Touristsecrets.com uses cookies to improve your experience and to show you personalized ads. Is Cuba safe when it comes to drinking water? The high cost of living makes it a city in the top 35% of the most expensive cities in the world. Santiago de Cuba is relatively safe,although the crime levels have been increasing as there has been a moderate increase in home break-ins. Here are the best places to visit with your family. From January 1, 2022, Cuba will simplify its arrival process with a new online form called DViajeros which will amalgamate the immigration and health forms in a digital format. Although a few people do know how to speak in foreign languages like English, most of them speak in Spanish. The majority of these crimes are petty offenses such as pickpocketing. When you first arrive, the best policy is to keep most of your money in a foreign currency and only change small amounts into pesos for incidental costs such as museum entry fees, concert tickets and tips. Also, try walking around the cities and places you visit. Which is why we recommend that you purchase most of your train, bus, or national flights within Cuba ahead of time from home. However, it will generally be hot. Layerculture is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com Other affiliate programs linking to other recommended products and services are also used. And then put in your first aid kit so youre prepared in the event of a medical emergency. Table of Contents Pickpockets and scams are the most common safety issue Places even ran out of drink glasses or plastic cup for drinks . For instance, pickpocketing and currency scams are common issues affecting many tourists. Read More: Top 10 Apps to Download for Travel to Cuba. Havana is the capital city ofCuba, which developed into a popular destination, especially for American tourists, besides the almost total ban on travel maintained by the U.S. federal government. When we think of Cuba, we imagine dancing to her Salsa music, smoking her Cuban cigars, and drinking her famousHavana Club Rum. I started making a point of going every other year to see family and just take in everything I grew up around as a child. (Our take) Cuba is awesome. I decided to take the opportunity (and leg room) and see the city through the eyes of a tourist. The chances of being attacked or robbed are very slim. Cubas second-largest city has a population of about431,272. 11 Things You Should Never Do in Cuba CARIBBEAN / CUBA Cuban flag | lloydbyron / Pixabay Jack Guy 30 October 2017 View Cuba is known as a fun-loving place with plenty of rum, music and dancing. Prepare for power cuts if a hurricane occurs. Is Cuba safe from disease? How Safe is Cuba? If your airline doesn't provide you with a Tourist Card, you can purchase one through a Cuban travel agency; costs range from US$50 to US$85. The average take-home salary after tax is$572 and is adequate to live on. The median income ofLas Tunas is in the top 33%of the most expensive cities in the world. The median income of the city andthe cost of living in Santa Clara is very similar to the worlds average living expenses. The second edition of Lonely Planets bestseller presents an all-new ranking of the greatest places to visit on Earth. On the day I landed, Cuba had just instituted a mandatory seven-day quarantine for visitors from eight Southern African countries due to the Omicron variant. So if you want to have access, a couple of options would be to buy the NAUTA card, access a desktop computer at your hotel, get international roaming, or get a sim card. Essentially, yes, you can visit Cuba and travel exactly as you would anywhere else. Theres also limited bandwidth, so dont expect that youll get a super-fast connection. So, its best if you have copies and spare records of all the important documents youll need on your travels. It may not be the best or the safest but it was my first home and I still love it. Get started. How Safe Is Cuba for Travel? - Travel Safe - Abroad These places are all in Havana. There are seldom violent crimes committed against tourists. Although the Cuban government doesn't release official crime statistics, it is clear that violent crime and theft are very rare here. After the latest Cuba travel restrictions the U.S. government made, safety might not be your only concern. to the assembled crowd. Local authorities are doing their best to protect tourists from criminals since the city depends on tourism. The International Tourism Fair in Spain rated Cuba as the safest country in the worldin 2018. If you want to keep your money safe as you go, check out these travel purses you can take with you that have extra safety measures. Like many popular travel destinations, Cuba's tourism industry is facing a crisis due to the emergence of COVID-19. The knock-on effect is a bewildering dual economy. Despite whispers of the emerging Omicron variant (which hadnt reached Cuba when I visited in early December), the country had achieved the second-highest vaccination rate of any country in the world with over one million inhabitants. Also, if youre a lady, dont be surprised by catcalling since its commonplace in Cuba. Just avoid government-run hotels, restaurants, and tours while you're there. Thieves have so well developed strategies to rob you, so you need to be careful. High-security requirements for this location make this city very safe, with hardly any crime and zero tolerance for breaking the law. You have rejected additional cookies. Image Source. Check out the winter wonderlands at these 5 amazing winter destinations in Montana. I was told my results would take 48 hours to process and that I would have to return to the clinic in person to pick them up. Cuba is the most charismatic country is located in the Caribbean. Rather than giving out stuff out willy nilly, its better to leave your donations with a trusted Cuban contact to distribute (if youre staying at a casa particular, ask the owner). Violent crime in Santa Clara is hardly ever heard of. Best Time To Visit Cuba For Honeymoon. Is Cuba safe when it comes to food? Surprise! Read up on the area that you'll be visiting. Thanks to Cuba's top-heavy bureaucracy, answers to simple requests arent always straightforward and the information you receive may not even be correct, even from official sources. Cubans can receive the death penalty for drug use. I, meanwhile, turned west and made for the historic but little-visited city of Matanzas where independent travelers were scant. 2023 Copyright by Travel Safe - Abroad. Its an island near the Bahamas, after all. Due to the existence of unlicensed taxis, always use radio taxis that you call from a hotel. Public toilets rarely provide supplies so carry your own roll or gravitate to four- or five-star hotels if youre caught short in the city. In Matanzas, I had the good fortune to attend a concert at the Teatro Sauto, a radiant swirl of frescoes, statues and mirrors that ranks as one of the finest theaters in Cuba. However, if you just so happen to stumble across a bad situation, its best to be prepared. State-run enterprises and banks use official exchange rates, but the superior services offered by private businesses generally reflect the more favorable black market exchange rates. This article was first published April 2019 and updated April 2023. From my idyllic perch, I was treated to a masterful performance of Spanish-style zarzuelas (light opera). Cuba is a safe place when you know where youre going and what youre doing. Bottled water is easy to find and cheap, but to cut down on your plastic use, consider buying a travel water bottle with a built-in filter before you travel and refill it at your accommodations (unfortunately, there arent any public water fountains around the city). In fact, Cuba is one of the countries where we feel safest when traveling. If youd prefer to stay in a casa particular (private homestay), use Lonely Planets listings to connect with owners directly via email or WhatsApp, or check out the options on Airbnb. For example, in hotels, guided tours, spas, taxis, restaurants, and resorts. Another thing to note about Cuban currency is you cant exchange your home currency outside of Cuba itself. You can fill out the form digitally up to 72 hours before your arrival in Cuba. Luggage theft:To reduce theft from luggage handling when arriving and departing, remove all valuables, lock suitcases, and have them shrink-wrapped before checking in. Santa Clara is one of the largest cities in central Cuba. If you get a chance to visit this picturesque and charming city, do not miss it. Cubans have to endure a lot of long waits in boring lines, so theyve invented a way of queueing that doesnt involve physically standing in line. This is particularly true if youre staying at an all-inclusive resort, many of which have their own in-house clinics. Strolling around the cobbled streets and gazing up at the grand Baroque and neoclassical buildings, it's easy to imagine what life in Cuba was like 200 years ago. See Road travel, Although theres no recent history of terrorism in Cuba, attacks cant be ruled out. The citizens of Havana face stiff multas (fines) if theyre caught without a mask. The euro is the most interchangeable currency and the one preferred by Cubans. Some streets are always referred to by their old names for example, Paseo de Mart, Havanas main tree-lined avenue, is invariably called El Prado. Cuba travel advice - GOV.UK Likewise, dont take the word of a stranger on the streets when it comes to dining - the quality is usually low, and youll risk getting sick. Many of these assumptions paint Cuba an unsafe place to visit. Hire legitimate guides instead of hiring a street tour guide. Call us in Washington, D.C. at 1-888-407-4747 (toll-free in the United States and Canada) or 1-202-501-4444 (from all other countries) from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays). There are also plenty of things you can see and do for freein Havana. That sounds rough, but dont worry. Beggars are also people you should be aware of. Or any of the other major cities for that matter. Remember to also wash fruits and vegetables so germs wont get into your gut. Santiago is considered to be much safer than a similar-sized American city. So when someone cleans your room, waits on your table, or drives your taxi, consider giving them a tip, especially when the service is great. View Today's edition Covid-related restrictions may be in place. Do not display signs of wealth, such as wearing expensive watches or jewelry. If youre not going to drive then taxis, Viazul buses, and flights should be the way to go. The greeting caught on and has now become a form of address peculiar to Havana; dont use it in Santiago de Cuba where they use the word compay instead. Different entry rules may apply . Special care should be taken in central Havana at night. However, it didnt affect the most significant tourist areas. However, like many other developing nations, it is exposed to specific safety risks and health issues. Just keep that in mind. 2. I hadnt gone back for many years until recently in 2012. When renting a car, which can be interesting, you should pay attention that Havana has many one-way roads. Keep the majority in a safe place because it may be unsafe for you to bring that much cash everywhere you go. Its rules on passport validity may be more stringent than the country's entry rules. Cruises are also disallowed because of the new ruling, but it still shouldnt be too difficult to book a flight to Havana Cuba. Generally, the answer is yes. Or rather, how do you get there from the U.S.? Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. That way, you wont have to face the many exchange fees when you exchange currency. The country abolished the convertible Cuban peso (CUC) in January 2021 and took the US dollar out of circulation in June 2021, leading to massive inflation and the emergence of a rampant black market. Its not like theres an easy bus ride going from Miami to Cuba. March and April are also a good time to visit as it is less crowded in those months. See ourTropical Cyclonespage for further advice on what to expect in the aftermath of a hurricane.You should monitor weather updates and track the progress of approaching storms. For all its tropical charms, Havana isnt the worlds most straightforward city. Is Cuba safe from scams? Check-in at Montral was easy and well-ordered, and my flight to Varadero which was 90% full was smooth and stress-free save for a slightly bumpy landing. Visiting Cuba during COVID-19: what travel is like there now Lonely View All Trips To explore the culture Culturally, Cuba is a fascinating country. Avoid wearing luxury brands and expensive trinkets and accessories or youll attract thieves and scammers. 1. The city of Camagey is relatively safe, which can be attributed to the strong presence of the police. Want to travel around in Cuba? With several currencies, multiple street names, and cheap cigars, Cuba confuses even hardened travelers. If you disable this cookie, we will not be able to save your preferences. Before you travel to Cuba, you should exchange your dollars into British Pound Sterling or Euro because theyre the two most valuable currencies in Cuba. We also use cookies set by other sites to help us deliver content from their services. This is information only and not a recommendation to buy travel insurance. The currency and cash in Cuba are not like everywhere else. Yes, but make sure not to walk around alone, and dont invite strangers back to your place. Winter is here! For example, refrain from purchasing hand-made goods on the busy main avenues because their prices are mostly well above the standard cost. Some clubs and music venues remained closed, although the iconic Tropicana cabaret was back in business. Why You Need to Stop Wondering "Is Cuba Safe?" - ViaHero Havana is a safe city and mostly bereft of violent crime. Also, make sure to lock your luggage after packing all of your things so nothing gets stolen. meaning "whos last?" After all, Cuba is still a developing country so some risks are attached, especially if youre a tourist since tourists dont know much about the place and its cultures. They have wonderful delicacies and a unique taste so its worth trying. The US has taken several steps toward thawing US-Cuba relations after five years of tightened restrictions. As previously stated, the flight youll book to Cuba will only be allowed to land in Havana. Photo by Persnickety Prints from Unsplash. Even with the 780 ATMs in the country (mostly in major cities), American cards wont work. With Havana's crowded houses, narrow streets and penchant for loud live music, this can be one noisy city and the noise from the street and neighboring rooms and buildings can easily spill into the confines of your own room. As an affiliate, I receive a fee when you get a quote from World Nomads using this link. 10 Safest Cities in Cuba (2023 Updated) - Travel Safe The murder rate is far below the average of other Latin countries. Havana's tap water probably wont kill you, but it can easily give you a little queasiness or an upset stomach. Perhaps the best you might be able to do is search the web or send a couple of emails. 2023 Copyright by Travel Safe - Abroad. Due to its vast history, culture, and architecture, Havana attracts over a million tourists yearly. Regular Canadian passport. When they get called up, be on your toes youre next! False taxi drivers are operating, so if you need a taxi, always use a registered one. Some of the most visited landmarks are the Museum of the Revolutionand theCapitol Building, for those visitors interested in history, as well as Plaza de la Revolucin, a huge square with statue and monuments. If youre abroad and you need emergency help from the UK government, contact the nearest British embassy, consulate or high commission. Just calculate your budget per day beforehand and do your research, and you should be okay. While it may sound a bit tedious, its not that difficult a feat. Although Cuba is generally a safe country to visit, a trip to Cuba may expose you to "minor" crimes such as currency scams, pickpocketing, and theft. The low crime rate makes Las Tuna a very safe place for tourists. Is it necessary to apply for a visa before entering The Republic of Cuba? However, its still good to be prepared just in case something happens. There's a severe shortage of fuel, which is impacting transport and other government services. There is no reason to worry about your safety. Bring proof of insurance Despite Cuba's extensive state healthcare system, visitors are required to have medical insurance to enter Cuba, and you'll need to bring digital or printed proof of your policy. Visible policing makes Holguin the fourth safest city in Cuba. See Terrorism. You could face jail-time of 20+ years or worse if you get caught. Tourists should be aware of the constant increase of hi-tech items theft and not boast of the latest technology in public places. Even though police are everywhere, muggings and kidnappings happen in Havana. Of course, packing all the essentials is crucial to safety, but you also should be wary of banned items. Pickpocketers hang out around tourist destinations and it happens in crowded streets even during the daytime. There's no category for 'vacation', but visitors can often gain entry under the rather opaque support for the Cuban people category. On the island, electronic payments and transfers arent as widespread as one would like, and North American debit cards (for the moment) are restricted. News stories, speeches, letters and notices, Reports, analysis and official statistics, Data, Freedom of Information releases and corporate reports. Fruit carts, uneven paving stones, dog droppings and uncovered manholes are just some of the hazards that could ruin your idyllic evening stroll. While there are obstacles that you might encounter along the way, its definitely possible. For example, avoid booking your lodging at hotels that are banned by the U.S. State Department. The government of Cuba does not release official crime statistics. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. You should also be aware of threats to your health, like contaminated tap water, COVID-19, mosquito-borne diseases, and terrible road conditions if you are driving. Get to know Havana by diving into its neighborhoods. Dont include personal or financial information like your National Insurance number or credit card details. So just stick to bottled water when youre there and youll be safe. Whats next? Is Cuba Safe? Cuba Travelers Safety Guide [2023] - Layer Culture The city is prone to earthquakes, which might lead to tsunami waves. I think the only restrictions is you need a vaccine. This is due to theGuantnamo Bay detention camp being located in Guantnamo, a United States military prison. You should always exchange your money at reputable places like CADECAs in airports, hotels, and banks. Guides can be hit or miss, and those who over-enthusiastically try to talk you into using their services often fall into the latter camp. During my time in Cuba which included stays in the cities of Matanzas and Havana no health pass or proof of vaccination was required to enter bars, restaurants or public buildings. And lastly, you can choose to visit the Cuban Embassy in your country to purchase the card. These areas are also well connected to the other neighborhoods in the capital city - so getting around is pretty straightforward. However, with an almost 90% vaccination rate on the island, the Cuban Government recently eased COVID-19 travel restrictions.. No PCR Test or Proof of COVID-19 Vaccination Required. Strictly Necessary Cookie should be enabled at all times so that we can save your preferences for cookie settings. Before you travel, check with your transportation company about passport requirements. Cuba is a warm weathered place but to avoid the hurricane, dry and sunny climate - December to May is an ideal time to visit Cuba.
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