Trivia, Tips and Facts about Cuba

TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE ABOUT LIFE IN CUBA

We hope you'll enjoy this lively and insightful discussion from the perspective of returning travelers (all figures in U.S. dollars).

What are the three most frequently asked questions by Cubans in Cuba?
1. What's this line for? Cubans are used to waiting in line. It probably accounts for their incredible patience. You will see Cubans standing in line just about everywhere you go. Whether it's to catch a bus, to buy pizza or ice cream, or to change money, there is always a line to wait in.

2. Who's last? ("Ultimo?") When joining a line, a Cuban will always ask, "Ultimo?," Who's last? Cubans don't always line up one behind each other (especially when the wait might be long) so this question is asked to find out who is last in line. When the line begins to move everyone knows where they stand by the person in front of them.

3. Is this line for pesos or dollars? Since there are two currencies in Cuba, pesos and dollars, Cubans joining a line want to know if what is for sale is in terms of pesos or dollars. The local currency is the peso, but foreigners rarely come into contact with it as the U.S. dollar is the standard currency in Cuba (the hated symbol of Yankee colonialism has been legal tender in Cuba since 1993). The official rate of exchange is 26:1. Alongside the U.S. dollar the Cuban government issues currency in convertible pesos which are valued at 1:1 with the dollar but have no value outside the country. These notes are orange in color and easily distinguishable.

How do I cancel my credit cards in Cuba if they are lost or stolen?
A company called "FINCIMEX," located in the basement of the Habana Libre Hotel, on 23rd and L Streets, Vedado, will call and cancel your cards for you, free of charge. This office will also help you if you have a problem with any of your credit cards, even those cards originating from the USA.

Where do I go in Havana to listen to live music?
Music is everywhere in Cuba. A favorite among both Cubans and tourists is "La Lluvia de Oro" in Old Havana. It is a large bar, has no cover charge, and is located on the corner of Habana and Obispo Streets. You will find a different, live salsa band playing there everyday.

Can you use local drivers to taxi you around Cuba?
Local taxis are licensed only to carry Cubans, but most of them will take you to your destination for half the price of a regular taxi. You must negotiate a price with the driver before getting in. The risk is borne entirely by them. However, if you are caught by the police, you might have to accompany the driver to the police station. You will be kept waiting there as an inconvenience, but nothing else will happen to you. Local taxis can be found in Central Park, near the Hotel Plaza and Hotel Parque Central. Try to catch official state cabs such as "Panataxi" whenever possible – they are the cheapest. "Turistaxi" is the most expensive.

How far is the nearest beach from Havana?
Playas del Este (Eastern beaches) are 20 km. east of Havana, a half-hour drive from the city. One of the beaches is called Santa María. Local taxis will take you there for $10 (regular taxis for $20).

Why are there police on almost every corner?
The police are there to keep the streets safe, prevention being better than cure. They are not only in tourist areas but also in the community. Cuba is probably the safest place in the world, largely due to a police presence on the street. You can safely walk the streets at any hour of the day or night. But still be careful, exceptions prove the rule.

Can I use my cellular phone in Cuba?
Most of the island is still on an analog communications system. But for a setup fee and hefty charge per minute, you can use your cell phone in Cuba.

There are lots of Cubans on the street peddling their services as guides. Should I choose one?
By all means, but it will end up costing you! Street guides will not only expect a tip for their services, but will also take you to places where they will receive a commission for bringing you. You will be paying for that commission through higher prices. At the same time, you will probably feel obliged to buy them drink and food, and may find it difficult to get rid of them afterwards! There are many Cubans who can show you the real Cuba other than the ones trying to hustle your business on the street. Use your common sense and instinct when choosing one, and bear in mind that using unauthorized guides in Cuba is illegal because the government does not condone its people illicitly enriching themselves.

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What is a "paladar"?
In 1994, Cubans were permitted to indulge in self-enterprise. They were allowed to convert part of their home into a small restaurant (no more than 12 seats) and serve Cuban home cooking. Since then, many of them have become commercialized and expensive. Look for the paladars that are in residential areas rather than tourist areas. Meals should be no more than $5 to $10 per person.

Who or what is a "jinetera/jinetero"?
"Jinetera" is a prostitute. The word comes from the verb "jinetear" which means to break-in horses. The sexual connotation should be obvious. A male hustler on the street who found prostitutes for tourists was called a "jinetero." The term then became used loosely to describe all men who hustle on the street for a living, selling cigars, finding "casa particulares" (private houses or rooms for rent), or paladars.

When is the coolest time of the year in Cuba?
From November thru March the temperature can drop to the low 20's. Unlike most other Caribbean islands, the temperature in Cuba can get quite chilly in the winter. Long sleeve shirts and light jackets are necessary in the evenings.

Which cities or areas of Cuba, other than Havana, are worth visiting on your first trip to Cuba?
Out West, two hours from Havana, in the Viñales region, you will find the most scenic countryside in Cuba. Trinidad, a 5 hour drive from Havana, is also a must see. The entire city, resplendent with museums, churches, fortresses, and other places of interest, has been designated as a World Heritage site by UNESCO. In Santiago, a 16 hour drive from Havana, you will find narrow, cobblestone streets, and houses with solid wooden doors and iron lattice worked balconies. Numerous resistances by the "ejercito rebelde," the (rebel army), occurred in this "Heroic City."

How do the classic American cars of the 1940's and 1950's still manage to run in Cuba after all these years?
Under their hoods, their engines comprise of a hodgepodge collection of parts from all types and makes of cars, modified and rebuilt to fit. Many of the better American classics still have original parts but these days spare parts are becoming scarcer and scarcer (especially tires). Mint-conditioned Ford Chevrolets, Dodge Studebakers, Buick Oldsmobiles, and others, with drivers, are available on the streets for hire for approximately $16 per hour (or 20 kms).

Where do I change my travelers checks or get cash on my credit cards?
Travelers checks can be cashed in banks or in Casa de Cambios (CADECAS), and in some, but not all, hotels. Banks charge the least commission. Casa de Cambios were first established in 1995 to buy and sell currency, and to stop Cubans illegally dealing with currency exchange on the streets. State control over the currency reduced, almost overnight, the exchange rate. The rate went from 130-150 to 25-30 pesos to the dollar. Because Cuba prefers to deal in cash, you cannot use credit cards as freely as you can elsewhere in the world. The problem with Casa de Cambios are that there is always a line outside of them: Cubans waiting to exchange dollars for pesos which they re-sell outside of the capital for 2 pesos more on the dollar.

Which are the most popular stores in Cuba?
Cubans love to window shop, and love the idea that there is now something to buy inside. The most popular are shoe stores. If you want to know if someone has access to dollars, look at their shoes.

Why are Cubans prohibited to go into hotel rooms with tourists?
The concern is one of security, both for the tourist and the hotel owner, and the prevention of prostitution.

Is Cuban ballet as good as it's made out to be?
The legendary Alicia Alonso and her husband Fernando founded the Cuba Ballet Company in 1948. After the Revolution, it was renamed the "National Ballet of Cuba." With the help of the great Russian dancers, the troupe received a deserved reputation for producing top-notch dancers of world repute. The present troupe usually performs at the Gran Teatro, a beautiful baroque building next to the Hotel Inglaterra. Tickets cost approximately $5-$10, and performances are usually Thursdays thru Saturday at 8:30pm, and Sunday at 5pm. The theater is small enough to permit easy viewing of the stage from where ever you sit.

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Where can I hire a bicycle?
There are no official places where bikes are rented in Cuba. The alternative is to rent a bike that belongs to a Cuban. Ask anyone in the street who is riding one. The Russian or Chinese bikes are gearless, made of iron and therefore heavy. Their brakes are not usually too good and punctures are common. $5 a day is a reasonable price to pay someone. Be careful of the pot-holes!

Is it safe to walk the streets in Cuba?
Cuba is probably the safest place in the world to walk the streets, but there are a few desperadoes around who snatch chains and handbags and then run off.

Why does it take so long to pass through immigration on your arrival in Havana?
The Cuban immigration officials have to be painstakingly careful and diligent. They are trained to be thorough, to thwart counter-revolutionaries financed by Cuban Americans in the USA, bent on overthrowing the Cuban government. Only two years ago, a Salvadoran was paid to plant bombs in some of the hotels in and around Havana. Although he was caught, some of the bombs did explode, killing tourists, and hurting tourism.

There is a model of Havana that catches the full splendor of the Cuban capital at a glance. Where is it?
The scaled-down model of Havana called the "maqueta," is located in a building on 28th street between First and Third Avenues in Miramar. Visiting hours are from 10am to 6pm Tuesday thru Saturday. On entering the room, you feel like Gulliver in the land of the Lilliputians, because right there is the colossal city in miniature. The maqueta has a surface area of 140 square meters and is the second largest model in the world after the one of New York. The minutest details have been reproduced on a scale of 1/1000. The tiny buildings are colored differently depending on their construction dates. Those erected between the 16th and 19th centuries are colored brown, while those put up in the 20th century are colored ochre. The rest are ivory in color.

How much does a beer cost in Cuba?
If you buy beer (the most popular beer in Cuba is called Cristal) in a hotel or restaurant, you can expect to pay $1.50 or $2.00 for it. There are numerous bars and eateries where you pay only 85 cents for the same beer. Look to see where there are Cubans drinking beer and that's where you'll find the cheaper variety on sale. Always ask the waiter how much the beer is before ordering. Many places will charge you hotel prices just because you are a tourist.

How much should I tip the help in the hotel?
When tipping, remember that people working in the tourist industry are very lucky, especially those who come into contact with tourists and therefore make a lot of money from tips. We recommend a dollar per meal for restaurant staff, a dollar for porter service, and a dollar per day for chambermaids. This may sould like a lot when the average Cuban makes between $12 and $18 dollars per month. In Cuba, tourist staff pool their tips and share with fellow workers who don't come in contact with foreigners. Most importantly, hotel and other staff contribute a significant portion of their tips to the healthcare and education system.

Is it expensive to make an international phone call from Cuba?
International calls from a hotel in Cuba will cost $22/$23 for 3 minutes. The best way to make an international call is to buy a prepaid ETECSA (the name of Cuba's telephone company) phone card for $10 or $20, and use a public phone. You can buy the phone card in any souvenir store or information office. These stores are not open at night so buy your cards during the day time. You have to dial 119 before the country code and the number of the party you wish to call.

Everyday, in Parque Central (Central Park), groups of men argue volubly among each other. What do they argue about?
They are heatedly discussing sport, usually baseball or boxing. This also occurs everyday in Santiago de Cuba in the park at Plaza Marté.

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Is there much prostitution in Cuba?
By early 1998, women in lurid Lycra and 6" platform heels could be seen in tourist sections prostituting themselves. Tagging along behind, at a discreet distance, were their pimps or "chulos" (often their husband or boyfriend). By mid-year, other areas of crime had been attracted into the prostitution business and had resulted in a rash of assaults against foreigners both on and off the street. In November 1998, the State stepped in and took measures to stamp it out. Fidel Castro spoke to the Nation on television warning all prostitutes and chulos of long jail terms if their activities persisted (4 years for the prostitute and 20 years for the pimp). Prostitution diminished considerably and was forced underground almost overnight as the police arrested hundreds who thought that they could still get away with it.

Why do the police harass young, male Cubans on the street?
The police are on the street to prevent crime, not to catch people after they have committed one. Young men, usually between the ages of 15 and 22 years (an age group statistically proven world-wide to be most likely to be involved in crime) are stopped at random and their "carnets," photo IDs, checked. Since all the police have CB radios, they can quickly check with the computer at the police station to see if anyone behaving suspiciously has a criminal record. Unfortunately, behaving suspiciously in Cuba is open to interpretation by individual policemen.

Are Cubans allowed to move freely within the island?
There are over 11 million inhabitants on the island, approximately 3 million of whom live in Havana where there is the most opportunity for employment. If Cubans were allowed to switch locales at will, most of them would settle in the capital. As it is, many people come to Havana illegally and stay as long as they can before having to return to their own "pueblos." For this reason, movement from region to region is restricted within Cuba.

Is it worth going to the restaurants "La Bodeguita del Medio" and "El Floridita" in Havana?
Despite the fact that the World Restaurants Association granted them both a place in the best 50 restaurants in the world, both are tourist traps, expensive, and not worth the money. They are worth a look-see but no more.

What's the best and cheapest way of taking a city tour around Havana?
"Bicitaxis," three wheel bicycle taxis, offer a scenic way of getting around town also. A twenty minute ride for two passengers will cost about $3.

Or, catch a tour bus called "Vaiven" and go around the city yourself. You can get on and off the bus with the same ticket. The "Vaiven" buses run every 55 minutes, from 9am to 10pm, so you have the whole day to roam the capital. The buses stop at the following places always in the same order:

1 The Palacio de las Convenciones		2 Third Avenue and 70th Street		3 Nacional Acuarium
4 Maqueta de la Havana		5 Hotels Melia Cohiba and Riviera		6 Cementerio de Colon
7 Plaza de la Revolucion		8 Coppelia		9 Pabellon Cuba
10 Galiano		11 Parque Central		12 Museo de la Revolucion
13 Casco Historico de la Havana		14 Morro-Cabana		15 Palacio de las Bellas Artes
16 Parque Central		17 Hotel Deauville		18 La Rampa
19 Hotels Melia Cohiba and Riviera		20 Maqueta de la Havana		21 Acuarium Nacional
22 3rd Avenue and 70th Street		23 Palacio de la Convenciones

Is English spoken widely?
English is not spoken widely, but more and more Cubans are mastering the language daily. An English/Spanish phrase book would be handy to carry around.

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Is it worthwhile renting a car in Cuba?
The road network in Cuba is good, dominated by an arterial motorway running from Pinar del Rio to Santiago de Cuba. There are also highways in the mountains, and in towns there are many wide boulevards. The smallest car, which will only comfortably carry two people with luggage, will cost about $75 a day, including gasoline (expensive) and insurance (expensive). Add another $10-plus for larger cars. There are not enough rental cars in Cuba so you must make timely reservations for them in advance before arriving in Cuba. It is a little difficult driving around the city of Havana (you can never turn left – a strange phenomenon for a leftist country!), but the rest of the island is quite easy. There are sufficient "Cupet" gasoline stations (look for the circular, green, white and red sign), but you must make sure that you keep your tank always topped up. When driving into a gas station, look for the pump that says 'especial'. The 'regular' pump is for Cubans only, and 30 cents cheaper. You will see lots of Cubans waiting for rides. Cubans are among the friendliest you'll ever find, so don't be surprised if someone you give a ride to invites you into their home for a meal or coffee, or is willing to show you around their town. Driving around Cuba is an unimaginable joy, but be careful where you park, and don't leave anything in the car. There will always be someone around who will offer to watch your car. It is well worth the dollar you pay for this service. If, God forbid, you have an accident, or someone breaks into your car, you must report the incident to the local police and get a report. This unfortunately takes time and a lot of patience, but without a report your insurance won't kick in. You do not get a map when you rent a car. Maps are for sale in most souvenir stores. Cuba is not well sign-posted and you will often need to stop and ask for directions.

What will happen if I get caught with boxes of cigars I bought on the street?
You are allowed to take out of Cuba 2 boxes of cigars without receipts, sometimes more depending on the official inspecting baggage. The worst that can happen is that you lose the cigars, that's all. Custom officials are empowered to confiscate cigars bought on the street, but seldom do. Most of the cigars sold on the street are genuine, but some are not. Cigars sold on the street are invariably cigars that have been stolen from the factories and packaged at home. Many are old and full of worms. You will not find premium cigars on the street. For good Cuban cigars you must go to cigar stores where you will find top-of-the-line cigars, or find someone who knows where he can get them on the black market for half the price.

Which are the most popular Cuban cigars?
Monte Cristo #2; Cohiba Esplendido; Romeo and Julieta, and; Churchills.

What number do you dial in Cuba for directory inquiries?
Dial 113. Operators do not speak English.

Do Cubans hate Americans?
Cubans do not bear grudges. If you engage them in conversation about the embargo, they will simply state that Americans and the embargo are wrong. Most Cubans are aware that it is the Cuban Americans living in Florida, and not all Americans, that have it in for them. The see the policies of the U.S. government as the problem, not individual U.S. residents.

Do Cubans watch a lot of television?
Television does not rule the lives of Cubans. There are only two channels in Cuba: Cubavision on channel 6, and Tele Rebelde on channel 2. During the week, television is only available between 6pm and midnight; Saturdays from 12 midday to 2am, and Sundays from 10am to midnight. There are two movies on Saturday from 10pm to 2am, and one on Sunday at 10pm. Soap operas, imported from Brazil and Columbia, attract a large viewing audience and are very popular among Cubans.

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What is a camel bus?
The cheapest form of bus transportation in Havana (10 centavos or a half cent) is by a "cameo," which translated means camel. Because of the lack of sufficient transportation in Havana, and the numbers of Cubans desirous of it, two buses were made into one and powered by a cab. These "articulated" buses, joined in the middle, look like camels with two humps. The buses, usually crammed full of people, further resemble their counterparts, in so far as they are like beasts of burden carrying heavy loads.

What is SERVIMED?
SERVIMED is an organization that promotes health tourism in Cuba, and has 42 health centers dotted around the island. Many people from all over the world come to SERVIMED for treatment of their ailments. Medical doctors with scientific expertise can be found in all of their health centers. An international confidence in Cuban medicine makes SERVIMED and health tourism in Cuba popular around the world.

Are U.S. citizens in favor of lifting the embargo against Cuba?
A CNN survey undertaken on the Internet last year (1999) revealed that 67% of U.S. citizens were in favor of lifting the embargo.

How much does it cost to see a movie in Cuba?
It costs 2 pesos (10 cents). All foreign movies are fairly up to date (six months old) and have Spanish sub-titles.

Can you drink the water?
The water in Cuba is not nearly as bad as in Mexico or the Dominican Republic, but it is not advisable to drink it. Bottled water costs 75 cents for 2 liters in dollar stores, but is expensive when bought in hotels and bars.

What is a "barbacoa"?
The huts built by the Native Indians of Cuba, the Tainos, had two levels, an upper and a lower level. Because of over- crowding and an absence of living space, Cubans today have similarly created loft spaces in their apartments by putting in a second level. In many instances this conversion does not work because the ceilings were not high enough. Nevertheless, the scarcity of usable space makes it a practical matter for a Cuban to turn his/her apartment into a barbacoa.

Can I bring pornographic material to Cuba?
Pornographic material will be confiscated by customs should an official randomly search your luggage. You will be warned not to bring such material again to Cuba, and a note to that effect will be posted against your name in the computer files. In all likelihood, your luggage will be searched every time you visit Cuba again.

What is a "casa de cita"?
Because there are usually three generations of a family living under one roof, on top of each other as it were, Cubans find it difficult to privately engage in sex. So, they go to a "casa de cita" and pay for a private room in which to have sex. True to form, couples usually end up in line waiting for their turn.

What is "punto guajiro"?
"Punto guajiro', also called "contraversia," is argument in sing-song. Two people state their opinions, their points of view, in song, taking turns, back and forward. They ad-lib to music until one admits defeat. This form of singing originated in the country and was popular among the "guajiros" (peasants).

"Punto Guajiro" can be seen and heard on television every Sunday at 7 pm, Channel 6.

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Can a tourist be sent money from overseas while he/she is in Cuba?
A tourist can receive money from abroad quite easily. The office of "ASISTUR," located in the hotel, "Casa del Cientifico," on the Prado, between Trocadero and Colon Streets, Central Havana, is there to assist such transactions. Their telephone numbers are 24-88-35 or 24-52-78.

Where can I go to use the Internet?
Most hotels now have internet services, but it can be pricey. Internet cafes are becoming common. ETECSA phone centers also provide comfortable and inexpensive services.

What are the best ways of getting around the island?
"Via Azul," located on Ave. 26 and Zoologico, Central Havana, telephone 81-14-13/81, have the most comfortable buses in Cuba, all with air conditioning, and they run on schedule. Typical fares are $10 one way to Varadero from Havana; $12 from Havana to Pinar del Rio; $25 from Havana to Trinidad. The other bus company, "Astor" is not nearly as good. The Cuban train service is not as dependable but is just as cheap as the bus service, and there is always one air-conditioned carriage reserved for foreigners. A journey from Havana to Santiago de Cuba costs $35, and takes approximately 16 hours. Flying from Havana to Santiago de Cuba will cost $80 and take just two hours. There are two other domestic airline companies apart from Cubana Airlines that fly to different parts of the island: "Inter" and "Aero Caribbean." Fewer and fewer of the old Russian built aircrafts are being used for passenger transport these days. Remember that all domestic flights from Havana go from Terminal 1, and all international flights from Terminal 3. You should arrive one hour before departure at the domestic terminal and three hours before departure at the international terminal.

If I want to extend my tourist visa or have any immigration questions, where do I go?
There is an immigration office on K and 17th Streets, in Vedado. It costs $25 to have your visa extended. Be prepared to wait as the office is always crowded. It will cost you $80 to change your flight ticket with Cubana Aviation. The other airlines do not charge for changing flight dates.

Which cigar factory would you recommend a tour of in Havana?
There are two cigar factories in Havana well worth a tour, "The Partagas" factory behind the Capitolio building, and "The Corona" factory opposite the Museum of the Revolution. Tours normally start at 10am and 2pm weekdays and cost $10 per person.

What is a "Habanero/Habanera"?
It is a term used to describe where a Cuban originates. A Habanero (male), Habanera (female) is from Habana; a Santiagero/Santiagera is from Santiago de Cuba.

Is it true that there are no seats on some toilets in Cuba, and that I should carry my own toilet paper?
Yes, and yes! Although toilet seats are available in hotels and many shops now, Cubans have got used to not having them, and in fact choose not to. Toilet paper is so frequently stolen from bathrooms that it cannot be left there unattended.

OTHER QUESTIONS ABOUT ISLAND TRAVEL?

Cuba Education Tours organizers are always available to answer questions prior to your trip. Call 1-877-687-3817 toll free or email us.