The Sophisticated Life
  • Home
  • About
  • Travel
  • Food
  • Wine
  • Work With Me
  • Contact
No Result
View All Result
The Sophisticated Life
  • Home
  • About
  • Travel
  • Food
  • Wine
  • Work With Me
  • Contact
No Result
View All Result
The Sophisticated Life
No Result
View All Result
Home Blog

10 Cuba Travel Tips: Know Before You Go!

by Nadeen
May 1, 2018
A A
10 Cuba Travel Tips: Know Before You Go!

This post contains affiliate links. However, all opinions expressed here are original. If you click through on a link, you won’t pay a penny more, but we’ll receive a slight commission which helps us keep this information available to you. Thanks!

 

I returned from my Cuba vacations last week and it was amazing. We traveled to Havana, Vinales Valley, Cienfuegos and Trinidad! In my post “Plan a trip to Cuba in 10 Easy Steps” I reviewed with you how to legally travel to Cuba from the United States. Now that I have been to Cuba, I want to share information you will need while visiting the island. Here are my top 10 Cuba travel tips!

10 Cuba Travel Tips : Know Before You Travel to Cuba!

1. Immigration forms

We flew to Havana from Cancun Mexico. On the plane to Cancun from the U.S., we received their immigration form. It asked for the location and address of where we were staying in Cancun. Since we were continuing on to travel to Cuba that day I didn’t know what to write. Therefore, I left it blank. I told the immigration agent we were taking another flight to Cuba and she said “oh Transit?” We said yes and she let us through.

2. Tourist Card / Visa for Travel to Cuba

In the Cancun airport we bought the tourist card/visa for travel to Cuba at the Air Cubana office located across from their check in area. It was $20 per person. When we were checking in for our flight they told us there was a tax per person of $23 dollars. We paid for both in US dollars.

3. Flight delays

Our flight on Air Cubana from Cancun to Havana was delayed for hours both going there and coming back. Also, the terminal for Air Cubana and other airlines to Cuba where in a different terminal than the one we arrived in from Atlanta. You have to take an airport shuttle or cab to go between the two. Due to this, make sure you plan several hours between flights when organizing Cuba vacations. If not, plan an overnight stay. There is a Courtyard Marriott about 1.5 miles from the Cancun airport with free shuttle service.

4. Getting your passport stamped

On arrival to Havana the immigration officer did NOT ask us if we wanted our American passports stamped. I assumed she had not stamped it but later realized she DID stamp our passports. When we were leaving Havana the immigration officer asked if I wanted my passport stamped. I said yes since there was already a stamp in it and I fit under the approved journalism travel category. Consider this if you are not traveling under one of the approved categories and if you do not have global entry (see #10). If questioned by an immigration agent in the U.S. about a Cuba passport stamp, be prepared to answer based on one of the 12 approved categories. They are reviewed in this post.

5. There is no longer a penalty tax in Cuba for changing US dollars to Cuban CUC dollars.

As of the end of March, the rate was 1 USD for 1.03 CUC and for Euro it was 1 Euro for 1.07 CUC. However, there were very long lines at most banks and exchange places. Our hotel changed currency but at a lower rate. We did change money there due to the convenience. We could not get a $500 Euro bill changed at several places because it had a small tear. So, make sure to keep your bills in good condition. Also, bring enough cash since you can’t use your credit or debit cards in Cuba.

6. Wifi and Internet are very limited.

At our first hotel we paid $5 CUC per hour for wifi cards. At our second hotel they had no internet service and we didn’t have any wifi service while traveling around the island. On return to Havana we were able to use the Internet cards at Hotel Parque Central in Old Havana. Look into wifi access at your accommodations. Make necessary arrangements prior to arriving if you will need daily wifi service.

7. Don’t believe the hype about Cuba vacations.

I thought the food & drinks were amazing! Ropa vieja, croquetas, mojtios, pina coladas and more! I have an upcoming post with a list of places to eat in Cuba.

8. Negotiate everywhere.

When catching a taxi or buying goods from vendors. San Jose Market in Old Havana has a large number of shopping stalls and a great variety of products but walk around and negotiate. Prior to accepting a taxi ride, negotiate and agree on a price prior to leaving for your destination. Realize that even with an address many “taxi” drivers have difficulty finding a specific location. They may not be official government taxi drivers and they don’t have GPS ?. It is also good to know that there are a lot of beggars in Cuba, especially in Havana. I had a few touch or grab my arm. Entertainers in restaurants and clubs walked around asking for tips. Many public bathrooms had women sitting outside the door to collect fees or tips for using the bathroom and receiving toilet paper. Therefore, keep small change and bills available for these purposes.

9. You can legally bring back Cuban cigars to the U.S.

…but at a maximum of $100 value per person.

10. Get Global Entry!!

On our return to the U.S. we filled out our information at the computers. The computer printed out an exit sheet. We simply held it up pass the U.S. immigration officer in the Global Entry line. No questions asked.

I hope this post was helpful! Feel free to add Cuba travel tips in the comments below.

Follow my journey through Cuba on Instagram @thesophislife.

travel to cuba, cuba vacations, cuba travel tips, Cuba Travel Tips: Know Before You Go!

If you are still in the planning stages check out my post “Plan a trip to Cuba in 10 easy steps.” Stay tuned for stories and pictures about my experiences in Cuba. The history, the architecture, the food and most importantly the people were interesting and amazing. Have you been to Cuba? If so, share your thoughts with us below!





Pin this post for future reference!

travel to cuba, cuba vacations, cuba travel tips, 10 Cuba Travel Tips! Know Before you Go! Information on transportation, food, currency, shopping and more!

 

 

Join over 2k travel enthusiasts on The Sophisticated Life email list & get access to travel updates, exclusive content & offers!

+ Get the Pandemic Travel Checklist FREE

Thank you! Check your email for your checklists!

Tags: cubacuba travel tipshavanaTravel
Previous Post

The Mega Load of Must-Have Travel Apps!

Next Post

How I Spent 7 Days in Cuba!

Nadeen

Nadeen

Dr. Nadeen White is a "Blogger by Day, Physician by Night". She is an award-winning travel blogger, Amazon bestselling author and speaker. The Sophisticated Life Blog covers affordable luxury travel, culinary travel and wine. Her domestic and international travel guides gets people to the destinations of their dreams. So, if you are living the sophisticated life or desire to do so, this is the blog for you!

Related Posts

sonoma county wineries and restaurants, sonoma, california wine region, sonoma wines, wine tasting
Wine

Sonoma County Wineries & Restaurants.

December 13, 2021
flying during the pandemic, flying during covid19, tips for safe air travel during covid19, is flying safe during covid-19, covid19 travel tips tips for safe air travel, air travel during covid-19, travel tips during covid-19, flying during covid
Travel

Flying During the Pandemic? Tips for Safe Air Travel.

September 22, 2021
midtown atlanta travel guide, discover atlanta, visit atlanta, midtown atlanta, atlanta georgia, planning a trip to atlanta
Travel

Midtown Atlanta Travel Guide: Things to Do & See!

March 4, 2021
staycation ideas, canopy atlanta midtown hotel, hilton hotel, atlanta staycation, atlanta midtown hotel, hotel reviews
Travel

Atlanta Staycation Ideas: Canopy Midtown Hotel

September 22, 2021
things to do in atlanta for black history month, ebenezer baptist church, black churches in atlanta
Travel

Things to do in Atlanta, Georgia for Black History Month.

September 22, 2021
7 compelling reasons to take the covid-19 vaccine, covid-19 vaccines, coronavirus, pandemic, pzifer vaccine study, moderna vaccine, mRNA vaccines, operation warp speed,
Blog

7 Compelling Reasons to take the COVID-19 Vaccine (including travel!)

September 22, 2021
Next Post
How I Spent 7 Days in Cuba!

How I Spent 7 Days in Cuba!

New Zealand Food & Wine Festivals!

New Zealand Food & Wine Festivals!

Comments 9

  1. MJ says:
    6 years ago

    Nadeen, I can’t wait for your posts about the people, culture, food and more of Cuba. Cuba is one of the few places I absolutely dream about visiting. I have family from Cuba so I really want to go there to learn more about my history and the people of Cuba.
    I’m amazed at that exchange rate!

    Looking forward to more.

    • Nadeen says:
      6 years ago

      Thank you so much MJ! I look forward to writing more about the people and the culture as well. It was a great experience and I hope you are able to get there soon!

  2. Jason says:
    6 years ago

    I’ve been surfing online more than 3 hours lately,
    but I never discovered any attention-grabbing article like yours.
    It is lovely value sufficient for me. In my opinion, if all website owners and bloggers made excellent content as you probably did, the net
    shall be a lot more helpful than ever before. http://www.yahoo.net

  3. Cheva says:
    5 years ago

    Cuba, here I come! I cannot wait for my travel. I am so happy I get the change to travel abroad.

    • Nadeen says:
      5 years ago

      Thats great! Enjoy Cuba and be safe!

  4. feedback on interview says:
    5 years ago

    Ι have been surfing online more than 4 hours today, yet I never found any inteгеsting article like yours.
    It is pretty ᴡorth enough for me. Personally, if all web owners and bloggers made gooԀ content as you did,
    the web ѡill be muuch ore սseful thhan ever before. http://kmamtl.org/xe/board_MpBT54/157253

  5. test9 says:
    4 years ago

    Thanks for sharing your thoughts. I really appreciate your efforts
    and I am waiting for your further post thank you once again.

  6. infiniteaccess says:
    4 years ago

    Thanks for your nice post .Really this post is very helpful and informative so please keep it up

    your writing .If anyone wnat to chekc this kinds of topic pleasecehcck here .
    thanks

  7. tareen2338 says:
    4 years ago

    We are in Seville now and loving the beautiful parks and walks on the river. I’m not sure if I like Valencia or Seville more. they are both so great! Did you miss any of the city amenities.

No Result
View All Result
Subscribe for updates!

Subscribe for updates!

You have Successfully Subscribed!

Best-selling Travel Ebooks Available for Download

Travel Guides to Your Favorite Destinations

USA Wine Guide for Travelers

Culinary Travel Guides: Food & Wine

Recent Posts

Wine

Sonoma County Wineries & Restaurants.

by Nadeen
December 13, 2021
Wine

2021 Wine & Spirits Holiday Gift Guide Featuring Black-Owned Businesses!

by Nadeen
November 27, 2021
  • I jumped coasts to attend the @africanamericanvintners 20th anniversary symposium in Oakland, Napa & Sonoma County! 

It’s a 2 day event celebrating members of the association, the leaders, pioneers, new voices and raising money for scholarships. Their 3 pillars are, EDUCATION, LEGACY AND UNITY 👏🏽👏🏽🍷🍷

Day #1 was phenomenal. There are few words to describe meeting Black winemakers and leaders in the industry that I have admired and blogged about for years!! 

There was a bottling tour followed by a luncheon and seminars @broncowineco in Napa and then we headed to Santa Rosa in Sonoma County to the beautiful @deloachvineyards for the fundraiser & first ever award 🥇 ceremony! 

***head to my stories for the BTS!

There were so many memorable moments one being from @sippingsocialite She said something to effect of -if she were to go now she knew she left it all here. She gave it all and did all she could for herself and her community. 🙌🏽🙌🏽

As a physician I know tomorrow isn’t promised. Live your life to the fullest. Give what you can. I will keep  traveling, sharing and encouraging others to live a life of fulfillment. 

If you are considering a career in the wine industry take a look @africanamericanvintners !! 
Stay tuned for Day #2 🍷🍷

#blackwinelovers #winewithfriends #winebloggers #wineconnoisseur #wineconnection #blackwinemakers #blacktravelfeed #blackwineprofessionals
  • @lumahoteltimessquare was so Lux & Lovely!! 

Just one week ago I was waking up to beautiful skyline 🏙 NYC views and enjoying espresso ☕️ at Luma Hotel in Times Square! 

What things do you look for when booking a hotel 🏨? 

Here are a few things I research 🧐  Location-I like to be able to walk to sites, especially in major cities. If I can’t walk then public transportation should be easily accessible or major sites should be a short drive. Luma Hotel Times Square was 1 block from Bryant Park and a 5 minute walk from Times Square! 

🧐 Cleanliness-this is VERY important to me!! I will read review after review looking for this. Especially in these COVID-19 times. My room at Luma was spotless!! They even came to check on me after I got to my room to see if I needed anything. 

🧐 Service-this can make or break my review of a hotel. It doesn’t take much to be pleasant and courteous and helpful to guests at your hotel. Everyone at Luma Hotel did just that from check in to check out. 

🧐 Food & Beverage service-the bar service & cocktails at the hotel were amazing! Check out my previous reel. There is a restaurant opening later this summer. 

🧐 Beds, linens, comfort, room size, showers- the more I travel the more I need these things! I need to be comfortable and rested! An uncomfortable bed, cheap linens and low water 🚿 pressure will ruin my stay! 

Swipe to listen to some of the features I loved about @lumahoteltimessquare Head to my NYC highlight reel for a tour of the hotel suite! 

What features do you look for in a hotel?! 

#hosted #lumahoteltimessquare #nycgo #nychotels #luxurytravel #blacktravelfeed #travelnoire #blacktravelbloggers #timessquarenyc
  • Do you want to know how to save $$$ money on tickets to Broadway 🎭 shows but still get great seats?!! 
Then SAVE & SHARE This!! 

🎭 Enter the lottery at the box office for the show you want to see! A lot of the shows/theaters have lotteries with tickets as low as $45. But you have to check the websites in advance since you will probably have to sign up the day before you want to see the show. If you can do weekdays and the Wednesday matinee you probably have a better chance of getting picked and good seats. A friend of mine got tickets for Moulin Rouge last week! You will have a short window of time to claim the tickets so be sure to keep checking your email for notification! 

🎭🎭 @tkts counters. There are several booths with the most popular one in Times Square. They have tickets to the biggest shows on Broadway. Beware of scammers circling the line and trying to sell you tickets. The tickets sold here are legit and the prices including taxes etc. There is a billboard that lists what shows, dates and times they have so you can check that before you get in line. I purchased Tina Turner musical tickets last week and was in row J orchestra on the aisle and it was  AMAZING and the price was less than on the box office website. 

🎭🎭🎭 Go to the box office on the day of the show and check online. You may still get obstructed or slightly obstructed views or single tickets the day of. Never hurts to try!! 

Do you enjoy Broadway shows?! I have been going since I was a child and it’s so thrilling to me! But some shows are sooooo expensive!! 

#broadwaynyc #gonyc #broadwaytips #blacktravelfeed #travelnoire #nyctraveltips #traveltipsandtricks #timessquarenyc #tinaturnermusical
  • #winewednesday🍷 
Have you been to Napa Valley? It’s easily one of my favorite places in the US! 

If you ❤️ exceptional wine, great dining experiences, lovely hotels & spas..then Napa Valley is it! 

You can also have great adventures there like a hot air balloon ride which I did a few years ago followed by a Champagne 🥂 breakfast. And/or go bike riding thru the valley! And how about a mud bath 🛀? YES! I have done and enjoyed it all! 

Of course there are many more wineries and restaurants in Napa Valley beyond this list because as I remind people-it’s large with several areas/cities besides Downtown Napa. But this is a great place to start! 

Don’t miss one of my favorite wineries @brownestate that is Black-Owned and makes THE most amazing Zinfandel wines among other varietals! 

Head to my blog www.thesophisticatedlife.com for more info on Napa Valley! 

#napavalley #napavalleywine #napavalleywinery @downtownnapa @visitnapavalley #winebloggers #napafoodie #visitnapavalley #blackwinelovers #winewithfriends
  • BLACK-OWNED RESTAURANTS IN ATLANTA!! 
***Save & Share this post!! Keep this checklist whether you live in Atlanta or you are coming to visit. How many have you been to? 

PLUS Swipe to see my NEW blog post on Black-Owned Brunch Spots in Atlanta! 
Easter may be gone but it’s time to make Mother’s Day plans! 

Atlanta has so many amazing restaurants with so much variety! You will gain a few pounds. Trust me I know lol 😂 

#atlantarestaurants #atlantafoodblogger #atlantabloggers #discoveratlanta #visitatlanta #supportblackbusinesses #blacktravelbloggers #atlantafoodies
  • It’s time for another travel guide! 

Last fall I had the pleasure of spending a week in @sonomacounty where #lifeopensup 
It was amazing!! 

I definitely drank my share of wine 🍷 🍷🍷🍷 and ate a lot of delicious food 🥘 since they are known for farm to table cuisine. But there are so many other things to do here PLUS luxury hotels, chateaus & vineyards! I even visited 2 Black-owned wineries @fogcrestvineyard and @corner103 

I have condensed my travel guide into this quick and easy to reference carousel but if you want all the details head to my blog www.thesophisticatedlife.com !! 

Sign up for my newsletter to get destination guides delivered straight to your inbox! The link is in my profile! Don’t forget to add me as a “Favorites” on Instagram and Like, Comment & Share this post 👍🏽👍🏽😄

Have you been to Sonoma County? #sonomacounty #sonomacountywine #sonomacountyrestaurants #winebloggers #luxurytraveler #luxurytravelblog #sonomavalley #visitcalifornia @visitcalifornia #traveltipsandtricks #blacktravelbloggers

Black-Owned Businesses

black-owned businesses in asheville north carolina, hood huggers tours, black-owned business in asheville, asheville north carolina, black-owned restaurants in Asheville, downtown Asheville,

Black-Owned Businesses in Asheville, North Carolina.

September 22, 2021
black-owned rosé wine brands to sip on this summer, rosé wines, black-owned wines, rosé wines, summer wines, black-owned wines, black-owned wineries, mcbride wines, black girl magic wines, brown estate wines,

Black-Owned Rosé Wine Brands to Sip on this Summer.

April 27, 2022
atlanta black-owned restaurants, black-owned restaurants in atlanta, atlanta restaurants, brunch in atlanta, atlanta restaurants

45+ Black-Owned Restaurants in Atlanta You Should Support!

May 15, 2022
black-owned wineries, black-owned businesses, black-owned wines, black winemakers, black wines, black owned wines, black owned wineries, black podcasts, wine, wineries, winemakers. wine regions, napa valley, wine tasting

50+ Black-Owned Wineries & Businesses You Should Follow & Support.

March 15, 2022

Explore the U.S.A

photo by Adam chandler courtesy of charleston wine and food festival

2022 Charleston Wine + Food Festival-Recap!

March 31, 2022
sonoma county wineries and restaurants, sonoma, california wine region, sonoma wines, wine tasting

Sonoma County Wineries & Restaurants.

December 13, 2021
things to do in malibu california, malibu restaurants, wine tasting in malibu, malibu beaches, shopping in malibu

Things to do in Malibu California this Weekend.

March 21, 2022
asheville travel guide, things to do in asheville north carolina, places to stay in asheville, where to eat in asheville north carolina

The Ultimate Guide of Things To Do in Asheville, North Carolina!

September 22, 2021
  • Trending
  • Comments
  • Latest
Myrtle Beach Restaurant Guide for Foodies!

The Best Myrtle Beach Restaurants: A Guide for Foodies!

August 6, 2020
15 fun facts about quebec city canada, travel to canada, canadian

15 Fun Quebec City Facts

August 7, 2018
Diner en Blanc Guide for First-Timers! Everything you need to know to attend this magical event! Includes information on purchasing tickets, preparing for the event, costs and what to expect at Diner en Blanc!

Diner en Blanc Guide for First-Timers!

September 19, 2019
Dubai Trip

Dubai Travel Guide for First Time Visitors!

April 2, 2020
Dubai Trip

Dubai Travel Guide for First Time Visitors!

How I spent 5 Days in Dubai and Abu Dhabi! A Desert Safari, Camel rides, Burj Khalifa, High Tea at Burj Al Arab, Shopping in Souks, Visiting the Grand Mosque and so much more!!

How I Spent 5 Days in Dubai and Abu Dhabi!

Visit Jamaica: Land I Love!

Cruising the Mediterranean Sea on Norwegian Epic!

black owned brunch spots in atlanta, black owned restaurants in atlanta, brunch in atlanta

Black-Owned Brunch Spots in Atlanta

April 27, 2022
photo by Adam chandler courtesy of charleston wine and food festival

2022 Charleston Wine + Food Festival-Recap!

March 31, 2022
sonoma county wineries and restaurants, sonoma, california wine region, sonoma wines, wine tasting

Sonoma County Wineries & Restaurants.

December 13, 2021
black-owned businesses, gift guide, holiday gift guide, wine gifts, wine apparel, wine books, wine and spirits, 2021 wine and spirits holiday gift guide featuring back-owned businesses

2021 Wine & Spirits Holiday Gift Guide Featuring Black-Owned Businesses!

November 27, 2021
The Sophisticated Life

  • About
  • Travel
  • Blog
  • Contact Us
  • Privacy Policy

© 2021 The Sophisticated Life

The Sophisticated Life

  • About
  • Travel
  • Blog
  • Contact Us
  • Privacy Policy
Menu
  • About
  • Travel
  • Blog
  • Contact Us
  • Privacy Policy

© 2020 The Sophisticated Life

No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • About
  • Travel
  • Wine
  • Food
  • Contact
  • Work With Me
  • Privacy Policy

© 2020 The Sophisticated Life