General tourist information
If you go ...
Tourist information
Since l980, Cuba has been open to international travelers, including American citizens who posses a special permit from their government. Cuba Holiday packages target visitors from neighboring countries, like Mexico, Panama, Brazil, Columbia, Canada, European countries, Middle East countries, China, Japan and other Asian countries.
Best time to go
Except for September and October (prime hurricane time) and July and August, when the torrid heat can make a trip tiring, Cuba can be visited at any time of the year. November and March are the best times, as there are many cultural parades and carnivals around the country.
Passports and visas
To enter Cuba, international travelers must hold a valid passport and a visa from the Cuban embassy or consulate in their respective country. For U.S. passport holders, a special regulation applies. (The U.S. still imposes an economic embargo on Cuba.)
Customs information
Travelers are allowed to take their personal belongings. It is forbidden to take in fax machines, telephone apparatus, drugs and pornographic materials. Tourists are allowed to buy Cuban cigars (50 maximum). Buy Cuban cigars at the factory or an official shop, otherwise you will get fakes. Rum or liquor are Cuba's other trademark, but you are permitted to take only four bottles of rum out of the country.
What to wear
Cuba is a tropical country. Wear casual attire, except at night when the wind can be quite chilly. The sun in Cuba is very strong. Your skin definitely needs careful protection, especially during the summer season between July and August. Wear a hat and use strong sunblock lotion. It is advisable to drink a lot of water to prevent dehydration.
Money matters
Cuba's currency is the national peso, but in hotels, restaurants and resorts, tourists are charged in US dollars. (US$1 is officially equivalent to 1 convertible peso). Credit cards (Visa and Master cards issued by non-American banks) are accepted in major shopping centers, hotels, restaurants and pubs. The American Express (Amex) credit card is not accepted in the country. In addition to convertible pesos, Cuba also has the national peso ($1 is equivalent to 20 pesos but it is mostly valid for locals).
Airlines
Travelers from Asian and European countries can fly Air France, which has a direct, Paris to Havana route. Those traveling from cities in the U.S. must take a chartered flight from Miami International airport to Havana's Jose Marti airport.
Websites
General cuba.com dtcuba.com cubaupdate.org
Cuban Culture cubanculture afrocubaweb.com cubatravel.cu