20 Essential Cuba Travel Tips You Need to Know Before You Go

Before I went to Cuba, most of what I knew about it was revolved around resorts, rum, vintage cars, and beach vacations. Three weeks of traveling independently across the island quickly showed me how incomplete that picture is.

From navigating long-distance buses and shared taxis to staying in family-run casas particulares, I learned that there is so much more to Cuba than the stereotypical images many of us associate with it.

While Cuba is especially popular with Canadians as a resort destination, it’s also an amazing country to travel on your own. Traveling through cities, small towns, and rural regions gave me a clearer understanding of daily Cuban life, including the realities of limited internet, currency confusion, and infrastructure challenges, as well as the Cuban culture.

Whether you’re considering a trip to Cuba or already have flights booked, these essential Cuba travel tips are based on real, on-the-ground experience and will help you plan a smoother, more informed trip beyond the resort bubble.

Travel Advisory Update – Feb 2026 (Please Read Before Planning Your Trip)

Cuba is currently facing significant economic challenges, including shortages of food, fuel, medicine, and basic supplies, as well as recurring power outages. Several governments, including Canada and the United States, have travel advisories in place, and services visitors may rely on (ATMs, Wi-Fi, transportation, electricity) can be inconsistent. If you are planning a trip, please check the most recent government advisories, confirm your travel insurance coverage, and prepare for limited infrastructure. Conditions on the ground can change quickly.

20 Must-Know Tips for Cuba Travel

1. Check Visa Requirements Ahead of Your Trip

Visa requirements for entering Cuba vary depending on your nationality, which is why this is one of the most essential tips for visiting Cuba. 

For example, Canadians just need a tourist card, which is typically provided by tour operators or airlines. For Americans, travel to Cuba is more complicated. 

Americans are subject to certain restrictions, including that travel to Cuba for tourism is banned. Americans going to Cuba have to be traveling there for one of 12 reasons. 

Other nationalities need to apply for a visa to enter Cuba. You can apply through the Cuban embassy, through your airline, or through assistance websites. The best resource for more visa requirement details is your airline or your local government website.

2. What Season to Visit Cuba

The best time to visit Cuba is during the dry season, from December to May. During these months Cuba has dry, sunny days, and blue skies.

The wet season, known as the off-season for tourism, is becoming more popular for tourists traveling to Cuba because there are less crowds, and prices tend to be a bit lower.

Cuba’s wet season begins in June. It used to be that most people wouldn’t travel to Cuba during the wet months because of the risk of hurricanes, but more and more travelers are recognizing that off-season or shoulder season travel comes with benefits.

 3. Understand the Embargos on Cuba

The embargo on Cuba is important to understand when traveling Cuba, because it impacts the local way of life, and can have a small impact on your travels, too. 

For over 50 years, an embargo has meant that trade between the US and Cuba does not happen, leaving Cuba without access to many resources and products – Like fuel, cars, and even basic things like toothpaste. This is the most enduring trade embargo in modern history.

So how did this happen? Let’s break it down in a very basic history lesson.

For hundreds of years, Cuba was colonized by the Spanish. During this time, Cuba’s Indigenous people, the Taino were almost entirely wiped out, and slaves were kidnapped from Africa, and brought to Cuba by the Spanish, to work on Cuba’s sugarcane farms. 

This is why today, somewhere between 30-60 percent of Cubans identify as Afro-Cuban. It wasn’t until the very end of the 19th century that through a series of rebellions, the Spanish were pushed out. For a couple years, there was US military rule, until finally in 1902 Cuba gained its independence.

Although Cuba was officially independent, the US bought up much of the island, and eventually backed a Cuban leader named Fulgencio Batista. Batista was aligned with wealthy plantation owners, and over time, a huge wealth gap emerged in Cuba.

Cubans began to feel that Batista was exploiting the country, because he was not a leader – he was a dictator. In the 1950s, Batista was known for jailing his opponents, exercising control through terrorist methods, and making a fortune for himself and his associates.

This is where Fidel Castro and Che Guevara come in. These two friends felt that Cuba needed to be returned, again, to Cubans. They believed in socialist approaches to government that ensured things like universal healthcare for everyone, education as a fundamental right, and reducing the wealth gap through social programs.

On January 1, 1959, Cuba’s dictatorship government was overthrown by the revolution’s leader, Fidel Castro. Following this, Castro went on to rule Cuba from 1959 to 2008, and during this time he built the socialist economy and society that he’d dreamed of. 

This is why most Cubans have a very high level of education, and healthcare is completely free across the country.

The thing is, the US had backed Batista, so when he was overthrown, this caused tension between Cuba and America. I’m explaining this in very simple terms, because there were alot of other political things happening at the same time which contributed to the tension – the Cold War, for example.

But here’s the bottom line. In the 1960s, the US progressively imposed a trade embargo on Cuba because of the Castro regime’s ties to the Soviet Union. 

The embargo eventually stopped all exports to Cuba except for food and medicine. And that embargo has continued until today.

This is why Cuba is so often described as being “lost in time.” Without many imported goods, Cuba hasn’t had the resources to stay updated in the way that North America and other regions have. 

Cars in Cuba are mostly from the 1950s, buildings are weathered, televisions are old, and furniture is often made of repurposed materials.

4. Pack All the Essentials for Cuba 

The embargos on Cuba mean that it can sometimes be hard to find things you need, like over the counter medications and toiletries. 

Given this, you’ll want to pack everything that you could possibly need, from medications to toothpaste. 

Toilet paper in Cuba also occasionally sees shortages. Resorts aren’t usually impacted by this, but if you’re traveling independently around Cuba, it’s a good idea to bring a travel-size pack of toilet tissues. 

The clothing you pack will depend on what time of year you go. For the most part, the weather in Cuba is hot, so you’ll want to pack lightweight clothing like t-shirts and shorts. Cold periods and rain do occasionally happen, so I recommend bringing a pair of lightweight pants, a light sweater, and a light rain jacket as well. 

Cuba has 110 volt outlets, so Americans and Canadians don’t need a power adapter. If you’re visiting from Europe, you’ll need to bring a power adaptor for Cuba. 

Finally, I recommend bringing a filtering water bottle with you to Cuba. With a filtration bottle you can take water from anywhere – taps, rivers, even puddles – and filter it to be safe drinking water. 

Finding bottled water can sometimes be challenging in Cuba. Having a filtering water bottle ensures you’re always able to drink from the tap, and it’s more a great sustainable tourism practice because it saves on plastic.

There are tons of options to choose from, Lifestraw is a popular one, especially for hiking and camping. After comparing options, I opted for Grayl. 

5. Stay With Local Cubans in Casas Particulares

Casas particulares are a form of accommodation in Cuba, that are essentially homestays. You get to stay in a local’s house, and they’ll typically offer home-cooked meals for a small fee.

Cuban home owners sign up to have the right to rent out a room in their home, so casas particulares are common and completely legal. 

Staying in a casa particular gives you a unique opportunity to observe Cuban life, and interact with locals. Families are usually very welcoming and always willing to arrange travel and activities.

While traveling around Cuba, I loved staying with different families in different casas particulares. It was lovely to have so many chances to connect with local folks, as well as directly support them with tourist dollars.

Book your initial casa particular online (nowadays you can do so through Airbnb). You can find your subsequent casas through that first one! You will get better rates this way. 

Just tell the owners of the casa particular you are in where you’re headed next. They will call ahead and then give you the address of your next casa particular.

6. Understand Cuba’s Currency System

Cuba no longer operates under a dual-currency system, but money can still be confusing for first-time visitors. Today, the Cuban Peso (CUP) is the country’s official currency and the one you’ll use most often while traveling.

CUP is used by both locals and visitors and comes in bills ranging from small denominations up to 1,000 CUP. It’s a good idea to carry smaller bills whenever possible, as they’re much easier to use for meals, bus fares, taxis, and small shops.

You may still hear references to MLC (Moneda Libremente Convertible), but it’s no longer a parallel cash currency. MLC now mainly refers to prepaid or bank-linked cards used by residents for certain state-run stores. While tourists can technically access MLC cards, most travelers won’t need one and can comfortably get by without engaging with this system at all.

As a visitor, CUP will cover nearly all of your day-to-day expenses while traveling independently in Cuba. In a few situations (such as at large hotels, resorts, or car rental offices) you may be asked to pay by credit card or with foreign cash instead. For everything else, carrying Cuban pesos is the simplest and most practical option.

It’s also worth noting that USD is generally accepted in Cuba. Just know that the exchange rate won’t be in your favour, and your change will come in Cuban pesos.

7. Don’t Rely on Credit Cards, Carry Cuban Pesos

It’s best to pay with cash in Cuba, because it’s accepted absolutely everywhere. Your other option is to pay by credit card. 

Most credit cards are accepted around the country, but some US card issuers are blocked. Your best bet is to call your card issuer to check whether or not it can be used in Cuba. Also note that using your credit card in Cuba might result in commission fees.  

Right now there is an inflation crisis in Cuba, and so you’ll need to carry a lot of cash with you to minimize how often you need to wait in line to use the bank or ATM. 

8. Learn Basic Spanish Before Arriving in Cuba

Most Cubans only know Spanish. In larger cities and tourist areas, you’ll find English is more commonly spoken. 

Although you can definitely get by without knowledge of Spanish while traveling Cuba, speaking some basic Spanish is super helpful. 

Knowing basic words and phrases will make the logistics of your trip, like booking transfers and ordering in restaurants simpler. And, you’ll find it easier for you to connect and engage with local folks. 

9. Be Prepared to Unplug While Traveling Cuba

Internet access in Cuba is limited and inconsistent, and so it’s still something you need to plan around as a visitor. The country’s telecommunications infrastructure is state-run, and ETECSA (Empresa de Telecomunicaciones de Cuba) is the primary provider of mobile data and public Wi-Fi.

While internet access has improved in recent years (especially in larger cities and tourist accommodations) it’s not something you can rely on being fast, affordable, or always available. Connections can be slow, outages are common, and access often requires advance setup or purchasing data through official channels.

Because of this, many travelers choose to treat a trip to Cuba as a chance to stay offline more than usual. You can absolutely get connected if you need to, but it takes intention and patience. Below, I’ll walk through the most realistic ways to access Wi-Fi and mobile data while traveling in Cuba today.

10. How to Access WiFi or Mobile Data While in Cuba

There are a few realistic ways to get online while traveling in Cuba, but none are as seamless as what you might be used to elsewhere. Here are the most common options.

Buy internet access through ETECSA (NAUTA accounts or mobile data): ETECSA is Cuba’s state-run telecom provider, and it still controls most internet access. Instead of physical scratch cards being widely available everywhere, many travelers now access the internet by purchasing mobile data packages or NAUTA account time through ETECSA offices, hotels, or official vendors.

Use a Public Wi-Fi hotspot: These still exist, often in central parks or public squares, and they’re easy to spot because you’ll see people gathered on their phones. To connect, you’ll need login credentials linked to a NAUTA account or mobile data. Be prepared to show your passport when purchasing access, and expect lines.

Use Wi-Fi at hotels or tourist accommodations: Many hotels and higher-end accommodations offer Wi-Fi access for guests, either included in the room rate or available for purchase. Speeds vary widely, and connections can be unreliable, but this is often the easiest option if you need occasional access.

Some hotels no longer rely on traditional NAUTA cards and instead provide login details directly, so it’s worth checking what’s offered before booking if internet access is important to you.

Use international roaming or a travel SIM: Some international carriers offer roaming coverage in Cuba, but this is usually the most expensive option. Coverage can also be spotty outside major cities. If you go this route, make sure roaming is activated before you arrive.

There are also third-party travel SIM options marketed for Cuba, but availability and reliability can vary. This option works best for travelers who need constant connectivity and are comfortable paying a premium.

Overall, internet access in Cuba requires flexibility. You can get online when needed, but it’s best to plan ahead, download maps and information offline, and expect to spend more time disconnected than you might elsewhere.

11. Bring a Guidebook For Traveling Cuba

Since wifi in Cuba is limited, it’s a good idea to bring a guidebook with you! This is one of the most essential tips for Cuba travel because you’ll need information as you travel, even if you’ve researched in advance. 

Without the worldwide web, a guidebook will be your means of researching where to go and what to do as you travel around Cuba. Most guidebooks also include basic translation guides, which is nice to have if your Spanish isn’t great.

I used the Lonely Planet Cuba guidebook, and it was perfect. It helped me sort out daily activities, sites to visit, and restaurants to dine out. 

12. Know the Bus Routes in Cuba

One of the most budget friendly options for getting around Cuba is by bus. Just note that booking buses must be done well in advance, and beware that the trips will be long because the buses make frequent stops.

Cuba’s bus service is called Viazul. You can visit the website for the Viazul Cuba Bus network to see all their Cuba bus routes. You’ll want to write down all the bus routes you plan to take since wifi won’t be reliable throughout your trip.

Viazul bus tickets have to be purchased in person. It’s important to book your tickets a couple days in advance because they sell out quickly. I ran into this issue all the time while traveling Cuba, which is why I mostly opted for shared taxis.

13. Use Shared Taxis (Colectivos) to Get Around Cuba

Another way to get around Cuba is by colectivo. Knowing about colectivos is key for traveling around Cuba because most tourists will rely on one at some point in their trip. 

These car-shares can be booked on the street, or by your casa particular. Always be sure to negotiate the price, as it will start high. Just  remember that the cheapest price isn’t always the fair price.

Because colectivos are a shared taxi, you can expect your car to fill up with locals or other tourists. 

Colectivos are usually fast (highways in Cuba aren’t very busy!) and will pick you up from the casa you are staying in, and drop you at your next casa or hotel.

The best part is, colectivos are typically the old, classic cars that have become so iconic to Cuba – this is part of why I think shared taxis are the best way to travel around Cuba! 

While they aren’t especially comfortable for long trips, you’ll definitely feel cool traveling around Cuba in one of these.

14. Explore Beyond Havana and Resort Towns in Cuba

As with most destinations, there are a couple tourist hot spots within Cuba, like Varadero and Havana. 

There’s nothing wrong with visiting Cuba’s popular spots. They became popular for a reason! But, I recommend taking the time to explore beyond the hot spots so that you can broaden your perspective as a visitor. 

Since the hot spots are so geared toward the tourist experience, sometimes it’s difficult in those regions to observe local life and engage with local people. 

Consider visiting the small town of Vinales, which is surrounded by tobacco fields and steep-sided limestone hills known as mogotes. 

Head to Trinidad, the colonial-era town in central Cuba which was at one time the hub of Cuba’s sugarcane industry. Or, visit Cuba’s second-largest city, Santiago de Cuba. 

15. Enjoy Authentic Cuban Food

Canadians tend to say that food in Cuba isn’t especially good. That’s likely because the food at resorts caters to foreigners. 

Despite this, while traveling around Cuba I found I was impressed by my meals on the regular! It’s possible to dine in privately run restaurants, called paladares. Or, you can pay to enjoy a home-cooked meal in your casa particular.

Much of what is eaten in Cuba is made of local produce. The Cuban core diet consists of rice, chicken, beans, fruit and sandwiches.

Cuba is known for its sandwiches, and for good reason. You will find sandwiches available a plenty: from street vendors, in restaurants, and in your casas. 

The classic Cuban sandwich is sometimes called a mixto, and will contain sliced roast pork, thinly sliced ham, Swiss cheese, dill pickles, and yellow mustard sandwiched in Cuban bread. While the sandwiches are great, Cuban breakfast was my favourite part of the day.

Cuban breakfast is usually light, and homemade by your casa family. Eggs, bread, coffee and an abundance of fruit, from coconuts to papayas, is typically on the breakfast menu. The families will typically charge extra for their Cuban breakfast. It is worth it.

Dinner in Cuba is typically a rice and meat dish, often chicken. Some casas also offered homemade dinners, which almost always were far better than meals had in restaurants.  

No matter what, you will love eating in Cuba, especially when you venture off resort. Off resort is where you will enjoy authentic, fresh Cuban dishes.

16. Go to See a Film in a Cuban Cinema

Cuba has a long history of filmmaking. Cinema originally arrived in Cuba at the start of the 20th century. 

Before the Cuban Revolution, about 80 full-length films, mostly melodramas, were locally made. After the revolution, Cuba entered its “Golden age” of cinema.

The Cuban Film Institute (Instituto Cubano del Arte e Industria Cinematográficos, or ICAIC) was formed on March 24, 1959, as one of  many new institutes that were designed to take back control of all Cuban life. 

The hope was that Cuban cinema would be one way to decolonise the island from its long history of Spanish and US dominance.

17. Be Prepared For Power Outages

The power in Cuba periodically goes out because of infrastructure challenges across the country. Since power blackouts are completely unpredictable, your best bet is to have a portable charger charged up at all times. 

With a portable charger, if the electricity goes out, you can still charge your phone, laptop, or camera. Just be sure to bring a portable charger that suits how many devices you need to keep charged. I recommend being prepared for 24 hours of blackouts at a time. 

18. Be Respectful When Taking Photos

Being intentional and respectful when taking photos is an important part of traveling responsibly. In Cuba (as with anywhere) people are not backdrops, and everyday life isn’t something that exists for visitors to document without consent. If you want to photograph someone, the respectful approach is always to ask first.

This matters even more if you plan to share the image publicly. Posting photos of people you’ve encountered in Cuba to social media, a blog, or any other platform turns a private moment into public content. That makes consent essential. Let the person know why you’d like to take the photo and where it might be shared.

If you’re creating responsible travel content, this step is non-negotiable. Responsible storytelling means being transparent, honoring people’s agency, and avoiding images that reduce communities to stereotypes or “poverty tourism.” A quick conversation and a clear yes go a long way toward building trust and respect.

In practical terms, this can be as simple as asking if it’s okay to take a photo and explaining whether it will be shared on Instagram, a travel blog, or kept for personal memories. Many people are happy to say yes, and some will say no. Both responses should be respected without pressure.

19. Embrace Slow Travel in Cuba

Backpacking Cuba, you will notice that Cubans enjoy a relaxed pace of life. Things will be slow. Expect meals to take time, and lines for banks to be long. People don’t tend to be in a rush and no one will assume you are, either.

Afternoon siestas are cherished and so expect to have quiet afternoons. Most shops and restaurants will be shut for the midday hours, and you’ll notice the streets are a bit quieter as people take some time to rest.

In the few weeks that I spent traveling around Cuba, I really appreciated this more relaxed approach to life (compared to my life at home). I found myself learning to forget about time. To sit as long as I like on a bench, to sleep in in the mornings, and savor my meals.

Of course, this is my perspective as a traveler. I’m sure that everyday life for Cubans is much busier than my experience was as a visitor. But as a traveler, this slower pace compared to my home city, Toronto, reflected a lesson I think we all can take away about travel.

For many, travel is fast. There are 2 week trips to Europe that have 5 cities on the itinerary. There are days packed with 12 hour long tours. While it is fun to fit a lot into a day of travel, there’s a lot to be said for traveling slowly.

20. Travel Responsibly in Cuba

Visit this island nation with a responsible tourism mindset. 

Responsible travel is all about traveling in a way that supports the communities you’re visiting. Below are some tips for how to travel responsibly while exploring Cuba. 

Learn about Cuba

Take some time to learn while visiting Cuba! There are tons of great museums that will give you insight into Cuba’s history, culture, traditions and more. Making your travels in Cuba educational will definitely enrich your experience! 

Visit Cuba in the low or off-season

As with many destinations, Cuba has experienced a surge in tourism in recent years which has led to some potentially harmful impacts, like overtourism. One way to help reduce your impact while traveling Cuba is to visit in the off or shoulder season. This season runs from April to October, and during those months there are generally fewer tourists around. 

Spend more time in Cuba

The more time you can spend in Cuba, the better! Traveling slow and spending as long as possible gives you more opportunities to learn, observe, and engage. And, it means you can spend more tourism dollars there, which supports the Cuban economy.

Important Things to Know Before You Go

Should You Travel to Cuba? 

Yes, you should absolutely visit Cuba. My 3 week Cuba itinerary included beautiful beaches, little towns, UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and of course, epic cities like Havana. 

But what stood out to me most was the experience of travel in Cuba. The influence of socialism very much characterizes life on the island, as well as travel there. Wifi is limited, and embargoes mean cars are a commodity. 

Unlike other places I’ve traveled, nowhere was packed with tourists, and I found myself having lots of opportunities to chat with local Cubans. I learned first-hand about life on the island.

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