Language

Spanish is Cuba’s primary language. Although the country has no specific Spanish dialects, Cuban Spanish is known to have something of a unique rhythm and intonation owing to the influence of Cuba’s Afro-Caribbean populations.

Haitian Creole is spoken by a significant number of people.

People who work in the tourism industry generally speak English, but usually only very basic English is spoken by others.

Cuban followers of the Santería religion also speak a special language called Lucumí, a dialect of the West African Yoruba language.

Currency

Cuban Convertible Peso (aka ‘dollar’) and the Cuban Peso (aka ‘national peso’).

Most purchases are quoted in convertible pesos (CUC$) and nearly everything travellers buy will be in this currency.

We recommend that you take Pounds Sterling or Euros to exchange into Convertible Pesos in Cuba. US Dollars may be exchanged for Convertible Pesos, but a service charge of 10 per cent will be levied.

Euros may be accepted directly in some areas without the need to change into Convertible Pesos.

Money can be changed at your hotel, in exchange bureaux, and at banks. Banking hours tend to be Monday – Friday from 9.00 – 3.00pm.

Most hotels, travel suppliers, and larger restaurants will accept credit card payments (but not credit cards drawn from US banks). All credit card payments will incur a charge. Please check what the charge will be before making your purchase. Usually 3-9% is added to the bill.

ATM machines are few and far between and withdrawals incur approximately 9% charge.

25.00 CUCs is required for departure tax from Cuba.

International Dialing Code

+53

Electricity

The standard power source in Cuba is 110v, 60hz AC, although a few hotels operate on 220 volts. It is generally supplied through the American flat 2 pin plugs ( 110v ) Type A or European round 2 pins ( 220v) Type C. You should buy the appropriate adapters before you leave home, as you may not find them overseas. Powercuts are frequent in Cuba so we recommend you carry a torch with you.

Visas

Visas are required for all nationalities visiting Cuba. A tourist card, which is considered a visa for entry for tourism purposes can be obtained from Cuban embassies and consulates. All passengers must hold return air tickets. It is your responsibility to ensure you have all required visas for your trip. Rules and regulations governing the issuance of visas are constantly changing, and vary for different nationalities and you should check visa requirements with your travel agent or relevant consular authority well before travel.

Visa regulations change and you should be prepared for this. If you are stopping over or transiting other countries en-route to your destination, you should also check the visa requirements for that destination. It is your responsibility to obtain the necessary visas.

All other nationalities should check with your nearest embassy or consulate.

Safety

Your safety is our number one concern. Our safety track record is exemplary thanks to careful management and thorough consultation with local partners. Our industry leading risk management procedures have become a skill that we continue to refine. Our leaders in the field are highly trained and have safety as their number one priority. Expert leaders, risk assessments, quality inclusions and your financial security all come standard when you travel with us.

Please refer to our Travel Advisory page for updates on recent events, travel warnings and advice.

We strongly recommend that all clients take out travel insurance at the time of booking to cover against sickness, accident, loss of baggage, unexpected alterations to travel arrangements and travel disruption, emergency evacuation, cancellations, etc. Insurance information is enclosed with your pre-departure information. Please contact us if you would like to obtain a quote for your trip duration.

We suggest that you consult your doctor, local government inoculation centre or a travel medical specialist in order to get the most current advice regarding vaccination requirements.

Money and valuables should always be stored safely when travelling. Keep your passport with you at all times and do not leave it in your main luggage. You will need it to change money and check into hotels. Where safety deposit boxes are available, we recommend that you use them. Keep jewellery and valuables to a minimum.