Can I use US dollars in Cuba?

No, and there's a 10% penalty for exchanging USD. Bring euros, Canadian dollars, or British pounds for better exchange rates. Only Cuban pesos (CUP) are accepted for purchases.

How do I get internet in Cuba?

Buy ETECSA Wi-Fi cards (15-25 CUP) for one hour of access at Wi-Fi parks or hotels. Many casa particulares now offer Wi-Fi. Download offline maps and translation apps before arriving.

Is Cuba safe for solo travelers?

Very safe for violent crime, but watch for hustlers (jineteros) especially in Havana and tourist areas. They're persistent but harmless. Trust your casa particular host's advice about areas to avoid.

What if stores are empty when I visit?

This is normal. Ask locals where to find what you need - they know which stores currently have stock. Bring essentials from home and be flexible about brands and options.

How to navigate Cuba like a local

Navigate Cuba by learning basic Spanish phrases, using casa particulares instead of hotels, carrying cash (CUP only), and embracing the 'resolver' mentality where flexibility and patience solve most problems. Locals rely on word-of-mouth, shared taxis, and knowing which government stores actually have goods.

Master essential Cuban Spanish. Learn key phrases beyond tourist Spanish. '¿Hay?' (Is there any?) for checking availability, 'resolver' (to solve/figure out) for problem-solving, 'jinetero/a' (hustler) to recognize touts, and 'socio' (buddy) for friendly address. Cubans appreciate effort and will help more if you try.
Use the peso cubano (CUP) exclusively. Bring euros or Canadian dollars to exchange at CADECA offices or banks. Avoid USD due to 10% penalty. Carry cash everywhere - cards rarely work outside major hotels. Keep small bills (5, 10, 20 CUP) for taxis and street food.
Navigate transportation like Cubans do. Flag down collective taxis (almendrones) - old American cars following fixed routes for 10-20 CUP per person. For longer distances, use víazul buses or arrange shared rides through casa particular owners. Walk short distances; most Cuban cities are compact.
Shop where locals shop. Skip tourist shops. Buy produce at agromercados (farmers markets), essentials at government TRDs when available, and street food from paladares or window vendors. Ask locals which stores currently have what you need - inventory changes daily.
Embrace 'resolver' problem-solving. When things don't work (frequent power cuts, no internet, empty shelves), ask locals how they handle it. Cubans are masters at finding alternatives. Be patient, flexible, and ready to change plans. This mindset opens doors and creates authentic connections.
Connect through casa particulares. Stay with families in casa particulares - they're your local connection hub. Owners help with everything: restaurant recommendations, transportation, cultural explanations. Many have WhatsApp for staying connected when you're out exploring.

Can I use US dollars in Cuba?: No, and there's a 10% penalty for exchanging USD. Bring euros, Canadian dollars, or British pounds for better exchange rates. Only Cuban pesos (CUP) are accepted for purchases.
How do I get internet in Cuba?: Buy ETECSA Wi-Fi cards (15-25 CUP) for one hour of access at Wi-Fi parks or hotels. Many casa particulares now offer Wi-Fi. Download offline maps and translation apps before arriving.
Is Cuba safe for solo travelers?: Very safe for violent crime, but watch for hustlers (jineteros) especially in Havana and tourist areas. They're persistent but harmless. Trust your casa particular host's advice about areas to avoid.
What if stores are empty when I visit?: This is normal. Ask locals where to find what you need - they know which stores currently have stock. Bring essentials from home and be flexible about brands and options.