4 Days In Havana- A Step Back In Time

My Pepper and I decided to travel to Cuba right before the Pandemic. We had plans in place, with flights booked and everything! Then the world stopped- for two years! Fast forward to present day- and the trip we imagined would never happen is finally in our memory book.

We had seen photos, heard rumors, and read the news about the elusive country. Were Americans allowed to travel there? Was it safe to visit? Is it really like a trip back to 1950? To answer all of these questions- yes, yes and yes! Sort of.

Since the Embargo in 1962, Cuban has had limited trade with the United States- and therefore has had limited access to some modern conveniences. The result of this embargo handily affected automobiles being imported from the US. Hence, the cars that were imported before 1960 remain- with parts now coming from China, Russia and Venezuela. It may be worthwhile to do a history lesson on the country before you travel here- so you can realize the beauty and the struggles of Cuba.

What to know Before you go:

Are Americans allowed to travel to Cuba?

Yes. However, travel must take place under any of the following 12 categories; family visits, official business of the US Government, foreign governments, journalists activity, professional research and meetings, educational activities, religious activities, public performances, clinics, workshops and other athletic competitions, exhibitions, support of the cuban people, humanitarian projects, export transactions, research for educational institutions.

We traveled under “Support for the Cuban People” with an online travel booking agency called ViaHero. I would highly recommend using their servic- as they assign a local guide to assist you in booking all of your daily activities. The only thing you book on your own is your AirBNB.

Flights:

If you are traveling from the United States, American and Delta Airlines fly direct to Havana from Miami. JetBlue and Southwest have departures from Fort Lauderdale or Orlando.

Visa/Tourist card:

Any of the aforementioned airlines can sell you a tourist visa. We bought ours the day of travel right at check in after we got our boarding pass. The cost was $100 per person. There was also a long line at the gate to purchase visa’s there, as well. Lastly, there is an online service you can use to buy your visa for a cost of $80. You will need to keep this Visa with your passport at all times. When you leave the country, customs takes the visa.

Additionally, you will need to fill out a DViajeros form, too. We filled this out on our phone via a QR code that was located at the airline check in desk entrance. The Cuban Government requires this form as information on length of stay, accommodation and purpose of the visit. Its no big deal- and only takes 5 minutes to complete.

Travel Insurance:

Medical travel insurance is REQUIRED by the Cuban government for all visitors. This can easily be obtained for less than $100 from a local travel agent in the states. Carry the insurance document with you during your stay in Cuba.

Money and currency in Cuba:

The Cuban Government abolished the CUC Cuban currency in 2021. so, now the official Cuban currency is the CUP, the Cuban peso. State run enterprises and banks use official rates- but we exchanged our currency with our Airbnb owner. Generally speaking, the rate was 250CUP per dollar (as of (2024). As a general rule, use CUP at restuarants and bars for the best deal. (When we asked for our check, we got one total in CUP and one in the dollar. It was ALWAYS less expensive to use the dollar. By almost half.) However, every tour operator and cab driver asked for American dollars for payment. So plan on carrying both currencies. Only exchange a small amount of CUP at a time, as you will not be able to change it back to dollars. You will be stuck with the leftover money. Americans are only allowed to bring up to $5000 cash into the country- so plan accordingly.

Keep in mind American credit cards will not work in Cuba- so plan to have enough cash for your entire trip.

Lastly, be mindful that there are hotels and stores that the American government forbids travelers to patronize because they are government owned. You can find that list HERE.

The water situation:

Similar to Mexico or any other Developing country- do NOT drink the water in Cuba. We found bottled water to be readily available and inexpensive- so do not worry about being able to find it. Keep your eyes open for a local storefront to patronize.

Electricity and outlet adaptors:

Electricity in Cuba is primarily 110volts. Therefore if you are American there is no need for an adaptor. If you are staying in a Casa Particular, or family owned home or airbnb, they will most likely have an 110 volt outlet. Hotels may have 110v or 220v outlets. Bring an adaptor if you are traveling in from another country.

There are occasional brown outs in Cuba. If you stay in Old Havana or Vedado, they occur less frequently. But, do be conscientious about turning off lights to conserve power.

Pack necessities:

Commonly found goods in westernized nations are generally difficult to find in Cuba. Be sure to pack the following in case you need it:

sunscreen (it is hot and sunny)

bug spray (mosquitos were terrible)

medication that you might need

makeup

sanitary napkins/tampons

pain medication/acetametaphin

travel toilet paper

comfortable walking shoes (the streets are ALL cobblestone in Old Havana)

razor

soap/shower gel

quick dry towel (some accommodations have old, crunchy towels)

Imodium (you never know when travelers diarrhea may hit)

Band aids

hand sanitizer