🗣️ Language in Cuba: Your Key to Authentic Connections
Unlock the heart of Cuban culture through its melodic Spanish tongue
The Rhythm of Cuban Spanish
• One unifying language across all provinces
• Musical cadence – faster than European Spanish
• Colorful slang – “¿Qué bolá?” (What’s up?) instead of “¿Qué tal?”
🎭 Cultural Expressions in Spanish
• Music: Son, rumba lyrics pulse with local idioms
• Literature: Nicolás Guillén’s Afro-Cuban poetry
• Daily life: Street vendors’ melodic sales pitches
• Art: Galleries display Spanish-titled masterpieces
🏨 Tourist Area Language Reality
You’ll hear:
✅ English at resorts & major hotels
✅ French/Italian in heritage sites
✅ Multilingual tour guides
But note:
⚠️ Staff often appreciate Spanish attempts
⚠️ Menus may have creative translations (“Crab of river” = Freshwater crab)
🛎️ Beyond Resorts: Why Spanish Matters
Essential phrases to learn:
• “Una cerveza, por favor” – Gets you a cold Cristal beer
• “¿Cuánto cuesta?” – Market bargaining magic words
• “Está delicioso” – Makes abuelas (grandmas) beam with pride
Local interactions become:
• Warmer – “¡Ay, qué lindo que hables español!”
• Richer – Hear family stories at casa particulares
• More authentic – Decode street art and political murals
📱 Language Prep Toolkit
Before you go:
• Duolingo’s Spanish course (30 mins/day)
• Watch Cuban films like “Fresa y Chocolate”
• Practice with music (Buena Vista Social Club)
In Cuba:
• Google Translate (download Spanish pack offline)
• Point to phrases in a pocket dictionary
• Smile – it’s the universal language!
“Every Spanish word you learn is a hand extended in friendship” 💃🕺
🔌 Cuba Electronics Guide: 3 Must-Know Power Tips
Stay charged and connected in Cuba
1️⃣ Plug Adapter Essentials
• You’ll need: Type A/B adapter (US flat pins)
• Common in: Hotels & modern buildings
• Bonus: Bring a multi-USB charger to save space
2️⃣ Voltage Watch
⚡ Cuba uses: 110V (same as US/Canada)
⚠️ Check your devices:
“Input: 100-240V” = Good to go!
Only shows 220V? You’ll need a converter
3️⃣ Frequency Facts
🔋 60Hz standard
• Most modern gadgets handle 50/60Hz
• Check your: Laptop charger | Camera battery | Phone adapter
🎒 Packing List
✔️ Universal adapter (Type A/B compatible)
✔️ Portable charger (power outages happen)
✔️ Surge protector (for voltage spikes)
Pro Tip:
“Hotels often have limited outlets – bring a small power strip!”
⚡ Cuba Power Snapshot
• Outlet Types: Mostly Type A (some Type B)
• Voltage: 110V AC
• Frequency: 60Hz
“Pack smart so you can focus on the mojitos, not missing devices!” 🍹
🇨🇺 Cuba Entry Essentials: Visas, Rules & Local Tips
Navigate Cuba’s requirements like a pro with this checklist
✈️ Visa Basics by Nationality
• Tourist Card (Tarjeta del Turista):
90-day stay for most visitors
Often included in airline tickets (check!)
• E-Visa Option:
Available for many countries at D’Viajeros
• Embassy Visa: Required for some African/Asian nations
📌 Pro Tip: Always verify with the Cuban Embassy in your country
🔐 Special Access Considerations
🌿 Nature & Parks
• Vinales Valley: Guided hikes only in some areas
• Topes de Collantes: Check trail openings after rain
• Marine Parks: Eco-fees apply for snorkeling/diving
⛪ Cultural Sites
• Havana Cathedral: Shoulders/knees covered
• Santería Ceremonies: Ask before photographing
🚌 Transport Realities
• Viazul Bus: Book ahead for long-distance
• Taxi Particular: Shared cabs = cheapest option
• Rental Cars: Often older models, book early
✅ Mandatory Requirements
🏥 Medical Insurance
Must cover COVID-19
Buy at airport if unavailable (∼$30)
📱 D’Viajeros Form
Complete 72h before flight
QR code required at immigration
💵 Financial Proof
Show equivalent of 50€/day (rarely checked)
🛂 Border Smart Tips
• Keep passport + tourist card together
• Declare drones/expensive gear (may require permits)
• Airport WiFi often works to show digital documents
“Cuba’s rules evolve often – double-check 1 week before flying!” ✈️
💰 Cuba Money Guide: Cash, Cards & Currency Tips
Navigate Cuba’s unique payment landscape like a pro
🇨🇺 Cuban Pesos (CUP) – The Local Lifeline
Where accepted:
• Paladares (private restaurants)
• Local markets & street vendors
• Taxis particulares (shared cabs)
• Rural areas & small towns
Exchange smart:
• Use official CADECA offices (best rates)
• Avoid airport exchanges (long lines)
• Carry small bills (change is scarce)
⚠️ Key fact: CUP can’t be bought abroad – exchange leftovers before leaving!
💶 Euros & USD – Tourist Currency Backups
Where accepted:
• Hotels & resorts
• Government stores (TRD shops)
• Tour agencies & some museums
Exchange rates:
• EUR generally gets better rates than USD
• USD 10% tax now removed (verify current policy)
💡 Pro tip: Bring crisp, undamaged bills (no tears or writing)
🚫 The Card Conundrum
What WON’T work:
✖️ Any card issued by U.S. banks
✖️ American Express/Discover (all issuers)
✖️ Apple Pay/Google Pay
What MIGHT work (sometimes):
✔️ Non-U.S. Visa/Mastercard (try in 4-5 star hotels)
✔️ Canadian/European credit cards
✔️ MLC prepaid card (sold in Cuba)
⚠️ Assume cards won’t work – cash is king!
🎒 Packing List for Money Matters
✓ EUR or USD (mix of 50s and 20s)
✓ Waist pouch for discreet cash carrying
✓ Ziploc bag to protect bills from humidity
✓ Backup cash stash (separate from main wallet)
💡 5 Essential Money Tips
• Exchange in Havana first – best CADECA rates
• Count carefully – similar-looking CUP bills exist
• Negotiate in CUP – better prices than tourist currency
• Keep receipts – required to convert leftover CUP
• Tip in CUP – service workers truly appreciate it
“In Cuba, cash isn’t just convenient – it’s civilization!” 💵
🌞 Cuba Climate & Packing Guide
Plan perfectly for the island’s tropical rhythms
⏰ Time Zone Simplified
• Cuba Standard Time (CST): UTC-5
• No daylight savings – consistent year-round
• Sunrise/sunset: ~6:30AM/7:30PM (varies slightly by season)
Pro tip: Your phone may auto-adjust wrong – double-check watches!
☀️ Seasons at a Glance
🏖️ Dry Season (Nov-Apr)
Weather:
• Sunny days (68-86°F/20-30°C)
• Low humidity
Cooler evenings (pack a light wrap)
Best for:
• Beach lounging
• City exploring
• Hiking in Viñales
🌧️ Wet Season (May-Oct)
Weather:
• Hotter (77-95°F/25-35°C)
• Afternoon showers
• Hurricane risk (Jun-Nov)
Best for:
• Lower prices
• Lush landscapes
• Indoor cultural sites
🧳 Smart Packing List
👕 Clothing Essentials
• 5x lightweight tops (linen/cotton)
• 2x long-sleeve shirts (sun protection)
• 1x light sweater (for AC/hectic evenings)
• 1x rain jacket (May-Oct)
🩳 Bonus Items
• Quick-dry towel
• Swimsuits (2 minimum)
• Wide-brimmed hat
• Sunglasses with UV protection
🧴 Health Must-Haves
• Reef-safe sunscreen (high SPF)
• DEET mosquito repellent
• Waterproof phone case
• Reusable water bottle
🌴 Season-Specific Tips
Dry Season Travelers:
✓ Book December carnivals early
✓ Pack lip balm – ocean breezes dry skin
Wet Season Adventurers:
✓ Download offline maps (sudden storms)
✓ Choose waterproof hiking shoes
✓ Monitor Cuban Met Office for hurricanes
⏳ Sample Daily Rhythm
Morning (6-11AM): Explore before heat peaks
Midday (11-3PM): Lunch + siesta or museum visits
Late Afternoon (3-6PM): Beach time or walking tours
Evening (7PM+): Music and mojitos!
“Cuba runs on island time – relax into the rhythm!” 🎶
🌪️ Cuba’s Natural Disaster Guide: Stay Safe Under the Sun
Know before you go – preparing for Cuba’s seasonal risks
1) 🌀 Hurricane Alert (June-Nov)
🌊 Where: Entire coastline
⚠️ Risks:
• 150+ km/h winds
• Storm surges up to 6m
Widespread flooding🛡️ Protection:
✓ Monitor Cuban Met Office
✓ Learn hotel evacuation routes
✓ Pack waterproof documents pouch
Pro Tip: Hurricane names repeat every 6 years – “Ian” returns in 2028!
2) 🌧️ Flood Watch (Year-Round)
📍 Hotspots:
• Havana Malecón
• Cienfuegos bay area
• Rural river valleys
🚧 Safety Steps:
• Avoid walking through floodwaters (hidden debris)
• Elevate luggage in ground-floor casas
• Know alternate inland routes
3) 🏝️ Coastal Concerns
⏳ Erosion Crisis
• Disappearing fast: Varadero loses 1.2m/year
• Avoid: Beachfront paths after storm
4) 🌡️ Heat & Drought
Hottest months: July-August (feels like 40°C+)
Water-saving tips:
• Shorter showers
• Reuse towels
• Carry refillable bottles
5) 🔥 Wildfire Warnings (Dec-May)
Danger zones:
• Pinar del Río tobacco fields
• Zapata Swamp dry seasons
🚭 Remember:
• No cigarette tossing! $500 fines
• Report smoke to 105 (fire department)
6) 🌎 Earthquake Prep
💢 Rare but possible:
Last major quake: 1932 (6.0 magnitude)
If shaking starts:
• Drop under tables
• Avoid beaches (tsunami risk)
🎒 Cuba Safety Packing List
✓ Waterproof phone case
✓ Hand-crank radio
✓ Basic first aid kit
✓ Copies of passport/insurance
✓ Emergency cash stash
🆘 Cuba Emergency Numbers
• Police: 106
• Fire: 105
• Medical: 104
• Tourist Helpline: +53 7 866-4499
“Being prepared means more time for daiquiris and less for disasters!” 🍹
🚌 Getting Around Cuba: Transport Options Decoded
Navigate the island like a savvy traveler
1) 🚍 Long-Distance Travel
VIAZUL BUSES (Best Option)
✔️ Air-conditioned & reliable
✔️ Covers all major routes: Havana → Viñales, Trinidad, Santiago
✔️ Fares: €10-40 (book early at viazul.com)
⚠️ Bring snacks – few rest stops
2) TRAINS (For the Adventurous)
🚂 Hershey Electric Train (Havana to Matanzas) – Historic but unreliable
🚂 Other routes: Slow with frequent delays
💡 Pro tip: Pack patience and wet wipes
3)🚖 City & Short-Distance Options
TOURIST TAXIS (Yellow Cabs)
✔️ Newer cars, fixed routes
✔️ Pay in EUR/USD (Havana to Varadero ~€80)
⚠️ Always negotiate before entering
4) COLECTIVOS (Shared Taxis)
🚗 Classic American cars (photo op!)
💰 Pay per seat (Havana to Viñales ~€15)
📍 Find them at:
Havana: Capitolio area
Santiago: Train station
5) LOCAL BUSES (Guaguas)
• Cost: 5-10 CUP
• Experience: Squeezy but authentic
⚠️ No schedules – ask “¿Cuándo sale el próximo?” (When’s the next bus?)
6) 🛵 Fun Local Transport• BICI-TAXIS
🚲 Pedal-powered short hops
💰 ~50 CUP for 10min ride• MOTO-TAXIS
🏍️ Zippy but hold on tight!
🔊 Listen for drivers yelling “Taxi!”
7) 🚗 Rental Car Reality Check
✔️ Freedom to explore offbeat places
❌ Challenges:
€50-80/day (old models)
Poor road signage
Fuel shortages common
💡 Best for: Groups splitting costs
🗺️ Smart Travel Strategies
• Mix transport – Viazul between cities + colectivos locally
• Carry small CUP bills for buses & tips
Learn key phrases:
• “¿Cuánto a…?” (How much to…?)
• “Espera un momento” (Wait a moment)
• Download offline maps (Google Maps works without data)
“In Cuba, the journey is part of the adventure – vintage cars, lively bus rides, and all!” 🚗💨
🆘 Cuba Emergency Contacts: Stay Safe & Prepared
Essential numbers and smart strategies for travelers
1) 🚨 Immediate Emergency Assistance
📞 Police: 106
🚒 Fire: 105
🚑 Ambulance: 104
🌪️ Civil Defense Alerts: 103
Pro Tip: Save these in your phone and write them down!
2) 🌍 Embassy Essentials
Locate your embassy:
• Cuba Diplomatic Missions List
• Major embassies in Havana’s Miramar district
After-hours protocols:
• Most have 24/7 emergency lines
• Keep embassy address + contact in your wallet
3) 📻 Disaster Preparedness Kit
📱 Digital Tools
Weather Apps:
• “Cuba Weather Alert” (offline maps)
• “Red Cross Hurricane” (tracking tool)
Emergency Apps:
• “SOS Worldwide” (embassy contacts)
• “First Aid by Red Cross”
4) 📠 Analog Backup
✓ Printed embassy contact sheet
✓ Solar-powered radio (for blackouts)
✓ Spanish emergency phrase card
5) ☎️ When Calling for Help
State clearly:
“Necesito ayuda” (I need help)
• Your location (nearest landmark)
• Nature of emergency
If language barrier:
Ask “¿Habla inglés?”: Use simple words:
• “Fuego” (fire)
• “Médico” (doctor)
6) 🌦️ Weather Wisdom
Hurricane season: June-Nov (peak Sept-Oct)
Monitor: Radio Rebelde (96.7 FM) for alerts
Evacuation signs:
• “Zona de Evacuación” = Evacuation Zone
• “Refugio” = Shelter
💡 5 Safety Must-Dos
Register with your embassy before travel
• Share itinerary with someone back home
• Carry color copies of passport separately
• Know emergency meeting points in each city
Learn basic phrases:
• “¡Llame a la policía!” (Call police!)
• “Perdí mi pasaporte” (I lost my passport)
“In Cuba, being prepared means you can focus on the music, mojitos, and magnificent beaches!” 🏖️
🍽️ Cuban Dining Culture: Etiquette, Tipping & Must-Try Dishes
Eat like a local while respecting island traditions
👐 Table Manners Made Simple
Hands vs. utensils:
• Knife/fork for ropa vieja
• Hands okay for sandwiches/pizza
Host protocol:
• Wait for host’s “¡Buen provecho!”
• Keep hands visible (no elbows on table)
Meal rhythm:
• Lunch = main meal (1-3PM)
• Dinner = lighter, later (8PM+)
💰 Tipping in Cuba: The New Normal
Who to tip:
🍽️ Waiters (10-15%)
🚕 Taxi drivers (round up fare)
🛎️ Hotel staff (50-100 CUP/day)
🎸 Street musicians (20-50 CUP)
Payment tips:
✔️ CUP preferred – helps locals directly
✔️ Small bills handy – change is scarce
❌ Avoid adding to card payments
🌶️ Cuba’s Flavor Fiesta: Must-Try Dishes
🧀 Cheese Surprises
• Queso fundido – Gooey melted cheese dip
• Queso blanco – Fresh white cheese with guava
🥩 Meat Classics
• Ropa vieja – Shredded beef in tomato sauce (national dish)
• Lechón asado – Whole roasted pork (festival favorite)
🦞 Coastal Catches
• Enchilado – Spicy shrimp/lobster stew
• Pargo al horno – Baked red snapper
🍚 Staples & Sides
• Moros y cristianos – Black beans & rice
• Tostones – Crunchy fried plantains
🍹 Iconic Drinks
• Café cubano – Sweet espresso shot
• Mojito – Best at La Bodeguita del Medio
📍 Where to Find Authentic Flavors
• Paladares – Family-run restaurants
• Agromercados – Farmers’ markets
• Callejón de Hamel – Afro-Cuban food + culture
💡 5 Foodie Pro Tips
• Breakfast like a local – Café con tostada (coffee + toast)
• “Menú del día” – Cheap lunch specials (~200 CUP)
• Carry snacks – Food shortages sometimes occur
• Try street pizza – Cheap & cheesy (20-50 CUP)
• BY Spices – Cuban food is mildly seasoned
“In Cuba, every meal is a celebration – even simple beans and rice taste like happiness!” 🎉
🛃 Cuba Customs Guide: What You Can & Can’t Bring
Navigate border controls like a pro with these essential rules
💵 Currency Regulations
• No limit on bringing foreign cash
• Declare if carrying $5,000+ USD/equivalent
CUP notes:
• Can’t be taken out of Cuba
• Exchange leftovers before departure
Pro Tip: Carry some €50 notes – often gets better exchange rates than USD
🚫 Restricted Items Checklist
1) 🚬 Cigars (The Cuban Gold)
✅ Allowed to export:
• 50 cigars without receipt
• Unlimited with official receipt (keep HabanoSA stickers)
⚠️ Watch for:
• Street vendors selling “Cohibas” at suspiciously low prices (likely fakes)
2) 🥃 Rum (Liquid Souvenirs)
✅ Duty-free allowance:
• 2-3 bottles (check airline liquid limits)
• Best buys: Havana Club 7 años or Santiago de Cuba 11 años
3) 📱 Electronics
✅ Personal use: Laptops, phones, cameras allowed
❌ Restricted:
• Drones (require special permit)
• Satellite phones
• Professional film equipment needs authorization
⚠️ Strictly Prohibited Items
• Drugs (including CBD/marijuana – even with medical prescription)
• Firearms/ammunition
• Pornographic material
• Endangered species products (turtle shells, coral)
• Plants/seeds without phytosanitary certificate
4) 💊 Medication Rules
✅ Allowed:
• Personal supply with original prescription
• Doctor’s note explaining medical necessity
⚠️ Banned substances:
• Adderall
• Medical marijuana
• Codeine without notarized documents
🧳 Packing Smart Tips
• Photograph receipts for expensive items you’re bringing in
• Carry meds in original packaging
• Declare questionable items to avoid confiscation
• Wrap rum bottles in clothing (checked luggage only)
• Know your airline’s liquid limits for carry-ons
“When in doubt, declare it! Cuban customs officers appreciate honesty.”
🛡️ Cuba Safety Guide: Smart Travel in Paradise
Stay safe while soaking up the sun, music, and mojitos
🚨 Safety at a Glance
✅ Low violent crime against tourists
✅ Strong police presence in tourist zones
⚠️ Petty theft occurs in crowded areas
“Cuba is safer than most Caribbean destinations – but smart precautions make it worry-free!”
🎒 Top 5 Tourist Safety Tips
👜 Secure Your Belongings
• Use crossbody bags with zippers
• Beach days? Waterproof pouch for essentials
🚖 Taxi Smarts
• Official taxis have license plates starting with T
• Always agree on price before entering
💵 Money Matters
• Carry small CUP bills for daily spending
• Keep backup cash separate from wallet
🌙 Nighttime Navigation
• Stick to well-lit Malecón areas
• Avoid shortcuts through dark alleys
🏖️ Beach & Nature Caution
Heed color-coded flag warnings:
🔴 Red = No swimming
🟡 Yellow = Caution
🟢 Green = Safe
🚓 Emergency Contacts
• Police: 106
• Fire: 105
• Ambulance: 104
• Tourist Helpline: +53 7 866-4499
Pro Tip: Save these in your phone and write them down!
🎭 Common Scams to Avoid
• “Friendly local” guides – Stick to official tour companies
• Cigar switcheroos – Buy only at LCDH shops
• Fake CUP exchange rates – Use CADECA offices
🏨 Accommodation Security
• Choose casa particulares with good reviews
• Use provided safes for passports
• Lock windows – ground floors especially
🚗 Transport Warnings
• Vintage car taxis – Fun but check seatbelts
• Buses – Hold bags tight in crowds
• Cycling – Avoid busy Havana streets
🌟 Local Insight
“Cubans are famously hospitable – but never leave drinks unattended in bars, just like anywhere else!”
⛪🤝 Cuba’s Spiritual & Political Landscape: A Traveler’s Guide
How to respectfully engage with the island’s traditions and realities
✝️🌴 Religious Cuba: A Tapestry of Faiths
Main Traditions:
• Catholicism (60% nominal) – Historic cathedrals like Havana’s San Cristóbal
• Santería (Afro-Cuban) – Visible in markets selling ritual items
• Protestantism – Growing evangelical churches
• Islam/Buddhism – Small but active communities
Sacred Space Etiquette:
✅ Do:
• Cover shoulders/knees in churches
• Remove hats in santería ceremonies
• Ask before photographing rituals
❌ Avoid:
• Touching ritual objects (like Santería altars)
• Disrupting services with loud talk
Pro Tip: Join a Santería tour in Havana for respectful cultural insight
🚨 Political Sensitivity Essentials
1)🗣️ Conversation Guide
Safe Topics:
• Baseball (passionately loved!)
• Music/dance traditions
• Local cuisine
Potentially Sensitive:
• US-Cuba relations
• Government policies
• Economic challenges
If Politics Arise:
• “Mejor hablamos de música cubana – ¿qué son grupos recomiendas?”
• (“Let’s talk about Cuban music – what son groups do you recommend?”)
2) 💻 Digital Reality Check
• WiFi only in parks/select hotels ($1-2/hour)
• VPNs recommended but unreliable
• Assume public WiFi is monitored
Essential Apps:
• Offline maps (Maps.me)
• Messaging: WhatsApp (works best)
3) 🤝 How to Support Cubans Directly
• Stay in casas particulares (B&Bs)
• Eat at paladares (family restaurants)
• Buy from artisan markets (not state stores)
Tip generously in CUP:
• Waiters: 10-15%
• Musicians: 20-50 CUP
• Bathroom attendants: 5-10 CUP
4) 📿 Unique Spiritual Experiences
• Rumba at Callejón de Hamel (Sundays) – Afro-Cuban rhythms
• Christmas Eve – La Noche Buena pork feasts (despite limited religious celebration)
• Sept 8 – Festival of Our Lady of Charity (Cuba’s patron saint)
🛡️ 5 Rules for Respectful Travel
• Listen more than you opine
• Carry tissues/toilet paper – often scarce in public restrooms
• Learn basic Spanish phrases
• Never photograph military/police
• Pack patience – shortages and delays happen
“In Cuba, cultural sensitivity opens doors to authentic connections.”
🌎 Cuba’s Cultural Mosaic: A Living Tapestry of Influences
Discover the roots of Cuba’s irresistible rhythm and flavor
🇪🇸 Spanish Heritage: The Colonial Foundation
Language: Cuban Spanish with melodic Caribbean lilt
Architecture:
Colorful colonial plazas (Habana Vieja)
Fortresses like El Morro
Traditions:
• Christmas Eve Nochebuena feasts
• Flamenco-inspired dance moves
🌍 African Legacy: The Soul of Cuba
Music & Dance:
🎵 Son (precursor to salsa)
💃 Rumba in Callejón de Hamel
Religions:
• Santería ceremonies (ask before photographing)
• Abakuá secret societies
Cuisine:
• Congrí (black beans/rice)
• Fufú (mashed plantains)
🌿 Taíno Roots: Echoes of the First Inhabitants
Words still used:
• Hamaca (hammock)
• Canoa (canoe)
Agricultural gifts:
• Tobacco cultivation methods
• Cassava (yuca) preparation
🌐 Global Influences & Diaspora
🎻 Other Cultural Threads
French: Tumba francesa dance in Santiago
Chinese: Barrio Chino’s arroz frito
Russian: Soviet-era Ladas still rolling
✈️ Diaspora Connections
• Miami’s Café Cubano culture
• Global fame of Buena Vista Social Club
🎭 Experience Cuba’s Culture
• Take a salsa class in Casa de la Música
• Visit a casa de santo (Santería house) with a guide
• Smoke a cigar with vegueros (tobacco farmers)
• Chat with locals about family histories
“In Cuba, every street corner tells a story – of conquest, resilience, and joyous survival.”
📱 Cuba Travel Tech Kit: Must-Have Apps & Tips
Stay connected and prepared in Cuba’s limited internet environment
🚗 Transportation & Navigation
📍 Google Maps
✅ Download offline maps of Havana, Viñales, Trinidad
⚠️ Addresses often use landmarks (“near Capitolio”)
🗺️ Maps.me
• More detailed offline trails for hiking
• Marks casa particulares and paladares
🚍 Viazul Bus Info
• Book at viazul.wetransp.com before arrival
• Screenshot schedules – no real-time tracking
✈️ Airline Apps
• Cubana de Aviación | SkyTeam for domestic flights
• Download boarding passes when online
🏠 Accommodation
🛏️ Airbnb/Booking.com
• Filter for “instant book” options
• Message hosts before arrival with ETA
🏡 Casa Particular Directories
• CubaCasas.net
• Print confirmations with addresses
💬 Communication
💡 Google Translate
• Download Spanish offline pack
• Use camera mode for menus/signs
📩 WhatsApp
• Primary communication method
• Create group chats for tour operators
📖 Offline Phrasebook
• “Spanish Useful Phrases” app
Learn key terms:
• “¿Dónde está…?” (Where is…?)
• “La cuenta, por favor” (Check please)
🍽️ Food & Dining
⭐ Restaurant Prep
Save Google Maps pins for:
• Paladar La Guarida (Havana)
El Romero (Viñales veggie spot)
Learn dish names:
• Ropa vieja = shredded beef
• Tostones = fried plantains
🆘 Emergency Essentials
📞 Saved Contacts
• Police: 106 | Fire: 105 | Ambulance: 104
• Your embassy in Havana
💵 Offline Currency Converter
• XE Currency app (download rates)
• Know: 1 USD ≈ 120 CUP (verify on arrival)
📲 Internet Reality Check
Buy NAUTA WiFi cards at hotels ($1-2/hour)
Best connectivity:
• Hotel Nacional (Havana)
• Parque Central hotspots
Send important messages when connected
🎒 Analog Backup Kit
✓ Printed hotel addresses
✓ Physical map from airport
✓ Notebook with key phrases
✓ Emergency cash stash
“In Cuba, the right prep lets you focus on salsa, not stress!” 💃🕺