Cuba Holidays - Useful Information
Location: Northwest Caribbean.
Time: GMT - 5 (GMT - 4 from last Sunday in March to last Sunday in October.)
Area: 110,860 sq km (42,803 sq miles).
Population: 11.3 million (UN estimate 2005).
Population Density: 102 per sq km.
Capital: Havana. Population: 2.2 million (2006).
Geography
Cuba is the largest Caribbean island, about the size of England, and the most westerly of the Greater Antilles group, lying 145km (90 miles) south of Florida. The Republic of Cuba, located at the entrance of the Gulf of Mexico, in the Caribbean Sea, is an archipelago formed by the Isle of Cuba, Isle of Youth and by 4 195 cays and islets, and together make a surface of 110 922 Km2. The nearest countries are Haiti, United States, Jamaica and Mexico. In Cuba there is always a good weather due to a tropical climate with a media annual temperature of 25 degrees. In summer the media goes up to 27 degrees and in winter goes down to 21 degrees. The fresher months are December, January and February and the hotter are July and August.
Climate
The climate is hot and humid all year round, divided into a dry season (November to April) and a rainy season (May to October). From 1st of June till 30th of November lasts the hurricane season.
Language
The official language is Spanish.
Religion
The majority is Roman Catholic. There are also minority Afro-Cuban religions.
Electricity in Cuba
110/230 volts AC, 60Hz. American-style flat two-pin plugs are generally used, except in certain large hotels where the European round two-pin plug is standard.
Money and Credit Card in Cuba
The official currency in Cuba is the Cuban Peso (CUP), divided into 100 centavos, but the 'tourist' currency is the Peso Convertible (CUC), which replaces the US Dollar as currency in tourist related establishments like hotels, restaurants and so called 'dollar shops'. US Dollars are no longer accepted as payment, and a 10% commission is charged to exchange them, therefore the best currency to bring along is Euros, the British Pound or Canadian Dollars. The CUC is almost equal in value to the US Dollar. Some places only accept Cuban pesos and others only Pesos Convertible (usually tourist related establishments). Money should only be changed at official exchange offices or banks to avoid scams confusing the two currencies.
The Banco Central de Cuba (National Bank of Cuba) has mandated that all transactions realized in Cuba should be made exclusively in convertible pesos (CUC). These can be acquired in Casas de Cambio (money exchange offices) named CADECAS and some hotels with other freely convertible currency like Euros, Canadian dollars, Swiss francs, sterling pounds, etc., at the current exchange rate in Cuba. When changing US dollars, a variable fee is added to cover the cost and risks involved in the manipulation of this currency for Cuba. The official currency is the Cuban Peso, which can also be acquired at the currency exchange offices at the current exchange rate. Price in tourist facilities are in Convertible Pesos (CUC). In Cuba there are no roaming money changers and for your security it is best to change money at the official exchange currency offices or other sites recommended by the Tourist Information Center (INFOTUR), banks and hotels.
Visa and MasterCard are generally accepted in major destinations as long as they haven't been issued by a US bank; Diners Club has limited acceptance, and American Express is not accepted anywhere on the island. Travelers checks are less readily accepted than credit cards, but all major currencies are acceptable, except for US bank issued checks. No US-issued credit or debit cards will work in ATMs, but those holding other cards issued in other countries should be able to get pesos at most major tourist destinations. Euro or Sterling traveler’s checks are accepted at Cuban banks and Currency Exchange Offices (CADECA). It is suggested to bring cash, considering this way of payment is the one available in most of the shops. Traveler’s checks can be used to pay some services. The most used are Thomas Cook and Visa.
Social Conventions
A handshake is the normal form of greeting. Cubans generally address each other as compañero, but visitors should use señor or señora. Some Cubans have two surnames after their Christian name and the first surname is the correct one to use. Normal courtesies should be observed when visiting someone's home and a small gift may be given if invited for a meal. Cuban men rarely wear shorts away from the beach. Visitors doing so are not frowned upon, but they may receive the odd sideways glance. Women should cover their legs and shoulders if visiting churches. Cuban women tend to dress up for evenings out.
Taxes
Nothing is taxed anywhere in Cuba.
Food
Cuban food is highly seasoned, but does not use hot spices. Traditional dishes are generally based on rice and beans, pork, and fried or boiled root vegetables flavored with onion and garlic. Meals are usually accompanied by beer. Seafood is of excellent quality and taste.
Drinks
Rum is the drink of Cuba. There are extra dry and aged rums of magnificent bouquet. The white rum mixes with practically everything and is ideal for cocktail. Traditional drinks of Cuba are the Cuba Libre, Mojito, Mulata and Daiquiri. There are various brands of beers of different types and quality, as well as carbonated beverages and soft drinks. The water is safe for drinking.
Tipping
Absolutely voluntary. Normally, tourists give directly to waiters the 10% (cash) of bill.
Tour Radio and TV
The Cubavision Internacional is the channel that broadcast TV programs for hotels. Cable Vision also send signals of the most important channels of the U.S.A., Mexico, Germany, Italy and Spain. Radio Taino is ´Cuba´s tour radio station and it broadcast is in Spanish and English.
Mobility
Tourists can go anywhere in the country with complete freedom, at any hour of the day or night, by foot, by taxi, by plane, by bus or by car rented.
Photos
Can be taken anywhere except military and prohibited zones.
Safety
Cuba is a hospitable country. It is easy to find help whenever you need it. The streets are safe, attacks are rare. There are tourism police in hotel areas.
Travelers Assistance
The following agencies have representatives in Havana: Assist Card, Europe Assistance, and Gesa Assistance. ASISTUR, S.A. is the main insurance Cuban company for travelers visiting the Island.
