What should I know before visiting Havana?

Direct answer

Havana is a vibrant, historic city with lively music, classic cars, colonial architecture, and unique logistics compared with many tourist destinations. Plan for visa/entry paperwork, cash logistics, basic Spanish, and flexible expectations for services.

Visa & entry requirements

• Most visitors need a tourist card (Tarjeta del Turista) or visa. Requirements vary by nationality—check your embassy or airline before travel.
• Tourist cards are often sold by airlines, travel agencies, or Cuban consulates. Keep it with your passport; you'll present it on arrival and departure.
• Passport should be valid for at least 6 months from entry. Proof of onward travel and travel health insurance (including COVID-19 rules if applicable) may be required.
• Customs: modest duty-free allowance for alcohol/tobacco. Declare large amounts of cash.

Best time to visit

• Peak season: November–March (dryer, cooler, higher prices). Great for festivals and comfortable weather.
• Shoulder season: April–June (fewer crowds, warm). July–August is hot and humid with occasional rains; expect more locals on holiday and higher temps.
• Hurricane season: June–November (highest risk Aug–Oct). Check forecasts and travel insurance if visiting then.

Safety tips

• Havana is relatively safe for tourists compared with many large cities, but petty crime (pickpocketing, bag snatching) occurs—stay alert in crowded areas and on public transport.
• Avoid poorly lit or deserted areas at night. Use hotel or trusted-taxi services after dark.
• Keep valuables (passport, cash, cards) secure—use a hotel safe if available. Carry photocopies of passport and tourist card.
• Beware unofficial guides/handlers offering services at attractions; agree prices in advance.

Local customs & etiquette

• Greet with a friendly “Buenos días”/“Buenas tardes.” Basic Spanish is appreciated; learn simple phrases.
• Dress is generally casual but avoid overly beachwear outside the beach. Respectful attire for churches and memorials.
• Tipping: customary in restaurants (10% if service not included), porters, drivers, and tour guides.
• Photography: be respectful when photographing people—ask permission, especially in private or religious contexts.

Currency & money tips

• Cuba uses the Cuban Peso (CUP) for locals; tourists often transact in CUP but many businesses prefer card/CUC previously—current systems vary. Confirm local currency accepted where you go.
• US-issued credit/debit cards often do not work due to U.S. sanctions. Check with your bank and bring alternative payment: cash (EUR, CAD, GBP) is commonly exchanged. Euros are often easiest to exchange.
• Bring smaller bills and clean notes for exchanging; avoid large, damaged, or very new bills that may be refused.
• ATMs are limited and may not accept foreign cards. Plan to bring sufficient cash and use official exchange bureaus (CADECA).

Transportation

• Taxis: licensed taxis (colectivos, private taxis) are common. Agree on fare or ensure meter use. Official hotel taxis are safer but costlier.
• Vintage cars: iconic for short city tours—agree price/duration up front.
• Public transport: buses are inexpensive but can be crowded and slow; insfrastructure is limited for tourists.
• Walking: Old Havana (Habana Vieja) is very walkable; comfortable shoes recommended for cobblestones.
• Domestic flights and intercity buses connect Havana to other parts of Cuba; book in advance in high season.

Must-know practical tips & local insights

• Power/outlets: 110V/60Hz in many places; bring adapters and a power bank—power cuts can happen.
• Internet: Wi‑Fi is limited and often accessed at hotspots using prepaid cards sold at hotels and parks. Expect slow speeds; plan offline maps and copies of reservations.
• Food & water: Eat at paladares (private restaurants) for varied local cuisine. Tap water quality varies—bottled water is recommended for drinking.
• Language: Spanish predominates; English spoken in tourist areas but not universally. A translation app and phrasebook help.
• Cultural highlights: stroll Plaza Vieja, El Malecón, Castillo del Morro, Museo de la Revolución, the Cathedral, and Fusterlandia for mosaic art. Catch live music in the evenings and explore neighborhoods like Vedado and Centro Habana.
• Accommodation: options range from state-run hotels to casas particulares (private homestays). Casas give a more local experience—verify reviews and confirm amenities.
• Connectivity: bring offline entertainment and travel documents. Carry small local currency for street food, taxis, and tips.

Final quick checklist

• Passport + tourist card, printed reservations, travel insurance
• Cash in an accepted foreign currency and small bills
• Basic Spanish phrases and maps offline
• Comfortable shoes, sun protection, reusable water bottle
• Confirm lodging Wi‑Fi/power and local transport options

Enjoy Havana’s music, food, architecture, and warm hospitality—but plan for cash logistics, limited connectivity, and occasional service delays for the smoothest trip.