Quel superbe site sur les voyages. J'aurai quelques questions pour vous. Si quelqu'un pourrais m'aider.
Le 20 mars prochain je pars pour Cuba, à Varadero au Tryp Peninsula.😛 Quoique ce ne soit pas mon 1er voyage à Cuba, je ne me souviens plus si nous devons voyager avec du US ou bien si du Canadien c'Est OK. LA taxe de sorti de pays est-elle encore à 25pesos convertible cubain? Pouvons-nous la payer en $$ canadien ou américain.
De plus, es-ce qu'il y en a parmis vous qui ont déjà été au Tryp Peninsula?
Vous devriez voyager avec du canadien, que vous pourrez échanger à l'aéroport à votre arrivée. Il y a également souvent des banques dans les hôtels ou alors ils font l'échange à la réception, mais je ne sais pas pour votre hôtel puisque je n'y suis jamais allée. Pour l'argent américain, ils l'acceptent aussi mais chargent des frais...
La taxe de sortie est toujours de 25 CUC (peso cubain), vous devez la payer en CUC, aucune autre monnaie n'est acceptée. Et ne soyez pas surpris, le CUC vaut plus que le dollar canadien...
Je suis désolée de vous contredire, mais le dollar US n'est plus du tout recherché ni même vraiment utilisé à Cuba. Il est vrai qu'au paravent, le dollar US était utilisé comme monnaie pour les touristes. Toutefois, depuis quelques années, le peso cubain (CUC) a été créé comme monnaie pour le tourisme, et les cubains l'utilise aussi. C'est la devise dont vous aurez besoin pour vos achats, vos sorties, les excursions, si vous allez au resto, etc... et aucune autre monnaie n'est utilisée.
Il y a des frais plus élevés pour échanger de l'argent US que le canadien ou l'euro. Pour les Cubains, ils n'en veulent pas du tout (pour du pourboire par exemple) puisqu'ils sont presque incapables de l'échanger.
Les touristes devraient voyager à Cuba avec des euro ou du canadien. De toute façon, pourquoi payer pour changer du canadien au US, puis payer des frais supplémentaires pour changer en CUC?
Notre ami Fidel, savait très bien que plusieurs milliers de Cubains faisant affaire avec le tourisme récoltaient les beaux billets verts de l'oncle sam dans le but ultime un jour de quitter l'île. Les propriétaires de paladar et casa particular, ceux qui vendaient des cigares ou du rhum et surtout des milliers de familles Cubaines qui recevaient de l'argent de leur familles situés aux US entassaient leur butin US.
Quelle bonne idée eurent les fonctionnaires Cubains afin de conserver chez eux les futurs émigrants en plus de récolter plusieurs millions de beaux dollars....Ils leurs ont offerts de leurs changer tout leur dollars US en pesos convertibles pour une valeur égale mais avec un sursis de 6 mois, après cette échéance il leur en couterait plus de 35% pour faire le change.
En plus de cela, sécurité nationale oblige, le gouvernement à su qu'elle personne avait de l'argent US à Cuba. Maintenant avec ce 35% de différence les cubains et touristes ne sont plus intéressés par le US à Cuba et le transfert US/pesos convertibles ne se fait plus qu'aux banques.
Bien entendu, ils attendent encore que certains entassent leurs beaux Euros pour répéter le même cirque. Je connais des gens à cuba qui avaient plus d'argent qu'un riche capitaliste du nord.
Maintenant il vaut mieux apporter de l'argent canadien pour un canadien à Cuba et des Euros pour un Européen. Dorénavant, nos amis(es) Cubains ne peuvent plus sortir de Cuba avec leurs CUC (pesos convertibles)
3 générations de Cubains coulent dans notre famille. Du vieillard cubain né à Moròn/Cuba en 1917 au jeune Canadien né à Ciego de avila/Cuba en 1998.
Merci pour les précisions et désolé pour mon erreur. Il est vrai que mon déplacement à Cuba date de quelques années et que forcément... les choses changent :-)
Je dois donc y retourner pour être un peu plus à jour!
ReBonjour Gigiq1234,
J'étais à Varadero à la fin janvier et à mon grand étonnement lors de mon départ ma femme de chambre m'a remis 12$ et quelque en monnaie canadienne et 2 euro!! Elle m'a dit qu'il n'y avait aucun moyen pour eux d'échanger la monnaie, seulement les dollars en papier!!! J'ai ouvert mon porte-monnaie et je lui ai remis un dix dollars en canadien en échange. Dans un premier temps, elle l'a refusé et je lui ai tout simplement laissé sur son chariot. Elle m'a sourit.
C'est vrai qu'ils ne peuvent généralement pas échanger les pièces de monnaie dans les banques, les touristes non plus d'ailleurs. C'est comme ici, ie on ne peut pas échanger les pièces de monnaie de d'autre pays dans nos banques.
Et mmême quand elle est en papier, ce n'est pas toujours évident pour eux d'échanger l'argent canadien ou les euro. Ils doivent aller dans les banques des plus grandes villes, faire la queue, etc... Le mieux, c'est toujours de les payer en CUC, même pour les petits pourboire...
argent Canadien...pas américain...et oui, c, est 25 pesos convertible pour la taxe au retour...la master card au guichet automatique ne fonctionne pas....faut aller à la banque...et n'oubliez pas de partir avec de l'argent sur vous...Bon voyage...mc
Bonjour tout le monde, je suis revenu de cuba hier et je confirme 25$ cuc pour sortir et argent canadienne préférable car le taux est meilleur que le us. Conseil a tous les voyageurs non-avertis, vous devez demander le recu et vérifier l'argent remis car les employés des bureau de change ne sont pas tous honnetes. En république l'an dernier, quand j'ai demandé mon recu apres avoir eu mon argent, elle m'a remis le recu et de la petite monnaie qu'elle avait garder pour elle, en disant simplement 'Sorry'. Cette semaine, l'arnaque était plus solide. J'ai du lui demander le recu par 2 fois, la premiere fois elle a fait semblant de ne pas comprendre mon anglais. La deuxieme fois, je lui ai dit toujours en anglais que je désirais le recu pour vérifier le montant et pendant que je comptais mes billets, elle tentait discretement de pousser sur le comptoir des 1$ cuc en monnaie en espérant que je ne la voyais pas. Elle avait garder pour elle 5$cuc au total, car apres lui avoir dit qu'il manquait de l'argent, elle m'a encore donné 1$. Quand je lui ai dit qu'elle m'avait voler, elle a jouer le jeu de la dame offusquée et lorsque je lui ai dit que je l'avais vu faire, elle a tenté de me faire croire qu'il s'agissait de seulement 1$. J'en ai parlé a la représentante Nolitours en lui disant d'avertir les voyageurs et elle a choisit de faire un rapport officiel a l'hotel et l'employé a été renvoyée! Il faut croire que la tentation était trop grande.
ReBonjour Gigiq1234,
J'étais à Varadero à la fin janvier et à mon grand étonnement lors de mon départ ma femme de chambre m'a remis 12$ et quelque en monnaie canadienne et 2 euro!! Elle m'a dit qu'il n'y avait aucun moyen pour eux d'échanger la monnaie, seulement les dollars en papier!!!
FranceRi, il n'y a rien de surprenant là-dedans! La monnaie, dans tous les pays du monde, ne s'échange pas!
Notre dollar et notre 2 dollars, c'est de la monnaie.
Ce n'est pas une question de se rendre à la banque. D'ailleurs, il y en a plus d'une à Varadero et pour eux, ce n'est pas un problème de se déplacer.
Justement ont se prépare moi et ma copine à allé a cuba au début avril. Et justement sur la monnaie est-ce que ont peut voir le taux de c hange ???
Bonsoir. Je sais qu'il existe quelques sites où tu peux voir la conversion mais dis-toi, que tu n'auras pas nécessairement le même montant. C'est comme ça pour toutes les devises. Commission, oblige!
Pour le reçu, ça fait longtemps que c'est comme ça, à Cuba, malheureusement. Ils ont tendance à "oublier" de nous donner quelques CUC! Et il faut toujours recompter devant eux!
Je me rends à l'hôtel Playa de oro en fin de mois de juillet et j'aimerai savoir si quelqu'un pourrai m'indiquer ce qu'il me faut pour pouvoir recharger les…
J'aimerais savoir si quelqu'un revient de cette hotel, car tout ce que je lis est différent d'une personne a l'autre. moi je serai a cette hotel en mars et je…
Quelqu'un peut m'éclairer??? J'aurais vraiment besoin d'une chambre communiquante car j'ai 2 enfants dont 1 qui a plus de 12 ans, il est donc considéré comme…
We all know the raft is taking on a bit of water.
No discussion threads about the island for weeks...
Have all travelers really moved on elsewhere? No one who could come to the rescue with recent info?
I’m in the Caribbean and still kinda feel like swinging by in September/October...
Looks like there are still direct flights from Mexico and the Dominican Republic for getting in and out.
I'm heading to the Dominican Republic for 5 days in December.
I arrive and depart from Samana Airport (AZS). I'm looking to rent a car, ideally right at the airport, but I don't see any options. Are there no rental agencies at Samana Airport?
If not, do you know where I could rent a vehicle closest to the airport and how to get there?
Hi,
I’m heading to Miches for the first time in November 2026 (no all-inclusive)
I’d love some tips to plan my stay—accommodation, things to do, places of interest nearby.
Is it possible to rent a scooter there to get around the area?
Thanks for your help!
Best,
hi there, I’ve never been to Martinique. my girlfriend, who’s of Martinican origin, has never had the chance to go either (life isn’t always easy). now we can plan a little trip, but we don’t know which airline to choose or how to find accommodation.
basically, I need quite a few tips.
we’re planning to go in September—no chance before that.
Hi! We spent 10 wonderful days in Guadeloupe’s gorgeous climate. Our arrival got off to a shaky start, though—our suitcase was left behind at the airport, which caused quite a stir. A police officer was shouting at us to get out and cross the street. Then, a taxi driver refused to take us after we showed him where we were staying, right by the port in Pointe-à-Pitre. "No one goes there," he told us! Good thing we arrived during Carnival! A second driver finally agreed to take us, and I can say he knew every nook and cranny of his city.
The rest of the trip was amazing. The locals were smiling and welcoming. We didn’t rent a car, so we didn’t get around much and stayed in the Deshaies area—a real favorite. Plage de la Perle (Pearl Beach) truly lives up to its name! We liked Grande Anse Beach less because of the steep slope, which made walking tricky, and the waves were pretty intense. The landscapes in this part of the island are idyllic. We visited the botanical garden—it’s worth it—and went to the port in Deshaies. If we ever go back, we’ll rent a vehicle so we can explore more, because taxis aren’t cheap!
Hi, I’m leaving soon for Punta Cana—what kind of money should we bring: Canadian dollars, US dollars, or are we forced to exchange once we arrive?
Thanks
We spent 15 days in the Exumas from March 10th to 26th.
I should mention that we’ve been traveling to islands for 20 years, so we have points of comparison when it comes to prices, hospitality, and landscapes.
First, the flights: we now live in the Luberon, so we flew out of Marseille. We took British Airways, which we’ve used several times before for trips to the English-speaking Caribbean and which offers flights via Heathrow. We had an overnight layover in London on the way out, then a flight to Nassau. After that, we took a connecting flight (we had a 2h20 layover in Nassau, which was more than enough) to George Town with Sky Bahamas. We had initially ruled out Bahamasair based on very negative reviews.
Immigration and customs were very quick.
When we arrived, we took a taxi to our hotel, Augusta Bay. Cost: $30.
We rented a car through Sure and Shore. It was delivered to our hotel the day after we arrived, and we kept it until we left for Stocking Island. For 9 days, we paid $470 (which is a great price) for a small Honda that wasn’t very new, but we didn’t have any issues with it. One thing we’d never experienced before: they’d put newspaper sheets on the floor, and we were told not to get any sand in the car if we went to the beach!
We stayed 5 nights at Augusta Bay. A 5-minute walk away is the beautiful, uncrowded Jolly Beach, perfect for swimming. We visited the southern part of the island to see the beaches of Little Exuma, especially Tropic of Cancer Beach and the one next to Santana’s restaurant. We also went to Hopper Bay Beach, where you can see a group of about ten turtles near a small boat dock. We went kayaking from the hotel.
Then we stayed at Paradise Bay in the north. While we hadn’t encountered the sandfly problem before, here it’s important to know that the beach is infested with them. The hotel’s restaurant, which is very good otherwise, even provides repellent for guests— that’s how bad it is!
From there, we visited Coco Plum Beach, Three Sisters Beach (where you can snorkel), and others. We also went kayaking again.
We ended our trip with 3 nights on Stocking Island at Saint Francis Resort. If we were to do it again, we’d spend 4 nights there. The island has many trails, snorkeling spots, and you can get around by kayak. We saw rays, turtles, and even a harmless shark, as well as some beautiful beaches. Plus, the welcome at Saint Francis was the warmest we experienced.
Be aware that everything is very expensive on the island—much more so than in the English-speaking Caribbean. Clearly, the purchasing power of Americans plays a role. They say everything is imported, but that’s the case on all islands!
Some places only accept cash or charge a 5% fee if you pay by card.
We didn’t find the locals particularly friendly. If you’ve been to Dominica or Grenada, for example, you’ll know what I mean.
We explored the whole island. The beaches are stunning, but the roads tell a different story. There are a lot of car wrecks—some houses have two or three in front of them, which really spoils the landscape. There are also many abandoned, ruined houses.
The vegetation is lush but not tropical, and you’ll be served apples and oranges for breakfast because there are very few exotic fruits.
As for the climate in March, there was no humid atmosphere, and the heat was very manageable (26°C). It was very pleasant. The seawater, however, is definitely cooler than in the Indian Ocean, for example.
There’s not much snorkeling, but we knew that before coming.
In conclusion: beautiful beaches, sand as fine as flour, and a very pleasant climate. But honestly, for the same cost, I’d prefer the Seychelles, for example.
Hi everyone,
I need your help!
We’re planning to visit Guadeloupe and take the opportunity to explore the islands La Désirade, Marie-Galante, and Les Saintes.
I initially planned to rent a car to get around the main island and then take the ferry from Trois-Rivières to Les Saintes, from Pointe-à-Pitre to Marie-Galante, and finally from Saint-François to La Désirade, following that route.
But when I look at it, the car would sit unused for at least 5 days—that’s paying for nothing🙁.
Is it possible to go from LES SAINTES to MARIE-GALANTE and then on to LA DÉSIRADE? We’d only rent a car once we arrive in Saint-François to continue exploring Guadeloupe. What do you think—is that doable?
This trip is planned for April.
Thanks so much for your help
Just a quick update on the state of this road: the unpaved section has been significantly improved. You can now complete the journey in about 4 to 4.5 hours instead of 6. Great news! For me, the most hazardous part is actually the paved section before and after Sagua. It encourages higher speeds, but there are deep, dangerous potholes that appear without warning. Be careful!
I’d also note that despite occasional power outages—which casas and paladares know how to handle—tourism remains perfectly doable. Cuba is still magical! I was just told, with a touch of humor, that the official German government website suggests bringing your own toilet paper and candles… Hmm, maybe an update on rechargeable gear would be in order…
Hi! We’re visiting Guadeloupe for the first time in January. We’re looking for accommodation near Deshaies to start our trip. A quiet spot, not too far from the sea so we can walk there. Any suggestions are welcome!
I’ve just returned from 15 days in Cuba and wanted to share my experience along with some practical tips for those planning a trip there.
1. Formalities:
- Passport valid for at least 6 months after your return.
- E-visa: apply online (payment by bank transfer only via the embassy of your choice): evisacuba.cu or through an agency novelacuba.com (card payment on their site—I had to go with this option and recommend it because the Cuban embassy in Brussels apparently never received my transfer...)
- Digital D’Viajeros form to fill out a few days before departure
- Mandatory health insurance
2. Currency/budget
- Plan your entire budget in cash; card payments are rare, and withdrawals at the official rate aren’t great.
Local currency: CUP (Cuban Peso)
Official rate: ~1 € = 120 CUP → state-run restaurants and shops.
Current unofficial rate: ~1 € = 490 CUP → private restaurants, local bars, Cuban-owned shops.
For exchanging money:
The easiest way: ask at your *casa particular* or a local restaurant.
3. My itinerary (15 days)
Havana: 3 nights
Viñales: 3 nights
Cienfuegos: 1 night
Trinidad: 3 nights
Varadero: 3 nights
Havana: 1 night
Flights: Air Europa from Brussels, with a layover in Madrid. Smooth and pleasant service.
Accommodations: *casas particulares* booked on Airbnb except for Varadero (Iberostar Playa Alameda hotel).
Practical tips
Install a VPN before departure (many blocked sites like Instagram and Airbnb).
Download the El Toque app to check the updated CUP exchange rate.
Internet via ETECSA SIM card (~30 € for 10 GB) or Wi-Fi in hotels/*casas*.
Download Maps.me for offline maps.
Intercity travel: shared taxi, Viazul bus, or private transfer through your *casa*.
Electricity: 110 V, sometimes 220 V.
Bring basic supplies and medications—hard to find there.
Cuba requires flexibility and openness: regular power outages, unstable internet (especially in Trinidad).
Finally, my personal take:
I loved my trip to Cuba! It’s a disorienting yet deeply charming country.
Poverty is visible, especially in Havana: crumbling buildings, many people asking for help (but no safety concerns!). Bringing some essentials for locals is a good idea (soap, toothpaste, medications, clothes...).
Cubans are incredibly welcoming and friendly. A few basics in Spanish help a lot! The vibe is unique: music in every street, musicians everywhere, salsa all around.
The variety of landscapes is amazing: colonial architecture, paradise beaches, mountains, waterfalls, lush valleys—you’ll never get bored.
Only downside: Varadero, less authentic than the rest of the country, but I expected that!
Overall, it was a wonderful trip, and I’d love to go back!
Hi,
Several comments recommend bringing mosquito repellent. Got it. Are there a lot of them during the day? And by the seaside? Or are they more present (and voracious) in the evening? Thanks.
I bought tickets for Martinique in April 2025 for 15 days, without really looking into what there was to do, and with the idea in my head that we could: hike, do water activities, swim, visit rum distilleries...
But... I’m worried I’ll get bored over 15 days and I’m considering maybe spending 1 week in Guadeloupe and 1 week in Martinique.
For example, I don’t know how to spend a whole afternoon at the beach. 2 hours, max.
I know it’s a personal question and depends on how you travel, but I’d love to hear your thoughts if you’ve done it:
- Did you feel too rushed?
- Is it reasonable to do?
- How much time would you spend on each island?
I’ve just returned from Havana after an 18-day stay from October 8th to 26th.
From Montreal, you have to go through Varadero Airport. I now break up the airport-to-Havana transfer with a SUPER pleasant stopover halfway, in the historic village of Hershey (Camilo Cienfuegos). Quebecer Anne-Marie has renovated a century-old house there, and every stay of mine feels like a peaceful oasis. Amazing food, a pool, impeccable hospitality—I highly recommend it! Casa Cub'Anita.
Life for Cubans remains just as tough, made even harder right now by tropical viruses spread by mosquitoes. It’s absolutely essential to protect yourself properly. That said, the purchasing power of foreign currency hasn’t changed much, despite skyrocketing inflation. As of today, the US dollar exchanges for nearly 500 pesos on the "informal market."
This was my first time staying in Vieja, in the non-touristy part. I discovered some great little restaurants run by the younger generation. Affordable, excellent food, and remarkably friendly service: El Chanchulero (it was about time I checked it out—unbeatable value for money!), El Café, Jibaro...
Cubans are still as warm and welcoming as ever—bicitaxis, servers, markets. Speaking the language is a huge plus.
Essentials to download from abroad before you leave: the maps.me offline maps app, and the La Nave taxi/motorcycle taxi app, which is super efficient for getting around the capital.
Sending my best to all my friends in Oriente as the hurricane passes, especially to Baracoa. I’m planning to visit this winter.
I’m planning a trip to Cuba this summer and I’d love some info: Is travel insurance really necessary? Can you easily get online by buying a local SIM card or internet card? Apparently, there’s only one currency now—is it better to exchange money with your *casa particular* host?
Thanks for all these valuable tips!
Hi!
I’m heading to Havana for a week in February. I’m looking for a casa particular that’s affordable, clean, and cozy. Since I’ll be traveling alone, I’d love a place where people are welcoming!
Also, I really want to stay in Habana Vieja...
Do you have any recommendations for places you’ve stayed before?
I tried booking the casa particular *Chez Nous*, but I never got a response.
Hi fellow travelers,
We're heading to Martinique for a month from mid-January to mid-February.
Our plan is to explore the island by staying in three different spots for 10 days each, on both sides of the island...
Could you share some great tips on where to stay for an authentic experience and what we absolutely must see?!
Hi there,
In March 2026 I’ll be at the Club Med in Sainte-Anne and I’m thinking of heading to Les Saintes at the end of my stay.
Do you know what the most convenient way to get there is?
Thanks so much!
Hi everyone.
For those traveling to Cuba and then planning to go to the USA, you won’t be able to get your ESTA for the United States (same applies) if you’ve been to Cuba after 2021 due to a law passed by Donald Trump (a law that Biden later repealed).
You’ll have no choice but to apply for a visa, which costs 200 € (and approval isn’t guaranteed even after payment).
If you’re in this situation, the process to get this visa will be a real hassle—you’ll need to book an appointment at the U.S. Embassy in Paris. It’s the only embassy in France authorized to handle your application after you’ve filled out the visa request on the official website.
If you try to cheat by applying for an ESTA for the USA, just know that the American administration has ways of finding out if you’ve been to Cuba. 😉
I'm looking for information on the islands of Puerto Rico, St. Barthélemy, and St. Martin for March 2026.
What is there to see, and if possible, prices or tips, please?
Thanks, Michel V.
I’ve booked a room at an all-inclusive in Varadero for January 2025. This will be my 3rd trip to Cuba, the last one was 20 years ago.
The whole tipping and gratuities thing is wearing me out. Even though it’s an all-inclusive package, I think it’d be rude not to leave any tips for the bar staff and the housekeeping team, especially.
Here’s what I’m aiming for:
1. Not feeling stingy (or “feeling cheap” for my fellow Quebecers);
2. Not disrespecting Cubans by offering junk or, on the flip side, going overboard and creating unrealistic expectations for future tourists;
3. And most importantly, not spending the whole week wondering if I’m doing the right thing. I’m going there to relax, not to stress!
Hi there,
I’m planning our upcoming trip to Guadeloupe. We’re looking for a place to stay where human contact is a priority, with air conditioning, close to the beaches, and clean.
We’ve had several responses. After doing some research online, I was able to rule out quite a few options.
But now I’m deciding between:
Kokoplaj, tipayoune (issue: no AC, just fans—is that a problem?), Résidence Le Zandoli, and Gwada Rêves.
If you have any info or experiences to share, I’d love to hear them! ;-)
Thanks for your help!
See you soon...
I’m heading to Blau Costa Verde next February and I’d like to rent a scooter to explore the area. Are the roads around Holguín in good condition? I’m thinking of renting one for 1–2 or 3 days to visit Holguín, Gibara, and Banes on my own. Do you recommend it (I’ve got a great sense of direction)? How much does it usually cost to rent a scooter for 2 or 3 days (or a car, though I’d prefer a scooter)? Also, are there any other interesting spots nearby you’d suggest checking out?
Are there any excursions to Santiago, and how much do they typically cost?
Hi,
When booking the tickets to Martinique for our family, I must have made a mistake, and on one of the tickets, the third first name is wrong. Michel instead of Joel...
CORSAIR Airlines is telling me I have to buy a new ticket for 1200 € (Christmas period). I think that’s outrageous and, above all, impossible for us.
I’m desperate—I feel like Corsair is really overdoing it.
Is there any recourse? How can I get out of this?
I’m throwing this message in a bottle, just in case...😕
Hi, I'm looking for a car rental for January 2020 in Guadeloupe. There are several agencies I've seen reviews for—has anyone dealt with Autolagon before?
Thanks!
