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Travelling to Cuba – Tips, Tricks & Must-Knows?

  • 11-07-2025 07:25PM
    #1
    gornikd
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4 ✭


    Hey folks,
    I’m flying to Cuba soon and would really appreciate any tips, hacks, or suggestions from those who’ve been there.

    Things I’d love to know more about:

    • What should I pack that’s hard to find there?
    • How’s the mobile internet situation? Any SIM card advice?
    • What’s the best way to deal with money (cash, cards, currency exchange)?
    • Local customs or things to avoid doing?
    • Any lifehacks for dealing with the heat, transport, or finding good food?

    Feel free to share anything you wish you knew before your first visit. Thanks in advance!



Comments

  • #2
    tea and coffee
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,884 ✭✭✭tea and coffee


    You won't be able to go to the US without a visa in the future, if you go to Cuba.

    There is local currency and regular currency. If you can get your hands on local currency things will be less expensive than the tourist prices.

    If you like chocolate, bring it. There was one chocolate shop in Havana and there was queues outside. It tasted like heaven to me... but when I brought it home I realised it was vile stuff... it was just not having had any in ages. Other than that I didn't see any chocolate at all.



  • #3
    sheepondrugs
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 91 ✭✭sheepondrugs


    sort of random-I forgot my sunglasses when i was in Cuba about five years ago. Could not find anyone selling a cheapo pair anywhere. Eventually found the crappiest looking pair ever in a chemist.

    I smoked at the time and had many Cubans asking if they could keep my lighter as apparently they are hard to come across there!

    4G/5G was non existent at the time and could only get WIFI in certain hotels.

    It can get seriously hot in Cuba prepare for it.



  • #4
    emeraldripple
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1 ✭emeraldripple


    Hey man, I was there two weeks ago. It was super hot. The taxi was old and the A/C barely worked. I could only find water — and not even cold — in the second store I tried in Havana. Definitely bring a travel mug with you. It’s perfect for the beach too — great for cocktails 😄.

    As for money, USD is your best bet. Locals often try to set prices in euros and U.S. dollars at a 1:1 rate 😄.

    Which part of Cuba are you going to?



  • #5
    sully123
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,117 ✭✭✭sully123


    https://www.facebook.com/groups/256273008390080/?ref=share

    Check out this group if you are on fb.

    Is defo a trip you need to do research for. Bring all the money you will need in cash. I brought a mix of usd and eur. Be prepared for rolling blackouts everywhere out side of Havana. Best bet for a sim is to pick one up at the airport. Well you be using air bnb?



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