Cuba how much money do you need for vacation. What is the minimum amount of money you can take with you to Cuba? Keep purchase receipts

We traveled to Cuba in 2011. But I remember this whole holiday as if it was yesterday. We flew from Moscow to Varadero. We flew with TransAero. This company was a pleasant surprise. In the cabin, TVs worked all the way, they watched the latest movies that had just come out at that time. They took euros with them, since Cubans do not really like dollars. They have the same thing as in the days of the USSR. Dollar banned. The exchange rates for the dollar and the euro are the same. Therefore, there is really no difference what to take. With 10,000 rubles in exchanges, you will lose 50 rubles. So don’t worry too much about it.

Sitting for 13 hours on the fifth point was very problematic for everyone. Therefore, when the pilot announced that we were flying over Antarctica, they began to photograph it.

The distance from the Airport to the hotel did not fly noticeably, we were met very cool, not like in Turkey, which I had been to before. A bus with excellent air conditioning, as it was not customary to be on the street at first.
We arrived at the hotel (Barselo Solymar) and were a little stunned by what we saw there, this is how the hotel looks from the outside:

And here is what we saw inside the hotel:

Yes, yes, these are vines, real vines that grow from above for several years. They are absolutely alive, and since there are very few Russian tourists there (5%), they are completely whole and alive.
We were supposed to be placed in a bungalow near the pool, but they were all busy and we were put in more expensive numbers V main building hotel completely free of charge, without shouting, nerves and swearing. During the registration of the tour package with the tour operator, we saw that the rooms in the main building during the stay that we were there cost $ 100 more per person. The service there deserves 5 stars!
Here are the very bungalows in which we were supposed to live:

And here is the room of the hotel where we were settled:

And here is the ocean view:

Palm trees with cocoa, bananas, near the ocean and white sand, like snow, endless rum, parrots and other different living creatures, why is this not paradise?
For all the time that we were there it was sunny, but at exactly 17:00 in the evening it started to rain, like in the TV series Lost. Fast and unexpected. Photos taken within 5 minutes:

The rain stopped as abruptly as it started. Literally 25-30 minutes it pours tropical, very warm rain, but it pours like a bucket (I understood this expression in Cuba, because in 5 seconds you really become wet to the skin). After that, just as quickly, all the clouds disappear and the sun reappears, already setting.

On the first day we picked a coconut and brought it to the room. They smashed it against the wall on the balcony and the long-awaited coke juice dripped

We also tried the coconut itself. Like chips in a bounty chocolate bar, only hard, but just as tasty.

As a result, all the garbage was thrown into the bin, in the morning the cleaning lady told us - crazy, crazy, you are crazy :)

Some of the people found out where to buy. I'll tell you how it was. In the sea, when you are swimming, a man swims up to you and offers (in a bag or a condom). You go to the hotel for money, return to him at sea - give him under water, he gives you a bag. When you want to try it, you will know that it is finely torn toilet paper. This evening, upset customers were in a poop :)
On the second day, the guys drove mopeds around Varadero, found where to buy cheap cigars. Got a few to try :-)

We just woke up, Leshka was not badly burned :-)

Went to a show at our hotel. We went there because that ill-fated downpour began :) Well, for one more reason, which we will keep silent.

Photos of this performance are available:

Yes, it's a girl. Not a trans, like in Thailand, but a girl! We visited such a show on one of the evenings that took place in our hotel.
We took one excursion in Cuba - fishing.

All fishing consisted in the fact that the captain puts fishing rods, we barely swim and wait for the fish to be caught.

We passed by various uninhabited islands:

Here's how fast we swam: http://youtu.be/tF7w_8GVdRY
As a result, while swimming, a few km / h, we all became very ill. The most annoying thing is that no one really drank before departure.

In principle, it was not so bad, it was possible to sunbathe on a yacht, provided that we swam from morning to afternoon.

We took quite a few photos, by the way, the most interesting thing is that this yacht is diesel! There is a lot of dirt from under the engine, imagine that 10 diesel trucks are working and all this goes not into the air, but into the water. But to our surprise, the sea is still clean. Miracles.

Finally, we arrived at clean place, although in Cuba the water is perfectly clean everywhere. Here, as the captain told us, it is about 5-7 meters deep.

Here we swam and dived with a bang :) And we also looked at the fish, which we later fed with bread.

In general, after that we finally came to our senses, since soon there should be no more 2-5 km / h. On the way back, the captain's assistant offered everyone a drink of rum, which, by the way, was included in the price of the train, although rum is not Havana Club ...

We arrived at the port without caught fish, which would have been cooked for us for free, and so we had to order from the local menu. For 5-10 pesos they ate lobsters and other delicacies of the sea and the ocean.

The next day, or rather the morning, we rented two cars to go to Havana. Just before Fidel Castro's birthday.

We arrived in Havana, parked the car, went for a walk along the streets.

After a short time, a man ran up to us, apparently a mixture of Italian, Armenian and Cuban. Offered a tour of the city for like 5 dollars. We agreed. He spoke Russian very well. took us to local cafe on the roof, drank a margarita and Dima was carried away, he became aggressive, but it’s good that it didn’t last long. We photographed the fresco and the view from the cafe.

He said that not a single thing in Cuba is thrown away. The watch is broken - for repair, the phone - for repair, the shoes are torn, everything is for repair.
Then he took us around the city, showed us local sights.

We went to the local museum, which is free and anyone can freely visit it. This is a muskrat, a local domestic animal.

Such a ship could be bought for 300 pesos at the market in Varadero, but, unfortunately, I did not know how to take it, so I did not take it.

Showed a monument to the best dancer of all time who danced in this square. And also a man who grants the wishes of anyone who rubs his beard.

This picture was made at home from small pebbles. There are even more on the whole wall of the house. This is a very labor intensive job.

He spoke about the Capitol of Cuba. It is exactly the same as in the USA, more precisely in the USA it is exactly the same as in Cuba. At first, the Capitol was built here, and later the United States built it at home. It's good that St. Basil's Cathedral is one of a kind.

On the way to lunch, we stopped at a beer bar, where we tried draft (only from the barrel) Cuban beer. It cannot be compared with our bodyaga, which is impossible to drink.

Then we went to his friends for lunch. While walking we saw our Soviet cars, which are not in bad condition.

Finally we came for lunch. The first thing we saw was a pet.

After a hearty dinner (the animal remained safe and sound), we went to his familiar cigar dealers. You know, to be honest, it was scary to go there, like in films about drug lords, they wrap everything up in something, hide it, in order to see cigars you need to go into a separate room, close all the doors with locks and only then look at the goods.

We didn’t buy anything there, since we had already agreed to buy in Varadero, and we didn’t see much point in taking it from here. But they learned how to distinguish good cigars from bad ones. You need to twist them in your hand (like Chinese sticks), if tobacco falls out, then the cigar is bad, if it doesn’t fall out, then everything is fine.
He brought us to where we came from, we thanked him and went to see Havana ourselves. We split up, part wanted to go home (3 people) and went, but we stayed (5 people) and that's what happened :)
We saw the Capitol up close. It is indeed very old, or simply has never been restored.

We could not help but take a picture of this monument, it is the same as in Moscow, to Yuri Dolgoruky or Marshal Zhukov :)

This is the Spanish Embassy in Havana, to the left of this photo is the monument that you saw above.

These are the retro cars they drive around the city, and how much space they have inside, it's something!

And here are the dimensions of this car from the inside

Found a train, which could not help but take pictures.

Retro car, we didn’t pick up the number, we didn’t go, but it turned out cool :)

We saw parrots, tried to teach them Russian words, but it turned out to be useless.

We arrived and took pictures at the place that we saw from the roof of the cafe.

They took a picture of her and moved towards her.

This is what it looks like up close:

And such beautiful view from her to old Havana...

...and new Havana

Where without a Russian photo :)

By the time we were there, it was already dark. It gets dark there quickly in 10-15 minutes and surprisingly it didn't rain in Havana like it did in Varadero. We are very lucky...

Let's go to the fortress. Entrance costs 1 or 2 pesos per person. It's like in Russia - the Kremlin, which you can't get into ...

Inside a mini museum of what was used during the revolution in Cuba

Closer to 22:00, a cannon shot was to be fired at Havana, which is why we actually went there

We got closer, there were many funny moments when one of us climbed on someone to take a picture higher, as there were a lot of people, but, pinching, he shouted: "Fuck, my egg." Laughter was heard only from us, and everywhere there was deathly silence, this is something. Very unusual. They also met a supposedly classmate who was very similar to her, but for some reason did not take a picture with her.
The video was filmed from above, as they carry a torch to set fire to the cannon from one angle: http://youtu.be/N3jvhIBXat4
Here is the full walkthrough and shot video: http://youtu.be/f4loZcPncKM
Too lazy to watch everything, they can only watch a shot: http://youtu.be/One6xTTI5Tc
Here they go to set fire to the fuse of the cannon:

A shot was fired and the show ended. We decided to go home. They moved in the direction they came from. We left the city and got into a circle (usual roundabout with 6-7 exits and entrances). We turned into a turn, there are prostitutes, we stopped to find out the way. They start to run up and climb into the car, and there are 5 of us in the car :-) We immediately closed the doors, opened the window from behind, one of them climbed into our salon, we drove her forward, she climbed into the passenger seat in front, but also there she couldn’t do anything, our driving ac (only we know who was driving) gave gas with a slip and one of us heard a good spit in our direction. We left them, we were driving at a speed of 80-100 km / h somewhere, we saw white shorts in front and suddenly a man, immediately on the brakes, he runs up to the curb in shock, we drive on it and at the last moment turn it to the side so that it wasn't fun, let's move on. To be honest, I just thought about it now ... what if he needed help, that's why he ran out onto the road, although this is unlikely. After driving for 20 minutes, we returned to the circle. Ofigeli, we went to another exit, we drove into the ghetto. There's a hell of a thing going on. There are few photos, since taking pictures on the go is problematic in the dark. Chatted with local population, they showed us the way and, oh my God, we again got into this circle. It was already weird. Let's go the other way. While we were driving, we stopped once, seeing on the road:

They gave him a slipper, he grabbed it and did not leave, in the end he left without one claw. And the claw that remained on the sneaker was thrown into the trunk :)
They wanted to drink rum. You can watch the video here: http://youtu.be/QhRUWT_vZXk
We took the rum with us, we all, together with our AS, drank a little bit, but during the transfer it fell and the dispenser broke. It's a shame, we go further and understand that we are going to the side Caribbean, and we need to hand over the car in about 8 hours. We turn back, again this circle, but it would be more strange if we didn’t get on it :) We choose a different path, we go. We see a police car. We signal to them, our speaker comes out, speaking English poorly, for a conversation, they understood each other on their fingers, and now we finally drove onto the track and drove towards our hotel.
We go into the hotel, we see our separated, thumping company. We join. We go to the pool, we see some freaks threw all the sunbeds into the pool. Sit down and go to sleep. In the morning, two who woke up handed over their cars. Many of us woke up very late.
On this day, we bought cigars from hucksters, people who work in factories and because of some defect, or maybe they take boxes of cigars as a salary or simply steal along with all the necessary stickers. We bought large boxes of cigars (25 pieces) for 25 pesos (about 1,000 rubles), at that time one such cigar cost 1,000 rubles, and it still costs so much. Personally, I bought three boxes of Cohiba cigars for export (Fidel Castro himself smokes them and they are considered the best in Cuba). There are still half a box left, they are like new.
An interesting incident happened this afternoon on the beach. I drank a can of beer and I understand that I'm a complete poop. Then I think that it covered me like that, and I smoked another whole cigar, it gave such an effect and very quickly after an hour, a maximum of two let go.
In the evening, we sat in the hall again, drinking very cool local cocktails (we started from the first one on the list, we didn’t try everything for the whole vacation)

So that same evening, we smoked a lot of cigars, since 30 rubles per cigar is a penny. They smoke without inhaling, as they are already very lethal :)

That evening we got acquainted with the Pindos-Canados (as we called the Canadians), went to the club, buzzed there a little bit and drove back.
At the expense of food and alcohol at the Barselo Solymar hotel, we did not bathe at all and, frankly, we bought in vain in duty free. Here, all alcohol of any country is absolutely free, drink as much as you want. Rum, Whiskey, Liqueur, Sambuca, Tequila and so on, all absolutely free!
The next day we went to the local cheap market on a horse

They took us to the place, took pictures at local monuments and cool places

Behind, by the way, you can see the same market

We bought a lot of things, after all, this is not Turkey and Egypt, where you can not buy anything :)

At the end in Cuba we met our friend's birthday.
The cocktails the bartender makes are amazing. It was on this day that we found the most killer cocktail, although we had not tried the entire list before leaving.
We drank at least 5 pieces of it. After that, we went to the pool, where young people usually rest, that is, we and the Pindos-Canados (as we called the Canadians). We congratulated our birthday boy from the bottom of our hearts. Video available: http://youtu.be/Nf_U0SowMO8
As I later found out in the morning, they did it at least 5 times, congratulating at the end, no longer with a plate of cake, but with french fries.

We spent our entire vacation there in the evenings, drinking rum / whiskey with cola / fanta / sprite, which you could take, as well as take hot dogs and french fries, although this bar is open only until one in the morning. We ate and drank that evening. It was then that a Cuban who worked there asked us: "When are you leaving? Tomorrow?" To which we said that we would be here for another six days. He sighed ruefully. The kitchen and the pool bar close at 1am. The Canadians always leave very quickly. That noise din, you turn - they are not. As it later became known, as soon as a person from their company becomes ill (in Russian I say everything came back), they collect all their things and leave. The Russians don't understand this. And then there is a prime example of this.
When the bar and kitchen closed, we took out our 3 bottles of rum and cola, which we bought in advance. By the way, there is a shop right in the hotel and rum costs 2 pesos there, about 100 rubles! A bottle of Havana Club rum costs only two pesos! A bottle of Coca-Cola is more expensive there. In general, we drank a bottle of rum, went to the beach, one of us filmed it all on camera. We played tricks that evening to glory :) I was already in such a state that I could hardly stand on my feet. But we climbed a palm tree, while I was standing below, Vovchik climbed on my shoulders and tore coconuts. They held me from behind so that I wouldn't fall. When a certain number of coconuts were on the ground, someone threw one of the coconuts at Vovchik's head. And suddenly I uttered the phrase: "I'm fucking coconuts." A year later, we found out what I meant then, saying: "Look how much fuck" (in the sense of faces). Apparently I threw a coconut at him. Vovchik, I'm not on purpose, I'm sorry.
We also bought our birthday boy a very good, in my opinion, gift.

As you can see from the photo, everyone is fine, and at that moment I was completely passed out in my room :) Then it was more interesting. We messed around as best we could. True, I can’t show you all the videos, but it was cool.

All in all, we had a great time here.

Let's summarize.
1. The hotel is very cool. The territory is huge, the bungalows are huge, although we did not get into it.
2. I do not advise you to sit purely in Varadero, as it is boring and not particularly interesting.
3. I recommend taking a car and going to the Caribbean Sea. It is a pity that we did not do this then, but at 23 pm it would not be realistic to go there.
4. The sea is gorgeous. Recreation for families and young people is excellent. That children with their parents can have a good rest, that youth. Due to the territory of all hotels in Varadero, companies will not overlap or very rarely. The sea is gorgeous and very warm. The sand is white. So everyone will be happy.

I strongly advise you to buy Cohiba cigars (900 rubles for 25 cigars), Havana Club rum (150 rubles per liter). Previously, 25 cigars cost 25 pesos, i.e. 1 peso = 1 dollar was. Also very tasty food there. Fruits in hotels are awesome, be sure to eat them. And don't be stingy with tipping the waiters and cleaners. For them, even 1 peso is a huge amount, but for you, 30 rubles, I think, is not so significant.

There is a bazaar, which is closer to the exit from Varadero. There you will definitely meet a three-fingered man (he asks for money there), he was even shown on the BBC. The market is higher in the photo (if the moderators have not removed them), you can buy gifts there. Personally, I bought souvenirs for 10,000 rubles and left Cuba with full packages of gifts, 3 boxes of cigars and 2 bottles of rum.

Impressions are only excellent. If you go there, then be sure that you will remember this vacation forever!

The peculiarity of Cuba is that two monetary units. The first currency is the non-convertible peso. It is intended for local residents, and the second currency is the convertible peso, which is better known as the kuk. This is done so that tourists spend as much money as possible and thereby develop the Cuban economy. Do not take dollars with you, it is better to take euros. Considering Cuban-American relations, it is not surprising that approximately 10% commission will have to be paid when exchanging dollars. On average, expect about 100 euros per day for two. This amount should be enough for food, some souvenirs and entertainment (the higher your requests, the higher the waste). For 100 euros you will get approximately 110 Cuban cookies.

Prices are high in places, normal in places, but in any case, you will have to decide on the spot: look, ask the price, bargain. A can of beer (0.33 ml) will cost about 1 cookie; a glass will cost 2 cookies; the average cost of one cocktail is 2.5 cookies; a cup of coffee 1-1.5 cookies; a bottle of rum with a capacity of 0.7 costs around 4 cookies, and a liter bottle costs about 6 (it all depends on the manufacturer, there are also more expensive types of rum); meat dish in a normal cafe it will cost 5-8 cookies, and a seafood dish is 20-30 percent more expensive. Dinner will cost an average of 10 cookies, but keep in mind that portions in Cuba are larger and sometimes it makes sense to order one serving for two. You can safely add 10-20% to the cost of your order, which will be included in your bill as a service fee. Be sure to recalculate the change, as the staff of many cafes and restaurants is trying in every possible way to deceive tourists, and when they reveal the deception, they pretend as if nothing happened. In addition to cafes and restaurants, you can buy food on the streets and on the beaches (think less about quality and then you will not have any health problems). If you have the desire and opportunity, you can buy fruits, vegetables, seafood and cook your own food on your own.

The country will please huge selection entertainment. There are excellent opportunities for surfing, diving, fishing, or you can just play volleyball on the beach. Diving without training will cost 20-25 dollars, and if you want to take a course and get a confirming certificate, then you will have to lay out at least 200 cookies. Fishing will cost from 10 to 20 dollars depending on the vessel and your ability to bargain. You can get into the Museum of the Revolution for 6 cookies, for crocodile farm for 5, and a safari in national park will cost 10 cookies. Also for $10 you can get into a decent night club. Most high prices on excursions around the islands, such a pleasure will cost about 70-100 cookies per person. If you want to rent a car, then proceed from the fact that this is not a cheap pleasure, at least 70 cookies per day of rent (it is hardly worth spending 60 euros on renting a far from the most modern car).

And a few practical advice that can help you save. Prices in restaurants are far from fixed, and the more elegant and chic a guest looks, the more expensive lunch or dinner will cost him, so try to look modest when going to a restaurant. If you need a taxi, then do not call him from tourist center because it will cost you much more.

I think that 100 euros per day should be enough for you, but if you want some exotic adventures or long trips, then you will have to pay the corresponding money for this.

We tell you how much a trip to Cuba costs in 2019. Prices for hotels, flights, tours, food, transport and entertainment. How much does a trip to Cuba cost for two? What can you save on?

Exchange rate: 1 CUC = 1 USD = 25 CUP.

Cuban currency

There are two types of local currency on the island. Tourists use CUC - cookies, or, as the Cubans themselves say, si-u-si. These are convertible pesos used to pay for housing, excursions, restaurants, transportation and shopping. The sights of the country are painted on the banknotes. The rate of cookies depends on the dollar, so it practically does not change: 1 CUC=1$.

The country has a distribution system that they try not to show to foreigners. Cubans get paid in local currency CUP - national pesos. The money depicts portraits of the leaders of the country. CUP is needed to pay for Cuban-made goods, special vehicles and some services. For 1 CUC they give 25 CUP.

Advice. Have on hand not only cookies, but also pesos nationale. During your holidays outside the tourist areas of Cuba, you will save on services, food and tip at CUP.

It is easy to distinguish bills: national (CUP) pesos depict portraits of Cuban leaders (bottom banknote), convertible (CUC) - tourist attractions (top). The latter are also labeled "convertibles" (Photo © SheepRUs / flickr.com)

Map of the beaches of Cuba in Russian

How much does a trip to Cuba cost in 2019

What are the prices for tours to Cuba in 2019? Because of the expensive flight, Liberty Island is not the most budget country for the trip. However, the high prices are offset by Caribbean exotics, visa-free entry for residents of Russia, good beaches and unique surroundings.

IN high season, which lasts from November to April, a vacation in Cuba for two for 10 days from Moscow costs from 130 thousand rubles. The price includes flights and accommodation in a 2* hotel. A voucher with accommodation in a 3 * hotel costs from 137 thousand rubles, in a 4 * hotel - from 139 thousand rubles, and in a 5 * hotel - from 152 thousand rubles. For holidays in Cuba "all inclusive" with a flight in 2019, you need to pay from 134 thousand rubles.

Hot tours search on services and - they will find best deals among different tour operators. Want to save? Explore ours.

Cayo Santa Maria (Photo © Antonio Cinotti / flickr.com)

Hotel prices

Search hotels with discounts at Skyscanner Hotels. Here are the main ones.

The price of a trip to Cuba largely depends on the cost of the hotel. IN different corners islands you can find expensive and cheap accommodation.

The price of a standard double room in high season is popular resorts, in $:

	Guesthouse	Hotel 2*	Hotel 3*	Hotel 4*	Hotel 5*
Havana	25	60	65	70	170
Varadero	30	60	70	120	300
Cayo Coco	-	-	-	170	220
	-	-	-	-	200
Cayo Largo	50	55	70	-	-
Holguin Province Resorts	25	-	75	-	230

Ticket prices

How much does it cost to fly to Cuba? The cheapest is from Moscow. In high season, round-trip flight to Havana for one it will cost 33 thousand rubles (with a transfer). For example, Turkish Airlines carries tourists with a stopover in Istanbul. Direct flights cost from 56 thousand rubles.

Flight to Varadero with transfers it costs 47 thousand rubles, and without transfers - from 67 thousand rubles.

Varadero Beach (Photo © Gerald La / flickr.com)

Food prices in Cuba in 2019

The average check for two in a budget restaurant or cafe is 20 CUC. In cheap establishments you can eat for 10-15 CUC, the same is paid for a set at McDonald's.

Food and drinks in Cuba are noticeably more expensive than in the popular resorts of Southeast Asia:

lobsters in Cuban - 3-10 CUC;
pizza - 0.5-0.7 CUC;
stewed pork with vegetables or Creole ajiaco - 7-8 CUC;
farm crocodile meat - 15 CUC;
dried pork tenderloin tasaho - 8-9 CUC;
coca-cola or pepsi, 0.33 l - 1 CUC;
a cup of coffee - 1.32 CUC;
a glass of wine - 1 CUC;
freshly prepared fruit juice - 0.8-1 CUC;
ice cream - 3-4 CUC.

In Cuba, they like to cook lobsters on the grill (Photo © Robert Young / flickr.com)

Some tourists, in order to save money during their holidays in Cuba, rent accommodation with a kitchen area and prefer to cook for themselves. Food prices in local stores:

white bread - 0.53 CUC;
eggs, 10 pieces - 1.08 CUC;
milk, 1 liter - 1.8-2.24 CUC;
chicken breast, 1 kg - 4 CUC;
potatoes, 1 kg - 1.5 CUC;
cucumbers - 0.5 CUC;
tomatoes, 1 kg - 0.7-1 CUC;
Cuban fruits - 0.5-1 CUC;
imported fruits - 4 CUC;
mineral water, 0.33 l - 0.6 CUC;
Cuban beer, 0.5 l - 1 CUC;
imported beer, 0.5 l - 2 CUC.

Cuban beer "Crystal" (Photo © nathanmac87 / flickr.com)

Transport prices

A significant part of the expenses during a trip to Cuba in 2019 is transport.

Bus. The most democratic mode of transport is the bus. The fare costs 3-5 CUC. Travel from Havana to Varadero will cost 10 CUC. Cuban buses are inconvenient: they run infrequently, they are crowded, it is difficult for tourists to find stops, and bus drivers try to charge more expensive visitors.

Taxi. There are two types of taxis in Cuba - for residents of the country and tourists. Cubans drive old broken vehicles and pay only CUP for the road. Local taxi drivers are prohibited from serving tourists.

Cars for vacationers are new, neat, with air conditioning. An average taxi ride around the city costs 5-7 CUC, 1 km - from 0.5 CUC. Transfer to Havana airport will cost 10-15 CUC. For 10 CUC the driver will wait for you for about an hour.

Rent a car. Renting a car for a day costs from 50 CUC. Another 15-20 CUC must be paid for insurance. The price of 1 liter of gasoline is 1.3 CUC. Car rental online →

In the foreground is a purely touristic pink convertible taxi, in the background, a Cuban version of an Asian tuk-tuk, a yellow coco taxi (Photo © unsplash.com / @mattis_se)

Prices for attractions and entertainment

Look for copyright interesting excursions on the Sputnik and . Individual and group, without crowds of tourists and in Russian.

During your vacation in Cuba in 2019, enjoy the exotic and take the time to explore interesting places. Popular with tourists:

walking tour of Havana - 15 CUC;
crocodile farm - 5 CUC;
Ernest Hemingway House Museum - 4 CUC;
fortifications of La Cabaña - 6 CUC;
Museum of the Revolution - 6 CUC;
Columbus cemetery - 5 CUC;
- 44 CUC;
a trip to a sugarcane plantation - 45 CUC;
Trinidad by plane - 145 CUC;
- 40 CUC;
sea excursion - 65 CUC.

The Colon cemetery (named after Christopher Columbus) has about 1 million graves. In the foreground - the entrance, behind on the right - main church(Photo © en.wikimedia.org / Ivan2010)

lovers active rest like:

diving course with 3 dives - 200 CUC;
individual dives - 70 CUC;
tour Aventura en la Montana or "Adventure in the mountains" - 65 CUC;
sea fishing - 80 CUC;
trip on a catamaran - 70 CUC;
yacht trip - 50 CUC;
horseback riding - 20-60 CUC;
snorkeling on coral reef- 100 CUC;
jeep safari to the Yumuri valley - 80 CUC;
swimming with dolphins - 100 CUC.

Towards the Cuban Capitol (Photo © ashu mathura / flickr.com)

To visit Cuba and not bring cigars and rum is akin to a crime. Cuban rum in the store costs 10-12 CUC per 1 liter. There are bottles for 25 CUC and cheap rum for 8 CUC. Prices vary by brand and age. Keep in mind that up to 2 liters of spirits per person are allowed to be taken out of the country.

The cost of cigars in Cuba depends on the manufacturer. Romeo & Julieta by the piece will cost 4-7 CUC, Montecristo Petit Tubos - 5-7 CUC. Box of 25 pieces - 30-50 CUC.

Cigars from street vendors are cheaper. However seasoned tourists take Cuban cigars only from official master manufacturers. The fact is that street vendors roll cigars carelessly and use low-grade raw materials. Open the box immediately after purchase. This way you can make sure that the stated number of cigars is inside, and they are of the right quality.

Unlike rum, there are no restrictions on the export of cigars from Cuba. The main thing is that a batch of more than 23 pieces should be provided with special packaging and a hologram.

Pack of Romeo and Juliet cigars. In Russia, the price for one piece starts from a thousand rubles, in Cuba it is much cheaper (Photo © unsplash.com / @jorisv)

How to save money while on holiday in Cuba

Take euros on your trip to Cuba in 2019, because when exchanging dollars from the total commission is charged at 10 o'clock%.
Do not look for where you can win on the currency exchange. All exchangers in the country state, so the exchange rate is the same everywhere.
Cheaper to rent a house in the private sector - homestay. One-room apartments with all amenities in Havana are rented for $22-30, and in Varadero - for $18-25. Rooms or, as the Cubans say, cash desks are even cheaper.
More low prices for food in Cuba in establishments that are far from tourist routes. The most budgetary food in small restaurants at private homes - paladares.

What should a tourist know before going on vacation to Cuba? Cuba is not just a place to beach holiday or a banal trip to the sea, Cuba is a special culture and history and a real time machine. Cuba is a dream! But we still recommend to prepare thoroughly for the trip. Here are some helpful things to know before you travel to Cuba.

1. BRING CASH WITH YOU

It's really good idea at least for the first time. Not everywhere there are ATMs, not everywhere you can pay with a card. And after 8 pm, finding a working ATM even in Havana is oh so difficult. Some banks can even withdraw dollars from your ruble card, taking into account a commission that reaches up to 25%.

2. PREFER EURO OR CANADIAN DOLLAR

The dollar is not held in high esteem in Cuba and that is why the exchange rate for it is unfavorable. In addition to the inadequate exchange rate for each exchange of dollars, you will also be "removed" a commission. It is much easier with the euro and the Canadian dollar (which is exchanged at a better rate than the euro) in Cuba. Although, since Cuba has relations with the United States in Lately warmer, the ratio to the dollar is also changing in the same direction.

3. NUANCES OF THE CUBAN EXCHANGE

Do not change money at the airport. As in many countries of the world, the exchange rate there is extremely disadvantageous. Also, money should not be trusted to street money changers - this easy way meet scammers. IN tourist areas usually there is no problem with the exchange. In Havana, for example, you can change money at the reception of some hotels.

4. THERE ARE TWO CURRENCIES IN CUBE

The national currency of Cuba is the Cuban peso. There are two currencies in circulation - the Cuban Peso and the Convertible Cuban Peso (CUC or CUC). The first currency is applicable in general stores and in other areas of Cuban life, but the convertible peso is used in tourist areas. Cook is, in fact, money for tourists.

5. SAVE YOUR PURCHASE RECEIPT

Try not to buy anything worthwhile without a check - proof of purchase may be required anywhere. Without a check, things can go as far as confiscation.

6. BE READY TO BARTER

In Cuba, you can easily trade your used sneakers for something, for example, tasty;) This is not a joke at all. Some tourists specifically take with them something that is valued in Cuba and can be exchanged for some interesting thing. In the reviews of tourists, for example, canned tuna or nylon tights are often found as such a means for bartering.

7. DO NOT FORGET ABOUT INSURANCE

The insurance is issued in travel agency your country. It is better to have it with you, because if you do not have it, you will be asked to take out insurance at the airport, and this will cost more.

8. WEAK INTERNET

The Internet in Cuba is underdeveloped. Some hotels have an Internet cafe, but Wi-Fi is not everywhere.

9. PRINT ALL TRAVEL DOCUMENTS

Just in case, have your air tickets printed out. The Internet and the printer are not everywhere in Cuba. It is also best to have photocopies of all documents with you.

10. VISA FREE FOR BELARUSIAN COUNTRY

A visa to Cuba for Belarusians is not required, subject to a stay of no more than 30 days

11. LARGE SUITCASES CAN MAKE PROBLEMS

There is a small nuance, which, of course, will not affect everyone, but it is impossible not to mention it. Some Cuban buildings have rather narrow doorways and similar staircases. With huge heavy suitcases this can be very inconvenient.

12. THE BEST TIME OF THE YEAR TO VISIT CUBA

Like all islands in the area caribbean, in Cuba, you need to remember about the season of hurricanes and rains. The rains begin at the end of May, in June and last until August inclusive. All summer and until October there is a danger of typhoons with showers and winds. best time to visit Cuba - a dry season from November to April. bathing season lasts in Cuba all year round.

13. A FEW WORDS IN SPANISH

Even the simplest Spanish words from a phrasebook can diversify your holiday. Locals are very fond of talking to tourists, and if you answer them in a familiar language, they will definitely be friendlier.

14. SAVE COOKIES!

As a tip in the hotel, it is good to give one cookie. You will be grateful, because the average salary in Cuba is about 20 cookies.

15. DANCE SALSA!

Cuban salsa is known all over the world. You can take a couple of salsa lessons from the locals. You may not become an outstanding dancer in a couple of hours, but feel the local flavor to the fullest, and even have fun. If you are invited to dance somewhere, dress appropriately. Cubans don't like the fact that an official invitee can come in a T-shirt and beach shorts.

16. BRING YOUR BALLPOINTS

Local children love to accept small gifts from tourists. Ballpoint pens are especially popular.

17. RUM AND CIGARS

The most popular souvenirs are rum and cigars. When buying rum, remember to overweight your luggage and customs regulations destination country. The most popular cigar brands in Cuba are Cohiba, Montecristo, Romeo & Julieta, Hoyode Monterrey, Partagas.

18. TAKE A FLASHLIGHT ON YOUR TRIP

If you are going to walk along the city streets in the evening, do not forget a flashlight. In the evening the streets are not lit. IN old Havana tourists are not recommended to appear after 22.00.

Please tell me how much money to take with you for a holiday in Varadero per day per person?
In Europe, we always fit in a maximum of 50€ per person per day, often less. What are the prices in Cuba in Varadero? How much are excursions, alcohol, dinner in a cafe, etc.

Evgenius
You can get away with a very modest amount.
Hotels in Varadero on the alley, the rest of the expenses will depend on you.
Alcohol:
liqueurs: 3-5 cookies, rum: 7-12..
Coffee: 12-15 cuc per kg.
Cigars: factory expensive, self-made box of 25 pieces around 40-50 cookies at bartenders..
Exes: depending on where to get it, from 50 CUC to Havana to 200 CUC by plane to Cayo Largo.
Eat 15-20 cookies per person with Bucanero beer..
Course in 2013 : 1 euro = 1.25 cu.
Briefly something like this, ask for details, if I can, I will help with advice.

Is it better to take euros or dollars with you?

Evgenius
To you wild angel answered everything correctly .. The only advice: ALWAYS check the money when exchanging or changing .. Cuban amigos strive to cheat their Russian friends at any opportunity .. In exchangers (Kadeks) this is all the time, starting from the airports of Havana or Varadero ..
By the way, at the airports most favorable exchange rate exchange, it makes sense to change the N-th amount immediately upon arrival.

Come on ... the course is different ... the first time I flew to Cuba, I also read here that it’s better to change in Jose Marti ... when I flew for the second time, I was already rid of this myth ... in the city, if not in hotels, the course from the airport practically does not differ, but the course is not the same, a few pesos back and forth are the place to be ... however, I don’t know how it is with this in Varadero ...

Yes, it does not differ, I see no reason to change the entire amount at once.
This difference may be, the rate can also change from day to day, because it is not fixed forever, but there is no such thing as in Russia that rates differ significantly in different banks on the same day.
You change on different days - there may be a different course, it happens.
Compare the cost of the tour and a few pesos round trip. It will be invisible to the budget.
It is illogical to spend one and a half hundred rubles, and then save a few pesos.

It’s indecent to write about another forum, but the advice came in handy from the Vinsky forum. The most important thing is to count the money right away! All the same, they will deceive you, and if you ask for a check, then they give you pesos with such a look that it’s as if you are an enemy. In Varadero stores, prices are written for Havana Club products, but there are no prices for some other products. I then compared the prices at the Havana airport with the prices of Varadero in duty free. A cookie and a half in Varadero is higher, but not on the Havana rum club! There is not much to buy in Cuba. Tours cost money. Otherwise, there is nothing to spend on. And do not change a lot of euros at once. The course jumps slightly. And the prices are almost the same everywhere. Look at the prices of excursions, here they are different. In the center of Varadero there is a Havana tour office - tour operator, as well as in the hotels themselves they offer tours. I recommend sea excursions.