Planning a trip to Havana, Cuba, is an exciting adventure, but there are a few things you should know before you go. From navigating the local currency to understanding the cultural norms, Havana offers a unique experience that’s both rewarding and eye-opening. To help make your trip smoother and more enjoyable, here’s what to know when visiting Havana, Cuba.
Getting to Havana
Unfortunately, you can’t just book a ticket and show up. There are requirements that must be met, especially for Americans. It’s completely doable, it just takes a little more work. Check out our post to learn what’s needed.
It’s worth noting that you may be stopped and asked questions when going through customs in Havana. Don’t stress. Give them your answers and you’ll be on your way in no time.
Getting from the airport to downtown
There are a handful of options, but the simplest is to just get a taxi. It’s a set rate of $30 and there’s no shortage of drivers. If you’re staying at a Casa Particular or an Airbnb ask your host to schedule you a taxi. You can avoid the line of drivers and may get lucky enough to have the driver standing there with your name on a sign. There are also many online services. We were recommended CubaCabs Travel Network.
Getting around Havana
Getting around Havana is both an adventure and a cultural experience. The city offers a variety of transportation options, each with its own charm. One of our favorite ways to explore was by bike taxi. These colorful, pedal-powered rides are not only cheap but also a fun way to get to know the locals. Each journey became a chance to chat with the driver, learn about their life in Havana, and soak in the vibrant atmosphere from a unique perspective. The fares are negotiable, making bike taxis an affordable and enjoyable option for getting around.
Beyond bike taxis, Havana’s streets are filled with iconic classic cars that serve as taxis. While some are government-run yellow taxis, private options—often older classic cars—can be arranged through your casa particular. Your hosts are usually more than willing to help connect you with trustworthy drivers, whether you need a regular taxi or want the nostalgic experience of cruising in a vintage vehicle.
For those who prefer public transportation, the local buses, known as “guaguas,” offer a more authentic, though crowded, way to travel. Walking is another great way to explore Havana’s neighborhoods, but be mindful of uneven sidewalks and the bustling traffic. No matter how you choose to get around, every journey through Havana reveals a new layer of the city’s charm and complexity.
The Currency of the Cubans
Cash is king, especially as an American. Due to the embargo, our credit cards don’t work and we can’t pull money out of ATMs. This isn’t a huge deal but it does require planning ahead. You’ll want to make sure you have enough to do what you need, but also in case of emergency. Worst case scenario there are ways to get money but it isn’t easy and requires the help of the locals.
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 Casa host. We managed to get a rate of 1 USD to 270 CUP, though this can vary depending on your exchange source.
If you want a better rate, many people are willing to trade. Keep in mind there’s always a risk of counterfeits or bad deals, but ask around and you can easily find someone willing to make the exchange.
How much money to bring to Cuba?
Before we get to the details, the Cuban people make very little money. Tourism does well but outside of that profession, the standard salary is roughly $30-40 a month. Keep this in mind as you’re planning your trip. If you’re going to support the Cuban people, then go and support the Cuban people.
We were quite liberal with our spending and tipping during our three-day stay in Havana. We brought $1,300 in cash and spent $685 of it, mainly because we tipped generously and bought more souvenirs than ever before. One thing worth noting is the importance of bringing small bills. We brought mostly $20s, which worked out, but we wished we had more small bills for tipping and small purchases. While USD and CUP are used fairly interchangeably, it’s much harder to get smaller USD bills once you’re there and you’ll feel really dumb trying to break bills, so plan accordingly.
Our spending:
- Breakfast at Casa: $6 per person
- Lunch: $5-$15 per person
- Dinner: $10-20 per person
- Snacks/Juice $1-$5
- Bike Taxis across town: $5-10
- Yellow Taxi/ Private: $10-$15
- Old Fort Entrance: $5 per person
- Airport Taxi: $30
Cell Service
If you have a newer phone that accepts Esims, then that’s your best option. We used Gigsky. For $14 we had 1 GB and had plenty of service in Havana. There are other Esim providers out there so do your research, but know that they do work and are an excellent option.
Many places, like our Casa, had wifi but it was a pretty weak connection. It is usable for simple tasks, however. I mention this because we found ourselves blowing through data much quicker than anticipated.
Because it’s Cuba, there are sites that won’t work or will have limited access. The biggest issue you may have is if you’re trying to book something online using an American business. For example, you can get on Airbnb.com but you can’t do much other than look or message.
Consider Donating
The people of Cuba lack many of the everyday essentials we often take for granted. Before your trip, consider packing an extra bag with donations. However, be mindful that some items handed out directly may end up being resold on the streets at inflated prices. To avoid this, consider donating through a reliable source like Cuba Libro, a wonderful café that not only accepts donations but also keeps you updated on how they’re put to good use.
The Beauty and the Caution
Havana is a city of striking contrasts, where vibrant, colorful streets tell stories of history and culture, but also bear the marks of hardship. The beauty of Havana lies in its unique charm—the lively murals, the classic cars, and the rhythm of daily life. However, there’s a raw reality beneath this surface. The streets can be littered with trash, and crumbling buildings are a real danger; we were warned twice to watch out for falling debris and unstable balconies. If you’re visiting Havana, don’t just be a tourist—immerse yourself in the local experience. Engage with the people, learn from them, and blend in rather than standing out. Forget dressing like a wealthy traveler; you’ll find that in Havana, it’s better to embrace the heat, get a little sweaty, and understand the city’s true spirit.
Rapid Fire
Google Maps works great but only for finding things. It doesn’t work for live directions.
The government owns the beef and the fishing so it’s expensive for the Cubans and not as available.
Talking bad about the government is illegal so be respectful in your conversations about it.
The Cuban people love to chat. While some may be eager for you to hop in their taxi, many genuinely want to share their stories, learn about your life, and have a real conversation.
Conclusion
And there you have it—what to know when visiting Havana, Cuba. It’s a city full of new and thrilling experiences, and with a bit of preparation, you can ensure a smooth and memorable trip that will stay with you for a lifetime. If you have any more questions, feel free to reach out!