TRAVEL WARNING

Country-specific safety information

Terrorism

The risk of terrorist attacks in Cuba is rated as very low.

Crime

Compared to other long-distance travel destinations, tourism in Cuba is safe. However, tourists in Cuba can also be victims of property crimes, bodily harm and, in rare cases, violent crimes. Individual travelers in particular should therefore take similar precautions as in other countries in the region:

You shouldn’t have all of your cash with you. The cash should be distributed over several places on the body and not displayed. Additional cash and the original passport should be kept in the hotel safe.

Valuable items should be carried in hand luggage, as cases of broken suitcases at airports were known in the past.

The number of thefts, some with the use of force, has increased recently, especially in tourist centers. Bags and valuables should therefore never be left unattended.

Particular caution is required in the case of flat tires and at petrol stations, as thieves use the distraction of the vehicle occupants when changing tires or when refueling in order to steal valuables and luggage unnoticed. This also applies to hitchhikers being taken in a rental car.

MONEY

Currency

1 Peso Convertible = 100 Centavos. Currency abbreviation: Cub $, CUC (ISO code). Banknotes are available in denominations of 100, 50, 20, 10, 5, 3 and 1 Cub $. Coins are in circulation with a value of 1 and 5 Cub $ and values of 50, 25, 10, 5 and 1 Centavo. The convertible peso is pegged to the US dollar.

Cuba has two different currencies, the convertible and the Cuban peso. The Cuban peso may only be used by the local population. Both currencies are to be merged in the future, but there is still no specific timetable for this.

Credit cards

MasterCard and Visa are accepted in all major hotels and restaurants (attention: high fees), but not credit cards from US institutions (American Express, Diners Club) or credit cards issued by subsidiaries of US institutions (e.g. Targobank). Details from the issuer of the credit card in question. In the case of withdrawals, invoices are generally made in the converted US dollar. Withdrawals from ATMs of Banco Financiero Internacional and Banco Metropolitano are particularly possible with Visa.

ATMs

German bank cards are not accepted in Cuba. Maestro cards / Sparcard / ec cards with the Cirrus or Maestro symbol are not accepted.

Attention: Travelers who pay with their bank card abroad and want to withdraw money should find out about the possibilities of using their card from their bank before starting their journey.

Bank opening times

Mon-Fri 8.30 a.m.-12.00 p.m. and 1.30 p.m.-3.00 p.m. (partly continuously), Sat 8.00 a.m.-10.30 a.m.

Foreign exchange regulations

The import and export of the local currency is prohibited. There is no limit to the importation of foreign currency, obligation to declare amounts in excess of US $ 5,000 (including travelers checks and securities). Export of foreign currency up to a maximum of the amount declared on entry.

Currency Exchange

Foreign currencies can be exchanged in all Cuban banks, in exchange offices (CADECA) and at hotel receptions at the current exchange rate. When exchanging US dollars, a 10% commission is retained. US dollars can be exchanged, but not used as a means of payment. The Peso Convertible (CUC) can only be exchanged in Cuba. In some tourist areas (Varadero, Jardines del Rey, Santa Lucia, Playa Covarrubias and the coastal areas around Holguín) you can pay directly in euros.

LANGUAGE

Overview

The official language is Spanish in Cuba, a country located in North America according to physicscat. Some French and English are also spoken, and German is usually also spoken in tourist centers.

PUBLIC HOLIDAYS

DUTY-FREE SHOPPING

Overview

The following articles can be imported into Cuba duty-free (people over 18 years of age):

400 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 500 g of tobacco;
2.5 l alcoholic beverages;
Eau de toilette and perfume for personal use;
Medicines for personal use (only with a doctor’s certificate);
Gifts worth up to Cub $ 50.99 per year. Gifts between $ 50.99 and Cub $ 250 will incur a 100% customs duty.

Import regulations

Electrical devices (travel irons, kettles, refrigerators, video CD players, etc.) may only be brought in for holiday purposes or for personal use and must be removed again.

Prohibited imports

Fruit, vegetables, seeds, meat and dairy products, weapons and ammunition, explosives, pornographic articles of all kinds and narcotics as well as walkie-talkies, satellite phones and GPS devices without authorization. Laptops, cameras and cell phones with GPS functionality are excluded from this rule. Certain animal and plant products may be used. U. disinfected upon entry.

Export regulations

Up to twenty loose cigars or up to fifty cigars can be exported if they are in closed, sealed original packaging with an official hologram, and more than fifty cigars on presentation of an original invoice.