Visiting Havana as an American

For years, we thought that visiting Cuba as an American was overly complicated and unique. However, we found that it’s actually much more accessible than we anticipated, and Cuba is an incredible destination.

It was fascinating to disprove all the misconceptions out there and to learn the ins and outs of visiting Cuba as an American. With this article, our aim is to demonstrate that traveling to Cuba is entirely feasible and to debunk the myths that may be holding you back. Check out our experience visiting Havana as an American.

Getting to Cuba

One of our biggest misconceptions about traveling to Cuba was the difficulty of getting there. I had assumed that flights from the U.S. would be scarce and expensive. However, contrary to what I expected, there are about 13 flights a day between the U.S. and Cuba, and many are quite reasonably priced. We chose to use SkyMiles for our Delta flights, flying from Salt Lake City with a 3-hour layover in Miami. Our round-trip cost was 27,000 miles, but the cash rate for these flights is often under $400. As with many Caribbean flights, ours was an overnight journey between Salt Lake and Maimi.

Staying in Havana

An important requirement when traveling to Cuba is that you are there to ‘Support the Cuban People.’ This means staying in accommodations that benefit local individuals rather than government-run establishments. We used Airbnb to book a bed and breakfast, and it was absolutely worth it. For just $6, we enjoyed a delicious breakfast each morning, and for less than $14, we had a fantastic lobster dinner. Our total cost was around $85 per night for the room and both meals. Additionally, the staff was incredibly helpful in answering our never-ending questions, assisting with currency exchange, and arranging taxis, which made our stay even more enjoyable. Check it out.

The Currency of the Cubans

When it comes to currency in Cuba, the main currency is the Cuban Peso (CUP). While the official government rate is 1 USD to 110 CUP, the street rate—often referred to as the black-market rate—can be significantly higher, around 1 USD to 300 CUP. For safety and better rates, you can exchange money with restaurant staff or, as we did, with your bed and breakfast host. We managed to get a rate of 1 USD to 270 CUP, though this can vary depending on your exchange source.

Getting Around Havana

In Havana, transportation is as diverse as the island itself. Like any city around the world, you’ll find yellow taxis, which are divided into government-run and private options. If you’re looking to support local businesses, it’s best to avoid the yellow government taxis and opt for the yellow private ones or the iconic classic cars. While classic cars can add a touch of charm to your experience, be cautious of those that are overly flashy, as they may be tourist traps. You can distinguish between government and private by their license plates. Government will have a B while private will show a P.

For a more authentic and economical experience, bike taxis are a great choice. They typically cost between 500-2000 CUP, which is roughly $1.50 to $7.50, and are easily negotiable. We found bike taxis to be a convenient alternative to walking downtown and a great way to support local entrepreneurs. We often gave extra money as a tip, appreciating the added value of the service.

Another option is to use the run-down classic cars that serve as unmarked private taxis. These are often more affordable and can be flagged down by sticking your hand out or by arranging with your Casa host. Getting across town in these taxis usually costs between $5 and $15. This method of transport can be a fun and effective way to navigate the city while keeping costs reasonable.

Overall, the diversity in transportation options adds to the charm of visiting Havana, and with a bit of planning and negotiation, you can enjoy a seamless and supportive travel experience.

Supporting the Cuban People

There are so many ways to support the people and local communities while visiting Cuba. One great option is through Airbnb, which not only offers accommodations but also experiences that directly connect you with locals. We booked two experiences—one was a bike tour, and the other was cooking lobster with a local family just outside the city. Both were incredible opportunities to immerse ourselves in the culture and learn more about the people. The bike tour was our favorite as it allowed us to explore far more of the city than we had planned, with stops at local shops and juice stands along the way.

As part of our trip, we wanted to make a meaningful contribution and truly support the local community. During our research, we came across Cuba Libro, a café that accepts a wide range of donations to help those in need. They publish a list online, so we selected some items and packed a small backpack to bring with us. When we dropped it off at the café, we initially felt good about our contribution. However, after seeing the impact it could have, we realized we could have brought much more. If we return to Cuba, we’ve already decided we’ll bring as many supplies and donations as we can to better support the community.

Outside of our planned experiences, we spent a lot of time simply wandering and snacking our way through the city. We stopped at ice cream shops, small corner stores, and strolled through the many different markets. One day, we saw some kids playing soccer with just a ball bladder, so we bought them a real soccer ball. We also toured an old fort and supported the local vendors at their souvenir stalls. There are countless unplanned ways to support the community and we really enjoyed the chances we had. By engaging with the local people and businesses, it’s easy to make a positive impact while enjoying authentic Cuban experiences.

What We Ate

Cuban cuisine revolves around simple staples like rice and beans, plantains, and meat—and that’s exactly what we ate during our trip. While there are fewer dining options in the city than you might expect, we never had trouble finding good restaurants. Our host was a great resource, often pointing us toward their favorite spots. One of these spots was Castas and Tal. It was our first dining experience in Havana so it was a little more special to us. Great food and prices. We also had the option of eating breakfast and dinner at our bed and breakfast, and the meals were quite delicious.

Food prices are very reasonable, with a simple meal typically costing between $5 and $15. Of course, this partially depends on your exchange rate, but overall, we found Cuban food to be both affordable and satisfying.

The People

When we first thought about visiting Havana as an American we weren’t quite sure what to expect, but the people of Cuba are extremely friendly. Many Cubans who spoke English were eager to chat with us about their culture and learn about where we were from. We had wonderful conversations with our hosts, taxi drivers, restaurant staff, and even random people on the street.

Of course, like anywhere else, we encountered a few hagglers and people trying to sell us tours or rides in their cars. There were some strange encounters with people asking us for stuff but often locals would step in and shoo these people away on our behalf. One memorable instance of kindness happened when we went to drop off our donations at Cuba Libro, which was located in a less familiar part of town. Our private car driver insisted on waiting with us and even came into the café, pretending he wanted water—though it was clear he just wanted to make sure everything went smoothly. Overall, the interactions were overwhelmingly positive. We asked plenty of questions about their lives, their country, and their famous classic cars. In return, we learned a lot and thoroughly enjoyed the company of everyone we met. Be prepared for conversations about U.S. politics, as it’s a popular topic of discussion.

The Beauty and the Struggles of Cuba

Cuba is a place of contrasts—its beauty is undeniable, but so are its struggles. The people are warm and welcoming, yet they face harsh realities on a daily basis. Many Cubans make very little money, while the cost of food is high, creating a constant struggle to get by. As you walk through the streets, it’s impossible to ignore the crumbling buildings, remnants of once grand architecture that now stand as a symbol of the country’s challenges. Trash litters some areas, further reflecting the hardships that the people endure.

Wrap Up

While our trip to Cuba was incredible and eye-opening, it’s important to recognize that visiting Havana as an American is quite different from traveling to other Caribbean destinations. Cuba offers a unique and vibrant culture, but it also reflects the impact of decades of political and economic hardship. It’s not just a picturesque island; it’s a place where people face significant struggles, including crumbling infrastructure and limited resources. By choosing to visit, you’re not only immersing yourself in its rich culture but also supporting resilient communities. Staying in local homes, dining at private restaurants, and engaging with the people are meaningful ways to contribute and provide much-needed support. Your visit can offer a deeper understanding of Cuba’s reality while helping those who need it most.

Have questions about visiting Havana as an American? Don’t hesitate to reach out and check out our post on how to visit.