, you will rack up some taxi bills if you are going back and forth a few times a day. Travel to Cuba for American citizens has been a back-and-forth battle over the past few decades, and as of June 2019, tighter restrictions have been placed on travelers and tourists hoping to visit this Caribbean island. After landing, getting through immigration, security, customs, health form drop-off and picking up luggage, took about 45 minutes (a half hour of that was actually waiting for the luggage). Always have some $1 bills and coins available for these cases. For me being a blogger fit into the journalist category, but no one had asked me while I was there. Best Months to Visit. This quite a brilliant piece youve put together here. are illegal, as is prostitution. We have met Americans in cuba. Locally Sourced Havana Tours (formerly Havana Tour Company) is dedicated to providing superior quality tours of Havana in Cuba. military buildings, or even the police (unless theyre taking part in a this article is very complete Can you send me some information on visiting the beach? Check to see how many tellers each boothhas before making your decision (some will have only one, while others may have two). 22 Top Safety Tips for Traveling to Cuba Is Cuba safe to travel alone? Want to make the most out of your trip? A firm no You will be bombarded when you cross past customs with taxi offers, many of whom say that they will take you to the bank. A special health insurance that covers the territory of Cuba is required, but this $25 insurance was included in the cost of my flight with Jet Blue, which is typical for most airlines flying from the US to Cuba, so check with your airline. deposit box, and only take them out when you really need them just dont If a thief confronts you directly, do not resist, as they may have a concealed weapon or partners standing nearby. My husband and I brought 750 euros for a full 4-days in Havana and spent $700, $87.50 per person per day. With that said there may be times when you have totake one. Jillian Dara is a freelance journalist and fact-checker. However, the Department of Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) has issued general licenses for 12 categories of travel. You will be welcome. Dont be tempted to leave a wallet on a caf table because youll just be a couple of seconds as you take a photo of a scene that has caught your eye! Now, however, the requirement is legally binding and you'll need to document your activities to prove you were there for legitimate reasons (other than tourism).
Another serious warning: in 2003, three Cubans were executed by the government on charges of attempting to hijack airplanes and boats and use them to escape from Cuba. This was a great post! . ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-2737686', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Cancun. Country Summary: Petty crime is a threat for tourists in Cuba. I selected educational when I booked the trip because Id primarily be staying with a friends family and educating myself on the culture as I study Human Communication, but Ive now to decided to write a blog on the trip for my company website as well. Additionally, the Trump administration further banned cruise ships and ferries from transporting Americans to the islands in June of 2019. Can Americans travel to Cuba? I did. Here's how. [2023 Update] khaki shorts, polo shirt, baseball hat, backpack and fannypack), havean agreed upon story for how you met other than "on the street", avoid sitting or dancing with the girls in the cafes who police will assume are prostitutes, avoid public discssions of political or social issues, be aware of who has a license to receive tourism money and who does not. Im giving you practical tips, exclusive tools and the inspiration to stop dreaming about your bucket list and start living it. Get started. I hope with these tips it will make you less fearful about traveling to Cuba to check Havana off your bucket list! The heavy police presence is there to prevent tourists from being hassled by hustlers and solicited by sex workers, while the thought-police (or Communist Defense League), are the regime's eyes and ears and are there to ensure that there are no liberal tendencies incubating. to bother, which is awesome news for travelers. My friend also wrote this article which I think could be really helpful to you: 10 Amazing AirBnB Rentals in Havana. In order to book a flight to Cuba or lodging in the country now, you must now declare which category of travel you'll be making first, and as Americans still cannot simply book a flight and head to Cuba,most U.S. citizens will have to go through a process to make it to this countryunless they are part of a protected group still permitted to travel there. You can find out more about our use, change your default settings, and withdraw your consent at any time with effect for the future by visiting Cookies Settings, which can also be found in the footer of the site. safe one indeed. Cuba is absolutely great, luckily were nearby in Miami so its a short jaunt :). Keep up the great writing! amzn_assoc_ad_mode = "search";
You might also be confronted by locals who will provide you with a sad story and then ask for money. (function(d, s, id) { Legal individual travel has always required that citizens fall under one of the12 categories of permitted travel to Cuba, a rule already in place before Trump's November 2017 edict. Non-U.S. citizens are also allowed to travel to Cuba via the United States as well. watch, which theyve bought for a few dollars, while an increasing number of I have never been to Cuba and with your experience I am totally excited to go there I am just scared of the airplain building American's Guide to Visiting Havana Cuba - Quirky Travel Guy If you are a US citizen it is better to exchange your money to Euros prior to arriving in Cuba because there is a 10% tax to exchange USD to CUC. I found your blog after booking flights for my husband and me to go to Havana. what great information to start. Basically, the attendant quickly glanced at them to make sure they were filled out properly and then waved you on. It is more common for visitors to stay in a Cubans private home or B&B, which is way more economical and a local experience. Most Cubans earn less than 30 CUC per month, so tipping is really appreciated. There are few situations where you will need a passport and it is better to leave it in a secure location. My wife and I are interested in heading to Cuba sometime soon, and your post was a huge help especially with the comments about negotiating taxi rates and bringing Euros to avoid the 10% fee. Since more Americans traveling to Cuba is fairly new, getting the proper information about how to travel to Havana was tricky for me, so I took detailed notes from my trip in hopes that the lessons learnedwill make it easier for you. How to Travel to Cuba If You Are an American - TripSavvy And any suggestions on areas to stay? be offered one or both of these things. I returned back to the gate and boarded the plane. Many of these people are being genuinely friendly in a city Though, I did feel that he was really appreciative for being able to earn the money. The only problem would be if you need money for a taxi from the airport, then youd have to exchange at the airport. make it as difficult as possible for these criminals to consider you a So we looked at Vedado. CURRENCY RESTRICTIONS FOR ENTRY: U.S. credit and debit cards do not work in Cuba. Thanks again for the awesome insights and Im thoroughly impressed with your site. Cuba is not like America where virtually every home has a strong internet connection and everyone is walking down the street with their noses in their phones. I had know idea that you cannot enter Cuba as just a tourist! potential target. I thought I had read somewhere or saw on some show that if an American is found out going to (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? There are two types of currency in Cuba: the tourist CUC & the local CUP. to Honduras, this city is not the sort of place that a casual tourist can visit NOTE: When exchanging money always ask for small bills, $20s and $50s are hard to get rid of as many shops and taxi drivers will not have change for that high of a bill. Im sitting in FLL airport and half tempted to take the next flight!! Dont worry, you dont have to use the entire hour in one shot, you can log out and the time will pause. But, worth a short visit :), What a lovely post with a lot of info. confronted with, but its more of an annoyance rather than a crime. should also never put your wallet (or anything of value) in your back pocket, If your passport is stolen, you must notify local police as well as the government in your home country. person pushes the conversation in the direction of asking you if you want some Thank you for this great information it has been very very helpful. Always negotiate on pricing, but you should typically never pay more than 10 CUC to get anywhere in central Havana, 7 CUC is more like it if you are really good at negotiating. Is Cuba Safe? (How to Visit SAFELY in 2023) - The Broke Backpacker VACCINATIONS: None. Get our travel tips Delivered to your inbox. due to sentimental value) with you when you take a vacation anywhere, since you Most Cubans will already have their emails written and todo lists ready before logging on. Currently, Air Canada flies between Toronto and Havana and Varadero, Cuba, while CubanaCuba's national airlinehas service between Toronto and Montreal andHavana, Varadero, Cienfuegos, Santa Clara, and Holgun, and COPA Airlines also has daily Toronto-Havana flights. Cuba Travel Restrictions and Warnings: What You Need to Know, The Most Difficult Countries for Americans to Visit, What Americans Traveling to Cuba Need to Know, Hundreds of Hotels in Cuba Now Prohibited for U.S. Citizens, Travel to Cuba for United States Citizens, The Bahamas Is Closing Its Borders to AmericansUnless Youre Willing to Pay Up, US Department of State to Roll Back Trump-Era Restrictions on Cuba Travel, These Countries Are Inviting US Citizens to Live and Work Remotely, How to Travel the World for Free Using Miles and Points, How the U.S. Presidential Election Could Change Travel, Weather in Cuba: Climate, Seasons, and Average Monthly Temperature. Those from the East coast should consider Nassau as well. I should give it a try to go there.Thank you, Annette, for this article. US travel to Cuba: How Americans can travel to the island nation - CNN I am so happy to hear that it helped with your trip. leaving the real things safely locked up at home. Tap into our network of local travel plannersHeroeswho build unique, locally-curated trip plans, designed just for you. It is against the law in Cuba to take photographs of military, police, airport or other transportation facilities, although enforcement of this law is understandably erratic. Boating accidents among tourists are common, because the waters near Havana are choppy and tricky to maneuver through, and it is very difficult to get proper boat repairs in Cuba. amzn_assoc_search_bar = "false";
While on the plane we were given aHealth documentation to be filled out (basically just a questionnaire about illnesses you have recently had). The embargo, that dates back to the 1960s,made most travel to Cuba by Americans off-limits. This worked because Cuba reportedly used to not stamp US passports, so when you returned if just looked like you had a nice vacation in Mexico. (and foreign currency) hidden, in a separate section of your wallet or separate Traveling to Cuba is totally fine as long as you stay in a private place. Follow our simple Again, always negotiate! Like in much worse in some places. In general, Havana is pretty safe. Its best to say no. any potential thieves. Havana: Health & Safety - Tripadvisor The same thought stands for your entire trip in Havana. Theres an array of transportation options in the city, especially in the center of the action in Old Havana. I am so happy to hear that! You can also typically exchange money at larger, state run hotels and there are some banks/exchange booths scattered throughout old town Havana, but they had fairly long lines too. concern to tourists, and shouldnt even reach your radar in actual fact. Is Havana Safe for Tourists? Here's What You Need to Know guidelines and youll more than likely have a safe and worry free time in the I only broke this rule once and paid 15 CUC because it was raining and there were no other taxis around. THANK YOU SO MUCH Annette! If you're looking for a safe destination for travel, Cuba is a fantastic choice. Depending on the season, you may be able to negotiate a little cheaper rate. Generally, the answer is yes. When youre at a club or a bar, you should never leave your personal belongings unattended. Always have your hand on your bags, latches secured and keep only small amounts of money handy. I love to travel. few times each day. But, many of these drivers have privately owned taxis. if youre unsure is ask first! Panama City Beach Bucket List: 30 Best Things To Do in PCB FloridaHavana Bucket List: 40 Things to Do In Cubas CapitalHavanas Hippest Art Factory: Fabrica de Arte CubanoWhere to Stay in Havana: 12 Best Airbnb Rentals in Cubas Capital City9 Things To Do on a Long Haul Flight to Cure BoredomHow to Create the Perfect Travel ItineraryKey West & Florida Keys Islands Bucket List: 45 BEST Things to Do, StreetSmart Map of HavanaBook a Tour: Havana: 2-Hour Classic American Car TourBook a Tour: Discover Old Havana: Small Group City Walking Tour. Itd definitely be a difficult longterm place for a digital nomad! If you don't want to wait for U.S. airlines to start flying to Cuba, or you want to combine a visit to Cuba with a trip to a different Caribbean island, you have options, and not just to Havana but also a wide range ofCuban destinations. This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity. How Safe is Cuba? Solo female travellers TAKE NOTE (2016 update). It seems that it may be easier to just stick with educational. js = d.createElement(s); js.id = id; Be aware of crowds as violence can erupt very quickly and the police may respond immediately or they may not -- motives in Cuba vary sitiuation to situation especially since pay for government jobs is dropping.
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