Tips & Informaciones

Being home to rhythms like Salsa, Rumba and chachachá it`s so common to hear music everywhere, not only on weekends. 

Reggaeton is very popular and you will hear it on the streets and big parties. Jazz is for some while house and all sorts of electronic music is very popular among the youth.

For salsa, people go to "1830", "The Paparazzi", "La Gruta" or "La casa de la Música". You can easily google these places but write a note with this info 'cause once here, you won`t be able to google it again.

Places like FAC can be found online as well, this place closes for breves breaks so you need to ask that before coming to Cuba.

Houses usually use 110 volts, this is the most common electric current, so you will find it everywhere. There are less chances to find the 220 volts and they should be properly marked but it won`t harm to be cautious.

We recommend you bring adapters for plugs and converters for currents. 

And don`t leave your phone`s charger at home!

CUBAN CUISINE:

Traditional Cuban food is not spicy Cubans cook mainly with 3 to 5 spices, people who eat lots of Thai, Mexican or Indian food are used to strong flavors and that might be shocking We find our food to be delicious but if spicy is your thing prepare to add it to the dish because it does not come as default.

What’s traditional Cuban food:

Rice and black beans, roasted pork, fried ripe plantains, yucca with Cuban dressing and tomato salad. “Flan”, “Arroz con leche” and “casquitos de guava” are the traditional desserts, very, very sweet.

 After every Cuban meal, coffee!

To keep us going!

Beef and Lobster are treats!  

DRINKS:

Having a drink in cuba, how much?

It depends on the place, the type of drink and even the time of the day!

For instance, having a drink during the matinee of la casa de la musica is cheaper then, than during the night, many places have the happy hour offer.

Average prices of the drinks at the clubs:

Water: 1 CUC.

Soft drinks and beers: 1-3 CUC.

Cocktails: 3-5 CUC.

Bottle of Rum: 12-20 CUC.

We recommend to drink bottled water and not directly from the tap. In most hotels and groceries the bottle of water of 500 ml costs 0.50 and the 1500 ml one  costs from 0.70-1.00

If you buy the liquor in a local store you save a buck or two but might have to walk farther.

CLIMATE:

People who live in countries where snow is their normal and the warmth from the sun is a gift will enjoy coming to Cuba from November to March, April even. The average temp is 24 Celsius degree. April has been getting hotter lately  

The rest of the year is soooo hot! If you plan on coming then because that`s precisely what you are looking for, include lots of beach and pool activities!

Also bring mosquito repellent especially if you are coming during the rainy season, after May.

Using USD is banned in Cuba, since November 8th, 2004. Cubans always used CUP till CUC was created, now we use two currencies, the former values less and buys low quality products, most of Cubans not working privately earn CUP. 

Twenty five CUP equals 1CUC. CUC buys quality services, even Cubans have to use it to buy better shoes, stay at beach houses and pay for appliances and INTERNET. As a tourist that`s is the currency you will use most of the times and you will be expected to know this.

How do you differentiate one currency from the other? CUC bills read "pesos convertibles" at the center of the bill. CUC coins are all silvered and you can easily see the number. There`s no such a thing as a 3 CUC coin, so be aware when you receive change of three, you must have either three coins of 1CUC or three bills of 1CUC.

We advice you change USD into Euros before coming to Cuba, you'd lose less! Cuba does not recognize Scottish bank notes, so these should be avoided. At the airport, you can change your remaining CUC into your currency  but don`t forget your airport tax: 25 cuc per person. 

Credit cards, not issued by US banks are accepted in most hotels but not in shops or restaurants. As there are an increasing number of credit cards with obscure names, please double check that yours has not been issued by an American bank - especially if you are relying on it for money in Cuba. Banks generally open from 08:30 until 15:00. but go before or after lunch and not to close to 15:00, workers we will eager to get home

Cuba Factor: The same things that seem so appealing from a trip to Cuba might work against you. Cuba is usually described as a placed suspended in time. Where everything moves slower and you can just chill on the beach, while that is true you need to prepare for it. Everything takes more time in Cuba and it has nothing to do with you, sometimes there is nothing you can do to make it go faster so chill and go with the flow don`t take it personal. If the plan does not go as planned don`t freak most of the times there is a silver lining and you discover something or someone new. Turn every problem into an opportunity and you will experience the best of Cuba.

Heads up in public places: Cubans are usually friendly, in touristy areas many will approach offering a service, a souvenir or cigars. Know how to say NO, look them in the eye, pat their  arm and say “No Gracias”. In night clubs some of the locals might approach and try to see if they can get lucky, lots of tourists come for “FUN” and because you are a tourist someone might come closer in a playful manner. If you are not interested don`t play along, just walk away. If you are with one of our instructors you have your own “body guard” just let them know if someone is making you feel uncomfortable and they will get you out of the situation.

Keep your valuable things safe: Though the rate of crime and percentage of felonies in Cuba is really low. We advise to leave your valuable objects at the hotel or rental, some provide a safe. Or better don`t bring to much it will only draw attention to you, people will try to hustle less if you dress casual and keep a low profile! When travelling, we suggest you keep your passport, and part of the money in your pockets or hand luggage. Don`t leave your phone unattended it`s precious even if you don`t receive notifications!