Travel tips · Havana · Cuba
Havana travel tips: what to know before you go
The etiquette, money and practical details that make the first day easier.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: RenaatPeeters, CC BY-SA 4.0
Quick answer
Havana is a city of music, conversation and street life, where neighbours talk across balconies and doors stand open onto the street. Spanish, African and Caribbean influences meet in its religion, food and rhythms — son, rumba, salsa and the Afro-Cuban Santería tradition. Daily life involves patience and improvisation, and visitors who slow down find people open and curious.
Key facts
- Language
- Spanish
- Currency
- CUP
- Plugs
- Type A and B sockets at 110 V are most common; some hotels also have Type C sockets at 220 V
- Tap water
- Don't drink tap water; use bottled or properly filtered water.
- Emergency
- 106 (police), 104 (ambulance), 105 (fire)
Things to know
- Greet people with 'buenos días' or 'buenas tardes'; Cubans are warm and conversational.
- Ask before photographing people, especially those in costume who pose for photos and expect a tip.
- Dress modestly in churches and avoid beachwear away from the beach.
- Be patient with queues and slow service; shortages and power cuts affect many businesses.
- Politely decline offers from street touts (jineteros) steering you to restaurants, cigars or casas.
- Cash is used for most transactions and card acceptance is limited; check current guidance on currency and exchange before travelling, as arrangements change often.
Tipping
Tipping is customary and important to people's incomes: about 10% in restaurants (check if service is already added), small tips for musicians, guides, drivers and bathroom attendants, and something for casa hosts for exceptional help.
Language
| Phrase | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Buenos días | Good morning |
| ¿Cuánto cuesta? | How much does it cost? |
| La cuenta, por favor | The bill, please |
| No, gracias | No, thank you |
| Casa particular | Licensed private home with rooms to rent |
| Paladar | Private restaurant |
What to wear
Light, breathable clothing for the heat, comfortable shoes for broken pavements, and something to cover shoulders in churches. Cubans dress neatly for evenings out.
Practical details
- Plugs and voltage
- Type A and B sockets at 110 V are most common; some hotels also have Type C sockets at 220 V
- Drinking water
- Don't drink tap water; use bottled or properly filtered water.
- Emergency number
- 106 (police), 104 (ambulance), 105 (fire)
- Phone and internet
- Internet access is available through the state telecom provider's Wi-Fi hotspots and mobile data; speeds can be slow, so download maps and documents before you travel.
- Time zone
- America/Havana
Violent crime against visitors is uncommon, but bag-snatching and pickpocketing occur in crowded areas, and touts promote fake cigars and overpriced restaurants. Watch for broken pavements and open drains, and carry a torch, as power cuts have been frequent in recent years.
Entry requirements
Visa and passport rules depend on your nationality and change often. Check Cuba's official government guidance and your own government's travel advice before booking.
Plan the trip
Questions travellers ask
+Do you tip in Havana?
Tipping is customary and important to people's incomes: about 10% in restaurants (check if service is already added), small tips for musicians, guides, drivers and bathroom attendants, and something for casa hosts for exceptional help.
+Can you drink the tap water in Havana?
Don't drink tap water; use bottled or properly filtered water.
+What plugs are used in Havana?
Type A and B sockets at 110 V are most common; some hotels also have Type C sockets at 220 V
+What language is spoken in Havana?
Spanish.