What It's Like to Live In CUBA Today 🇨🇺 Havana 2024

In this Havana walking tour, we will show what it's like to live in Cuba today and explain 7 things you should not do in Cuba.

Top Cuba Travel Tips:

1) Can U.S. Citizens travel to Cuba? Yes.
While flying to Cuba for tourist activities remains prohibited by statute, there are 13 other permitted reasons for travel. The main reason most American visitors should choose is: 'Support for the Cuban people'.

2) Do US Citizens require a Visa? Yes
You can easily purchase the visa at a Cuban visa kiosk at your departure airport. The visa costs $50 - $100 depending on the airline. Just arrive at the airport a little earlier to fill out the form and obtain the visa which gives you 60 days in Cuba (with a possible 30-day extension).

Europeans and Canadians can obtain a Cuba Tourist Card which gives you 90 days in Cuba. You can extend your Cuban tourist visa for an additional 90 days, for a total of 180 days.

3) Do you need Health Insurance to visit Cuba? Yes
U.S. Citizens / Green Card holders who fly to Cuba directly via the U.S. are automatically insured because a $25 fee is added to your ticket price. Keep your boarding pass as proof of health insurance and if you do require medical assistance, you present your boarding pass and passport at the hospital in Cuba.

Everyone else (Canada/UK/Germany/Russia etc) can obtain cheap health insurance at Solways Cuba website.

4) Do US Credit and Debit cards work in Cuba? No.
With very few exceptions, U.S. credit and debit cards do not currently work in Cuba. You should bring U.S. dollars to Cuba and exchange them for Cuban Pesos (CUP). Make sure the US bills do not have any marks or tears as these may not be accepted. In addition, you can check the current informal foreign market rate in Cuba on the ELTOQUE website.

European and other debit and credit cards may or may not work in Cuba but you should not rely on this as you will get a very bad exchange rate using your card at the ATM or stores. It is recommended you bring Euros or US dollars.

5) How much cash should I bring? Recommended $50 to $100 a day.
Bring more cash than you will need as it is better to take home the extra dollars you didn't spend than to run out of cash in the middle of your Cuba trip. Many visitors have run out of money in the middle of their trip due to not bringing enough cash.

6) Can I get Internet access on my phone while in Cuba? Yes.
You can purchase a Cuban tourist sim card in advance of your trip and pick it up when you arrive at the airport in Cuba. Visit the SUENA CUBA website to order the SIM card.

7) Do I need a VPN for my trip to Cuba? Yes
Everyone should download a VPN (recommend NordVPN or Express VPN) on both your laptop and mobile phone BEFORE you travel to Cuba. This is because some websites and apps are blocked if you try to access them in Cuba. For example, you cannot book an Airbnb while you are in Cuba without a VPN.

8) How much is a taxi ride from the airport in Havana to the city center? $25
There are taxis outside the airport in Havana into the city and most will charge $25 US dollars. Make sure to ask and confirm the fare.

9) What essential items should i bring with me to Cuba?
Bring all your medication, toiletries (including female hygiene), body spray for mosquitos and sunscreen.

10) Can i stay in a hotel or Airbnb for my trip to Cuba?
Americans can book and stay in an Airbnb in Cuba but are prohibited from staying in certain hotels that are owned entirely or partially by the Cuban government. Choose: 'Support for the Cuban people' when booking your Airbnb. Europeans and everyone else can book both an Airbnb or stay in any hotel you wish.

11) Can I drink tap water? No, Don't do it.
Drink only bottled water and also use to brush your teeth. Also do not consume drinks with ice as they may also have been made from tap water.

12) What should I bring as gifts for the Cuban People?
Over-the-counter medication such as multivitamins, Ibuprofen, Tylenol / paracetamol. Female hygiene products. Bandaids. Personal care products such as deodorant, soap, shampoo, toothbrush and toothpaste. Chocolates. Clothing. Shoes.

#havana #cuba #habana

[Dutchy-]

Been going to Cuba for decades and it is really looking tired !
I feel very bad for the locals, because the Cuban people are very nice people 🇨🇦🇨🇦‼️‼️❤️❤️🇨🇺🇨🇺

[thegoldendog]

Definitely agree with not eating street food. You just don’t know how sanitary the vendor conditions are or where the ingredients are from. Also, if you buy bottled water from a street vendor, make sure that the top is factory sealed. I’ve seen refilled bottles before.

[JoseLopez-pzid]

I left Cuba in 1979 . At that time, Cuba was still Cuba, with alta cocine restaurants, Night Clubs, hotels, etc . The transportation (buses) was still as always, every 2 or 3 minutes and all the routes were working . You cut enjoy life, although it was beginning to be tight but nothing like this, not even remotely like this, now a days .
While viewing the video, I feel that still after all these years, I miss my Havana a little .
Thanks for showing this actual video of a what once was a beautiful city ...

[Dutchy-]

Your video is so nice and clear …. Thankyou for posting ‼️‼️❤️❤️🇨🇦🇨🇦

[c.p]

Actual TIPS for those not deterred by this video and others that show the negatives:

1. Invest in a life straw bottle!
2. Do not be afraid to PACK. This is NOT the destination for “light packing” anything you find comfort in at home BRING IT!!!
3. BRING SNACKS FROM HOME!! Cubans don’t eat spicy food like that so if you like hot sauce BRING IT!
4. Bring toilet paper/wipes as the public restrooms usually don’t have toilet paper.
5. Ladies, bring sanitary napkins because you will NOT find them here.
6. If you can try to bring things for the people as it’s very bare minimum down there.
7. Learn a few Spanish phrases so that you can bargain better.
8. NEVER pay the price they quote you as it’s always double. Pretend you only have half. Works especially well if you are a pretty woman.

Bonus do NOT skimp on going to the beach! It’s worth the trip.
Also don’t pay $30 to get in the taxi to the beach, if you stay in the downtown area the nice coach bus (reserved for tourist) will take you there for $5 round trip!

[qucxcdw]

Wow! Absolutely love your channel! The Cuba tour was amazing!💓

[JulianaDefreitas-fzrh]

I was there in 2006 July the people are very nice and loving that's where I learnt to speak spanish

[PhilHaddad]

One of life’s greatest experience is visiting Havana Cuba!!

[jimparfitt]

Great to see La Habana looking so good! I have made 10 trips to cuba, but haven't seen la habana since pre pandemic. Great video!

[lazylizards]

one of the few nations that resisted on US tyranny. Always in my heart❤❤

[jondoh]

for a country that is heavily sanctioned, it looks cleaner than India.

[art]

The people on the street don't look very happy and the buildings seem to be fading from what they once were.

[FranciscoUazm]

CUBA é o PARAÍSO, praias entre as mais belas do planeta , Vida noturna e mulheres maravilhosas !

[ryszarddopierala]

Thank you for your video. It is other paradise.

[JohnMac]

Looks better than parts of American cities now. Less crime also.

[johnpower]

Great informative video. I visited Cuba in 2017. Loved it ❤

[dmcguire]

I can’t I can’t get over The architecture of the buildings and the old cars. It’s like going back to the 1950s.

[gweilospur]

The scenes in the second half were filmed in the Historic Centre which is where tourists go. The streets and buildings are in nice condition and there is no garbage. As soon as you go outside that area (don’t! ) you get the opposite, as seen in the first half of the video.

[rosangeladefatimarochafran]

Viva Cuba, viva o povo cubano que resiste ao embargo criminoso dos US!❤❤❤❤

[evanenogueva]

Beautiful place, i wil like to visit when i have money