Unlike the nearby resorts, we don't know much about Cuba. How do I book a hotel, rent a car or call a taxi? Where to exchange currency and how to buy a local SIM card? Let's fill in the gaps so that a vacation to the homeland of rum, vintage cars and fragrant cigars is easy, interesting and unforgettable.

Booking of hotels, hostels, rooms

There is a wide range of accommodation in Cuba: rooms for those who only spend the night, comfortable apartments and villas for large companies. Prices start at $20 per day for the most modest option. For renting a simple apartment with everything you need, they ask from $ 50. For $100 or more, you will get a more spacious apartment with Wi-Fi.

❗View all the booking options on delamar.pro.

Remember, you should not expect relaxation and increased comfort from Cuba luxury. There is no designer renovation, no new furniture, no modern appliances. All this is too expensive for the locals, and some goods are simply not available.

But, do not feel sorry for the Cubans, they are quite happy. Bus fare, bread, rice, tomatoes, waffle ice cream and other products cost mere pennies even compared to small local salaries. They are in no hurry, they live and work in a relaxed way. Cuba often hosts festivals and carnivals where you can buy beer at prices below cost. Here is a gift from the authorities.

Cuba is an amazing country with its own unique flavor and happy locals.

SIM card for tourists in Cuba

We recommend purchasing an Etecsa SIM card immediately upon arrival — Terminal 3 of Jose Marti Airport in the capital Havana. However, this is not the only option. Most of the Etecsa units are located in different areas of the capital, there are in the resort town of Varadero, Cienfuegos, Trinidad.

The CubacelTur tourist fare costs $25. It includes: 6 GB of data, 100 minutes of conversation and 100 SMS. Traffic can be purchased additionally for a fee: 10 GB for $20, 20 GB for $30, 50 GB for $60. _{^{*data as of February 24, 2024.}} 

Where to exchange currency in Cuba

The currency of Cuba is the Cuban peso (CUP).

Tourists should bring euro cash with them, which can be exchanged for pesos upon arrival. They do not accept US dollars.

You can exchange currency in Cuba at official CADECA exchange offices or at banks!

The exchange is accepted:

• Euro (EUR),
• British Pound (GBP), 
• Canadian dollar (CAD), 
• Mexican Peso (MXN),
• Swiss Franc (CHF), 
• Japanese Yen (JPY).

Russian cards and cards of American banks (USA) do not work in Cuba.

Prepaid MLC Cards

Tourists can purchase MLC prepaid cards at official CADECA points for amounts equivalent to 1,000, 500 or 200 dollars. The funds are converted according to the current exchange rate. You need to pay $5 for making a card. You will need a passport and the amount of money that you plan to put in (there are only 3 options listed above).

Recall that US dollars are not accepted, but their exchange rate is used to convert from other currencies accepted in Cuba for exchange.

The cards are used as regular bank cards, but:

• They are valid only on the territory of Cuba; 
• they are intended only for tourists; 
• they can be used to pay in retail chains; 
• withdraw pesos in cash from ATMs.

Prepaid cards are issued by Banco de Credito y Comercio. BANDEC". For more information or to block a lost card, contact any branch of the bank.  

The card is used until the amount is exhausted. The remaining funds can be collected at the CADECA branch at the airport before departure from the country.

How to call a taxi

There are many private traders on the streets of Cuba. But if you are more used to and safer using mobile applications, we recommend installing La Nave. You will also need a local SIM card, which, as already mentioned, can be purchased at the airport.

The application is similar to many similar ones, for example, "Yandex Go". Activate geolocation so that the driver knows where to pick you up from. After selecting a destination, the cost of the trip is automatically calculated. Do not be afraid that it is indicated in dollars... these are not dollars (despite the $ icon), but pesos.

You can also use a shuttle service from the airports in Havana and Varadero. To do this, go to the website delamar.pro. It is also possible to rent housing directly from the owners. Choose a guide for interesting excursions around the country. Rent a car for free travel, as well as get a lot of useful information about the features of tourism in Cuba.