Steppes Travel | Cuba - Know before you go

Know Before You Go CUBA

Introduction The anticipation of your holiday should give you enormous pleasure. In order to ensure you are fully prepared for your next trip we have put together this document which contains essential information about the country you are soon to visit.

We know that visa requirements and electrical currents are not the most scintillating of topics but we also know that being forewarned is forearmed and we would hate for you to come back from your holiday, thinking “if only Steppes had told me that!” Travelling should be inspirational but above anything else it should be fun. We hope this information takes care of the more mundane matters of planning a trip so that you can then focus on building up excitement levels pre-travel, safe in the knowledge you’ve got everything covered.

DID YOU KNOW? “Ernest Hemingway wrote “For Whom the Bell Tolls” and “The Old Man and the Sea” while he lived in Cuba.’’

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS How long are the flights to Cuba?

Direct flights to Cuba operate twice weekly from London Gatwick with Virgin Airlines. The flight time is just 10 hours making it a comfortable flying time.

What is the time Zone in Cuba?

Cuba is 5 hours behind of GMT and occasionally observes daylight-saving time.

What is the International dialling code for Cuba?

+ 00 53.

Can I use my mobile phone in Cuba?

Can I hire a car in Cuba and is this recommended?

Absolutely, this is something we can arrange for you. The roads are interesting off the main autopista, which runs from Havana to Sancti Spiritus, with potholes to dodge and signage disappearing but roads are relatively empty. It’s a safe country to drive in and makes for an incredible experience in such a fascinating country. Locals cannot afford accidents so generally drive safely. Havana is a slightly different story with Coco Taxis and rickshaws weaving in and out of classic American cars.

Can I buy Cigars to bring home and if so will these be on the black market?

Roaming agreements exist with most international mobile phone companies and coverage is generally good. We suggest checking with your network provider before travel. Please consider other guests when using your mobile phone and when in poorer areas.

Phones are available at most hotels and a pre-paid phonecard is the cheapest used on public cardphones.

The quality is often poor on the black market and officially you can only take 23 cigars without a receipt. At customs these are likely to be confiscated. To buy legally there are many stores in Havana where you get an official receipt and certificate for the state and you. Do check your allowance into the UK also before purchasing.

When is the rainy season in Cuba?

Cuba’s dining experience is about the ambience rather than the food. There are food shortages in place and state only restaurants are pretty bland but private paladares tend to offer a more unique atmosphere with chefs offering a more imaginative menu (many including Lobster which is slightly taboo). For vegetarians it can be a little difficult if you don’t eat fish as vegetables and other foods are often cooked in animal fat. Street food is largely non-existent in Cuba, aside from in Bayamo.

The rainy season is May to October, although this is often just a short shower in the afternoon.

From June to November hurricanes can hit.

What can I expect travelling in Cuba?

Expect slow service, communism, incredible buildings, classic vintage cars, hit or miss food (this might include the best seafood you’ve ever tasted or bland beans and rice), rum and excellent live music which combine to make Cuba what it is. Stay in a Casa Particular if you would like to experience a homestay option.

Are there too many tourists, will I feel like a sheep?

Not yet we would say, although Cuba is definitely changing and if the embargo lifts on the US then this is likely to become incredibly busy with a shortage of hotels to stay at.

Can we not drive rather than fly, I’ve heard some interesting things about airlines in Cuba not being safe?

We tend to avoid flights within Cuba but that said we do suggest flying with Aero Gaviota internally from the Cayes back to Havana at the end of your relaxing break. Planes are find and the flight is usually around an hour, or so. Heading overland can be tiresome in Cuba plus the road is not so great out to Cayes on the Eastern Coast of Cuba.

How much luggage can I take?

International airlines mostly work on an allowance of 23kg for one checked bag in economy and 1 piece of hand luggage. Flying internally within Cuba is normally with Aero Gaviota and luggage allowance is just 20kg.

What about the altitude in Cuba?

With a huge coastline and highest point being just 1,974 metres Cuba does not tend to cause any problems with altitude.

What is the typical food and drink in Cuba?

Are there any festivals I can see during my trip, or spend time with ‘real’ locals?

We should have discussed this with you and if this is of particular interest then do ask and your travel consultant can arrange this for you. Cuba certainly knows how to party where streets are lined with dance and music, costumes and carnival. Trinidad is renowned for its catholic religious fiestas namely at Christmas, Easter and the landing of Antonio Maceo at Duaba who was second-in-command in the Cuban independence army.

Do I need any immunisations or malaria tablets?

Again, the best person to speak to is your Doctor or Nurse Practitioner as the advice can change and we are not medically qualified to advise. Generally the standard immunisations are required and do note that Dengue fever is also on the increase and we suggest taking the relevant precautions as there is presently no vaccine.

Do most hotels have hair dryers?

Yes, most hotels supply these in the rooms, or you can ask for a ‘secadora de pelo’ from reception but for stays at Casa Particulares they are unlikely to have these.

Can I use my credit card?

Yes, most major hotels and restaurants will accept credit cards for purchases but not all and it is also wise to carry some cash for this and for gratuities. It is best not to rely on ATM’s.

LANGUAGE We feel that it is important to try to learn the local language, even if it is only the words for hello and goodbye, not forgetting thank you.

As a former Spanish colony, Spanish is spoken in Cuba as well as Haitian Creole spoken by a significant number of Afro-Cubans.

ENGLISH Hello (formally to one man/woman) Good afternoon Good evening Hello (to a group or informally) How are you?

Fine, thanks Very well Goodbye Bye for now Please Thank you (very much) Yes/No Can I take a photo?

How much is it?

Do you speak English?

I (don’t)understand Excuse me Sorry

SPANISH Buenos dias Buenos tardes Buenos noches Hola ¿Cómo está?

Bien, gracias Muy bien Adios Hasta luego Por favor (Muchas) Gracias Si/No ¿Puedo sacar una foto? ¿Cuánto cuesta/cuánto es? ¿Usted habla inglés?

(No) entiendo Permiso Perdon

FOREIGN OFFICE ADVICE In association with the 'Know Before You Go’ campaign Steppes Travel are working with the Foreign & Commonwealth Office (FCO) to do all that we can to help British travellers stay safe overseas. Please visit the Foreign Office website for any updates: www.gov.uk/knowbeforeyougo

VISA REQUIREMENTS

TRAVEL INSURANCE

• Visas (tourist cards) are required for British Nationals to Cuba for a stay up to 30 days which you can obtain from your Cuban Consulate. The card must be completed and kept together with your passport for your entire stay. The card can be purchased from the Consulate and currently costs around £15 per person.

• Immigration tend not to stamp your passport to save potential problems with visiting/transiting through the US at a later date.

• Other nationals please check with the respective embassies or representatives.

For your safety and peace of mind, comprehensive travel insurance is required when travelling with Steppes Travel. We suggest the specialist travel insurance brokers Campbell Irvine.

Please note that it remains your responsibility to organise visas when required (unless otherwise specified by your consultant) although we are more than happy to advise, help and provide the relevant supporting documentation where necessary.

If you already have travel insurance then we require confirmation that your policy provides adequate cover for the duration of your trip, covers the full value of your invoice, is sufficient for the destination(s) you are visiting and includes medical, evacuation and repatriation cover. Please send your travel expert the insurers name, policy number and emergency contact number.

VACCINATIONS

HEALTH & SAFETY

A Yellow Fever vaccination is not currently required but we advise you to either check online at the Fit for Travel website www.fitfortravel.scot.nhs.uk or with your local GP/ travel clinic regarding ‘boosters’ for standard immunisations such as Tetanus, Typhoid and Hepatitis A.

Travelling with Steppes Travel is a wonderful chance to experience a stunning array of cultures, landscapes, ecosystems and activities. At the heart of this experience are the differences between our respective ways of life. You should understand that this means that standards of health and safety will not be the same as in the UK and may often be lower. Please refer to our full health and safety information on our website under Travellers Code.

Pre-existing conditions If you have specific medical requirements, please consult your doctor prior to departure to obtain adequate supplies of any necessary medication that may be required whilst on holiday. Please carry personal medication with you in your hand luggage (in line with current airline regulations), remembering to keep a copy of your prescription or the usage guidelines with you as well.

AIRPORT & FLIGHT INFORMATION • While travelling, please make sure that your passport is valid for at least six months.

• Have appropriate visa for your destination and transit points.

• Please note the date, time of your flight and also the time to arrive at the airport. Please be on time.

• Please advise if you have a special meal requests (fasting, vegetarian, medical, halal/kosher, baby food, etc…), while booking your flight or buying your ticket.

• Food items are not allowed to be carried in the cabin or inside the hand baggage.

• Please affix your name and address label on the baggage. It is also recommended to put the label inside of your checked in baggage to help us identify the bag in case the baggage tag/label attached outside is detached & lost.

• Please do not put valuable items such as money, jewellery, cameras and other expensive electronic items in your check-in baggage.

• If hand baggage is collected at the check-in counter or at the gate due to its size being above the allowed limit, the airline will not be liable for the damage and loss of valuable items in the baggage.

• It is not allowed to carry liquids or gels of over 100ml, toy or replica guns, razor blades, household cutlery, knives, scissors, knitting needles etc. in your hand baggage.

• For your own and the flight's safety and security, please do not accept any item from anyone as you will be held responsible & accountable for the contents of any of the items found in your custody.

SHELF IMPROVEMENT

ETIQUETTE & CULTURE

We have put together a small list of books that are set around Cuba. Both fiction and non-fiction, they will help you establish an understanding and feel for the country.

Cuban culture is mainly centered around music (casas), dance (Salsa/Son) and cabarets. It is quite different to the rest of Latin America in that people’s lives are very much shaped by the state since the revolution in 1959.

AUTHOR

TITLE

Isadora Tattlin Ernest Hemmingway

Cuba Diaries The Old Man, Old Man and the Sea and Islands in the Stream Our Man in Havana Cuba Libre Che Guevara: a Revolutionary Life Mi Moto Fidel Trading with The Enemy Enduring Cuba My Life: Fidel Castro Fidel Castro: a Biography The Women She Was Reminiscences of the Cuban Revolutionary War Cuba Confidential

Graham Greene Elmore Leonard John Lee Anderson Christopher Baker Tom Miller Zoe Bran Ignacio Ramonet Volker Skierka Rosa Jordan Che Guevara Ann Louise Bardach

ELECTRICITY Electric current in Cuba is 110V and some hotels operate with 220V. All plugs are the American-style plug with two parallel flat blades above a circular grounding pin.

Rationing is still very much in operation in Cuba with books (libretas) in place to guarantee a range of products from shops but the reality is that there are still massive shortages and even rations are not guaranteed.

Some Cubans own their homes but many citizens tend to swap apartments by finding a willing person to take over their home.

Outdoor adventure wear is perfectly acceptable but for churches you should show and dress respectfully by covering shoulders and knees.

Airports, military, police and defence establishments should not be photographed and some churches and museums forbid use. As with everywhere permission should be obtained to photograph local people.

Please be aware that you are travelling in a country where services and transport structures are very different from our own western viewpoints.

CLIMATE

FOOD & DRINK

It is very important that you drink plenty of water especially when at altitude.

Dehydration is also quite common and bottled water is available throughout Cuba. It is generally recommended that guests drink at least 2 to 3 litres of water per day to limit the effects of dehydration. This excludes tea, coffee and alcoholic beverages, which act as diuretics and can actually contribute to dehydration and this also applies when at altitude.

Cuba’s climate allows you to travel year round. The dry season is from November to April and the rainy season from May to October; often only a short shower in the afternoon.

Hurricanes can occur from June to November. The Atlantic coast is usually cooler than western Cuba on the Caribbean side.

We want your holiday to be unspoilt by food and drink related health problems, please…..

• Avoid buffets in warm climates, and stick to dishes that have been freshly cooked and served, and not left hanging around in the warm.

• Do not buy food from roadside stalls unless you have seen it cooked in front of you.

• Stick to bottled water and make sure the seal is unbroken.

• Make sure that all fruit and vegetables eaten raw, are washed in boiled or bottled water before eating.

MONEY Since 1994 there has been a dual currency system in Cuba, the Cuban Peso (CUP) for locals and the Cuban Convertible Peso (CUC$) which was introduced to offer as an alternative to the US dollar for tourism. There is talk of this two-currency system ceasing and we will keep you posted.

ATM’s are relatively commonplace in the main cities within Cuba such as Havana and Trinidad but outside these cities can be difficult. Commission charges are usually between 11-13%. To find the present, up to date currency rate of conversion (please note exchange rates go up and down over time) for where you are travelling to, log on to: www.xe.com/ucc or use the XE app.

Credit cards International Visa and MasterCard are usually accepted. Before you leave home advise your credit card company that you will be heading abroad and more specifically to Cuba.

Tipping

Tipping is not compulsory. If, however, you want to tip because you have received good service, below is a brief guideline to assist you.

Restaurants & Bars

1 CUC for 1-2 guests. State restaurants and private paladares 1-2 CUC or 5-10%.

Hotels

Tips are relatively low 1 CUC for housekeeper (3 days) and $0.50-1CUC for porters.

Tour guides (private) 3.5-5 CUC per person per day for the driver and 5-7 CUC per person per day for the guide (more if exceptional).

Taxi drivers Tips are generally expected of 10-50 cents within Havana, Airport to city with luggage 1 CUC per taxi or 2-3 for more than 2 people.

Transfer driver/guides US$10-12 CUC per person per day (guides who also do the driving).

Giving money Whilst the giving of money is a matter of personal preference or conscience, Steppes Travel feels that it is best to give a donation to a proper charitable entity, as opposed to freely giving cash to individuals. Hotel staff and most Cubans will be very pleased if you give away soap, shampoo or modern clothes (t-shirts, jeans). Every child in Cuba is obliged by law to attend school and will be provided with meals there, there are no ‘street kids’ and children begging causes many social problems in the country. Tourists are asked to buy milk (Leche) for infants for the family.

Children up to 7 years receive milk for free in Cuba and the person will generally buy milk in your presence and then get a refund when you have left.

RESPONSIBLE TOURISM Just because we believe travel should be of benefit to both traveller and the host country, that doesn’t mean having fun is frowned upon. On the contrary, it is positively encouraged and because you’ll feel like you’re giving something back to the local people, wildlife and environment, you’ll have even more to smile about.

Our policy is that we endeavour: 1. We aim to work with privately owned companies and hotels rather than state owned or foreign companies in the countries that you visit.

2. We support a number of charities which promote a wide range of education programmes together with environmental and community projects in the countries we visit. When possible, we encourage you to visit these initiatives.

3. We encourage travellers to visit unspoilt areas of the world where low impact tourism can have a hugely beneficial effect.

4. We take you beyond the ordinary, to local markets or community craft schemes rather than large corporation tourist shops so that your money benefits those who need it most.

Our ‘responsible policy’ is not just limited to the destinations in which we operate.

Responsible practice is exercised in our office with various measures put in place aimed at reducing, re-using and recycling resources where possible.

In return we ask you: 1. To be sympathetic to local customs, traditions and idiosyncrasies, which to us might seem strange 2. To be aware of local resources, particularly water and its purity, and treat them with care 3. To be generous in relation to local monetary values, but do not over tip 4. To give money where it is needed and not to hordes of children. Handing out gifts creates an air of expectancy and exacerbates the problem. Far better to give items such as pens to teachers 5. To not buy goods that will have a detrimental effect on either wildlife or the environment however beautiful or plentiful they may seem. It only encourages others 6. You are encouraged to report back on your experience and on the behaviour and awareness of our agents and local guides on your return. Only in this way can we improve and ensure our demands are being met.

We are committed to developing our Policy of Responsible Practice even further in the future. Our aim is to continually incorporate new responsible practices into our business at all levels and encourage our suppliers to do the same.

USEFUL TELEPHONE NUMBERS

British High Commission British Embassy Cuba Calle 34, No.702 esq 7ma, Miramar La Habana Cuba

0053 7214 2218

embrit@ceniai.inf.cu

0845 8502829

www.malariahotspots.co.uk www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk

The Visa Service

0870 8900185

www.cibtvisas.co.uk

Identity and Passport Service

0870 210410

www.gov.uk/government/organisations/hm-passport-office

Heathrow Airport

0870 0002468

www.heathrowairport.com

Gatwick Airport

0870 0002468

www.gatwickairport.com

Health and Vaccinations Malaria Hotspots Foreign & Commonwealth Office advice Fit for travel

Passport and Visa requirements

Airports

Flights Airline information

www.airlinequality.com

Currency Currency converter

www.xe.com/ucc/

WHAT TO PACK You will have your own ideas from past experiences regarding your personal list of ‘utterly indispensables’ and favourite items, so the following are our suggestions to supplement your own packing list.

Important Stuff

Essentials •

Soft bag between 45-70 litres

•

20-litre daypack, for keeping everyday items handy

•

Field Guides/pocket language guide

•

Passport and photocopy (keep photocopies separate)

•

Good quality sunglasses, preferably polarised

•

Itinerary & Airline reference number

•

Camera, memory cards, cleaning materials, spare batteries

•

Copy of insurance policy

•

Diary, note pad, pens, reading material

•

Credit cards/cash

•

Torch with spare batteries and bulb

•

Emergency contact numbers

•

Waterbottle – 1 ltr

•

International vaccination card where relevant (i.e Yellow Fever Certificate)

•

Camera Bag

•

Wash-kit

*Please keep your photocopies separate from your originals.

Clothing •

Base-layer: T-shirts and vests

•

Outer-layer: wind/waterproof jacket/ Mid-layer: Fleece or sweatshirt

•

Comfortable walking boots or trainers

•

Long trousers suitable for walking. Pockets helpful

• •

2/3 Long-sleeved shirts Wide-brimmed sun hat

•

Small spare towel

•

Socks / underwear

•

Mid –layer: Fleece or jumper

•

Walking sandals

Medical equipment • • • • • • •

Personal medical travel kit Personal prescription medicines Insect repellent Lip salve Spare prescription glasses Contact lens & cleaners Sunscreen

USEFUL TRAVEL APPS

XE Currency Know how much you’re spending with live updates.

Google translate Translates between 64 languages, with audio too.

Evernote Food Document recipes you love as you travel.

Map My Walk Calculate your duration, distance, pace and speed.

Weather Pro

Pin Drop

Weather reports for up to two million locations.

Pin on a map to record locations you’ve discovered.

Flight Track

Travel Smart

Follow detailed paths of thousands of flights.

Access to emergency services & health advice.

Prizmo

Trip Journal

A pocket scanner for all your important documents.

Tipulator Nifty tip calculator, also helps to split bills easily.

Virtual scrapbook, geotagging pictures & videos.

WhatsApp Messenger Free to send pictures, videos & sound clips over wifi

Flashlight

Viber

Simple gadget, always handy for travelling.

International calls and messaging for free.

Packing Pro

Triposo

Packing suggestions based on your destination.

Pocket Wikitravel, internet connection not required.

THE STEPPES TRAVEL GROUP 51 CASTLE STREET CIRENCESTER GLOUCESTERSHIRE GL7 1QD

T +44 (0)1285 880 980 F +44 (0)1285 885 888 ENQUIRY@STEPPESTRAVEL.COM WWW.STEPPESTRAVEL.COM