CUBA - Know before you go!

In January 2017 Jim and I spent two weeks away from Victoria enjoying a couple of days in the Yucatan Peninsula and then ten days in Cuba.  We got to know Havana and the town of Pinar del Rio and the Vinales Valley.  During our travels we learned lots of valuable lessons and we thought we would share them with you in can you're heading that way.

1. Bring hand sanitizer as fresh water is limited in a lot of places.                                                                              
2. There’s limited WIFI in Cuba.  You might want to purchase a data roaming package before leaving home. In Havana you can purchase data minutes from vendors in small parks along the Malecon or from the clerk at Hotel Deauville, also on the Malecon. 
3. If you’re staying at casa particulars (homestays) you might want to bring a small Canadian gift for your hosts.  Check out our blog on the three casa particulars we enjoyed.
4. It’s a good idea to keep small bills and coins handy for tipping.  Cuba is an extremely poor country and tipping is very much appreciated.
5. Cuban currency (CUC’s) cannot be purchased outside of Cuba.  Be prepared for a wait at the currency exchange at the airport when you arrive.  Take CDN money for exchanging, not American as there is a 10% charge for exchanging it for CUC’s.  Be sure to exchange your CUC’s back to your currency before leaving the airport when flying out of Cuba.
6. We felt that 2 – 3 days in Havana was enough to see the architecture, museums, art galleries and listen to Cuban music at any number of venues.
7. If you’re busing elsewhere in Cuba it’s wise to go to the Havana bus depot a couple of days before your departure to purchase your tickets or you may not get them at the desired departure time.
8. Bring a Spanish/English dictionary or load an app that works off line. 
9. Bring a small first aid kit, complete with Polysporin and electrolyte powder.
10. DO  NOT drink the tap water.
11. DO NOT eat anything made with water like ice cream or you may be violently sick.
12. If you’re Canadian, be proud!  Wear it on a tee shirt, sew patches on your pack, take a toque, eh!  
13. Pack a couple of rolls of toilet paper. 
14. Although Cuba is known as a very safe country, watch out for scams!!  We know of a couple who were approached by a nicely dressed teacher in a park who then took them to see the the bar where the Buena Vista Social Club got their start singing. The couple forgot the rules about safety and followed her for a block then entered the dingy bar where fruity alcohol drinks appeared immediately, without being ordered.  The woman was hoping for money.  She brought a shady character into the bar to sell them a box of cigars.  When they declined the woman became quite indignant.  They quickly left but not before being presented with an expensive bill for the drinks.  
15. Bring your favourite teabags and snacks since there are few to be found anywhere in Cuba.  Convenience stores are non-existent and public markets don't offer any munchies, chips or chocolate bars.  

FYI, most Cubans barely get by.  Tourism is booming but that doesn't help a large part of the population. They work extremely hard just to have enough money to buy the basics. If you have a bit of extra room in your pack, please take something extra to give away, like a tee shirt to a little toy.  Anything would be appreciated.

Enjoy Cuba.  We sure did!

Tricia and Jim

S/V Falcon VII

Land trip to Cuba January 2017

tandjbowen13@gmail.com