Getting around in Cuba
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Regular flights and charters of national airlines cover the entire Cuban archipelago, which features 20 airports. Cuba’s dimensions and its highway system also make it possible to travel by car, bus or taxi to any province.

Multidestination tours
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You can reach the Mayan Route, Montego Bay, Nassau, Cayman Islands, Cancun or any other place in the Caribbean from Cuba.

Assistance to the tourist
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These services are guaranteed by ASISTUR, a company with a presence in all of the main tourist destinations within Cuba and also an alarm centre that works continuously all year round. Tel.: (53 7) 204 8835, Fax: (53 7) 204 8088

Religion
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The Constitution of the Republic of Cuba guarantees total freedom of worship. Catholicism is the most widespread religion. Afro-Cuban religions, the outcome of syncretism between pantheons of African origin and catholic saints, are also very popular.

What to bring
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Light, loose and airy clothing, perhaps sporty; a bathing suit, sunscreen, sunglasses and some repellent lotion. You should also include a sweater if travelling in the winter, or if you plan to climb mountains.

Currency
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All payments and transactions in Cuba will be carried out using the CUC (Cuban convertible currency). Prices of tourist facilities are in CUC (Cuban convertible currency) and Euros (according to the tourist destination). The current exchange rate of CUC in relation to USD is at 1.08, meaning the CUC has been rated 8% above USD, in other words 1 CUC = 1.08 USD. For tourists who would like to pay with credit cards, those issued by US banks will not be accepted; furthermore a different exchange rate applies, that being 1.1124 (1.08 change type by 1.03 by sales margin of CUC against foreign currency). Accepted credit cards are, Cabal, Transcard, Visa and MasterCard International, unless they have been issued by US banks or any of their branches. In the case of EURO, CAD or any other for bank transfers as a cash payment in the country, the exchange rate will be according to that day’s exchange rate. There is also payment means of national use emitted by the Banco Financiero Internacional (BFI cards) and the banks of Crédito y Comercio, Metropolitano, Popular de Ahorro and BICSA (RED cards). With the implementation of the Euro in six Cuban destinations (Varadero, Jardines del Rey, Cayo Largo del Sur, the North of Holguín, Playa Covarrubias in Las Tunas and Playa Santa Lucía in Camagüey), tourists who use that currency will have better access to hotels and their services in these regions.

How to pay
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With cash or credit cards: VISA INTERNATIONAL, MASTERCARD, ACCESS, BANCOMER INTERNATIONAL EUROCARD, BANAMEX, DINNERS CLUB INTERNATIONAL, JCB, CABAL and CARNET. There are other cards issued by Banco Financiero Internacional (BFI cards) and by Banks of Credit and Commerce, Metropolitan, Popular de Ahorro and BICSA (RED cards).

Bank Agencies
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Generally they work Monday to Friday, from 08:30 a.m. to 15:30 p.m., except on the last working days of each month in which they only work until noon. In cases of emergency or special services (advanced payments, travelers’ cheques and USD and Euros acquisition) the hours: From Monday to Saturday - 09:00 a.m. to 19:00 p.m.; and Sundays from 09:00 a.m. to 14:00 p.m. ATM’s are also widespread throughout the country.

Shoppings
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There are shops in every hotel and different store chains around Cuba also allow the visitor to buy the goods they want or need, apart from craftsmanship, rum, cigars, Cuban movies, documentaries and souvenirs.

Electrical Power
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110 volt. 60 Hz. Flat-pinned plug sockets. Most hotels feature 220 volts.

Time Zone
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Eastern Standard Time (GMT). May to October is summer time, and the hour changes. (One hour ahead)

Transportation
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There is a diverse range of transportation on offer of taxis, car rental, buses and motorcycles. There is an extensive network of highways and roads with some 50,000 km, of which 14,000 are highways and asphalt roads that link the main cities. Domestic charters and air taxi services within Cuba are available from companies based in the country. The country features 17 airports: ten for international operations.