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Frequently Asked Questions
I’m a U.S. citizen. Is it legal for me to travel to Cuba?
Yes. Qué Bola Havana LLC works hard to make sure that this unique program fully complies with all applicable U.S. laws and regulations. While the United States government still maintains certain trade and travel restrictions, travel for a wide range of reasons, such as "people-to-people" interaction, is authorized
provided that travelers adhere to a full-time schedule of educational and
cultural activities while on the island. This category is listed as "Support for the Cuban people"
What travel documents do I need for entry to Cuba?
All U.S. citizens and permanent residents will need a passport with a minimum of two blank pages that is valid for at least six months after the scheduled date of return from Cuba. You will need a Cuban tourism visa which could be easily purchase at the airport or online with your airline. Please make sure your airline have that service prior to your departure from the United States. The same applies to individuals traveling under other Cuban visa categories.
Please note: Cuban law requires individuals who were born in Cuba and departed the island prior to January 1970 to obtain a special entry visa from a Cuban consular office overseas. Please notify us if this applies in your case and we will work with you to obtain all required permissions.
Do I need any inoculations/vaccines?
Cuba doesn’t require any specific immunizations to enter. We recommend you consult your physician to discuss your particular situation and any medical conditions.
What is the currency in Cuba? Will I be able to use or exchange U.S. dollars?
Cuba has two currencies, the Cuban Peso (CUP) and the Cuban Convertible Peso (CUC— pronounced “kook”). The CUP is exclusively for use within the domestic economy and it is unlikely that you will encounter it. The CUC—which is officially pegged to the U.S. dollar at a 1:1 ratio—is used for all transactions involving imported goods and in the tourism economy.
You can exchange U.S. dollars (USD) for CUC at all major hotels, airport and at state-owned currency exchange locations throughout the island. The standard rate is $0.97 CUC per $1 USD. However, it is important to note that the Cuban government levies a 10% surcharge on USD-denominated exchanges, meaning the effective exchange rate is $0.87 CUC per $1 USD (e.g. for every $100 U.S. dollars that you exchange, you will receive $87 CUC).
Newer $20, $50 and $100 bills are preferable because it can sometimes be harder to change small bills and worn and torn bank notes will not be accepted.
Can I avoid the surcharge on U.S. dollars by bringing a different currency?
Maybe, but probably not. This hidden 10% surcharge on U.S. dollar-denominated exchanges leads some travelers to believe that they will get more “bang for their buck” by taking Euros or Canadian dollars instead of USD. While this may be true for a lucky few—travelers who maintain bank accounts in Canada or Europe, for instance, or who otherwise have easy access to other currencies at low conversion rates—most people find that any savings they think they achieve by purchasing Euro or Canadian dollars in the United States are wiped out by the high fees and poor rates that most retail currency exchange locations charge.
How much money should I take with me?
The importation of hard currency to Cuba is unrestricted. However, travelers who arrive with more than $5,000 USD (or the equivalent in other currencies) are expected to declare so on their customs forms upon arrival. In practice, bringing in cash in excess of $5,000 USD is not a problem, but may cause minor delays during your entry procedures.
Meals, ground transportation, accommodations, local guide service and all activities described in your activities are included in the cost of your travel package. Not included are gratuities, alcoholic beverages in excess of those included with your meals, souvenirs and other incidentals. Most travelers find that $250 per person per day is more than enough to cover these expenses.
Please note: you will meet several well-known Cuban artists during your trip and some travelers may choose to purchase artwork to bring back home with them. (The importation of Cuban artwork to the United States is unrestricted.) If you think this may apply to you, please contact us for further information.
Can I use my U.S. credit and debit cards in Cuba?
No, credit and debit cards will not work in Cuba.
Can I bring home cigars, rum and other items?
Yes, U.S. regulations permit travelers to return to the U.S. with gifts, souvenirs and merchandize—including rum and cigars—from Cuba There is no limit on the amount of money you spend on art and information materials and you can bring back as much art work, music, books, posters, postcards, photographs, crafts and other art and artisan goods as you’d like.
Is it safe to walk around?
Cuba is one of the safest countries in Latin America and one advantage of visiting the island is being able to walk freely without worrying much about violent crime. Just as with any travel to major cities throughout the world, petty theft does occur and precautions should be taken. For example, you should never leave purses, bags and other valuables unattended and should use the hotel safes provided.
Travelers should also exercise basic situational awareness at all times and are advised not to leave belongings unattended, nor carry purses and bags loosely over one shoulder. Visitors should avoid wearing flashy jewelry or displaying large amounts of cash. When possible, visitors should carry a copy of their passport with them and leave the original at a secure location. When exchanging currency, use official stores and avoid informal money exchanges in the street.
Will I have cell service and Internet connection?
Telecommunications in Cuba have improved in recent years, but remain slow and unreliable. Internet is largely limited to hotels, official Internet cafes, and public WiFi hotspots scattered throughout the major cities, which can be access using prepaid Internet cards. Most U.S. cell phones (Verizon, Sprint, AT&T and T-Mobile) do work in Cuba with most international roaming plans. However, please be advised that rates are high, especially for data roaming. We generally recommend that any travelers wishing to use their U.S. cell phones for calls or text messages on the island do so sparingly and that you disable data roaming on your device, unless absolutely necessary.
What medical services are available?
Cuba makes generally satisfactory routine health care services available to all foreign visitors and the cost of a basic Cuban health insurance policy is included in the price of your travel package. However, you will likely not have the ability to purchase prescription medications locally. As such, it is strongly recommended that you remember to pack any prescription and/or over-the-counter medications you require in sufficient quantities to cover the full duration of your trip.
Do I need to speak Spanish? Will interpreters be present?
You will be accompanied throughout the trip and a bilingual guide and additional support staff that will accompany you on all scheduled cultural tours. Translation will be readily available to facilitate interaction and maximize your experience. For Spanish speakers, there will be plenty of opportunities to communicate in group settings and one-on-one conversations.
Will my hair dryer and phone chargers work or do I need converters?
Yes, Cuba generally has electric outlets that are 110 V or 220 V and are labeled. Most of the places you will stay will have access to both.
Will I be able to take photos?
Yes, but there are some exceptions. Cuba forbids photographing military or police installations or personnel, or harbor, rail, and airport facilities.
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