Cuba

Flight.co.uk Overview

There has been a steady increase in the number of international flights to Cuba in recent years, despite the embargo on travel to this large and notorious Caribbean island from the United States. Currently about 50 foreign airlines offer flights to Cuba, landing at one of Cuba's nine international airports, and US citizens can arrange to access the island from other Caribbean gateway cities, or most commonly, Cancun in Mexico. Cheap long haul flights can invariably be found. Why are so many travellers intent on visiting this extraordinary country which has lived in political isolation for decades, under the rule of its instantly recognizable leader, Fidel Castro? The answer, as those who book flights to Cuba soon discover, is that this archetypical Caribbean island with its sandy, palm-fringed beaches, has developed a unique and attractive culture as the result of its pariah status. Cigar smoke, rum cocktails, baseball and a stable of 1950s automobiles make up the picture-postcard image of Cuba.As salsa music pervades the night air, it is possible to believe that time stopped here after the 1959 revolution, but the energy of the islanders has never been quelled. From Europe, especially the UK, it is possible to obtain discount flights to Cuba as part of package holiday deals. Cuba flights carry with them the promise of sandy beaches, cool breezes scented with Frangipani and tropical fruits, and an indigenous night-life second to none. Little wonder that although it is politically regarded as a forbidden fruit, it is one that tourists are keen to pluck and taste.

Overview

Cuba can portray itself as the archetypal image of a Caribbean island with its sandy, palm-fringed shores washed by crystal-clear waters and cooled by breezes carrying the scent of frangipani, mango and guava. But Cuba has so much more to offer those who venture away from her beaches; to the towns and cities boasting Spanish colonial architecture and grand plazas, where classic automobiles labour along streets and country roads, and the hip-swaying sounds of salsa music fill the night air. Together with cigar smoke and rum cocktails, baseball, and everywhere visual references of the 1959 revolution, these picture-postcard portraits of Cuba encompass a more complete illustration of the largest island in the Caribbean.

Christopher Columbus discovered Cuba on his way back to Spain after his second voyage to the New World in 1492 and was the first European to remark on its beauty. Today, despite continued US sanctions, the island state is starting to exploit its glorious attractions and offers visitors an alternative Caribbean holiday.

Cuba is so large that it allegedly confused Columbus, who thought he had discovered a continent and not an island. It sits at the mouth of the Gulf of Mexico; the main island is 746 miles (1,200km) long with an irregular coastline that offers hundreds of bays and beaches. The years of political isolation have protected Cuba from mass tourism; the main towns and villages retain a crumbling colonial charm and are generally devoid of resorts that blight some of its neighbouring islands.

With its history and great choice of natural attractions Cuba has much to offer. But most visitors agree that Cuba is a country so individual and extraordinary, that to be truly understood and appreciated it has to be experienced in person.

Local Customs

Visitors should address Cuban men as 'senor' and women as 'senora'.

Business

Cubans tend to be warm and hospitable, and business is conducted more informally than in other countries. Establishing a good relationship is vital to successful business and some time may be given over to small talk. Due to relative isolation from the global economy, business in Cuba tends to take some time and effort, and one is often hemmed in by the country's communist practices. Punctuality is always important, but don't expect meetings to begin on time or deals to be struck quickly. Dress tends to be more casual than elsewhere and businessmen usually wear traditional shirts. Businesswomen tend to be more groomed. Business hours are usually 8am to 12.30pm and 1.30pm to 4.30pm Monday to Friday. Some businesses are open every second Saturday.

Health

No vaccinations are officially required, however visitors are advised to take precautions against typhoid if travelling to rural areas. Most of the more serious tropical diseases are rare in Cuba, but viral meningitis and dengue fever do occasionally break out, including in urban areas like Havana. The best prevention against dengue fever is mosquito repellent and suitable clothing to avoid being bitten. Hepatitis A is common. Food is considered safe. Bottled water is available and advised for the first few weeks, although mains water is chlorinated. Cuban medical facilities are mediocre and many medicines are unavailable, so those requiring regular prescription drugs should bring them, along with a copy of the prescription and a doctor's letter to facilitate entry through customs. Health insurance is strongly advised.

Safety

Cuba is considered free from any threat of global terrorism, but has an increasing crime rate. Visitors are warned that theft from baggage during handling is common, and valuables should not be packed in suitcases. Be wary of pickpockets and bag snatchers in major tourist sites and on buses or trains. Crime is on the increase and visitors should be particularly careful after dark in Havana; on 29-30 October 2005 there were two incidents in Centro Habana at about 2am, where foreign nationals were stabbed and robbed, and visitors are advised to take taxis after dark rather than walk. Beware of thefts from rooms in casas particulares (private homes). Tropical storms and hurricanes usually occur between June and November; although good warning is given, electricity, water and communications can be disrupted for weeks. Fidel Castro, Cuban leader since 1959, temporarily handed the reigns over to his brother on 31 July 2006, following surgery and an enforced period of rest. It is the first time in 47 years of communist rule that he has relinquished power; although the political situation is calm at present, political gatherings should be avoided.

Duty Free

Travellers to Cuba over 18 years do not need to pay customs duty on 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 250g of tobacco; 3 bottles of alcoholic beverages; gifts to the value of US$50; and up to 10kg of medicine. Seeds, fresh animal or vegetable products, narcotics and psychotropic substances; explosives, firearms and ammunition; pornographic material; publications directed against the public order and morality; electric appliances, and video cassettes and related components are all prohibited. Strict regulations govern the import or export of philatelic collections; precious stones and metals; artistic, historical or cultural artefacts; and books printed prior to 1940.

Tipping

A 10% tip is appreciated in restaurants and by taxi drivers. Small amounts are appreciated by all service staff.

Language

The official language is Spanish, but English is also spoken by some in the main tourist spots.

Communications

The international access code for Cuba is +53. The outgoing code is 119 followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 11944 for the United Kingdom). The city code for Havana is (0)7. Cellular phone companies have roaming agreements with many international cell phone companies, but not the United States. A GSM network covers most main towns, and cell phones are available for rent. Public telephones are widely available for domestic as well as international calls, but international calls are expensive. Pre-paid phone cards are available. Internet cafes are located in the main towns and cities.

Time Zone

Local time is GMT -5.

Electricity

Most older hotels use 110-volt power, while newer hotels use 220 volts. A variety of outlets are in use, but the flat and round two-pin plugs are most common.

Money

The official currency is the Cuban Peso (CUP), divided into 100 centavos, but the 'tourist' currency is the Peso Convertible (CUC), which replaces the US Dollar as currency in tourist related establishments like hotels, restaurants and so called 'dollar shops'. US Dollars are no longer accepted as payment, and a 10% commission is charged to exchange them. The CUC is almost equal in value to the US Dollar. Some places only accept Cuban pesos and others only Pesos Convertible (usually tourist related establishments). Money should only be changed at official exchange bureaux or banks to avoid scams confusing the two currencies. Visa and MasterCard are generally accepted in major destinations as long as they haven't been issued by a US bank; Diners Club has limited acceptance, and American Express is not accepted anywhere on the island. Travellers cheques are less readily accepted than credit cards, but all major currencies are acceptable, except for US bank issued cheques. No US-issued credit or debit cards will work in ATMs, but those holding other cards issued in other countries should be able to get pesos at most major tourist destinations. Euro or Sterling travellers cheques drawn on UK banks are accepted at Cuban banks and Bureaux de Change.