Cuba Travel Q&A's
Cuba Travel Q&A's
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We realize you have quite a few questions when traveling to someplace new and exciting like Cuba.
Here are the most commonly asked questions. For more answers please email us at [email protected] |
Why go to Cuba?
Cuba is one of the most interesting places on earth. If you’ve ever traveled outside the US before you’ll notice Western Culture everywhere. This is not the case in Cuba. Cuba is uniquely paused in time, with a rich culture and beautiful people both inside and out. Life in Cuba is about relationships and camaraderie, not material possessions. Havana is a city partly in restoration, and partly in artistic aging. Architecture from the 17th,18th, 19th and 20th century are everywhere and intact. Examples can be found by just stepping outside your door. Now is the time to experience this immersive history for yourself.
Can US Citizens Legally Visit Cuba?
Yes, you can. There are several unique opportunities for US Citizens to visit Cuba and experience its culture and history. One opportunity is under a special category of travel classified as “Support for the Cuban People.” Travel under this category means that when we visit Cuba together we support local and privately owned businesses. We are proud to offer travel experiences that support privately-owned accommodations, restaurants in addition to employing local entrepreneurs like tour guides, musicians and chefs.
Please visit the US Embassy to learn more about “Support of the Cuban People”
Is Cuba Safe to travel?
Cuba is extremely safe. The 38th International Tourism and Trade Fair rated Cuba as the safest Country to travel in the world. Crime is low, weapons are banned and people are very friendly. We have guided many tours to Cuba without any issue. In addition, we provide guests with their own private safe, and our hotel accommodations employ security guards for extra measure.
Can I use a credit card in Cuba?
Unfortunately no. American Credit cards do not function in Cuba. Everything for Americans must be handled in cash. Cash can be easily converted to the Cuban Tourist Peso (CUC) at the airport, local western unions and most of the hotels. It is very easy and there is the same exchange rate across the country. Our tour includes almost everything so you’ll only need cash for some additional meals, light shopping and tipping if you would like. Everyone’s spending habits are different, but we can help to give you a good idea of how much to bring.
What airlines fly to Cuba?
Delta, American, Southwest, Jet Blue and United Airlines all fly to Havana, Cuba.
Do I need any special documentation to travel to Cuba?
Yes, you will need three things to travel to Cuba. First is your US Passport. Secondly, you will need a Cuba Travel Visa. These are very easy to obtain and can be done online in advance or even directly at the airport. We will provide you with a convenient link to help you through the process. Lastly, under the “Support for the Cuban People” category of travel, all guests are required to maintain a travel journal that you must keep for 5 years after your visit. We provide all of our guests with a complimentary journal so you can document your experiences and the memories you will create on your My XO adventure.
Do I need health insurance to travel to Cuba?
Yes you do, and most airlines include it as a part of the ticket price. We highly recommend you use our preferred providers for additional trip insurance. These can easily be found on our website.
Do Cubans Speak English?
You will find Cuban’s who do speak English, but many do not. However, it is fairly easy to get by and understand how to communicate without knowing the language. Of course, we hire an English Speaking guide to be with us almost all the time so your travel adventure will be enjoyable and informative.
What kind of items can I bring back to the US from Cuba?
Cuba offers an incredible and rich history. You may want to bring back something to remember your travel adventure. You can bring back jewelry, coffee, Art, Alcohol, and Tobacco. My XO Adventures will take you to the places away from the mass-produced tourist trinkets to find the more genuine memorabilia.
What kind of electrical outlets do they use in Cuba?
Cuba operates on the same outlets as you would find in the US, however they are usually two-pronged and not three.
Is there internet in Cuba?
Yes, there is but it is limited. Some accommodations offer the internet but it must be prepaid. This is done by purchasing internet cards that cost 2-3 CUC for 1 hour worth of internet. My XO Adventures will have cards available for purchase upon your arrival. With that in mind, we recommend you use your phone as a camera and leave Facebook and the news behind. Cuba is one of our favorite places to disconnect.
Is there good food in Cuba? Yes! When Cuba opened up to Americans at first it was very bland, and you may have heard stories of this type. Since then, spices, meats and different types of fruits and vegetables have become more available. This, combined with private restaurants have opened a wide variety of tasty foods, such as roasted pork, Ropa Viejo, Steaks, Chicken, Lobster, fresh fish and more. Bakeries and Coffee shops have sprung up and there is a culinary scene in full swing throughout the city.
Can I drink the water?
Just like traveling to any country, we recommend not drinking the local water. Bottled water is available anywhere you go.
Is Cuba expensive?
Cuba is one of the more affordable vacation destinations in the Caribbean. It depends on where you do your shopping and eating. Most of our guests spend between 50-75 CUC a day. If you are more of a spender 75-100 would be more your style. 1 CUC is equivalent to about 1 US Dollar. Many of your expenses will be covered in this inclusive experience.
Why is it worthwhile to travel to Cuba right now?
Cuba is one of the most unique places in the world due to its history. Like China has in the past, Cuba is beginning to open up to traditional commerce and there’s no way to predict what Cuba might look like in 10 years. From the moment Cuba opened up to Americans there have been major renovations and new building construction. However, companies like McDonalds or Starbucks have yet to open on the island so we recommend going now to fully immerse yourself in Cuban culture.
When is the best time to visit Cuba?
The best time to travel to Cuba is in the winter months from December to March when the temperature ranges between 68-80 degrees Fahrenheit.
Is Cuba like other Caribbean Countries?
Cuba is by far the best place to be in the Caribbean with the most to offer. It is authentic, full of activities and culture. Havana is a very large metropolitan city, surrounded by beautiful countryside and beaches. Its unique history make it unlike any other islands, we can’t recommend experiencing Cuba enough!
Cuba is one of the most interesting places on earth. If you’ve ever traveled outside the US before you’ll notice Western Culture everywhere. This is not the case in Cuba. Cuba is uniquely paused in time, with a rich culture and beautiful people both inside and out. Life in Cuba is about relationships and camaraderie, not material possessions. Havana is a city partly in restoration, and partly in artistic aging. Architecture from the 17th,18th, 19th and 20th century are everywhere and intact. Examples can be found by just stepping outside your door. Now is the time to experience this immersive history for yourself.
Can US Citizens Legally Visit Cuba?
Yes, you can. There are several unique opportunities for US Citizens to visit Cuba and experience its culture and history. One opportunity is under a special category of travel classified as “Support for the Cuban People.” Travel under this category means that when we visit Cuba together we support local and privately owned businesses. We are proud to offer travel experiences that support privately-owned accommodations, restaurants in addition to employing local entrepreneurs like tour guides, musicians and chefs.
Please visit the US Embassy to learn more about “Support of the Cuban People”
Is Cuba Safe to travel?
Cuba is extremely safe. The 38th International Tourism and Trade Fair rated Cuba as the safest Country to travel in the world. Crime is low, weapons are banned and people are very friendly. We have guided many tours to Cuba without any issue. In addition, we provide guests with their own private safe, and our hotel accommodations employ security guards for extra measure.
Can I use a credit card in Cuba?
Unfortunately no. American Credit cards do not function in Cuba. Everything for Americans must be handled in cash. Cash can be easily converted to the Cuban Tourist Peso (CUC) at the airport, local western unions and most of the hotels. It is very easy and there is the same exchange rate across the country. Our tour includes almost everything so you’ll only need cash for some additional meals, light shopping and tipping if you would like. Everyone’s spending habits are different, but we can help to give you a good idea of how much to bring.
What airlines fly to Cuba?
Delta, American, Southwest, Jet Blue and United Airlines all fly to Havana, Cuba.
Do I need any special documentation to travel to Cuba?
Yes, you will need three things to travel to Cuba. First is your US Passport. Secondly, you will need a Cuba Travel Visa. These are very easy to obtain and can be done online in advance or even directly at the airport. We will provide you with a convenient link to help you through the process. Lastly, under the “Support for the Cuban People” category of travel, all guests are required to maintain a travel journal that you must keep for 5 years after your visit. We provide all of our guests with a complimentary journal so you can document your experiences and the memories you will create on your My XO adventure.
Do I need health insurance to travel to Cuba?
Yes you do, and most airlines include it as a part of the ticket price. We highly recommend you use our preferred providers for additional trip insurance. These can easily be found on our website.
Do Cubans Speak English?
You will find Cuban’s who do speak English, but many do not. However, it is fairly easy to get by and understand how to communicate without knowing the language. Of course, we hire an English Speaking guide to be with us almost all the time so your travel adventure will be enjoyable and informative.
What kind of items can I bring back to the US from Cuba?
Cuba offers an incredible and rich history. You may want to bring back something to remember your travel adventure. You can bring back jewelry, coffee, Art, Alcohol, and Tobacco. My XO Adventures will take you to the places away from the mass-produced tourist trinkets to find the more genuine memorabilia.
What kind of electrical outlets do they use in Cuba?
Cuba operates on the same outlets as you would find in the US, however they are usually two-pronged and not three.
Is there internet in Cuba?
Yes, there is but it is limited. Some accommodations offer the internet but it must be prepaid. This is done by purchasing internet cards that cost 2-3 CUC for 1 hour worth of internet. My XO Adventures will have cards available for purchase upon your arrival. With that in mind, we recommend you use your phone as a camera and leave Facebook and the news behind. Cuba is one of our favorite places to disconnect.
Is there good food in Cuba? Yes! When Cuba opened up to Americans at first it was very bland, and you may have heard stories of this type. Since then, spices, meats and different types of fruits and vegetables have become more available. This, combined with private restaurants have opened a wide variety of tasty foods, such as roasted pork, Ropa Viejo, Steaks, Chicken, Lobster, fresh fish and more. Bakeries and Coffee shops have sprung up and there is a culinary scene in full swing throughout the city.
Can I drink the water?
Just like traveling to any country, we recommend not drinking the local water. Bottled water is available anywhere you go.
Is Cuba expensive?
Cuba is one of the more affordable vacation destinations in the Caribbean. It depends on where you do your shopping and eating. Most of our guests spend between 50-75 CUC a day. If you are more of a spender 75-100 would be more your style. 1 CUC is equivalent to about 1 US Dollar. Many of your expenses will be covered in this inclusive experience.
Why is it worthwhile to travel to Cuba right now?
Cuba is one of the most unique places in the world due to its history. Like China has in the past, Cuba is beginning to open up to traditional commerce and there’s no way to predict what Cuba might look like in 10 years. From the moment Cuba opened up to Americans there have been major renovations and new building construction. However, companies like McDonalds or Starbucks have yet to open on the island so we recommend going now to fully immerse yourself in Cuban culture.
When is the best time to visit Cuba?
The best time to travel to Cuba is in the winter months from December to March when the temperature ranges between 68-80 degrees Fahrenheit.
Is Cuba like other Caribbean Countries?
Cuba is by far the best place to be in the Caribbean with the most to offer. It is authentic, full of activities and culture. Havana is a very large metropolitan city, surrounded by beautiful countryside and beaches. Its unique history make it unlike any other islands, we can’t recommend experiencing Cuba enough!
