Live Your Best Lives
It's the soft leather sofa in the convertible and the whistling music
The delicious lobster and cloves in the alley under the street lights at night
The old man sitting on the steps is smoking a cigar while looking at you who is holding up the camera.
I bought some cigars from the workers at a very cheap price and squatted on the roadside, smoking them until I felt dizzy.
Colorful classic cars drive through colorful streets, and even the children's smiles are colorful.
In a Chinatown devoid of Chinese, the Cantonese uncle I finally found was unable to communicate due to his limited understanding of Cantonese. He could only lament the sacrifices made by Chinese descendants in political struggles.
Walking a long way, a bunch of people gathered together to surf the Internet
I spent half a CUC at a state-owned ice cream shop for a bunch of ice cream and not-so-delicious cakes.
The seriousness and humor of the somewhat cute and serious recorder in the police station
The profound conversation about the current situation in Cuba with the 60-year-old landlord, conducted word by word with the help of Google Translate
Elderly people and children fishing on the pier facing the Caribbean Sea
The Five Cents Pub is full of tourists and that strong Mojito
I have to pass by that little bar every night and the last two cocktails I didn't try
On the plane, I finished reading the last chapter of August Never Ends. The chubby girl next to me was solving a Sudoku puzzle, and the old man in the aisle was fast asleep. After six flights, the distance between me and home was over.
I think the only regret is learning to play the cha-cha in a dimly lit classroom in Havana accompanied by music from an old radio.
——After the dreamlike trip to Cuba in 2016
The Republic of Cuba, abbreviated as Cuba, derives its name from the Taino word "coabana," meaning "fertile land, good place." Cuba, the largest island in the Greater Antilles, is known as the "Key to the Gulf of Mexico." Its resemblance to a crocodile has earned it the nickname "Green Crocodile of the Caribbean." Cuba is an archipelago located in the northern Caribbean Sea of North America. Havana is Cuba's economic, political, and capital. Many of the historic buildings that captivate travelers today date back to the Spanish and American occupations from the mid-18th to the mid-20th century. Then came the revolution, and familiar names like the Castro brothers and Che Guevara made their debut. Fidel Castro passed away in 2016. Cuba is now led by Raúl Castro, internationally known as the "Cuban Deng Xiaoping," and reforms are underway.
Cuba is safer than most countries, with very few incidents of violence or attacks. Even women traveling alone are generally safe and can rest assured. In many cities, people may whistle at women passing by. Just ignore them or smile and walk away without further action. Whistling is considered a form of greeting for Cubans, and Cuban women are accustomed to hearing whistles, which they consider a compliment and a source of pleasure. Also, be mindful of pickpockets, a common problem worldwide.
Cuba's peak tourist season runs from November to March. This is winter in North America, and Canadians and Americans flock to the country to escape the cold. This is also the best time to travel to Cuba, avoiding the country's hottest days and ensuring comfortable morning and evening temperatures. However, hotel, airfare, and local services will see price increases during this time.
April, July, August, and October are shoulder seasons, offering affordable hotel rates. A small peak may occur around Easter in April. It's recommended to avoid May, June, and September, as Cuba faces the risk of hurricanes and rainfall.
The first thing that stands out about Cuba is the ubiquitous vintage cars, a unique street spectacle worldwide. These American cars from the 1950s and 1960s aren't truly built to last, but rather, aside from the exterior and chassis, virtually every component, even the engine, has been completely overhauled, pieced together from various sources. Many are diesels, belching out a gurgling blue smoke.
As for why there are so many classic cars in Cuba, this is related to the stalemate between Cuba and the Western camp during the Cold War and the unique new car sales policy there. In short, only in Cuba can you see so many colorful antique cars, and you can also rent one to take some beautiful artistic photos. Many young people with personality go there specifically to take such honeymoon photos or wedding photos.
Europeans discovered tobacco in Cuba. It's said that only the fertile red soil can produce the finest tobacco, and thus Cuban cigars have naturally become the world's top cigars. A trip to Cuba to observe cigar production, learn about the standards for quality cigars, and explore the unique culture surrounding cigars—even just experiencing them—is an unforgettable and fascinating experience. However, there are many intricacies and details involved. If you don't understand, be sure not to buy those overpriced cigars.
Cuba is known as the Pearl of the Caribbean. Look at its geographical location. It is only more than 200 kilometers away from Miami in the north. Cuba has more than 7,000 kilometers of coastline and more than 300 white-sand beaches, crystal sea water, Latin American bars and passionate Cuban music.
The Old Havana in "Fast and Furious 8"▲
Old Havana, also known as La Habana Vieja, was once a Spanish colony and still retains architectural styles from various periods. The entire city has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its streets and alleys, the setting for the film "Fast and Furious 8," are Havana's most historic and charming areas. The best way to explore Old Havana is by strolling, discovering hidden pieces of history and the lingering essence of everyday life.
The Old Town boasts the former Capitol Building and the Havana Governor's Palace, the ancient Havana Cathedral and the Convent of San Francisco de Asis, the bustling Calle Obispo and the hidden residences of famous figures. It also boasts countless historic buildings converted into museums, hotels, restaurants, and souvenir shops. If you plan to visit museums, cultural centers, and art galleries, it's best to speak Spanish.
Old Havana retains its traditional Spanish colonial urban planning, with streets radiating outward from a central square. The four main squares are: Plaza de la Catedral, Plaza Vieja, Plaza de San Francisco de Asis, and Plaza de Armas. Each has its own unique character, such as the antique market surrounding Plaza de Armas and the beautiful fountains and voracious pigeons of Plaza de San Francisco. Don't miss any of them.
El Morro Castle in Fast and Furious 8▲
El Morro Castle, known in Spanish as Parque Histórico Morro y Cabaña, or simply Morro Castle, boasts a lighthouse that is one of Havana's most iconic landmarks. Built by the Spanish in the 16th century, the castle served as a military fortress primarily against Caribbean pirates and British fleets. During the Cuban Revolution, it was also used as Che Guevara's headquarters. Since colonial times, soldiers have fired cannons into the bay every night at 9:00 p.m. to signal the closing of the castle. This ritual, still preserved today, is a fascinating historical experience for tourists.
[Address]: Carretera de la Cabaña, La Habana de Este
The Gran Teatro de La Habana, known in Spanish as the Gran Teatro de La Habana, is a 19th-century building that is the oldest grand theater in the Americas and Havana's most renowned cultural center. It is also the rehearsal and performance venue for the Cuban National Ballet. Cuba places great importance on the development of culture and the arts, and the government spares no effort in supporting the Gran Teatro de La Habana. The Gran Teatro de La Habana regularly presents high-quality local art performances and exhibitions, and has even invited Broadway acts to tour the theater.
The Gran Teatro de Havana represents the highest standards of Cuban aesthetics and artistry, with its ballet and flamenco performances being exceptionally captivating. Don't miss it during performance season, though tickets are always hard to come by.
[Address]: 458 Paseo de Martí, La Habana
[Cuban Ballet Performance List]: http://www.balletcuba.cult.cu/programacion/
Plaza de La Revolución (Spanish for Revolution Square) is a politically charged square stretching to the sea, surrounded by Cuban government buildings. With its massive portrait of Che Guevara, Castro's revolutionary slogans, and a sculpture of José Martí, the square has become a symbol of the Cuban spirit. It has witnessed many historical moments, and Cuban leaders often give public speeches there. When Fidel Castro passed away in 2016, people from all over Cuba gathered in the square to bid farewell to their leader.
[Address]: Dir. Paseo y Avenida Independencia, Plaza de la Revolución
The breakwater, the most spectacular feature of the seaside promenade in "Fast and Furious 8," where Dominic's burning classic car flipped over and plunged into the sea, is an 8-kilometer-long barrier designed to prevent the streets from being flooded by rising tides. When the wind is strong, the waves crash against the breakwater, creating a spectacular sight. Cubans love to visit this spot, where they chat about romance, fish and swim, or relax and unwind at night, sipping beer and gazing at the distant Morro Castle lighthouse. This breakwater is a crucial part of Havana life, and its name appears in countless works of art and songs.
Museo de Ernest Hemingway. This Havana suburb house was Hemingway's former home, where he lived for 20 years and penned major works such as "The Old Man and the Sea." Now a museum, the house retains its original style and exhibits, including specimens Hemingway hunted and his fishing boat. This beautiful garden-like residence offers a glimpse into the life of the great writer.
【Address】：Finca La Vigia, San Francisco de Paula
Paseo de Prado, located east of the National Congress, is lined with trees and marble benches, with a pedestrian path in the middle that leads to the seaside breakwater. Many artists sell their work on Paseo del Prado, ranging from handicrafts to photographs and paintings. You might even see children playing soccer there.
Last year, this avenue was chosen by luxury brand Chanel as the venue for its spring and summer fashion show, welcoming many international supermodels to walk the runway here.
Feria de Artesania de San José, Cuba's largest handicraft market, is located near the seaside pier. The market offers a wide variety of souvenirs, from postcards, keychains, and T-shirts to large-scale oil paintings and mahogany sculptures. While Cuban handicrafts aren't considered exquisite, they are genuinely handmade, as few factories in Cuba can mass-produce them. Cuban souvenirs are characterized by their bright colors and unique styles. It's recommended to browse for small items or paintings that you like, and prices are negotiable.
[Address]: Avenida del Puerto corner of Calle Cuba, Havana
The University of Havana, known in Spanish as La Universidad de La Habana, is the oldest and largest university in Cuba and one of the oldest institutions of higher learning in Latin America, having been founded in 1791. The University of Havana has educated many key figures in Cuban history, including Fidel Castro, who graduated from the University of Havana's Faculty of Law. A statue of Alma Mater, the patron saint of learning, stands at the university's entrance. The university is open to the public.
[Address]: Calle San Lázaro y L, Vedado, Plaza de la Revolución
Calle 23 may be a street code, but it's synonymous with fashion and trendiness. Unlike the historic feel of Old Havana, this area embodies the city's fresh energy. Adjacent to the University of Havana, Calle 23 is home to Coppelia, one of the world's most famous ice cream parlors, where you'll have to queue up with fellow Cubans to get a bite. It's also home to numerous cinemas and nightclubs, frequented by young people. Both the Hotel Nacional de Cuba and the Habana Libre are five-star hotels, the latter formerly owned by Hilton. There are also guesthouses and bars atop Fosca, Havana's tallest building. The area around Calle 23 is also home to numerous private restaurants and boutiques, making it a great place to find bargains.
Cuba is actively developing its tourism industry, and you can buy a tourist card (on a separate piece of paper, not affixed to your passport) for a fee. Chinese citizens can enter Cuba visa-free with a visa from a third country, but Chinese border control will not allow entry without a valid visa from that country. Cuba doesn't strictly require visas, but you must obtain the Cuban Tourist Card (Arjeta Del Turista) before entry. It's valid for 30 days and can be extended for another 30 days after arrival. It costs 25 CUC. The card issued by the United States is pink, unlike other countries.
If you're entering Cuba directly from China, you must apply for a tourist card in advance at the Cuban Embassy. The application fee is approximately 120 RMB. You can also apply for a tourist card in advance through major travel platforms for around 150 RMB. The Cuban Embassy website is: http://cu.chineseembassy.org/chn/. However, if you're transiting through a transit country and then stopping in the transit country before reentering Cuba, you must apply for a tourist card according to the transit country's regulations. Applying for a card in China will not be valid.
At the Mexico City airport, there's a counter near the boarding gate for flights to Cuba. Simply present your passport and ticket to purchase a card for 361 Mexican pesos (about 124 RMB). The card will be checked upon boarding; if you don't have one, you'll be directed to purchase one before boarding. If you're transiting through Russia and traveling to Cuba without leaving Russia, you need to apply for a Cuban Tourist Card in advance. For those entering from the United States, you can only check in at a dedicated counter at the airport to check in for Cuba. The airline will assist with the card issuance. The most expensive card is US$50 for those entering from the United States.
Due to the relationship between the United States and Cuba, the US is prohibited from conducting "tourism-related transactions" in Cuba. Therefore, when filling out the purpose of travel to Cuba, the card is generally selected as "support for the Cuban people." For those entering from Canada, the card is included in the airfare and will be issued on board. For those entering from Mexico, the card costs around 150 RMB.
Tips: The handwriting on the Cuban Tourist Card must be clear; Cuban customs are very picky and may refuse entry to passengers with blurred characters. Furthermore, the information on the Cuban Tourist Card must be correct and cannot be crossed out or altered. If you make a mistake, you will need to purchase a new one! The Cuban Tourist Card comes in duplicate, which is only stamped upon entry and not returned upon departure. Therefore, be sure not to lose it. If you do, you will face at least a day of Cuban inspection and need to reissue it, which is very troublesome!
There are currently no direct flights from China to Cuba. Here are some recommended flight routes:
A. China - Russia - Cuba (preferred)
B. China - Canada - Cuba (may require a visa)
C. China - United States - Cuba (most expensive, requires a US visa)
D. China - Europe - Cuba
E. China-Mexico-Cuba (special airfares are available but entry is required, so a US visa is recommended. This is the author's choice)
Tips:
There are no direct flights from China to Cuba, which means we need to transfer. Usually the transfer points are Canada, the United States, and Mexico, so it is necessary to hold a visa for the corresponding country.
Since Cuba trips are often combined with Mexico trips, I purchased a special round-trip ticket from Cancun, Mexico to Havana, Cuba. Also, please note that you cannot transit through Mexico directly; you must go through immigration again. US visa holders can enter Mexico visa-free, making it more convenient.
In addition to obtaining a Cuban Tourist Card, you'll need to fill out two forms upon arrival. These will be given on the plane. One is for declaring the value of your carry-on luggage, which will be collected upon departure. The other contains your basic personal information, which will be reviewed by customs. Upon landing in Cuba, prepare your passport, Cuban Tourist Card, the two forms given on the plane, and your flight ticket. Then, line up at customs for inspection of your passport and tourist card, and prepare to enter the country. You may be asked questions such as your purpose in Cuba and the number of days you will stay. The entry stamp will be placed on both your tourist card and your passport.
One of the most confusing things about Cuba is that there are two currencies: one is called CUC, which means Convertible Peso. When locals say this currency, it is pronounced like "kuk", and foreign tourists almost only use CUC; the other is called CUP, which is called "national money". This is the currency most commonly used by locals and the word used when saying this currency is "peso".
Chinese banks don't offer pesos because they're a small currency. It's recommended to exchange euros or Canadian dollars before your trip. Upon arrival at the local airport, you can exchange a small amount of pesos for a starting capital, as the exchange rate at airports is generally poor and there's an exchange fee, so exchanging too much isn't worth it. Once you're in the city center, you can go to a bank to exchange your money. However, banks in Cuba are very slow, with a basic exchange taking up to 20 minutes. Lines are long, so be patient. Bank exchange rates vary daily and are for reference only. Currently, exchanging Canadian dollars and euros for CUC is the most cost-effective option; exchanging US dollars is subject to a 10% "hate tax."
Tips: The two banknotes look similar, but there's a significant difference: 1 CUC = 25 CUP. (1 CUC is approximately 6.86 RMB)
The 3 CUP note, with its Che Guevara portrait, seems to be very popular with tourists. There are always Cubans trying to sell you a 3 CUP note for 1 CUC. Ignore them; if you want one, go to a money exchange.
Cuba can be incredibly cheap (a street vendor sandwich costs 10 cups) or incredibly expensive (fish and meat in mid-range and high-end restaurants costs 8-18 CUC). Prices also vary between cities. Of the places we visited, Havana was the most expensive, followed by Trinidad and Varadero. Cienfuegos, Santa Clara, and Matanzas were relatively affordable.
LP's book "Cuba" mentions that the average monthly income for locals is only 25 CUC, so their spending habits are completely different from those of foreign tourists. For example, a theater ticket costs 5 CUC for locals and 10 CUC for foreigners; a castle ticket costs 5 CUC for locals and 5 CUC for foreigners. I think the best value in Cuba is lobster. A delicious lobster in a restaurant costs only 12-15 CUC, which is a steal.
Tips: Here are some common commodity prices for reference:
1 CUC ≈ 6.86 RMB. A decent B&B costs 20-40 CUC per night. Buses cost 0.4 CUP per person, or 0.05 CUC per two people. Taxi rides cost 0.5-1 CUC per kilometer, depending on your bargaining skills, but you'll rarely get by on just 10 CUPs like the locals. A 1.5-liter bottle of water costs 0.7-1 CUC per bottle in supermarkets and 1.5-2 CUC per bottle in private shops. Entrance fees to tourist attractions cost 1-5 CUC per person. Coconuts cost 1-2 CUC per piece. Juice costs 3-5 CUPs per cup at street vendors and 1-2 CUC per cup in restaurants. Cocktails cost 2-6 CUC per cup. Street food (croquettes, churros) costs 5-20 CUPs per portion. Pizzas from roadside vendors cost 7-25 CUPs per piece. Cuba's most famous ice cream, Coppelia, costs 1 CUP per scoop. A meal at a mid-range restaurant costs 8-15 CUC per person.
Getting online in Cuba is quite difficult. Most accommodations don't offer free Wi-Fi, and most don't even have a Wi-Fi signal. Even local mobile phone cards don't work.
To access the internet, you must bring your passport to the state-owned telecommunications company ETECSA and purchase an internet SIM card. Each card costs 1 CUC and is good for one hour of internet access. The card number and password are printed on the back. Simply take the card to a location with a Wi-Fi signal, connect to the Wi-Fi, and enter your card number and password.
The queues for data plans are usually long, so be prepared to wait in line for an hour. If you don't want to waste time, there are scalpers outside the telecom companies and at internet access points, charging 2-3 CUC per card.
Tips: You need to take your data plan to a specific location to access the internet, usually various plazas in a city. If you're walking down the street and see many people sitting on benches, intently checking their phones, that means there's a WiFi signal. Connecting to "WIFI_ETECSA" (without a password) will automatically bring up a login page. Some B&B hosts will connect to their own WiFi signal, allowing you to connect while you're there. In this case, enter the B&B's WiFi password, connect to the WiFi, and then open any webpage. This will automatically bring you to the login page. Enter your card number and password, and all connected devices will be able to access the internet simultaneously. So, your B&B host can use your internet, and you can also use other guests' internet from time to time.
Like currency, Cuba has two types of long-distance buses. The interprovincial buses used by locals are relatively old and run-down. Schedules and fares are posted in Spanish at the bus station. Those who know Spanish can try, but you'll likely encounter bus station staff refusing to sell tickets to foreign tourists.
Cuba has a type of long-distance bus specifically for foreigners called Viazul. It uses buses from China's Yutong, has air conditioning, much more comfortable seats, and is more punctual than the buses used by locals.
Viazul tickets can be booked in advance online (http://www.viazul.com) and paid with a credit card in US dollars. After purchasing, print out your itinerary and check in at the Viazul office or ticket counter at the station half an hour before departure. You can board the bus.
Tickets can also be purchased with CUC cash at Viazul stations in various cities. Even after receiving your ticket, you must check in half an hour before departure to board the bus.
Viazul tickets are quite expensive compared to long-distance buses in China, and they're not very fast. The 80-kilometer journey from Havana to Matanzas takes 2.5 hours and costs 7 CUC; the 240-kilometer journey from Santa Clara to Havana costs 20 CUC.
With the increasing number of travelers to Cuba, Viazul's frequency is often limited, especially during peak season. Therefore, it's recommended to purchase tickets at least two or three days in advance, otherwise you'll have to wait at the station on the day of travel for a ticket—a common problem, especially on popular routes.
At the entrances of long-distance bus stations in every city, there are touts asking if you're going to a certain destination and are willing to share a ride. Typically, four people share a bus, often a 50-year-old vintage model. Longer routes depart in the morning and afternoon, while shorter ones depart in the morning. Fares are generally fixed, making bargaining difficult.
Shared taxis between different cities have roughly fixed prices. For example, from Havana to Trinidad, it's 100cuc per car. From Santa Clara to Trinidad, it's 60cuc per car. For example, the shared taxi I took from Trinidad back to Havana departed at 7:30 AM or 2:00 PM. It cost 25cuc per person, four people in a car, and the journey took 4-5 hours, just over an hour faster than Viazul. Plus, they picked you up at your hotel and took you to your next hotel, which was quite convenient. The only downside was that the old cars didn't have air conditioning, so with four people and the driver crammed into one, it was quite hot.
Taxis are available in every Cuban city, typically yellow. While the common fare is 0.5cuc per kilometer, taxis don't actually use meters; the price is negotiated before boarding. Many drivers charge exorbitant prices, so be willing to bargain! The best approach is to ask your host or hotel for a rough estimate of taxi fares before your trip. This will give you a rough idea of the range and help you negotiate. Cuban taxi drivers, especially those in their middle-aged and older age groups, are generally honest and offer reasonable prices, making bargaining a less-expensive option. However, younger drivers should be wary of being ripped off.
A ride in a classic car is a must-do in Cuba. Prices for classic cars are sky-high, and they're incredibly expensive. Be prepared to bargain like crazy.
Most well-known international car rental platforms don't offer rentals in Cuba. The most reliable and well-known service in Cuba is Car Rental Cuba (http://www.carrental-cuba.com).
Renting a car in Cuba requires relatively simple documentation: a passport, a valid driver's license, a notarized/translated copy of the license, and a deposit. Rental prices vary depending on the model, including manual and automatic transmission, and generally cost around 80 CUC per day. Insurance is an additional fee, costing around 30 CUC per day. The deposit is around 600 CUC. Some rental cars have mileage limits, so be sure to ask in advance. In my observation, Cuba seems to have no expressways, only national highways, and the road conditions are generally poor. Urban traffic is even more congested, and the roads in the old town are often potholed or graveled, requiring considerable driving experience and skill. Furthermore, street lighting in Cuba is poor at night, making driving at night a safety risk. Gas stations are readily available and open 24 hours a day. However, you should reconsider renting a car in Cuba!
In addition, if you plan to rent a car, you must make an appointment in advance. The number of vehicles is really limited. We asked during our stay in Cuba and were told that we would have to wait 1-3 weeks for a car to be available.
City buses: rather old and crowded, the price is said to be very cheap, but I have not taken them, so this article cannot provide a reference.
Cycling: Cuba is considered a cycling paradise by many Europeans and Americans. Many guesthouses and hotels offer bicycle rentals for around 3cuc per hour or 15cuc per day, with prices varying from city to city.
Cyclists: There are also three-wheeled rickshaws, and the prices are unpredictable, so bargaining is essential. For example, I took a rickshaw from Chinatown to Havana's Old Town, a roughly 15-minute journey, and the driver quoted 2 cuc, which I thought was a good deal, so I didn't bargain. However, from Old Havana to the Esplanade, a 10-minute trip, a rickshaw offered 10 cuc, which I felt was a rip-off, so I bargained down to 5 cuc.
Horse-drawn carriages: Make no mistake, they're horse-drawn carriages. Many small cities and villages in Cuba still rely on horses for transportation. City tours by horse-drawn carriage are also quite common. Again, you'll need to negotiate the price, but within the city, it's around 1-2 CUC per person.
Tips: In short, aside from the fixed-price Viazul bus, be prepared to bargain for all other modes of transportation! But no matter how many travel guides you read, you're still bound to get ripped off. So why not just get ripped off a few times, face the reality of getting ripped off, and then spend a few extra pesos to learn the ropes? Of course, there's no real guideline for what constitutes a good deal. If you think the experience is worth it, then it's worth it.
B&Bs are a growing option, with the Cuban government allowing more and more people to host foreign tourists in their own homes. Look for the blue anchor hanging outside—it's a legitimate B&B sign. Rooms typically cost between 15 and 50 CUC, and you can choose to stay in a single bedroom (many with ensuite bathrooms) or rent out the entire home.
Most of the casas in Cuba can be booked through http://www.casaparticular.net.
Many hosts have joined Airbnb. You can book online before your trip and contact the host to arrange a car to pick you up at the airport. However, internet access is difficult in Cuba, so waiting for a response from the host can be long. Alternatively, you can find a homestay after you arrive. Tourism is one of Cuba's most profitable industries. If you don't have time to book a homestay, you can also choose to go into the city and find one yourself. The blue anchor signs are almost everywhere, so you can knock on each door and bargain. Just remember to speak some Spanish.
Tip: When booking a Cuban homestay through Airbnb, you might encounter issues with credit card payments being unavailable. This is due to restrictions in Cuba. Thanks to Alipay, you can pay directly on Airbnb. Although internet access is restricted in Cuba, many homestay owners have broadband installed in their homes. You can simply connect to the Wi-Fi and enter your card number and password to access the internet without having to search for it outside.
Cuba's hotel selection is very limited on popular hotel booking websites, and some are merely listed, not actually available for booking. If you have the budget and want to stay in a high-end hotel (mostly state-owned), Lonely Planet's "Cuba" article lists the official websites of worthwhile hotels, which can be booked online, so I won't go into detail here.
Following Cuba's 2011 economic reforms, the government officially allowed private restaurant operations; previously, restaurants were state-owned. Consequently, Cuban street food is now plentiful, offering a wide variety of dining options, including Cuban cuisine, Spanish, Italian, burgers, pizza, and fusion cuisine. Cuba's national dish is ropa vieja, a spicy ground beef stew served with congri (steamed red beans and rice) or moros y cristianos (steamed black beans and rice).
Some meat dishes, like chicken and pork, are prepared with citrus sauce, chocolate sauce, coconut, honey, and more. Don't be surprised if they're not sweet; they're simply seasonings. The flavors are unique, so be sure to try them if you encounter them! Cuba doesn't rely on potatoes for survival! In Cuba, starchy root vegetables are cassava and sweet potatoes. Cassava in chicken broth is incredibly delicious!
Don't miss the seafood, too. Crab, lobster, and shellfish are all very affordable! Aguja needlefish and pargo snapper are two must-try fish in the Caribbean.
Tropical fruits are the most colorful part of Cuba's cuisine. Guava, mango, papaya, pineapple... Start your day with a platter of four or five different fruits, or a freshly squeezed juice! However, Cuban watermelon is unpalatable; it's watery and lacks any watermelon flavor.
As for drinks, in addition to the drinks made with Havana Club rum at every meal, you must try a street drink called guarapo, which is a drink made of lemon + ice + sugarcane juice. You know, Cuba is a country that produces a lot of sugarcane!
Also, don't miss the mojito. Go to the famous [Five Cents Tavern] for a drink and experience Hemingway's favorite.
Tips: A full meal in Cuba costs around 15 cuc (including service charge), a seafood meal around 30 cuc, a glass of wine 2-6 cuc, a 500ml bottle of mineral water at a state-owned store 0.6 cuc, a soda on the street around 1 cuc, and a 750ml bottle of Havana Club rum 5 cuc...
Every city has a state-owned cigar shop called Tabaco, which also sells rum. Always buy cigars in a legitimate state-owned tobacco shop!
Cohiba: This was a favorite of Cuban revolutionaries Che Guevara and Fidel Castro.
Montecristo: This is a cigar suitable for beginners.
Partagas: Founded in 1845 by Germán Partagas, it is one of the oldest Havana cigar brands and is still hand-rolled.
Romeo y Julieta: One of Havana's most famous cigar brands, a favorite of Winston Churchill.
Havana Club rum is produced in Cuba, made from the purest molasses extracted from high-quality local sugarcane. Bacardi, the most famous rum, originally established its rum factory in Santiago, Cuba, but later left the country due to a falling out with the Castro regime. As a result, no bottles of Bacardi rum can be found in Cuba today. Like Bacardi, the family behind Havana Club fled Cuba for political reasons, but they were unable to secure the trademark. The Havana Club brand was later acquired by the Cuban government and continues to be used today. Havana Club commands a 40% share of the Cuban rum market, making it considered the national liquor. A 750ml bottle of three-year-old Havana Club costs around 4.5 cuc in Cuban stores, while a seven-year-old costs around 6.5 cuc, significantly cheaper than in China.
Other things worth buying in Cuba might be local souvenirs and artwork. Cuban-style oil paintings are very colorful and perfect for decorating your home. Bargaining is also recommended! Postcards cost around 0.7cuc each, while stamps to China are 0.85cuc each. You can usually buy stamps at the same place you buy postcards. I'm not sure about the speed of Cuban postal services, though; it seems quite slow.
Download Google Translate offline Spanish translation.
Download Cuba offline map from Maps Me & Tantu Maps.
The national language of Cuba is Spanish, and English isn't widely spoken, but communication is generally acceptable when it comes to tourism. Offline translation is still necessary. Every city has an Infotur tourist information center, where staff speak English and provide free city maps. They can also answer all your local travel questions and book local tours, such as fishing trips and horseback riding through cigar fields, at reasonable prices.
Before traveling from one city to another, or moving from one casa to another, you can ask your current landlord to help contact the landlord of the next casa to confirm the address you are going to, or ask them to pick you up at the station or arrange a car.
In Cuba, it's best to deal with middle-aged and older vendors/drivers/merchants. My personal experience has shown that they are relatively honest and don't charge exorbitant prices. It seems that young people are really just trying to make money and are willing to rip off anyone they can.
Sun protection and heatstroke prevention are essential. Sunscreen is essential, as are a sun hat, sunglasses, and an umbrella. Even the locals recommend using an umbrella in the afternoon! It's also recommended to always have anti-heat remedies like Huoxiang Zhengqi on hand. Mosquitoes are still common in Cuba, so bringing mosquito repellent and insect bite protection is highly recommended! Even with insect repellent, I still got a lot of bites.
Drinking tap water directly in Cuba is not recommended. Locals still suffer from illnesses caused by a lack of clean drinking water. Cuba is a country known for its tipping culture. A 10% tip is common, and some restaurants will even include a service charge on the final bill. Using public restrooms and having your luggage carried also require a small amount of coins.
The voltage in Cuba is 110v, and the voltage in hotels is 220v. However, since modern electronic devices are charged with transformers, there is no need for a conversion plug. If it is a three-pin plug, it still needs to be converted into a two-pin one.
Chinese citizens can bring 100 boxes of cigars and 400 cigarettes out of Cuba. Many tobacco shops sell unwrapped bundles of cigars, which are generally not allowed out of the country. If you're planning to enter a third country, it's best to check local cigar restrictions in advance.
Information about the Chinese Embassy in Cuba
: Embassy Duty Mobile: 0053-52928733;
Consular Department Phone: 0053-7-8360037
; Address: Calle C, e/13 y 15, Vadado, Havana
Cuba, a rising socialist nation, a land steeped in the scent of tobacco and rum, is both romantic and spontaneous, yet also utterly arrogant and domineering. How could one miss such a complex and captivating place?
