10 BANNED Activities in Cuba That Will Get You in Trouble!

✈️ Delays, cancellations, lost bags? Travel insurance has your back

Dive into the essential travel tips with 'The Don'ts Of Cuba Every Tourist Must Know.' This invaluable guide is a must-watch for anyone planning a trip to the vibrant and culturally rich island of Cuba. As an ever-popular destination for travelers, understanding Cuba's local customs, laws, and social etiquette is crucial for a respectful and enjoyable visit.
This video covers the critical 'do n'ts' that every tourist should know to avoid common faux pas and legal issues. Setting sail for Cuba? Captain Anthony from Travel Droner shares essential "don'ts" to navigate this island paradise like a pro. Avoid missteps, stay safe, and respect local customs with this must-watch guide!

⏱️ TIMESTAMPS:
00:00 – Introduction: Setting sail for Cuba and a word of caution
00:52 – Don’t Bring Bling: Leave valuables at home to avoid unwanted attention
01:50 – Don’t Fall for the Jineteros/Jineteras: Beware of hustlers and stick to legal activities
02:49 – Don’t talk about Politics or Fidel: Avoid sensitive topics to stay out of trouble
03:33 – Don’t Use Drugs or engage in Illegal activities: Prostitution and drugs are strictly prohibited
04:49 – Don’t Drink tap Water: Stick to sealed bottles to avoid stomach issues
05:47 – Don’t Forget to Bring a Few Gifts: Show appreciation with thoughtful gifts for locals
06:38 – Don’t forget to tip: Support the local economy by tipping service workers
07:51 – Don’t Take Unlicensed Taxis: Stick to licensed taxis and agree on a price beforehand
08:42 – Don’t Take Pictures of Police or Soldiers: Avoid photographing military personnel to prevent misunderstandings
09:45 – Don’t Order A Papaya Daiquiri: Use the correct term ("Fruta bomba") to avoid offense
10:27 – Don't click pictures of locals without asking them: Respect privacy and ask for permission
11:16 – Outro: Recap, comments, subscribe, and stay tuned for more adventures

🔍 WHAT YOU’LL LEARN:
How to avoid scams, theft, and legal trouble in Cuba
The importance of respecting local customs and sensitivities
Practical tips for staying safe, healthy, and respectful
How to support the local economy and build positive relationships

📱 CUBA TRAVEL ESSENTIALS:
Modest attire and minimal jewelry
Bottled water for drinking and brushing teeth
Cash for tips and small purchases
Gifts for locals (school supplies, toys, etc.)
Knowledge of taxi fare practices
Respect for local laws and customs

💡 BENEFITS OF WATCHING THIS VIDEO:
Avoid common tourist mistakes and stay safe
Experience Cuba more authentically
Get practical tips for a smooth and enjoyable trip
Learn how to respect local culture and contribute positively

❓ COMMON QUESTIONS:
Is it safe to wear jewelry? It's best to leave valuables at home.
What are Jineteros/Jineteras? Hustlers to avoid.
Can I talk about politics? It's best to avoid sensitive topics.
Is it safe to drink the water? No, always use bottled water.

✈️ PLAN YOUR TRIP TO CUBA!
No roaming fees. No stress. Just data. Grab your Saily eSIM today.
Find Best Car Rental Deals: Discover Cars (Save up to 70% - Best Price Guarantee!)
Book Hotels, Packages, Cruises & Flights: Expedia (Best Price Guarantee)
Send Money Abroad (Cheap & Fast):

⚠️ AFFILIATE DISCLAIMER:

This description contains affiliate links. As an affiliate, I may earn a small commission from qualifying purchases made through these links, at no extra cost to you. This helps support the channel, allowing me to continue creating valuable content. I only recommend products and services I genuinely believe in. Thank you for your support!

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
I am a proud affiliate of Discover Car Hire AS.
I partner with Viator to bring you exciting travel experiences.
I am an Expedia affiliate partner.

💬 STAY CONNECTED!

Exclusive Tips & Top Deals! Join the newsletter now

credits footage

[TravelDroner]

Best Car Rental – Search, Compare, and Save up to 70% BEST PRICE GUARANTEE
GET YOUR TOUR TICKETS HERE

For Hotels, Packages, Cruises, Flights and Airport Transfers
GET YOUR TICKETS HERE BEST PRICE GUARANTEE

[soniavos]

Love cuba and the people. I found the food different but I managed. Going back in 6 weeks for 10 days.
I bring lots of gifts and energy bars, spices and ketchup. Cant wait! ❤

[chrismarshall]

I have been to Cuba eight or more times over the years to resorts in Cayo Santa Maria and Cayo Coco. I have never had any problems and feel completely safe . The staff at these resorts go out of there way to please you so treat them with respect and dignity. Respect goes both ways . I always tip and bring gifts for the staff that are appreciative of my actions even though they ask for nothing. l will be going again next year.

[meredithtrible]

Cuba is impressively safe feeling (crime wise) - you have to keep in mind people don’t want to risk getting arrested - and everyone is police. My only advice would be to keep your docs on you / a copy on your phone, and like anywhere, lock ya suitcase in hostel/hotel. One time my roommate and my passports got flip flopped in our luggage when the hostel owner was snooping. Nothing taken - I am sure they were just curious, but be advised - can happen anywhere. People were super nice. Biggest culture shock was the santaria stuff sprinkled around and no beef - also how safe it was. There are also two currencies - a local one and a “tourist” one. If possible, get the local one. Def a time capsule of architecture and autos. And yes - don’t be flashy, not because of theft, more because it’s beyond rude to go places of nationwide poverty dripping in wealth they cannot obtain.

[Bxmmtabus]

Since 2000 I want to travel to Cuba 🇨🇺..one day it will happen!! Love your videos

[maggspitty]

HI! Another tip is Please don't spit in the street, Cubans find this to be poor manner.🥰 Also sneezing turn away from people before sneezing.
Thank you🇨🇺🇵🇷

[emilywalker]

My Cuban experience was Cubans love talking politics. They always brought it up first, I obliged. For the most part, they appear to have an ironic displeasure for their government, yet vehemently support it in the same breath. It’s interesting. Politics never an issue, just make sure who you’re talking to is cool. Cuba is one of, if not the most educated country in the world. Makes for very interesting conversation, not just on Cuba but all global news and politics, etc. Getting an idea on how the locals truly feel about their geopolitical situation is one reason to visit this place and experience it. The public decency of raising stray cats and dogs as a community is another reason to go. I saw hundreds of strays in Cuba; not 1 appeared hurt, unhealthy or neglected. That’s impressive.

[LouDeVere]

Good common sense for travelling just about anywhere. The last time I was in Barcelona in 2019, I was advised to take off my Apple Watch because of the Eastern European thieves and this is in Europe! Liked the advice about taking gifts though, that is a nice touch and something I hadn't thought about before. Thanks for the tips.

[nrich]

Do not rent a car and drive in Cuba - if you're driving and have an accident ... it is automatically your fault no matter what the circumstances and you are liable for any injuries. Take a licensed taxi .

[Vinny_Gambini]

Been to Cuba 21 times. Never seen a rat in an hotel or on the streets. Been to Cuba 3 times in the last 11 months and I ate like a King. Private restaurants are amazing. I see a lot of parts of this video showing Trinidad, my favorite destination in Cuba. I even drank the tap water in Trinidad without any issues. I have never been sick in Cuba in or out of resorts. In a 2 week stay we eat half of our meals in local restaurants. Don't hire a prostitute anywhere on this planet. And I don't want to be rude but I never take travelling advice from an american. Did you know Cuba has a much smaller % of infant mortality then the U.S.? There is no mass murders in Cuba. LGBTQ are not persecuted in Cuba. Jews are safe in Cuba. On the Canadian government travelling advisory site, there are more warnings about travelling to the U.S. then Cuba? And BTW I travelled on cuban buses, trucks and illegal taxis and never had a problem. Also, I've met people from around the world in Cuba but never an american. But I like your video bros 👍

[Dutchy-]

Bring some used shoes/ sneakers …. They are gold in Cuba 🇨🇦‼️🇨🇺

[joaopaulocmachado]

I went to Cuba this year and it was the safest country I've ever been to. I believe that, like in Brazil, prostitution is not a crime in Cuba.

[theCranesUS]

I’ll save you guys time..Use common sense while traveling!!!

[mickelmas]

We went last year for a few weeks mid august. Locals we came across all friendly. Bar staff we’re always great. Got approached asking if I want to buy some sniff once while with my 13yo son outside a market 😂 obviously a no from and me never saw him again after that. Had a few nights in vinales which I recommend and a few in havana spent most of our time in varadero. We took quite a bit of cash for tips and the trips we didn’t come back with any change 😂 Would go back in a heartbeat.

[BlackManTravels]

Just in time. Heading to Havana next week. Great content

[antoniobernardobernardo]

Parabéns pelo vídeo e as dicas, sei que talvez nunca vá em Cuba, mas, foi importantes.

[bobby_c]

I've been to Cuba several times and have never felt unsafe or like I was being eyed up to be robbed. I've run into pick pockets in most of my travels but never there. Crime tends to be a bit more subtle there and never out in the open. A Cuban will likely not commit a crime in front of other Cubans.

[sulawesipitta]

Thank you so much for the information dude. Appreciate it.

[mari-greciaodal]

Back in 1998 on a trip to the island, I made the almost deadly mistake of commenting in a room full of family and neighbours by saying; "does that lunatic ever shut up" then began to laugh. Fidel had been speaking since late morning, and it was already around 7 in the evening. All of a sudden, 2 of my cousins appeared dragged me out, and put me under a cold shower. The next morning a woman who was part of the country's government came to question me. My mother accompanied me to the place where the interview took place. I was interrogated, and I was panicking! The woman let me know that she was a friend of the family, and so she let me go. Although she asked Mom why I had been so dangerously rude. And my mother said; "since a little girl, she's been accustomed to free speech." She didn't know the rules here. But I'll make sure she doesn't repeat the mistake." And the woman just stared at me, and asked me; do you now understand?...followed by...hmm" I shook my head, for a long stretch, and promised I'd never again be disrespectful to the ways of the island. Once back at the house, I took quite a few drinks of "Negrita" rum. and then, spent the rest of the day not saying a word! Why, I couldn't even utter a word, so great was my fear! (Oh! Don't spit on the sidewalk! There it's a sign of rudeness and disrespect.) just saying...

[retireeelectronics]

The wife asked where is safe, I said Cuba, just go simple and leave the expensive stuff at home, been there three times. Been to Bahama's, drug dealers roaming the beach, Dominican Republic - shotgun armed guards around the building (many years ago 1980s), Mexico - armed guards at both ends of the beach. Cuba, staff very friendly and tossing in a couple bottles of Deet to give to the garden staff gets a great smile, think of practical gifts that don't need batteries.