CUBA PRACTICALITIES

Cuba is the largest Caribbean island, 1250 kms long and 191kms at its widest point.

Area: 110,861 sq. km (42,803 sq. miles)

Population: (1993) 10,901,000

Population density: 98.3 per sq. km

Capital: Havana

Passport/Visa requirements 

Passport valid for six months beyond intended stay. Return ticket required. All nationals, including British nationals, require at least a tourist card, which allows a stay of up to 4 weeks (easily extendible for another 4 weeks for CUC25). Trips will automatically issue you with a tourist card. Visas are required for longer stays and cost CUC25. Non-British passport holders should contact the Trips office for information. 

Geography 

Lying just 145 kms from Florida at the mouth of the Gulf of Mexico, Cuba is quite mountainous and almost as big as all the other Caribbean islands combined. It has over 4000 small islets and coral cays off its coastline. Over 25% of the area is taken up by pine and mahogany covered mountains with the rest being fertile plains, ideal for growing sugar cane. The highest mountain is in the Sierra Maestra (Pico Turquino 1974m). There are no large lakes and rivers though there are large reservoirs built for irrigation.

Climate 

Cubans consider April and October the most pleasant months. We prefer November-April, when the day temperatures are in the 70s-80s F/23-32 C, with nights in the 60s-70s F/15-27 C. Trade winds keep things tolerable when the heat and humidity rise, and it's usually warm and sunny. Nortes -- cold rainstorms -- can occur in the winter and early spring, however, especially on the north coast. The wettest months are May and June, and it tends to be somewhat cloudy through October. Brief heavy thundershowers are possible then and, occasionally, hurricanes can strike -- September-October is the peak of the hurricane season. August can be stiflingly hot, with no wind and little rain.

Language 

Spanish is the official language.  We would urge you to learn a few words of Spanish before you go.  Little English is spoken outside of hotels and menus will not be translated.  Locals are usually friendly and helpful and your experience of this will be enhanced if you can communicate in Spanish.

Money

Two currencies circulate in Cuba. The old Cuban Peso (or moneda nacional—MN) and the new Convertible Cuban Peso (CUC). Up until November 2004 the US dollar was also legal tender in Cuba and was accepted everywhere for all transactions.  However, the US$ is no longer accepted as legal tender in Cuba and it has beenConvertible Peso.  The exchange rate varies but recently has been fluctuating between £1 = CUC1.75 and £1 = CUC1.8.

The Cuban Peso Convertible is not available outside Cuba and so you will be required to exchange foreign currency (cash or travellers cheques) for CUC on arrival.  (Additionally, a set charge of 10% will apply when exchanging $US to CUC.  This charge will not be applied to other foreign currencies such as Euros or Sterling).

Foreign currency and travellers cheques can be exchanged into Pesos at banks, bureaux de change and some hotels.  (Any remaining pesos should be changed back into foreign currency at the airport.)  Please note that, as has always been the case, travellers cheques and credit cards issued by American banks will not be accepted. By all means call us if you have any questions or if any of the above is unclear. 

Cash advances are available on VISA and MasterCard, but usually for a minimum of 100 Pesos Convertibles. Getting a refund for travellers cheques lost in Cuba is very difficult.

Commission on transactions is lower in the banks (2-3%) than in hotels (4%).

There are a few ATMs in Havana and other major towns and cities and the service is slowly improving. Credit and Debit cards (Visa / Mastercard) are being more generally accepted by hotels but it is always a good idea to carry a contingency supply of cash pesos and also to have a tipping fund of pesos in small denominations. 

Cuba is not as cheap for tourists as you might expect.  Generally meals and drinks will cost you two thirds of what they would in the UK.  

Religion

40% are Roman Catholic, 49% non-religious. 

Time 

GMT - 05:00 

Electricity 

110/220 volts AC, 60 HZ. American style two flat pin plugs. No adapters are available in Cuba. 

Brief History

When Christopher Columbus landed on Cuba in 1492, it was inhabited by friendly tribes related to the Arawak. Colonisation began in 1511, when the Spanish soldier Diego Velázquez established the town of Baracoa. He later founded several other settlements, including Santiago de Cuba and Havana. As a result of savage treatment and exploitation, the aborigines became nearly extinct by the middle of the 16th century, forcing the colonists to depend on imported black slaves for the operation of the mines and plantations. The English captured and briefly occupied Havana in 1763 but relinquished control back to the Spanish in return for rights over Florida. 

Strong independence movements grew in the early nineteenth century. In 1844 an uprising of black slaves was brutally suppressed. A movement during the years 1848 to 1851 for annexation of the island to the United States ended with the capture and execution of its leader, Narciso López. In 1868 revolutionaries under the leadership of Carlos Manuel de Céspedes proclaimed Cuban independence. The ensuing Ten Years' War, a costly struggle to both Spain and Cuba, was terminated in 1878 by a truce granting many important concessions to the Cubans. 

In 1895 the struggle for independence was resumed under the leadership of the writer José Martí and General Máximo Gómez. The US army intervened on behalf of the revolutionists in 1898, leading to military occupation that lasted until 1902, when the Cuban republic was formally instituted. The Cuban constitution incorporated the provisions of US legislation that established conditions for intervention in Cuba, a right they exercised repeatedly. 

Mounting economic difficulties, caused by complete US domination of Cuban finance, agriculture, and industry; as well as widespread government corruption, led to generalised popular unrest. On July 26, 1953, an uprising in the Oriente Province led by a young lawyer named Fidel Castro was violently crushed. Later that year president Batista granted amnesty to political prisoners, including Castro who chose exile in the US and later in Mexico. On December 2, 1956, Castro led an expeditionary force of some 80 insurgents. For the next 2 years Castro's guerrilla army opposed Batista's government, winning considerable popular support and making steady gains until, on the 1st January 1959, Batista fled the country. 

The Castro regime soon exhibited a leftist tendency that worried US interests in the island. When an estimated $1 billion in US-owned properties were expropriated in 1960, Washington responded by imposing a trade embargo. A complete break in diplomatic relations occurred in January 1961, and on April 17 of that year US supported and trained anti-Castro exiles landed an invasion force in the Bay of Pigs in southern Cuba, which was defeated in 72 hours by the Cuban army. Despite several efforts by Cuba in the United Nations to oust the US from its naval base at Guantánamo Bay, leased in 1903, the base continues to be occupied by Marines. 

American-Cuban relations grew still more perilous in the Autumn of 1962 during the Cuban Missile Crisis. For the rest of the 1960s US-Cuban relations remained hostile, while Cuba continued to depend heavily on economic aid from the Soviet Union and Soviet-bloc countries. In 1972 it signed several pacts with the USSR covering financial aid, trade, and deferment of Cuban debt payments, and also became a member of the Council for Mutual Economic Assistance (COMECON). Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev visited Havana in April 1989, when the USSR and Cuba signed a 25-year friendship treaty, but Castro explicitly rejected the applicability of Soviet-style political and economic reforms to his country. 

With the collapse of the USSR in the early 1990s, Soviet-bloc aid and trade subsidies to Cuba were ended. After the United States tightened its sanctions against trade with Cuba, the UN General Assembly in November 1992 approved a resolution calling for an end to the US embargo. Cuba's economic situation continued to worsen in the next few years. As the effects of this poor yield filtered down through the population, greater numbers of Cubans attempted to flee the country for economic reasons. 

In February 1996, Cuban jet fighters shot down two civilian planes under the claim that they had violated Cuban airspace. The planes belonged to Brothers to the Rescue; a US-based group headed by Cuban exiles dedicated to helping Cuban refugees. The United States condemned the shootings as a flagrant violation of international law; the U N also criticised the downing of the planes. Cuba said that planes from the same group had previously flown into Cuban airspace and dropped antigovernment leaflets, but Cuba's repeated diplomatic complaints to the United States about the incidents had gone unheeded. 

As a result of this incident, U.S. President Bill Clinton abandoned his previous resistance to stricter sanctions against Cuba and in March 1996 signed into law the Helms-Burton Act. The legislation aimed to tighten the US embargo by making it more difficult for foreign investors and businesses to operate in Cuba. It made permanent the economic embargo, which previously had to be renewed each year, and threatened foreign companies with lawsuits if they were deemed to be "deriving benefit" from property worth more than $50,000 that had been confiscated from US citizens during the Cuban revolution. Canada, Mexico, and the European Union complained about the US law, claiming that the United States was trying to export its laws and principles to other countries.

Natural History 

Cuba’s landscape has changed significantly over the last century, leaving few areas of pristine wilderness. Yet, over 6000 species of plants remain, over half of which are unique to the island. There are six national parks. Insects abound (over 10,000 species) and reptiles present include crocodiles, iguanas and salamanders. It also boasts the world’s smallest mammal, the almiqui (a shrew like insectivore), the smallest frog, the Cuban pygmy frog, and the smallest bird, the bee hummingbird. Bird-watching is rewarding with over 165 species of bird recorded. Turtles, manatees and the large Cuban land crab can be found in the swamps and along the coast.

Special Events 

The following events are some of the highlights of the Cuban calendar.  Please check with Trips staff if these event are taking place over your visit:  

Feb  Havana International Jazz Festival   (alternate years)

April  Culture Week, Baracoa (first week)

May  International Guitar Festival, Havana   (alternate years)

June  Fiestas Sanjuaneras, Trinidad

Jun/Jul  Festival of Caribbean Culture + Festival   of Fire, Santiago de Cuba

Jul  Cucalambe Folklore Festival, Las Tunas

Aug  Bolero de Oro, Santiago de Cuba 

Music 

Music remains incredibly vibrant on the island, with its sensuous Spanish guitar melodies bound together with forceful African rhythms. There are four basic elements that inspire all the other music; rumba, son, trova and danzon. Son was the source for the increasingly popular rhythms of salsa. Cuba’s most famous song is “Guantanamera”. In Havana, a weekly guide is produced (La Habana) listing concerts and other art events. 

Getting Around 

Taxis: Perfect for short trips and useful, even for long trips, especially for groups, Cuba’s taxis do not conform to one standard. Tourist taxis insist on payment in Convertible Pesos, while the old American car taxis are used by locals but will take travellers too. They will charge foreigners more than locals.  Beware that for some taxis, especially bicycle taxis in Havana, it is illegal to take foreigners and you may be putting them at risk of a large fine by accepting their offers of a ride.

 

Driving: Can be a great way to get around as there is little traffic on the excellent road network. Beware of road surfaces deteriorating without warning. Liberal use of the horn to warn other motorists of your presence is recommended and try to

avoid driving at night when the roads become a gauntlet of barely visible people and animals. Don’t flash your lights as this is the sign of an emergency vehicle. We will provide a comprehensive set of driving tips to all of our clients on one of our fly-drives. 

Car Hire: There are no international car hire companies, only Cuban run enterprises. Car hire is a must for any trip to Cuba if you want to get off the beaten path.  It’s a myth that there is a petrol shortage for tourists (only for the unfortunate locals).  The rental cars are MODERN, Japenese or European models Overall, roads are good for Latin America, but poor if compared to Europe.  Hotels are generally well sign-posted on the main roads, but other road signs are scarce so finding your way can be problematic! You will be provided with a detailed road map on booking with Trips, and possibly when collecting your car in Cuba, although this depends on local supplies. usually in reasonable condition. 

Health 

Cuba is malaria-free but you will need to check with your GP that your general vaccinations are up to date- e.g. tetanus, polio, hepatitis.  On the whole hygiene standards are pretty good.  Tap water is generally safe to drink although we suggest playing it safe and sticking with bottled water. The medical facilities are likely to be better than the NHS, should you have an emergency!

Medical Emergencies 

Cuba has excellent public medical facilities and first visits to either the hospitals or a doctor are free of charge. Even for more serious treatment, the hospitals rival those in North America and are significantly cheaper. Emergency departments are open 24 hours a day. Special international clinics offer prompt service for foreigners but charge 20-25 Convertible Pesos for the first consultation. 

Hospital Nacional Hermanos Ameijeiras, San Lazaro 701, near Malecon in Central Havana (Tel: 70-7721), is a modern facility that can deal with most emergencies.

Essentials 

Shopping:  As you can imagine, there is little to buy in Cuba outside of the essentials and those things that are available are very expensive. However, there are some gifts and souvenirs worth purchasing. Cigars are popular, with a number of brands sold in attractive cedar boxes. Castro’s favourites, before he quit smoking, were Cohiba and Corona Montecristo. As with many Caribbean countries, avoid buying products made of coral or endangered plants and species. They will not be allowed through customs anyway. Cuban art is also popular, but do buy from a recognised gallery and make sure you get a receipt as it will need to be shown to export the artwork.  

Overbooking: This has occasionally been a problem within Cuba.  It is possible to book a room 5 months in advance and turn up on the day only to be told it is full and that you are staying at an alternative.  There is little that can be done about this, so long as you are offered an alternative room they are in theory (their theory) fulfilling their contract and doing little wrong.  This is down to attitude and inexperience within tourism.  There is no point in getting violently angry and saying they could not get away with this back home as they will only matter of factly point out you are in Cuba.  This problem has improved in recent years, and is now only an occasional problem at peak times, such as Easter and Christmas. 

Police: Policia Nacional Revolucionaria, Calle Picota, between Leonor Perez and San Isidro, near the central station. Emergency telephone number for the police in Cuba is 116. 

British Embassy: Calle 34, Av 7, 708 Miramar Havana Tel: 33-1771 (weekdays 8.30am - noon) 

Airport Tax: There is a departure tax of CUC 25 payable at the airport. 

Safety:  Cuba has a reputation for being one of the safest countries in Latin America with violent crime against foreigners almost unknown. However, bear in mind the economic situation and don’t leave desirable items (even things like shoes and towels while swimming at the beach) as petty theft does happen. You will get hustled for goods (too many ill-informed tourists have taken handout products in the past) and money, but though they can be persistent it will probably never go beyond that. We advise that you leave any valuables in hotel safes (please note that some may charge for the service). It is always a good idea to keep a photocopy of your passport on you at all times. We have had instances when clients have had items go missing when giving lifts to hitch-hikers.  We therefore recommend that you exercise common sense if you decide to pick people up. Never leave any valuables within reach of your passengers and try to only pick people up from official hitchhiking points located at the exit of all towns and cities. 

Communications 

Mail from Cuba is not particularly good; some would deem it appalling!  Airmail letters to Europe can take up to a month, mainly due to the absence of USA connecting flights.  DHL have a courier service that is the quickest, but most expensive way to get important mail out.  Havana has three main post offices, one at the rail station on Avenida de Belgica and Arsenal in the old town, at Calle 23 and C in Vedado and in the Ministry of Communications building on Av de la Independencia near the bus station. DHL is Calle 23 #64 at P in Vedado (in the Aerocaribbean office) Tel: 33 - 4543. 

Public phones in Cuba are getting better and increasing in number, but they are not always in working order. Its best to go to the telephone centre in all the major towns or the post office where someone dials through for you. Calls are expensive to Europe, CUC 5.50 a minute, and subject to a 6 minute minimum. In Havana go to the Ministry of Communications, details above.  Please note that lines to and from Cuba are often all engaged and several attempts may be necessary to get through successfully. 

Useful numbers 

From Cuba to the UK: 119 44 + UK area code less the 0 + number

To Cuba from abroad: international code is 53

Operator: 110

Directory Enquiries: 113

Police: 116

Ambulance: 118

Fax machines are available at international post offices and major hotels.

Email

A number of hotels now have internet access.  For $6 you can buy a card which gives you a username and password which entitles you to an hour online (in as many separate sessions as you like).  In Havana the card is transferable between machines in different hotels. 

Media 

The only daily newspaper is Granma and it sells out quickly. Paper shortages have forced other papers to publish weekly. Granma Internacional is a weekly round up of Cuban press that is available in English. Prisma is a monthly tourist magazine published in English and Spanish. BBC World Service is on Mhz 17.84, 15.22, 6.195 and 5.975. There are three TV channels, Tele Rebelde (news and sport), CubaVision (soaps, movies and documentaries) and Canal Educativo (open university, news, opinion programmes). Many hotels have a tourist channel, Canal del Sol.

Food and Drink 

Things are slowly improving and Cuba need not be a complete culinary desert.  However it helps to be prepared for the worst, and then you might be pleasantly surprised.  Most common foods are pork, chicken, beef, rice and beans but it is rarely prepared in a mouth-watering way. Fish is surprisingly rare. It is a little frustrating, that is hard to find local fruit and veg on the menu, and often tinned ham and imported cheese feature in various guises, with pasta and rice.  It is worth taking a pocket knife and some handy wipes, so you can indulge in the great and very cheap fruit from the markets, such as papayas, pineapples etc.   In the last few years local restaurants called ‘paladares’  have been licensed to serve food, and you can get some basic home cooking, often in interesting surroundings (back yards, front rooms etc.) Some paladares offer prawns and even lobster, so it is worth seeking them out. 

Rum (ron) and Cuba are inseparable. Cuba libre (rum, lime and coke), daiquiri (rum, sugar, lemon juice and masachino), mojito (rum, lemon, soda and mint leaf), the Mary Pickford (rum, pineapple juice and grenadine) and Isla de Pinos (rum and grapefruit juice) will ease your way through many of your evenings. A real highlight...if you like rum! Some of the local wine is quite drinkable, (Soroa). 

What to take 

In terms of clothing, take whatever feels comfortable, as dress code is very casual unless you are staying in the top hotels in Havana.  Bermuda shorts and light shirts or T shirts are fine for most things, with long trousers to wear in the evenings, to keep the mosquitoes out.  It is worth having a light sweater or jacket, as there are sometimes cool rainy spells, and light waterproofs or an umbrella for the sudden tropical downpours.  Remember you can’t buy many everyday things easily, so come well stocked with film, sun lotion, sunglasses, tissues, insect repellent, batteries, reading books, and a torch is useful for when the lights go out.  Wet wipes are great for freshening up after a sticky car journey, and for picnics.  Plenty of small peso bills are essential for tipping.  Soft luggage is much easier to stow in the hire car than rigid cases, and a padlock through the zip tabs helps to avoid tampering at the airport.  Don’t forget your driving licence and a guide book.