Havana Travel Tips: What to Know Before You Go

Practical tips for Havana

• Bring cash EUR / CAD / GBP — US-issued credit + debit cards do not work in Cuba; hotels only accept limited foreign cards.

• Casas particulares (government-licensed private homestays) are often better + cheaper than hotels — Airbnb + Cuba Junky work.

• Buy an Etecsa Wi-Fi scratch card or ETECSA data eSIM — Wi-Fi is now widely available in hotels + parks + squares (better than 5 years ago).

Staying safe and comfortable

Local emergency number: 106.

• One of the safest capitals in Latin America — violent crime rare, heavy police presence in tourist zones.

• Jineterismo (hustling tourists — restaurant scams, currency-exchange scams) common but non-violent.

• Verify taxi fare + restaurant menu prices in advance.

• Emergency 106 (police) / 104 (ambulance).

Visas and entry

Entry policy: required, typically up to 30 days. Nearly all nationalities need a Cuban Tourist Card (tarjeta de turista) — 30 days, extendable once. Cost US$25–75 depending on point of purchase. Health insurance required on arrival.

Budgeting your trip

Accommodation is the largest controllable cost in Havana. Compare live rates for your dates and neighbourhood shortlist before locking in flights — the difference between areas is often larger than the difference between travel weeks.