Discussions started by Caliocho

Hi everyone,

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!

Don’t hesitate if you have any questions! 😉