10.) Do I have to know Spanish? Yo no speak-o Spanish-o.
* You're in luck! While it would be very helpful to have fluency in Spanish for your trip, you do not absolutely have to know Espanol. I have several non-Spanish-speaking friends who went and were able to get around without a hassle, as many Cubans speak some English (kudos to them, by the way!). You'll definitely be fine if you remain in Havana; venture out to Varadero, Trinidad, Vinales, or the other cities and you may have to use some sort of translator. Since my Spanish isn't perfect, I had much success with and strongly recommend "Spanish Translator Offline," found in the Apple App Store. It's FREE (#FashionablyFrugal) and you can download it for use when you're without Internet access (Which is basically all of Cuba unless you buy a Wifi card. More on that in a moment). Android users, there are similar ones in the Play store but I can't offer a solid recommendation since I haven't used them myself.
9.) Can I call home?
* Of course you can, although some cell phone carriers don't provide roaming services in Cuba. If you have Sprint or Verizon, you should be fine as of July 2018. If you have AT&T, T-Mobile, or another service, you will probably need to buy a calling card from one of the little shops in Havana or at the airport after you land. The calling card vendors have signs in English in their windows and you won't have any trouble finding them. Before you fork over your funds, check the back of the card to make sure that the unique code hasn't already been exposed, scratched out, etc. Follow the directions on the back of the card to place your call, and if you run into trouble, don't worry! Best advice I can give to avoid any issues is to follow the instructions on the card as if you were a robot. I had to call the customer service line on my card because the instructions were a wee bit confusing, but our host was kind enough to allow us to use their phone since it was a free call on their end.
8.) But social media? Can I access my email and the Internet?
* Much like a calling card, you can purchase a Wifi card at similar vendors to the ones mentioned in #9 above. Michelle and I did not purchase any Wifi cards during our stay because we are 1.) introverted, 2.) lowkey antisocial, and 3.) wanting to be present and mindful to fully experience Cuba without being worried about posting pictures, checking the world news, and being tethered to our phones. Try it! It's a refreshing experience!
7.) When is the best time to visit?
* We visited in very early December when the weather was sunny, warm on most days without being suffocatingly hot, and when plane tickets were favorably priced (#BudgetTravel). You can visit during other times of the year, but I would not recommend June or early July due to hurricane concerns and heat.
6.) What's the food situation like?
* Vegetarians and vegans, listen up! There are options for you in Cuba. Meals will be starchy and heavily rice and beans-tastic. Cuban cuisine traditionally tends to include seafood and pork, so if fish, crustaceans, and little piggies aren't your thing, make sure to specify this when you place your order. On the plus side, the fruit is fresh and flavorful. There's plenty of it on the island for you to enjoy!
* Carnivores out there, be sure to try the jamon y queso con pan, which is a classic Cuban staple consisting of toasted Cuban bread with ham, cheese, and a special buttery egg sauce. I had like 5 of them because they're abundantly available and quite cost-effective and efficient as street fare.
5.) The plumbing...Is there plumbing?
* Yes, there is indoor plumbing. Yes, you can use toilet paper. Yes, you should take a roll or wad with you when you head out for the day because certain venues will attempt to charge you to use the toilet paper. NO, YOU CAN NOT FLUSH YOUR TOILET PAPER DOWN THE TOILET. Bring Ziploc bags and quickly dispose of the grossness in the lidded trashcan outside of your casa particular. For more info, see this post.
4.) Is Cuba safe? Where should I stay?
If you consider yourself aware of your surroundings and generally street-smart, then you will be fine. This goes as a general traveling rule. Whether you're in Times Square in the heart of NYC or on a small street in Havana, be vigilant. Keep your personal items close to you, put your shiny new jewelry and cell phone away, and walk confidently with your eyes up and focused on what's in front of you and around you. As with anywhere you go and anywhere that you're from, there are good and not-so-good people. Use discernment and trust your gut!
I strongly recommend that you stay in a casa particular, easily found on AirBNB. You can get a beautiful artsy apartment to yourself in central Havana for around 40USD per night, which is a steal! You'll also be supporting the Cuban people, which you'll learn more about in #1 below.
If you look more like Britney Spears than Beyonce on the complexion spectrum, you may feel more comfortable staying in central Havana instead of Vedado. Cuba has an array of cultures and complexions, but you might seem out of place as a peach-skinned visitor if you don't speak Spanish, look confused/scared, and make yourself an easy target. (Couldn't think of a more politically correct way to share this tip, but a couple of my White friends asked and I wanted to be candid with my advice!)
3.) Where should I buy rum and cigars?
Honestly, save yourself the time and hassle of trying to find the random shops that are suggested online and just go to the store at the Havana airport after you go through the security checkpoint. It will be on your right-hand side. Prices were fair and they had a variety of brands including luxury and hard-to-find items.
2.) Can I bring back my rum and cigars?
Yes, you can bring back your rum and cigars! No, customs won't take it from you (Use common sense and don't bring back an entire suitcase of liquor and tobacco products, though). If you're Team Checked Baggage, wrap your bottles carefully with clothing and store them in the very center of your baggage.
* If you're Team Carry-On like me, well...watch me in this video.
1.) Can I actually travel to Cuba as an American? I thought it was *whispers* illegal?
Although travel restrictions to Cuba somewhat tightened for Americans in the fall of 2017, you still have a couple of options for travel to Cuba from the U.S.A. You can plan your visit with a tour company or travel agency; you will receive a set itinerary and remain with the group as your travel reason will be "people-to-people education." Think learning lots on group tours galore!
If you are a solo/independent traveler, then you will use the "support for the Cuban people" reason. This makes sense, since by your staying in a casa particular, stimulating the Cuban economy with your spending, etc., you will be supporting the people of Cuba in a major way. It's that easy. Don't overthink it. As mentioned in my previous post, customs will ask you the usual questions. You went there to support the Cuban people (YOU DID NOT GO THERE FOR VACATION!).
*********************************************************************************
Follow me on Insta @TravelsWithoutTrepidation for more travel tidbits, and DM me if you have more questions! Viva Cuba Libre!
