CAN I TRAVEL TO CUBA ON A ONE WAY TICKET?

A few people have asked me “is it possible to arrive in Cuba on a one way ticket and buy an outbound ticket from Cuba to my next travel destination when I am in Cuba?”

This is not something I have tested out. When travelling to Cuba I always have a return ticket. On one occasion, I bought a one way ticket to Cuba from Costa Rica and an outbound ticket from Cuba with another airline from Havana to Caracas.  I had these tickets before I arrived in Cuba.

Cuban immigration has never asked to see an airline ticket showing my departure date.  I have always assumed that if Cuban immigration were to ask me of my intended departure date, I would need to show evidence by providing a valid airline ticket with my departure date from Cuba.

None of the airlines I have travelled with going to Cuba have asked to see a return ticket, until recently. I arrived at Gatwick airport in London, pleasantly surprised to find no queue. I went straight to the check-in desk and the lovely ladies at Air Europa asked to see my Cuban tourist card (this always happens) and my return ticket (this is a first).

According to the Air Europa Check-In Attendant at Gatwick Airport, you do need a return ticket when flying to Cuba, or at least an outbound ticket from Cuba.

So if you are planning to travel to Cuba on a one way ticket and to buy an outbound ticket when you get to Cuba, think again. Personally I wouldn’t recommend it. Trying to sort out travel arrangements in Cuba isn’t easy. Even with WIFI hotspots dotted around Cuba, getting a decent WIFI signal and actually connecting is hit and miss, which makes planning travel on the internet in Cuba quite challenging.

If you have managed to travel to Cuba on a one way ticket, please share your experience with us.

EXPERIENCE THE REAL CUBA – SUPPORTING CUBAN BUSINESSES

Experience the Real Cuba offers Casas Particulares in Cuba as well as cultural activities and programs in Cuba supporting local Cuban private businesses.

To find out more about Casas in Cuba and our courses and programs (Spanish lessons, Dance lessons, Music lessons, Photography Experiences, Art & Pottery workshops) check out our website:

www.experiencetherealcuba.com

7 THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT EXPERIENCE THE REAL CUBA

A REAL EXPERIENCE IN CUBA

After carefully planning the perfect itinerary, Tara organised her trip to Cuba with Experience the Real Cuba. Tara visited Cuba in February 2016, she stayed at our Casas in Havana, Viñales and Trinidad and she took Spanish lessons in Havana as well as Spanish and Salsa lessons in Trinidad.

We asked Tara to share her comments with us about her trip to Cuba. She also highlighted some interesting tips for people thinking of visiting Cuba.

1.    WHAT WAS THE HIGHLIGHT OF YOUR TRIP?

Spending time in beautiful Trinidad - having over a week there meant I could really relax and enjoy day-to-day life...

2.    DID WE PROVIDE YOU WITH ADEQUATE INFORMATION PRIOR TO YOUR TRIP?

Yes, it was very detailed, easy to read and provided me with everything I needed.

3.     WHERE THERE ANY SURPRISES IN CUBA?

It was my second time so not really. After a couple of days it felt very natural.

4.     WHAT INFORMATION DO YOU THINK IS VALUABLE PRIOR TO VISITING CUBA?

If people have not been before:

-          Bring a decent amount of cash to exchange. ATMs can give big notes which will need to be exchanged to spend in regular places (and even in some CADECAs they will not accept them - a big hotel is probably the best bet in that case), also can be a surcharge of 3%

-          Take a spare loo roll as back up for the rooms in casas (and tissues and hand gel for when you're out and about)

-          If you are unable to get onto a popular tourist bus between locations, take a taxi colectivo! There are always people willing to take you between places for only a few CUC more than the bus

-          All tour agencies charge the same for excursions, makes the decision process a lot quicker :)

-          Be prepared for queues at CADECAs and ETECSA (and everywhere else ;) ). Ask for 'ultimo' in lines and remember who you're behind :)

-          Be prepared for male attention when not with male company (kissy noises, where are you from, do you have a boyfriend...) - all pretty harmless, just incessant :)

-          Most people are just interested to chat to you, although be aware sometimes they have an ulterior motive - offering accommodation, restaurant etc

-          Bring sufficient medicine, sanitary products, toiletries, sun block with you, but maybe leave any excess at the end of your trip

-          Expect a lot of ham and cheese sandwiches ;)

5.     DO YOU FEEL LIKE YOU EXPERIENCED THE REAL CUBA?

Yes - last time I was on an organised tour, this time doing it independently gave me a different perspective. I loved taking the taxis colectivos both from town to town and around Havana, I met a lot of interesting people this way.

6.     WERE OUR CONTACTS IN CUBA PROFESSIONAL? DID THEY ASSIST YOU WITH ADDITIONAL ACTIVITIES, TIPS, LOCAL INFORMATION?

Yes, Yoanka and Misleydis were both great. I greatly appreciated Yoanka's help with my changing plans!

 7.     HOW DO YOU FEEL WE COULD IMPROVE OUR SERVICE?

The communication and organisation was brilliant, exactly what I wanted. I can't think of anything lacking.

I would like to thank Tara for sharing her experiences in Cuba with us all.

EXPERIENCE THE REAL CUBA – SUPPORTING CUBAN BUSINESSES

Experience the Real Cuba offers Casas Particulares in Cuba as well as cultural activities and programs in Cuba supporting local Cuban private businesses.

To find out more about Casas in Cuba and our courses and programs (Spanish lessons, Dance lessons, Music lessons, Photography Experiences, Art & Pottery workshops) check out our website:

www.experiencetherealcuba.com

HOW TO BOOK A SHARED TAXI SERVICE CUBA?

1. WHAT IS THE BEST WAY TO GET FROM HAVANA TO TRINIDAD?

The best way to get from Havana to Trinidad or to travel from Trinidad to Havana is by using our shared taxi service.

2. WHAT IS THE SHARED TAXI SERVICE?

This is a door to door taxi service that collects passengers from their accommodation i.e. hotel or Casa Particular in Havana and takes them to their accommodation in Trinidad. This shared taxi service also runs from Trinidad to Havana.

3. WHO DO I SHARE THE TAXI WITH?

Our local Transport Co-ordinator works with a pool of cars and fills out the taxis with passengers wanting a convenient and economic taxi service from Havana to Trinidad and from Trinidad to Havana.

4. WHAT TIME DOES THE SHARED TAXI SERVICE DEPART HAVANA?

The shared taxi service collects passengers from Casas and hotels in Havana at around 2pm arriving into Trinidad at about 6.30pm.

5. WHAT TIME DOES THE SHARED TAXI SERVICE DEPART TRINIDAD?

The shared taxi service collects passengers from Casas in Trinidad at around 8.30am arriving in Havana at around 1.00pm.  

6. IS THIS SERVICE RELIABLE?

The service is reliable and runs on time.  If something should happen to the car during the journey i.e. if it breaks down, the Transport Co-odinator will ensure that a replacement car meets passengers ensuring that they can continue with their journey.

7. WILL THE SHARED TAXI STOP FOR A TOILET BREAK?

Yes, the driver will stop for passengers to use bathroom facilities and buy refreshments. However, I recommend you take at least a bottle of water with you at the start of your journey.

8. CAN I ORGANISE A PRIVATE TAXI?

We can organise private taxi services from Havana and from Trinidad going to various destinations across Cuba.

9. WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A SHARED TAXI AND A PRIVATE TAXI SERVICE?

A private taxi is a door to door service organised purely for you and your travel companions, you will not share the taxi with other passengers. You can organise the taxi to depart from your departure point at a time convenient for you and your group.

A shared taxi service is a door to door taxi service with set departure times from Havana (approx. 2pm) and from Trinidad (approx. 8.30am), collecting various passengers from their accommodation. You will share the taxi with other passengers.

10. HOW MUCH IS THE SHARED TAXI SERVICE?

For our prices, please send us an email to experiencetherealcuba@gmail.com with the following information:

• Date of travel
• Number of passengers
• Pick-up Address
• Drop-off Address

11. HOW DO I BOOK TAXI SERVICES IN CUBA?

To book a shared taxi service or a private taxi with us, please send us an email to experiencetherealcuba@gmail.com with the following information:

• Date of travel
• Number of passengers
• Pick-up Address
• Drop-off Address

Please specify whether you want prices for a private taxi or a shared taxi.

12. HAVE YOU TAKEN A SHARED TAXI SERVICE?

It is always good to hear about you and your experiences in Cuba. Please feel free to share your experiences of shared and private taxi transfers in Cuba.

13. DO YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS?

Please feel free to email me at experiencetherealcuba@gmail.com with your questions.  

EXPERIENCE THE REAL CUBA – SUPPORTING CUBAN BUSINESSES

Experience the Real Cuba offers Casas Particulares in Cuba as well as cultural activities and programs in Cuba supporting local Cuban private businesses.

To find out more about Casas in Cuba and our courses and programs (Spanish lessons, Dance lessons, Music lessons, Photography Experiences, Art & Pottery workshops) check out our website:

www.experiencetherealcuba.com

HOW TO GET FROM HAVANA TO TRINIDAD

Viazul

Viazul is Cuba’s bus service that connects Havana with other Cuban cities across the country, including Trinidad.  The bus departs daily from Havana’s bus terminal to Trinidad, at approx. 8am and 1pm.  I have never booked a ticket in advance, neither have I tried to book a ticket online via their website, as I’m not sure if you can trust it quite yet.  

So what I tend to do is turn up at the Viazul bus terminal in Havana at least 1 hour before the bus is due to depart and buy my ticket on the day.  I find that the bus to Trinidad doesn’t usually fill up so there’s no problem in leaving it until the same day.  In fact the only time I couldn’t get a ticket was in July 2010 when I wanted to travel from Havana to Santiago de Cuba for the Festival del Fuego.  We turned up at the bus terminal 1 hour before departure to find out that it was fully booked, so even though we couldn’t travel as planned, we were able to reserve a ticket for the following day.  We didn’t have to pay for our ticket in advance, they asked us to pay on the day of travel.  But even if you do this, I would still recommend that you go to the bus terminal early as you still have to wait in the queue and claim your reserved ticket.    

On the Viazul Bus Cuba

I have asked around each time I go to Cuba to see if there are any agencies or hotels in or around the Parque Central area who sell tickets for the Viazul bus in advance, but all pointers lead back to the Viazul bus terminal.  Hence, when you get to Cuba, if you want to book a ticket in advance you need to travel to the Viazul bus terminal and reserve a ticket the day before you want to travel.  

In order to get to the Viazul bus terminal, I recommend you get a taxi as it is a 5-10 minute taxi ride from Parque Central.  Once you get to the terminal there is a cafeteria upstairs where you can buy food and drink for your journey.  During the journey to Trinidad the bus stops for 30 minutes so you can buy something to eat or use the bathroom facilities.

Transtur

Since I discovered Transtur I have stopped using the Viazul bus so much.  Transtur is a transfer service that picks passengers up from key hotels in Havana and travels to Trinidad.  It is comfortable, reliable and air-conditioned.  I prefer this service because you can reserve a ticket the day before at numerous hotels in Havana.  I usually go to the Hotel Inglaterra or Hotel Parque Central and visit the Cubatur bureau where they sell the tickets.  Also it saves me money as I don’t have to get a taxi to the Viazul bus terminal; I usually walk to the Hotel Inglaterra on the morning of my departure, which is one of the collection points.  The price of the ticket is more or less the same as the Viazul and it is usually quicker than the Viazul.  They usually only have a morning departure from Havana and the final drop off point is Parque Cespedes in the main part of Trinidad. 

The only thing I recommend is that you buy your Transtur ticket before 2pm the day before you want to travel.  The last time I wanted to buy a Transtur ticket I arrived at the Hotel Inglaterra just after 6pm and they told me that the tickets were sold out for the following day.

Transtur Cuba

Shuttle Buses

When I couldn’t get a ticket for the Transtur I telephoned my family in Trinidad and through their contacts they were able to find me a shuttle service travelling the following morning from Havana returning to Trinidad.  Not all casas have such contacts but it’s worth asking.  The transfer is a 9-10 seater air-conditioned mini-van, it’s a door to door service, so they collect you from your Casa Particular and drop you off at the Casa in Trinidad.  They usually charge a per-person rate, slightly higher than the Viazul bus fare, but it’s worth it!  It’s convenient, reliable, you don’t have to worry about getting taxis anywhere or finding your Casa when you get to Trinidad.  

If you want to book a private taxi or a shared taxi service please email us at experiencetherealcuba@gmail.com for a quote.

Taxi

At the Viazul bus terminal I have seen taxis looking to fill up their car with passengers travelling to Trinidad.  They usually charge you the same fare as the Viazul bus, but you have to wait until there are enough passengers to fill up the taxi before you leave.

Trinidad Cuba

EXPERIENCE THE REAL CUBA – SUPPORTING CUBAN BUSINESSES

Experience the Real Cuba offers Casas Particulares in Cuba as well as cultural activities and programs in Cuba supporting local Cuban private businesses.

To find out more about Casas in Cuba and our courses and programs (Spanish lessons, Dance lessons, Music lessons, Photography Experiences, Art & Pottery workshops) check out our website:

www.experiencetherealcuba.com

10 TIPS ABOUT BUYING CUBAN CURRENCY BEFORE YOU TRAVEL TO CUBA

1. CAN I BUY CUC BEFORE I TRAVEL TO CUBA?

No, it is not possible to buy CUC outside of Cuba.  You can only buy Cuban currency i.e. Cuban Convertible Pesos (CUC) and Cuban Pesos (CUP) / Moneda Nacional (MN) when you arrive in Cuba.

2. WHAT IS THE CURRENT EXCHANGE RATES FOR CUC?

Check out this link to see current exchange rates for CUC:

https://www.directoriocubano.info/cadeca/

3. CAN I BUY CUC AT THE AIRPORT IN HAVANA?

You can buy CUC at Jose Martí Havana International airport and all other airports receiving international flights.

4. WHERE CAN I BUY CUC AT THE AIRPORT?

You can buy CUC at the CADECA exchange bureau.  CADECA is the official money exchange bureau for Cuba.  CADECA bureaus can be found at the airport and across Cuba.

5. WHERE CAN I FIND CADECA AT THE AIRPORT?

At Jose Martí Havana International airport CADECA can be found outside of the arrivals terminal building. There are 2 CADCEA bureaus, one to the left and one to the right of the arrivals exit.  There are also CADECA bureaus at the check-in area on the 1st floor.

6. WHAT TIME IS CADECA OPEN UNTIL AT THE AIRPORT?

The CADECA at Jose Martí Havana International airport is open 24 hours.

7. IS THERE A CADECA IN HAVANA?

The main branch of CADECA in Havana is on 257 Obispo, Havana Vieja open Monday-Saturday, 8.30am-8.30pm and Sunday 9am-7pm, you can exchange most currencies here, including ‘moneda nacional’ and there are ATM machines.

8. WHAT IS THE BEST CURRENCY TO BRING TO CUBA? 

Check out the current exchange rates on the link provided above.  I find that you usually get more for your money if you bring £UK pound sterling, Euros or Canadian dollars to Cuba. Over the last few years, the £UK pound sterling has been stronger than the Euro. It is not commonly known, but when you exchange either the £UK pound sterling or the Euro the exchange rate is multiplied by the CUC rate i.e. if you exchange £100 sterling to CUC at a rate of 1.15 you will receive 115 CUC. However, all other currencies are divided by the CUC exchange rate i.e. if you exchange $100 Canadian at a rate of 1.13 you will receive 88 CUC.

9. CAN I EXCHANGE $US DOLLARS IN CUBA?

Whilst it is possible to exchange $US dollars in Cuba, you will receive the least amount for your money as there is a 10% commission fee applied which isn’t applied to other currencies.

10. WHAT CURRENCY SHOULD I BRING IF I AM TRAVELLING FROM THE US?

If you are travelling from the U.S. try to plan ahead and order GBP or Euros from your bank. You are usually required to give at least a few days’ notice.  

EXPERIENCE THE REAL CUBA – SUPPORTING CUBAN BUSINESSES

Experience the Real Cuba offers Casas Particulares in Cuba as well as cultural activities and programs in Cuba supporting local Cuban private businesses.

To find out more about Casas in Cuba and our courses and programs (Spanish lessons, Dance lessons, Music lessons, Photography Experiences, Art & Pottery workshops) check out our website:

www.experiencetherealcuba.com

Currency Exchange Bureau - Havana Airport

Havana Airport - Arrivals Exit Area

Jose Martí International Airport - Havana

CADECA - Calle Obispo

13 TIPS ABOUT WIFI IN CUBA

1. CAN I ACCESS WIFI IN CUBA?

Yes.  There are now WIFI hotspots in Cuba where you can use your android phones, laptops, iPhones, iPods etc to connect to ETECSA’s NAUTA internet system.

Check out this link to find out where you can use your devices to access WIFI in Cuba:

http://www.etecsa.cu/?page=internet_conectividad&sub=wifi

2. IS WIFI FREE IN CUBA?

No. WIFI is not free in Cuba.  You will need to buy an ETECSA NAUTA internet card to connect to the Cuba’s NAUTA internet service.

3. WHERE CAN I BUY THE NAUTA CARD IN CUBA?

You can buy the NAUTA internet card from ETECSA offices. 

In Vedado, Havana there is an ETECSA office at the bottom of the FOCSA building and in Havana Vieja there is an ETECSA office on Calle Obispo. 

In Trinidad, the ETECSA office is on Parque Cespedes. 

But be warned, there are often long queues and cards are in short supply so don’t be surprised if you find out that cards are sold out.  Sometimes you will find people selling the NAUTA cards on the street.

4. HOW MUCH IS WIFI IN CUBA?

I bought my NAUTA internet card from the ETECSA office in Trinidad for 1.50 CUC (1 hour). In Havana I saw people selling the NAUTA internet card on the street for 2 CUC (1 hour).

5. IS IT SAFE TO BUY THE NAUTA CARD ON THE STREET?

There is no problem with you buying the NAUTA internet card on the street.  Many people prefer buying the NAUTA internet card on the street because it saves them from standing in long queues outside ETECSA offices in the heat. 

6. HOW DO I ACCESS WIFI IN CUBA?

On the reverse of the NAUTA internet card there is a hidden unique login and password.  You simply scratch away to reveal the login and password details.  These details allow you to connect to the internet in Cuba as many times as you want until you exhaust the 1 hour (on the reverse you will also find an expiry date for the NAUTA internet card).

Whether you are using your phone or your laptop, go to your settings and open WIFI.  Go to your browser and the NAUTA page will appear where you can enter your login and password details.  Once NAUTA has recognised your details, the clock will start to tick, your time will begin and you can start using the internet in Cuba.

If you don’t use the whole 60 minutes, once you are finished using the internet, don’t forget to logout of the NAUTA page so your allowance will be paused and close down WIFI in settings.

7. CAN I USE SKYPE IN CUBA?

No. It is not possible to use Skype in Cuba. I tried to access Skype in Cuba but it would not work. 

8. CAN I USE FACETIME IN CUBA?

No. It is not possible to use Facetime on your apple devices in Cuba.  When I tried to use Facetime on my IPod touch in Cuba, it appeared to be ringing from my end but the person on the other end, in the UK, did not receive my call.

9. CAN I USE WHATSAPP IN CUBA?

Yes. It is possible to use WhatsApp in Cuba.  Once I was connected to the WIFI service in Cuba with my android Samsung phone, I was able to send WhatsApp messages from Cuba to friends back in the UK.

10. CAN I MAKE INTERNET PHONE CALLS IN CUBA?

Yes.  Even though you cannot use Skype or Facetime in Cuba you can use IMO which does work in Cuba. 

11. WHAT IS IMO?

IMO is another free video internet telephone service.  You can make video calls and send instant messages to friends and family in any country from Cuba, or vice versa, from any country to Cuba.  Obviously, you have to be connected to WIFI in Cuba in order to make video calls and / or send and receive instant messages.  You and your friends and family will need to download IMO on your devices so you can communicate with each other, so make sure that you and your friends download IMO before you to go to Cuba!

12. WHERE CAN I ACCESS WIFI IN CUBA?

There are various WIFI hotspots in Havana.  I tried to access the WIFI outside of the Havana Libre hotel and on the corner of calle 25 and calle L in Vedado, Havana. You will see many people all around this area connecting to the WIFI.  I didn’t have much success in connecting, but it was clear that other people could connect.  Remember, many people are trying to connect at the same time, internet connectivity speeds in Cuba are lower than you are used to; you need to be patient.

Check out this link to find out the location of the WIFI hotspots in Havana:

http://www.havanatimes.org/?p=113678

In Trinidad you can access WIFI in Parque Cespedes, outside the ETECSA building and at Casa de la Música.  You will see many people sitting around those areas under the shaded trees or park benches reading their emails or speaking to friends and family in other countries.

13. WHAT IS YOUR EXPERIENCE?

Please feel free to share your experience of WIFI in Cuba.

EXPERIENCE THE REAL CUBA – SUPPORTING CUBAN BUSINESSES

Experience the Real Cuba offers Casas Particulares in Cuba as well as cultural activities and programs in Cuba supporting local Cuban private businesses.

To find out more about Casas in Cuba and our courses and programs (Spanish lessons, Dance lessons, Music lessons, Photography Experiences, Art & Pottery workshops) check out our website:

www.experiencetherealcuba.com

NAUTA Internet Card - Cuba

NAUTA Internet Card - Cuba

Logging onto WIFI in Trinidad Cuba

WIFI in Parque Cespedes Trinidad Cuba

(updated September 2017

DOES CUBA IMMIGRATION STAMP YOUR PASSPORT?

CUBA - ENTRY STAMPS & PASSPORTS

Yes, Cuba immigration is now stamping passports.

On my recent visit to Cuba (June 2015) my passport was stamped for the first time ever!

I was travelling to Cuba via Lima with Avianca and when I got off the escalator and walked into immigration at Jose Martí International Airport in Havana, I was stopped and asked a few questions about my trip to Cuba; just before I even got to the queues for immigration.  Questions asked:

·         How long will you be staying in Cuba?
·         Is this your first time in Cuba?
·         What is your profession?
·         Where will you be staying in Cuba?

After they finished asking me questions about my trip to Cuba, I scanned the room to see where the shortest queue to immigration was and found that there were no people queuing for immigration at the far end of the room.  I stood on the red line and waited to be called by immigration.  Once called, I stepped up to the Immigration Officer’s booth, handed her my passport (I have a British EU passport) and she began to ask me the same questions as her colleagues had done already.  I heard the Immigration Officer stamping what I thought was the Cuban tourist visa but when I checked my passport later that day, I was surprised to see that the Cuban Immigration Officer had stamped my passport with a Cuba entry stamp. 

Even though, I had visited Cuba on numerous of occasions since 2002, my passport had never been stamped before.  This was the first time my passport had been stamped with a Cuban entry stamp.

In the past Cuba immigration would not stamp passports. They would simply stamp the Cuban tourist visa upon entry and upon exit of Cuba and not the passport. 

WHAT DO I DO IF I DON’T WANT A CUBAN STAMP IN MY PASSPORT?

As I was leaving Cuba to return to the UK, I asked immigration if it was possible for people visiting Cuba to not get their passport stamped when entering Cuba and what they should do to avoid it.  I was told that anyone who doesn’t want a stamp in their passport should tell the Cuban Immigration Officer, when handing over their passport, that they DO NOT WANT a stamp in their passport and the Immigration Officer will respect their wishes.  On my next visit to Cuba I will try this and see if it works.

SHARE YOUR EXPERIENCE

If you are travelling to Cuba and intend on asking the immigration authorities not to stamp your passport, let us know how you get on.

EXPERIENCE THE REAL CUBA – SUPPORTING CUBAN BUSINESSES

Experience the Real Cuba offers Casas Particulares in Cuba as well as cultural activities and programs in Cuba supporting local Cuban private businesses.

To find out more about Casas in Cuba and our courses and programs (Spanish lessons, Dance lessons, Music lessons, Photography Experiences, Art & Pottery workshops) check out our website:

www.experiencetherealcuba.com

Cuba Entry Stamp

Immigration Havana Airport

Havana Airport

Immigration Havana Airport

Jose Marti International Airport