Cuba dances to its own rhythm—a whirl of charm, vintage cars, and dual economies that baffle even seasoned travelers.

Between the salsa beats and sunset-soaked plazas, this island hides logistical quirks that demand preparation. Arm yourself Lykkers with these 10 insights to swap confusion for confidence.

Insurance Imperative

Medical coverage isn’t optional—it’s enforced. Arrive with printed proof of travel insurance or buy a policy from Asistur at Havana Airport ($30). Random checks occur; skip them and face delays. Pro tip: Ensure your policy covers medical evacuation—Cuba’s hospitals lack advanced care.

Digital Paperwork

Complete Cuba’s D’Viajeros form online 72 hours pre-flight. This digital declaration includes health and immigration details. Save the QR code—it’s checked upon arrival. Forget it? Expect tedious paperwork queues.

Tourist Card Rules

No entry without a tourist card ($25–$85). Most airlines include it (ask when booking); otherwise, buy via Cuban Travel Services. Exception: Travelers from 20 African/Asian nations need full visas. Double-check requirements at consular offices before departure.

Currency Chaos

Cuba’s money maze involves:

- Official currency: Cuban pesos (CUP), exchanged at banks (1 EUR ≈ 120 CUP).

- Black market rates: 1 EUR ≈ 200+ CUP—used by private businesses.

- MLC shops: State-run stores pricing goods in virtual dollars (credit cards only).

Carry euros (preferred), CAD, or GBP. Avoid USD—they attract 10% penalties. Pay private B&Bs (casas particulares) in foreign cash; use pesos for tips ($1 = 120 CUP) and museum entries ($5 ≈ 600 CUP).

Card Caveats

US-issued cards won’t work. Even non-US cards face hiccups—Mastercard and Visa function sporadically at state hotels. Private businesses? Cash-only. Withdraw euros at Banco Metropolitano ATMs (3% fee).

Packing Smarts

Leave formalwear—Cuba’s dress code is beach casual. Men need collared shirts for clubs. Essentials to pack:

- Medications: Pharmacies often lack stock.

- Power bank: Blackouts are frequent.

- Toiletries: Import shortages make basics scarce.

Language Hacks

Cuban Spanish drops formalities—use tú (not usted) and expect slang like asere (buddy). Key phrases:

- "¿Cuánto es?" (How much?)—always confirm prices.

- "¿Quién es último?" (Who’s last?)—master the queue hack.

Street-Name Jumble

Havana’s Calles have dual identities: maps show new names; locals use pre-Revolution ones. Example: Avenida de Bélgica is still called Egido. Download offline maps (Maps.Me) with both labels.

Queue Culture

No lines—just ask, "¿Quién es último?" and note who answers. That’s your placeholder. Roam freely until they’re served. Works at copperías (bakeries), clinics, and bus stations.

Wi-Fi Realities

Internet runs on ETECSA cards ($1/hour). Buy them at:

- Hotel lobbies (marked-up prices).

- ETECSA offices (long queues).

- Street vendors (verify legitimacy).

Hotspots cluster in parks like Habana Vieja’s Plaza de Armas.

Transport Tricks

Collectivo taxis (shared classics) cost $5–$10 for cross-city trips—bargain hard. Viazul buses book up fast; reserve online for routes like Havana–Viñales ($25).

Conclusion

Cuba rewards the prepared. Master its monetary ballet, decode street-name riddles, and embrace the improvisational spirit. Now, dust off that suitcase—your drink under a palm tree awaits.