Santiago de Cuba

Entry requirements vary by passport. Check the requirements for your specific passport on the Cuba page at Yoogo.

Cuba uses the Cuban peso (CUP). The country's dual currency era has officially ended, with the CUP as the sole legal currency. Cash is essential; most foreign debit and credit cards, particularly US-issued cards, do not work in Cuba. Bring sufficient euros, Canadian dollars, or other non-US currency in cash to exchange on arrival. ATMs are limited and unreliable.

Cuba is generally safe for tourists by regional standards. Violent crime against visitors is rare. Petty theft and scams targeting tourists, particularly in Havana's tourist areas, do occur. The country faces significant economic shortages of fuel, food, and medicines that can affect travel plans. Power cuts (apagones) are frequent. Check your government's travel advisory for the latest conditions.

Viazul is the main long-distance bus company for tourists, connecting major cities reliably. Classic American cars (almendrones) act as shared taxis for set-route journeys. Taxis are available in main cities; negotiate the fare before getting in. Domestic flights connect Havana with key cities and beach resorts. Hire cars are available but fuel shortages can affect availability.

November to April is the best time to visit, with dry, sunny weather and comfortable temperatures of around 24–26°C. May to October is the wet season, bringing heat, humidity, and hurricane risk from June to November. December and March to April are peak visitor months. Shoulder months of November and early December offer a good balance of weather and fewer crowds.

Spanish is the official language. Cuban Spanish has a distinctive musical accent with dropped consonants that can challenge other Spanish speakers. English is spoken at upscale hotels and resorts catering to international tourists, but is limited elsewhere. Learning a few Spanish phrases goes a long way in connecting with locals.

No vaccinations are legally required for most travellers. Hepatitis A and typhoid are sometimes recommended. Healthcare in Cuba is theoretically universal, but access for foreigners through the tourist system (Asistur) can be expensive. Medical supplies are often limited due to shortages. Bring a comprehensive supply of any medications you need.

Yes, tipping is an important part of Cuba's visitor economy. Restaurant staff, musicians, hotel porters, cleaners, and tour guides rely on tips as a significant part of their income. One to three CUP (or the equivalent in hard currency) per service is a standard guide. Always tip in cash.