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Hey travelers, it’s Matt Wilson, CEO and Co-founder of Under30Experiences. I just returned from my trip to Cuba, and like you, I wondered, “Is Cuba Safe?”
I have over a dozen years of experience in the travel industry, am responsible for hundreds of group trips worldwide each year, and have traveled extensively as a solo traveler and with my wife and pre-schooler. After years of traveling Latin America, I’ve put together this Cuba travel safety guide based on firsthand experience.
You can check out my safety guides in this region to Puerto Rico where I live, Costa Rica where I lived for more than five years, Chile where my wife is from, Bogota, and Punta Cana.
I wrote this guide specifically with US citizen Cuba travel safety in mind.
Is Cuba Safe?
Many people ask, “Is it safe to travel to Cuba as an American?” The answer is yes — but it comes with unique challenges. Despite all the restrictions and red tape around Americans traveling to Cuba, it turns out that Cuba is relatively safe! I’ve been all over LATAM, and I found Cuba to be one of the safest countries in the region, despite the embargo and US sanctions.
The main things you need to look out for are petty crime and the unstable electric grid. The US State Department gives Cuba a Level 2 Travel Advisory: Exercise Increased Caution, which is on par with other amazing countries to visit, like Costa Rica and Peru. But honestly, I felt much safer in Havana's tourist areas than in San Jose or Lima. I also felt much safer in small cities in Cuba, like Trinidad, Cienfuegos, and Santa Clara, than in small towns in other parts of Latin America.
In case you are keeping score, Cuba ranks 98 on the Global Peace Index, one spot ahead of Peru, and ten spots ahead of El Salvador, the only Central American country with a Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions rating. I don’t pay much attention to these ratings because they aren’t focused on tourism, and have more to do with geopolitics, freedom of speech for their citizens, etc.
Is Cuba dangerous?
When researching “how safe is cuba,” I was pleasantly surprised to learn that violent crimes like armed robberies, kidnapping, and extortion rarely happen in Cuba. Civil unrest is not well tolerated in this country, so the odds of getting caught up in some type of violent protest are quite low. Of course, bad things like petty theft can happen anywhere, but the Cuba crime rate ranks pretty well in comparison to other Latin American countries. I went as a solo traveler, and my wife took a bit of convincing to assure her that I’d be safe, but after discussing safety and security in Cuba with our local guide via WhatsApp, she was eager to let me go and have a good time!
I asked several educated locals why there isn’t more crime. Cuba is well suited geographically for things like drug trafficking, which plagues other countries like Haiti and the Dominican Republic. But, because the Cuban government has complete control and very harsh sentences, the people generally don’t get involved in this type of activity.
I had a fantastic time in Cuba and always felt completely safe. I traveled from Havana to the Bay of Pigs (Bahía de los Cochinos) to Cienfuegos, Trinidad, Santa Clara, and back to La Habana. Check out my 5-day Cuba itinerary here.
Cuba is experiencing rolling blackouts due to their aging infrastructure and hurricane damage. I found electricity, WiFi, and cell phone signal to be unreliable. When I arrived in Trinidad just after sunset, the entire city was completely dark, but again, I didn’t feel unsafe. The casa particular I stayed at had a mix of solar panels and batteries, and I used my headlamp to walk to a local restaurant with a generator. No, I didn’t get to sleep with air conditioning that night, but I expected my trip to Cuba to be an unpredictable adventure!
I would not hesitate to book a trip to Cuba between November and July! I can’t wait to come back and explore more of this country, including the town of Viñales. However, I might reconsider booking a trip during hurricane season (August-mid-November), as evacuating could be hectic, and you could find yourself in a blackout, but that's up to you. Watch the weather this time of year!
In this article, “Is Cuba safe right now?” I will answer Cuba Safety tips including:
- Is Havana safe?
- What neighborhoods are safe to travel to in Havana?
- How to avoid scams in Cuba.
- What is the safest way to get around Cuba? (including 1950s cars)
- What considerations should travelers take for power outages in Cuba?
- What considerations should travelers take for the fuel shortage in Cuba?
- Is there ever political unrest in Cuba?
- Do I have to worry about cartels, gangs, etc. in Cuba?
- Are there natural disasters in Cuba? (including hurricanes)
- Is the nightlife safe for travelers in Havana?
- What are the Emergency numbers for tourists? Is there a US Embassy in Cuba?
- What hospitals and clinics should I go to in Havana?
- What health risks exist for travelers to Cuba?
- Is the water safe to drink in Cuba? (including toothbrushing)
- Should I buy travel insurance in Cuba? (including Medevac insurance)
- Should you travel to Cuba?
- Are group trips to Cuba safe?
Is Havana safe?
Yes, the tourist areas of Havana and other major cities are relatively safe to visit, especially in comparison to other capital cities in Latin America. When it comes to safety in Havana, most tourists stick to well-known areas like Old Havana and Vedado, which are relatively secure during the day and early evening.
You might be shocked at how dilapidated the buildings are, especially when you see people living in extreme poverty right next to famous landmarks, but crime isn’t rampant. I said many times that if we were in an area this run-down in Rio de Janeiro or Cartagena, we would have been robbed in an instant.
What neighborhoods are safe to travel to in Havana?
I spent time in two tourist neighborhoods in Havana–Old Havana and Vedado. Old Havana is the historic center of Old Havana (La Habana Vieja) and is considered the main tourist area. It’s preserved as a UNESCO World Heritage Centre, but it's quite run-down. This is where you are sure to see Plaza de la Catedral, Plaza Vieja, Plaza de Armas, and the famous Bodeguita del Medio for a mojito. You’ll see people living in extreme poverty, right next to some of the most expensive colonial real estate in the country. Sure, people will approach you on the street, but most are friendly and aren’t overly aggressive. They aren’t looking to rob you, but they are looking to chat in hopes you can help them.
Vedado is the hip cultural area that attracts most of Havana’s cool young people. Here I previewed the restaurant, boutique, cigar bar, with a hidden speakeasy, which we include on our five-day itinerary. This neighborhood is considered one of Havana's safest and has fewer people looking to take advantage of tourists.
The other two safe neighborhoods that you can visit are Miramar and Playa. These two neighborhoods are quieter, more family-oriented, and are where many ambassadors to Cuba live.
As I said, crime is well-controlled in Cuba, and in the past, you only had to worry about keeping your belongings safe, as you would in any city. Since the pandemic, however, as in so many places around the world, muggings have been on the rise, so please always remember not to resist if you are being robbed. Give up your belongings and move on with your life!
It’s also important not to buy drugs in Cuba. Prison sentences are severe and lengthy. I saw very few people addicted to drugs on the street, which I became pretty used to living in downtown Austin just a few years back.
The Australian Government reminds travelers, “It's illegal to photograph military or police sites, harbours, and rail and airport facilities. Check with officials before taking photos.” I really wanted a photo of a Soviet made police car, but our guide advised us against it.
Is traveling outside Havana safe?
Most tourists only see Varadero, the resort area of Cuba, but as resorts and hotels are owned by the Cuban Government, Americans aren’t allowed to stay there. Besides, I was looking to get off the beaten path.
My itinerary took me from Havana to the Bay of Pigs (Bahía de Cochinos), followed by Cienfuegos, and finally to Trinidad. Trinidad was the highlight of my trip to Cuba. The historic centers of these cities were very well kept, unlike Havana, and the people take pride in where they live. Walking the cobblestone streets in Trinidad, seeing buildings from the 1500s, with horse-drawn carriages still roaming the streets, was like going back in time. Our guide took us to a family’s home where the woman showed us her Santaríni alters and explained her Afro-Caribbean belief system.
How to Avoid Scams in Cuba
How to Exchange Money in Cuba
The easiest way to get scammed in Cuba is exchanging money into Cuban Pesos (CUP). It’s important to know that there are two exchange rates, the official exchange rate given at banks and if you use a credit card, and then the unofficial exchange rate.
While there are banks and ATMs in Cuba (available to non-US citizens) it is not recommended to exchange your money at official places like banks or exchange offices. The unofficial street rate can be 300% better than the official rate, meaning, if you exchange money at a bank, your trip could be 3x as expensive! Instead of 110 CUP per dollar, you can get 310 CUP on the street!
That said, while the biggest scam in Cuba might actually be exchanging money at a bank. However, I also don’t suggest exchanging money on the street, as it’s a good way to get scammed or robbed! Your casa particular will be happy to exchange money at a great rate. We always did these transactions, $50 at a time, in a secure location and not on the street.
The good news is, even though it is not officially allowed, many private businesses accept payment in US dollars (USD).
So, where do I recommend actually exchanging money for the street? Remember– credit and debit cards issued by American banks or linked to U.S. financial institutions do not work in Cuba. Therefore, it is very important to bring enough cash to avoid any issues during your stay.
Street scams in Havana
The most common type of scam you’ll come across in Havana is everyday hustlers trying to make a buck. Friendly locals will approach you with all types of stories designed to confuse tourists. It can easily make female solo travelers uncomfortable.
Their favorite opener is “Remember me?” I can definitely say we had a master class in getting hustled in Havana, as we visited in low season with very few tourists around. We were their main target!
My daughter’s new favorite bedtime story is about a woman who told us that she was the maid in our hotel. We were at least ten blocks from our casa particular, but somehow she knew the name of our casa particular. She either followed us from there, or the hustlers spread the word quickly about where we were coming from. She proceeded to tell us that her friend who worked at the cigar factory could hook us up with some cigars at a fraction of the price, but he was leaving in ten minutes, and we had to follow her. I’ve been hustled enough in my day to know not to go with a stranger with urgency, but we’ll still never know how she knew the name of our accommodations, but she definitely wasn’t the maid!
Bar Scams aka “The Mojito Scam”
Geesh, as my buddy pointed out (large pasty looking gringo–sure to attract attention) he should be an expert on scams at this point, because they tried every one in the book on him. He stayed a day later than I did and explored Havana solo, and was invited into a bar by a “host” and recognized the scam straight out of YouTube!
The host invited him into the restaurant, his new friend said “he’d buy him a drink,” and then, as the scam goes, the guy bails on the bill, and the restaurant overcharges you. As soon as my friend sat down, he recognized what was going on because he’d seen the scam run by this exact restaurant on YouTube before his trip! I recommend watching the video to see these travelers get cleaned out! To get himself out of the jam, he had to lie, say he didn’t drink, and assertively excuse himself.
Milk for babies scam
After people on the street get done trying to confuse you, they usually end with a last-ditch, “I need money to buy milk for my baby,” which, as our guide told us, may be true, but it’s part of the routine.
What is the safest way to get around Cuba?
Walking around Havana
Exploring Old Havana during the day felt quite safe as a foreigner. Even though it was really run down and people were hanging out on the street, nobody felt threating. In other parts of Latin America, you need to be careful of people robbing you on motorcycles and driving away, but here, sadly, the people don’t have motorcycles, or maybe they weren’t riding them because of the fuel shortage. Guns are not common, as the government has such control over the population.
At night, there aren’t many street lights in Havana, and walking just a few blocks from any of the main plazas can get quite desolate. My friend and I walked around a bit, but always turned back when it got too dark or isolated. We saw plenty of people drinking on the street, and didn’t stay out past midnight, which is pretty early in terms of Cuban nightlife. We got home to the casa particular in Trinidad at 11:45 pm, and the grandma of the house was still up watching TV. She made fun of us for coming home so early!
Private transportation
The best way to get around Cuba is by private transportation, in clean new vehicles, which are very expensive to import to Cuba. We prearranged a guide who drove us. We had to drive around to a couple of different gas stations to find one that had fuel, electricity, and a card machine that was working.
Can you rent a car in Cuba?
I asked our guide if tourists ever rented cars, and he said people used to do it, but now, with the fuel shortage, he doesn’t suggest it. It was hard enough for him to find fuel, and I’m sure it’d be difficult if you were a tourist. Also, you need a working credit or debit card, which Americans don’t have access to in Cuba.
There aren’t many cars on the road, so traffic wasn’t bad, but swerving around potholes was not for the faint of heart. Traffic laws are sometimes overlooked here, as taxis and other transportation options can be quite different from those in other countries.
Taxis
You’ll see some yellow taxis in Havana, but I saw a lot more “Coco-taxis,” horse-drawn carriages, and peddle taxis. I can’t speak to the care of the horses, but in a country where food is scarce, I don’t think they were well fed. At least there isn’t much traffic, which I believe is the main issue when it comes to animal rights. Either way, I didn’t take one.
Does Uber work in Havana?
No, Uber does not work in Havana. Remember, going to Cuba is in many ways like going back in time.
Busses
Look, my chicken bus days are over, but I’ve enjoyed traveling all through Central America, hanging on for dear life inside old school buses as a backpacker. With the fuel shortage going on in Cuba, lines for buses were massive, and people waited hours to take the local bus. I wouldn’t recommend it.
Are 1950s cars safe in Cuba?
Before traveling to Cuba, I thought that the 1950s cars you saw in photos were just a tourist thing. Little did I know that they were everywhere and were often converted into local “collectivos” where people jam in the back instead of taking a bus. People also converted old Willy’s Jeeps into taxis, but again, I can’t recommend getting in one.
Before my trip, I heard a horror story about a friend of a friend getting critically injured when the axle fell off his 1950s convertible! Always look for well-respected vendors if you want to ensure your safety. Go on short rides around the city, not on the highway!
It’s always important to inspect a car before getting in. Before getting into my 1950s car, I at least looked to see if the tires were in decent shape. Don’t expect seatbelts. Arrange your ride through a tour company or your accommodations. Avoid jumping in one with people who approach you on the street.
What considerations should travelers take for power outages in Cuba?
Power outages are a common occurrence in Cuba, and travelers should come prepared with flashlights and battery packs. The streets in Havana are not well lit, but it’s important to avoid using your phone as a flashlight, as this is a good way to have it stolen.
The locals will generally know when the power is going out as the government publishes a schedule of rolling blackouts. Nice accommodations and restaurants will generally have generators to keep the lights on. I arrived in Trinidad just after dark, and the entire city was without electricity. Our casa particular had solar panels and battery packs so we could charge our devices and run a fan all night.
What considerations should travelers take for fuel shortages in Cuba?
Cuba is experiencing a fuel shortage, which can add to the adventure of traveling to Cuba. We went a couple of times with our driver/guide to fill up with gas, and it wasn’t the most straightforward process. He had to check a couple of different gas stations to find one that had gas, the power was on, and the credit card machine was working.
For this reason, renting a car is not advised. Keep your plans flexible and understand that if you are driving anywhere outside of Havana, your trip could be delayed if you need to fuel up.
Fuel prices have gone up a reported 500% in Cuba since the pandemic. Gasoline was nearly $5/gallon when I was there, making it extremely expensive for everyday people.
Is there ever political unrest in Cuba?
In 2021, there were widespread protests in Cuba due to the severe economic downturn caused by the pandemic. Since then, it is estimated that over a million Cubans have left the country, and the political situation in Cuba has not improved.
In 2024, there were protests mainly in Santiago de Cuba as the multi-year economic hardship resulted in power outages, food shortages, and inflation.
Although these protests were largely peaceful, the Cuban government does not look kindly upon protesters. It has been reported that the government even took to throttling the internet to keep people from organizing. It was widely reported in the Western media that mass arrests occurred in 2021, but when I spoke to our guide about this, I found it very interesting that he didn’t think it was true. Clearly, the Cuban government took to the state-owned media to blame the United States for its hardships.
My best advice is always to steer clear of protests, no matter where you are. Do not speak out against the Cuban government as a foreigner.
Are there natural disasters in Cuba?
Hurricanes
The biggest natural disaster threat in Cuba is during the Atlantic hurricane season, which lasts from August to November. I live in Puerto Rico year-round, so I’ve become quite accustomed to watching the weather. I was surprised to learn that Cuba is widely recognized by the United Nations and the Red Cross for having one of the most effective hurricane preparedness systems in Latin America.
Cuba had very low casualty rates in powerful storms like Hurricane Ivan (2004) and Hurricane Irma (2017), and successfully evacuated thousands of people to safer ground.
Does Cuba have Earthquakes?
I was also pleased to learn that the majority of Cuba doesn’t lie on an earthquake fault zone, so the risk of earthquakes is much lower than the rest of the Caribbean. I learned that the fault line runs offshore of Santiago and Guantanamo, so earthquakes are really only a risk in the Southeast area of Cuba.
While I don’t think the already crumbling buildings in Havana would do well in an earthquake, the risk is actually quite low!
Does Cuba have Tsunamis?
Tsunamis are caused by underwater earthquakes, so because most of Cuba isn’t near a fault line, they are well protected from this type of natural disaster. Although a tsunami would be extremely rare in Cuba, the government monitors seismic activity and has civil defense alerts in case one happens, especially near Santiago and Guantanamo, where it could be more likely due to being closer to a fault zone.
Do I have to worry about cartels, gangs, etc. in Cuba?
Organized crime, like cartels and gangs, does not exist in Cuba as you find in the rest of Latin America. The Cuban government has strict control over the country, so you will not see this type of organized criminal activity. It is rare for civilians to have firearms in Cuba, so violent crime is very low.
I just assumed they suffered from the same hardships as their socialist ally, Venezuela. I spoke to several people in Cuba who told me drug trafficking doesn’t really exist, and the only people who smuggle things in and out of the country are lone operators or involved in mini networks. It was reassuring to travel to a place without drug-related violence.
Is the nightlife safe for travelers in Havana?
Yes, the nightlife in Havana is quite safe, especially in comparison to other Latin American cities. Although the streets are dimly lit, walking to and from bars and clubs is relatively secure in the main tourist area of Old Havana. Of course, it’s always better to use a taxi than walk.
While I didn’t stay out past midnight, my friend and I felt safe walking 4-5 blocks in each direction of the main plazas in Old Havana, until it got too desolate. Sure, we ran into some street hustlers and a couple of prostitutes who made kissy noises at us, but overall we felt quite safe.
In one crowded area of the city where locals were hanging out, we actually witnessed a street fight. I probably shouldn’t admit this as your “safety guru,” but we actually felt comfortable enough to stay and watch the scuffle, although it was broken up pretty quickly. Anywhere else in the Americas, the odds of someone having a gun are too high!
What are the Emergency numbers for tourists?
Ambulance: 104
Fire Department: 105
Police: 106
Is there a US Embassy in Cuba?
Yes, the U.S. Embassy in Havana is operational and can assist travelers with American passports and other needs in an emergency situation.
Address: Calzada between L & M Streets, Vedado, Havana, Cuba
Phone: +53 (7) 839-4100
Email: ACSHavana@state.gov
US Citizens, be sure to register with the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) with the US State Department.
What hospitals and clinics should I go to in Havana?
I had safety concerns traveling to Cuba for the first time, but I learned that Cuban doctors actually have an excellent reputation all over the world. Although Cuba is very underresourced, and medicines can be hard to find for locals, medical professionals are well-trained.
The main clinic for international travelers is:
Clínica Central Cira García
- Address: Calle 20 No. 4101, esquina Avenida 41, Miramar, Playa, Havana
- Phone: +53 7 204-2811
- Overview: This facility is the primary hospital for foreign visitors in Havana, offering a wide range of medical services and medical care, including emergency care, specialist consultations, and a pharmacy. It's recognized by the U.S. Embassy and is staffed with English-speaking personnel.
How does seeing a doctor work in Cuba for Americans?
I was initially nervous about running out of cash in a medical emergency, as US credit and debit cards don’t work in Cuba. But, after consulting with other professionals in tourism I learned that as long as you have your boarding pass from a US based airline (ie: American Airlines) with you, it acts as proof of your state-run medical insurance that is included in your plane ticket, and you’ll be treated, free of charge, no questions asked. No need for a credit card or to fork over all your cash.
I also learned that every town with more than 100 people has a doctor and a nurse stationed in a local family medical clinic. When you drive through the little towns, you’ll often see them sitting on the steps of the clinic, as the doctor-to-patient ratio is so good, they have plenty of time on their hands in the countryside. This made me rest assured that if something happened when traveling to rural Cuba, I’d be taken care of.
What health risks exist in Cuba?
Mosquito-borne viruses
Be sure to bring mosquito repellent and wear long sleeves and pants when possible to avoid being bitten. Dengue fever is the main risk and is present throughout the Caribbean. Zika and chikungunya are also present, but are at a much lower risk. The World Health Organization has certified Cuba as malaria-free.
Availability of medicines
Travelers to Cuba should bring over-the-counter medicines, as pharmacies are often understocked. Speaking with your doctor and bringing routine antibiotics just in case you fall ill is also a good idea. If you rely on a medicine, always bring enough in case you are stranded for a few days for some reason.
If you travel to Cuba, consider bringing over-the-counter meds to donate. My friend brought individual packets of pain relievers, and people were overjoyed to receive them. We visited a farmer in a rural area who just had his molars out and couldn’t find anything to relieve the pain.
Air quality
Between the 1950s cars and the cigar smoke, the air quality wasn’t great in Havana. Consider bringing a mask if you are sensitive.
Is the water safe to drink in Cuba? (including toothbrushing)
No, tap water in Cuba is not considered safe for travelers to drink. It's best to use bottled or purified water for drinking and even for brushing your teeth. Most casas particulares provide bottled water or have it readily available nearby. Also, avoid ice in drinks unless you're sure it's made from purified water.
Should I buy travel insurance in Cuba?
Look, I’ll be honest. I don’t usually buy travel insurance, although I always think it's a good idea. However, during my trip to Cuba, I ended up with three types of travel insurance just to be safe. My normal recommendations World Nomads, SafetyWing, and Wanderwell don’t work in Cuba, so I really dug in and did some research. Please note these are affiliate links, so my lawyer says I need to disclose that I get paid if you buy at no additional cost to you.
Medical Insurance Included in Airline Tickets to Cuba from the US
Most US-based airlines include travel insurance for Cuba in their tickets. American Airlines, for example, includes $25,000 worth of insurance for illness or accidents. This is, of course, because US credit and debit cards don’t work, so you wouldn’t want a plane full of people to get sick, and not be able to pay for their doctor with a credit card, or withdraw cash. I encourage you to read the Cuba Asistur policy.
Supplementary Travel Insurance
Most group travel companies have a mandatory $250,000 in travel insurance requirement to participate in their trips, so I wanted to see what this process would be like for our travelers.
I found a secondary supplementary travel insurance for my trip, which was super affordable. I think I paid $15 for another $200K or so in insurance just for the extra peace of mind.
Medevac Insurance
I’d heard for a long time about companies like Global Rescue and Medjet, which will arrange private medical transportation for you out of a country if you need it. I know plenty of people come to Cuba for medical tourism, but I’d way rather be in Miami if something catastrophic happened, especially given that it’s only a 45-minute flight.
We’ve already established in this article that kidnapping, terrorism, violent crimes, or natural disasters don’t happen in Cuba, at least outside of hurricane season, but I decided to buy Medjet’s 8-day membership, which even included assistance in case of wrongful imprisonment, and pandemics.
The next time I go on an adventure trip, I’m going to try out Global Rescue’s services, which can dispatch a team directly to your location in case you are injured in a remote jungle, desert, or mountain.
Should you travel to Cuba?
If you are an experienced traveler, I highly recommend traveling to Cuba! Although arrival in Havana can be a little shocking because it is so rundown, I think Cuba is the most fascinating place I’ve ever visited. I love getting off the beaten path, learning about history, and thinking about geopolitics, so Cuba pretty much blew my mind. I also love traveling to places where I feel that my money goes to a good cause and that I can actually make a difference.
If you are a sensitive person, consider that some of the sights and stories of the people can be heartwrenching, but this type of travel can be incredibly impactful and change the trajectory of your life. If you are used to first-world luxuries like air conditioning 24/7, then Cuba might not be for you. But if you are looking for a true adventure, I can think of few better places to visit and give back.
As I told a colleague, the closest comparison I had was Nicaragua, where the country and its people are so beautiful, but in Cuba, you don’t run the risk of being robbed or a victim of a violent crime. I’ve been to Nicaragua many times, and crime is always top of mind. I felt that Old Havana had the potential of Old San Juan, and some parts felt like the Getsemani neighborhood of Cartagena when I first visited ten years ago.
Be sure to go to Cuba well prepared and for the right reasons–in support of the Cuban people, and keep my solo travel safety tips in mind!
Note for non-US citizens traveling to Cuba
If you are a non-US citizen, please know that you will not be able to visit the United States for three years after visiting Cuba. Cuba was designated by the US government as harboring terrorists for refusing to extradite Colombian paramilitary groups that sought refuge in Cuba. This unfortunate geopolitical battle continues to plague Cuba’s tourism industry.
Are group trips to Cuba safe?
If you want to cut through the red tape when it comes to traveling to Cuba, I highly recommend going with a group travel company. While I believe that Cuba is safe for solo travelers, if you join a group trip, you can come solo, but not travel alone.
Group travel companies are well prepared to help you navigate everything I covered in this article, especially if you are a US citizen, which makes things very complicated. Remember, US credit and debit cards don’t work on the ground in Cuba, you need to pay cash for everything, navigate the official/unofficial exchange rates, come prepared with travel insurance, go to the post office for a money order for your “e-visa” before the trip, and stay in a casa particular, not a hotel. Group travel companies also have everything set up so you can maintain a schedule that supports the Cuban people, as you are required to self-testify to the US government. I felt much better having a guide who had access to gas stations during the fuel shortage. Remember, US citizens can’t just show up and rent a car, because you need a credit card to fill up with gas in Cuba, when it’s available.
If you want to push the easy button on Cuba and go enjoy this amazing country without worrying about all the details, check out Under30Experiences trips to Cuba for people ages 21-35. We also have trips for people in their 30s and 40s!
