Cuba enjoys 330 days of sunshine a year. Tourists come to Cuba to admire colonial architecture, enjoy vintage cars, learn about the locals’ way of life, and relax on tropical beaches. Before traveling to this beautiful island, it’s helpful to review our tips for a fun and safe vacation.

Choose the best time
The best time to visit the island is from November to April, when the weather is dry and warm, ideal for both beach holidays and sightseeing. Summer can be humid and hot, increasing the risk of hurricanes.

Don’t forget to buy coffee
Cuban coffee is popular worldwide and has been grown in various locations, including both plains and mountainous areas, for centuries. For locals, it is an integral part of their daily lives. Different varieties of Cuban coffee differ in their aftertaste and acidity levels.

Decide on a currency
The official currency in Cuba is the Cuban peso. When traveling to the island, it is recommended to carry euros rather than dollars, as exchanging dollars incurs a commission of 8 to 20 percent. The best place to exchange currency is at a bank; in a pinch, you can use the exchange service at your hotel, as the exchange rate at airports is unfavorable.

Take care of your communication
Cuba has only one mobile operator, ETECSA, making mobile phone service on the island quite expensive. There are offices of this operator at the airports where tourists can purchase SIM cards, but roaming is also possible.

Internet access is more complex. Connection speeds are slow: they may be sufficient for sending messages. Wi-Fi is available at hotels and internet cafes for a fee. A prepaid card is required for use.

Avoid walking in the evening.
Cuba is generally considered a safe destination for tourists, but thefts do occur. Therefore, it is important to avoid obvious displays of wealth, such as expensive smartphones, valuables, or large amounts of cash.