Ten essential things to do before traveling to Cuba

There are some fundamental things you must do before coming to Cuba. Some - like having a tourist card and health insurance are absolute musts, while others, like bringing enough cash, toiletries and having downloaded the right apps beforehand can make your vacation much more enjoyable and cheaper. This is a brief video with an overview. In other videos, we will go more in depth in each of the topics.
Guide for Cuba Travel:
Gift Suggestions for the Cuban People: Bring along gifts like over-the-counter medications, multivitamins, pain relievers, female hygiene products, bandaids, and personal care items (deodorant, soap, shampoo, toothpaste), as well as chocolates. These are greatly appreciated by locals.
Water Consumption Guidelines: It's crucial not to drink tap water. Stick to bottled water for drinking and brushing your teeth. Avoid ice in drinks, as it may also be made from tap water.
Accommodation Insights: For Americans, Airbnb bookings are allowed under the "Support for the Cuban People" category, but staying in certain government-owned hotels is off-limits. Europeans and other international visitors can choose between Airbnbs and any hotels without restriction.
Packing Essentials for Cuba: Don’t forget to pack all necessary medications, toiletries, mosquito repellent, and sunscreen to ensure a comfortable stay.
Taxi Fare from Havana Airport: A taxi ride from Havana Airport to the city center typically costs about $25. Always verify the price with the driver beforehand. If you go to the end of the line and ask the taxis that would have to wait the longest time, you may get it for 15.
Importance of VPN: Before setting off, download a VPN (like NordVPN or Express VPN) on your devices. This is essential for accessing blocked websites and apps in Cuba, including making Airbnb bookings.
Obtaining Internet Access: Yes, you can get internet access. They will offer a pre-paid sim card at the airport for 35 usd, including 7 gb of data.
Cash Recommendations: It's advisable to bring more cash than anticipated, ideally between $50 to $80 per day, to avoid running out of money. Having extra cash is preferable to being caught short.
Credit and Debit Card Functionality: U.S. credit and debit cards are generally not accepted in Cuba. Carry cash, specifically U.S. dollars, ensuring the bills are in good condition. The ELTOQUE website provides current exchange rates. While cards from Europe and other regions may work, they're not reliable due to poor exchange rates.At the date of publishing, the rate was 300 pesos for a dollar.
Health Insurance Requirement: Yes, for travelers from the U.S., health insurance is included in the flight ticket via a $25 fee. Keep your boarding pass as proof of insurance. Others can find affordable options on the Solways Cuba website.
Visa Information for US Citizens: US citizens must obtain a visa, available at Cuban visa kiosks in departure airports. Arrive early to complete the visa form for a 60-day stay, extendable by 30 days. Europeans and Canadians can get a Cuba Tourist Card for a 90-day stay, with a possible 90-day extension.
US Citizens' Travel to Cuba: Yes, US citizens can travel to Cuba, but direct tourist travel is restricted. "Support for the Cuban People" is among the 13 authorized travel categories.
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