What you need to know before you go:

• Currency: There are two currencies and as a foreigner, you will be dealing in CUC (pronounced kook) or better know as convertible. Cubans use the so called ​moneda nacional.
• • 1 CUC = 23 - 25 moneda nacional
  • It is definitely better to take ​euros with you as US dollars are exchanged for .87 cents of a CUC for US$1.
  • Do your best to find a CADECA or Casa de Cambio to exchange your money to CUC as they offer the best rates. Hint: I was told to better exchange money during the weekday as opposed to the weekend when the rates go lower against you.

• WiFi: Many places will display that WiFi is available but you do need a non-rechargeable NAUTA card (see photo above) from the local telecommunication agency ETECSA to access the internet. You will have a 12 digits login and then you scratch the 12 digits password to input into the ETECSA WiFi login page.
  • You can purchase one NAUTA card for 2.75 CUC for 1hr of internet access or two 1hr cards for 5 CUC. Best deal: Buy a 5hr NAUTA card for only 10 CUC but they are only sold at an ETECSA office.
  • Other than in major hotels and main squares, you will know where there is a WiFi hotspot when you see a conglomeration of both foreign and local web surfers staring at their phones on both sides of the sidewalk.
  • If you are staying at one of the major hotels, most likely your US$350+ a night charge includes unlimited 1hr NAUTA cards.

• Hotels vs Casas particulares:
  • ​I would highly recommend you to use ​casas particulares so as to help contribute to the local economy rather than paying a hefty price at the government-owned hotels. In addition, Airbnb will be your best bet. Do keep in mind that at a proper casa particular you will be asked for your passport so as to properly and legally register you in their logs which you will also sign. Another way to spot a legal casa particular is that they have a blue posted symbol that looks like an anchor and which states arrendador de divisas​ on it. 

N.B.: Note that as of July 2016, you will not be able to book your Airbnb from within Cuba; so make sure you book your stays before you arrive. Personally, I kept getting an error message stating that Airbnb will not allow you to process a payment within Cuba but you will be able to look at different available stays and even message then about a possible booking.

• Paladares & H2O:
  • ​Paladares are definitely worth a try if you really want to experience the Cuban way of eating out. However, do keep in mind that these places will be selling their meals in ​moneda nacional and not CUC.
    • Paladares are makeshift eateries on a family's yard, patio or driveway where you will normally eat your meal and leave, ask for takeaways or share a table with others in order to seat and eat your meal.
  • H2O: As a foreigner you must only drink bottled water as you may start experiencing stomach discomfort which can in turn jeopardize your pleasant stay in Cuba. It is worth noting that Cuban do not even drink tap water, they either boil it or filter it.
    • The majority of ​casas particulares will offer bottled water for 1 CUC. Otherwise, you can always head to the local CUPET (local market) to buy a gallon or two.

• CUPET: This is a government-owned local store where you can find "some" groceries, water and liquor. Remember that in Cuba you will most likely not find your favorite brands so it is highly suggested you bring with you your most needed and can't-live-without products from your home country. Otherwise, you will need to live the true Cuban experience and deal with what you may find at the local CUPET stores unless you head to one of the major hotels which offer a better variety of personal products.  

• Transportation: Other than expensive state-run hotels, transportation will and can take a huge chunk out of your budget. Keeping this in mind, note that it is wise to book online your Viazul (A/C bus) well in advance as you may show up at their local office and find out that your possible next day bus is already fully booked.
  • i.e.: La Habana to Trinidad is 25 CUC p/p (booked at their offices) via Viazul vs​ 120 CUC if you decide to book a private transportation there. 

You could also book a local taxi for your touring needs. Call Ariel at +53.52948361. He's based in Trinidad but will take you almost anywhere in Cuba for a really reasonable price. FYI: It's the 1st car on the left!

• Buying souvenirs:

​You will most likely find small markets or the one market within your neighborhood that sells the Cuban souvenirs that you are looking for but you should really head to El Mercado San José on the Malecón side of La Habana Vieja, close to where the cruises dock. 

This Mercado San José is a huge warehouse where you will find rows or artisans showcasing their products at prices much lower than what you would find within Calle Obispo or any other touristy location.

From wooden-carved statues, to paintings, photo frames, typical key chains, wardrobes and even a santera and vendors that sell coconut water with rum, this location is the one stop for all your souvenir shopping!

My recommendations:

• Open from approximately 8 a.m. until 5p.m.
• First walk throughout the almost 5 rows of extensive shops before you even decide or get lured into making a purchase as what may be 35 CUC in one booth may be 25 CUC just down the aisle.
• As you do your first round of simply seeing what is available, avoid going into any shop as once inside, the vendor will be utter persuasive into making you buy something before leaving their booth with the pretext of you being their first (and thus bring them luck) or last buyer of the day.