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Weather in Cuba
Cuba
26°
Overcast
Sun
18
26
Mon
19
26
Tue
21
27
Wed
17
29
Thu
18
31
SPF level in Cuba
Recommended: SPF 50+
Spring
SPF 50
Summer
SPF 50+
Autumn
SPF 50
Winter
SPF 30
Suncream is often more expensive in tourist zones. Pack your preferred SPF from the UK, especially for beach holidays. Always carry travel-size (100ml max) for hand luggage.
Transportation in Cuba
Tipping in Cuba
Tipping is appreciated in Cuba for good service, though not always expected. Small tips can go a long way.
Restaurant
5-10% of the bill, if service is good
Bar/Café
A few CUP per round of drinks
Taxi
Rounding up the fare is appreciated
Hotel Porter
1-2 CUP per bag
Hotel Housekeeper
1-2 CUP per night
Tour Guide
5-10 CUP per day, depending on the tour and service
Safety & security in Cuba
Tips for British travellers
Cuba is tourist-friendly but has some key cultural and legal rules:
Muggings are a risk, particularly at night, so be aware of your surroundings.
Be aware of pickpockets and bag-snatching in crowded areas like Old Havana, on public transport, and in nightclubs.
Only use registered yellow taxis from the airport and avoid hailing taxis or accepting lifts from people you do not know.
Only exchange money at official Cadeca exchange houses as it is illegal to do so elsewhere, which could result in a fine or prison sentence.
Avoid taking photographs or videos in military or restricted areas, as this can be regarded as espionage and lead to a prison sentence.
Bonus tips:
Pack all luggage yourself and do not carry items for anyone else due to Cuba's strict laws and severe penalties for drug-related offences.
Check with your bank before travel that your debit, credit and ATM cards will work, and bring cash in euros or US dollars due to shortages of Cuban pesos at ATMs.
Driving in Cuba
Side of road
right
Motorway speed limit
100 km/h
Urban speed limit
50 km/h
Alcohol limit
0.0%
Remember: Cuba drives on the right. Take extra care at junctions if you normally drive on the left.
Emergency numbers
Universal emergency
106
Ambulance
104
Fire
105
Save 106 in your phone before travelling.
Electrical in Cuba
Voltage
110V/220V / 60Hz
Plug types
Type A, Type B, Type C, Type L
UK adapter needed?
Yes
Cards & payments
Limited. Credit card use is not as prevalent as in other countries.
Visa
Medium
Mastercard
Medium
American Express
Low
Lost card? Call Visa: +1 303 967 1096
ATMs in Cuba
Limited, especially outside major cities and tourist areas.
Local name
Cajero automático
Chip & PIN required?
Yes
ATMs are not widely available. It's best to bring enough cash with you, ideally in Euros or Canadian dollars, which are easier to exchange than British pounds. U.S. dollars are subject to a penalty tax when exchanged.
Mobile & roaming
Roaming in Cuba can be very expensive. Check with your UK mobile provider before traveling to understand the charges. EU roaming agreements no longer apply post-Brexit.
Local SIM data package
1 GB for 2500 CUP (~£80)
Network coverage
3G
Local carriers
Cubacel
WiFi & internet
Limited wifi access, primarily available in hotels and some public parks. Internet access can be slow and unreliable.
Average speed
5 Mbps
Internet access is not widely available. You may need to purchase a NAUTA internet card to access Wi-Fi hotspots.
Health & vaccinations
It is essential to have comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical expenses, including hospitalisation and repatriation. Ensure your policy covers activities you plan to participate in. A Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) or European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) is not valid in Cuba.
Vaccinations required?
No
Recommended
Hepatitis A
Talk to your doctor or a travel health professional about necessary vaccinations and precautions before travelling to Cuba. Dengue fever and Zika virus are present, so take precautions to avoid mosquito bites. Medical facilities may be limited, especially outside major cities, and may not meet UK standards. You will be expected to pay upfront for any medical care.
Calling Cuba
Country code
+53
To call Cuba from the UK, dial 00 53 followed by the local number.
To call the British Embassy in Havana, you would dial 00 53 7 214 2200.
The country code for Cuba is 53. When calling Cuba from abroad, dial the exit code of your country (00 in the UK), followed by 53, and then the Cuban phone number. Be aware of potential charges when using your mobile phone in Cuba.
UK Embassy in Cuba
British Embassy Havana
Calle 34 No. 702 entre 7ma y 17, Miramar, Havana, Cuba
Airports in Cuba
Frequently asked questions about Cuba
While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, AtoBeach cannot be held responsible for any inaccuracies. We recommend verifying details with official sources before travelling.