How to travel around in cuba

Bicycle taxis, known as bici-taxis, are a staple of transportation in Cuba’s cities. Bici-taxis are usually much cheaper than car taxis, and are a good option if you’re trying to jump from sight to sight in a city and aren’t in a rush. Agree on a fare before the ride begins. Horse-drawn buggies are widely used in Cuba.

Taxis are a reliable way to get around Cuba. Taxis are metered and the cost begins at a 1 USD base fee, plus 1 USD per kilometer in most cities. Drivers will often offer you a flat rate instead. People are generally honest and flat rates tend to be close to metered rates, sometimes less.

While restrictions are tougher now, there’s still a legal way for you to go travel Cuba independently as an American. If using ViaHero, you‘re still responsible for getting your own visa/tourist card, but with their planned itinerary you fall under the “Support for the Cuban People” category.

Colectivos are used by Cubans and tourists alike. They can usually be found and engaged around bus stations. In large cities like Havana, the older and more dilapidated classic cars are used to travel specific routes. Routes are important streets or avenues that crisscross the city north to south and east to west.

Nope. There’s no Uber or Lyft in Cuba either. The only way to get from the Havana airport to the city itself is by taking a taxi.

Cuba has some of the most interesting transportation options in the world. From classic cars to coco taxis, it’s always an experience getting around. While Viazul buses do run on a pretty reliable schedule, it’s always worth keeping in mind that you’re in the Caribbean.

Cuba generally has the reputation as a safe location for tourists and there are usually police on every block. However police will often detain or even arrest Cubans who are consorting with tourists on the street or in cafes especially around Malecon.

This may be especially true if you visit Cuba from the US, where there is little to no information about travel safety on the island. 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.

History of Travel Restrictions to Cuba

The U.S. government has limited travel to Cuba since 1960—after Fidel Castro came to power—and to this day, travel for tourist activities remains controlled largely due to a fear of communism in Cuba.

Cuba isn’t known for the medicine wars and tourist-targeting crimes that plague many of its Caribbean and Central American neighbours and you can freely roam the streets at night in the Old Quarter of Havana as a woman (I did), but should always exercise caution. Street crime is petty and insidious – but rarely violent.

Family of four estimated monthly costs are 2,045$ without rent. A single person estimated monthly costs are 580$ without rent. Cost of living in Cuba is, on average, 22.33% lower than in United States.

According to the U.N., the murder rate is 4.6 per 100,000 people, which is one of the lowest in the Caribbean and South America. We do know that Cuba has relatively few guns, and violent crime is fairly uncommon. Be mindful of Cuban laws and regulations during your stay.

Generally speaking, Havana is a very safe city.

Spanish is the official language in Cuba

In Havana, you’ll get by easy by using English and the same goes for Cienfuegos, Viñales, and Trinidad, IF you stick to tourist areas.

Originally Answered: Is the there a Walmart in Havana, Cuba? No. There aren’t any US-based commercial enterprises on the retail level other than a few hotel management groups, Western Union, and some airlines. There’s no Walmart, Target, Walgreens, McDonald’s, KFC or anything like that.

The biggest and best known of all the Havana Cuba beaches, Playas del Este is actually a 9 km strip of stunning coast that contains a number of different beaches. It’s about 20 minutes from Havana when you take a taxi. Your best chance is to spend time on what is considered to be the main beach, Santa María del Mar.

Public beaches with lots swimmers usually have lifeguards on duty. Some beaches, like Cayo Coco and Cayo Guillermo, have a reputation for tranquil water and good swimming conditions. Because Cuba’s beaches sit on the Caribbean, sharks are sometimes in the vicinity.

Cuba, the largest island in the Caribbean, has no shortage of postcard-perfect shores, from family-friendly snorkeling spots to standout black-sand beaches. Varadero is one of the most popular beaches in Cuba, thanks to its efficient transportation and local bars.

Best month to visit Cuba

Broadly speaking, in terms of rainfall and temperature, the dry season months of March and April are the best months to visit Cuba. It’s dry and warm during this time, with average temperatures sitting at 27-29˚C during the day, and comfortable at night around 19-21˚C.