Thank you for your very current and valid travel tips. You nailed it!! I visited twice in 2022, but before Covid I was living there six months every year. I’m Canadian and our airlines include the visitors visa with the cost of the flight…so convenient. I’m surprised that other countries aren’t doing the same, but then Canadian travel to Cuba is quite popular. In fact, it’s so popular that the Cuban government permits a Canadian to stay 90 days on a 30 day visitors visa. To stay for a full six months, I renew the 30 day visa once after 90 days. I love that you cover just about everything so accurately. And yes, grab the bottled water when you see it 😂😂😂. It can be scarce at times. It’s one of my major expenses during long stays there. There is so much outdated information, misinformation, and outright illegal advice on the Internet it’s difficult to access facts. Though in six months things will have changed again due to the state of affairs both globally and locally. It’s impossible to guess the exchange rate, because there is so much black market trade now. The banks still base currency values against the US dollar value (though still don’t accept US currency) That helps a little bit. But the price of goods…impossible to guess. So yes, take all of the cash you need with you and a non-US issued credit card for back up in case you need more $$. Always exchange at the government banks and exchange houses, not on the street. It’s just plain illegal whether it’s common or not…so don’t do that. I love Viazul, but it’s best to drop by the bus station to reserve your seat the day before you travel.The bus station hours can be slightly irregular and it’s difficult to know what time the reservation office is open. Have your Casa owner call ahead. Outside of the bus stations is the best place to find a collectivo taxi, and easier/cheaper during high season. Until foreign travel picks up again taxis will remain very expensive. They pay as much as Canadians do for a litre of petrol yet their monthly salary is a fraction. I ran into problems reserving a casa on Airbnb from Canada only because many are no longer registered with the government, but are still listed on Airbnb. They pay a monthy tax to stay licensed. During the pandemic travel dried up, many let the license lapse. When you’re travelling to places like Trinidad, Santiago, Santa Clara its pretty easy to find a casa particular on the spot just by knocking on the door. And if they don’t have a room, they surely know a neighbour or family member who does. Look for the blue & white signs. For short stays, I pre-negotiate the cost of breakfast and dinner with my casa owner, and include it in my rent. That way I don’t have to worry about food. And they don’t have to worry about making dinner for you or not. It helps them plan as well. Finding food and supplies can cost hours in queue lines. When I’m staying for months at a time, I arrange an independent apartment, have a Cuban shop for me for a fee. That way I can prepare meals my at my apartment and pay with a Cuban with pay. Again, thanks for your savvy advice and for sharing it. Happy travels.

I might add: If you go out wandering the streets of Havana or Cuba’s small provincial towns, there are nearly always carts selling fresh produce. Wonderful organic tomatoes, avocados, lettuce and mangos. Cuba’s grocery stores are now nearly all requiring what is called “MLC”, code for credit cards, they do not accept cash. If you stay at a Casa Particular (private licensed home or…B&B) nearly all will make you breakfast and sometimes dinner as well if you ask. If you ask discreetly, they might be able to help you with money exchange as well. Currently, there’s no need to book a Casa online, they over charge and can easily be found available this time of year (summer is their low-season). By the way, Cuba can be fantastically hot in the summer. Water bottles are fir sale but expensive. Ask your Casa if you can buy some safe, boiled water from them. DO NOT drink the tap-water. Exchanging Money On The Black-Market: Technically illegal, the black market is used by all Cubans as a means of surviving the enormous inflation. There is no shame in asking a Cuban about it! As a tourist you will also quickly find yourself struggling if you don’t exchange your hard currency (Euros and US Dollars) for Cuban pesos. The Cubans need hard currency for a variety of reasons to acquire goods from abroad. Some also need to load up their cards for these MLC stores. Many are actually making plans to leave Cuba. This is also a good reason to stay at a Casa Particular instead of Cuba’s expensive hotels…since the owners of these Casas are often a good source of information. Be discreet, do not ask them about exchanging money in front of others. Currently (6/5/2022) the exchange rate is somewhere between 110 and 115 pesos (the state rate is a dismal 32 or 34). This figure can change depending on the day, the individual you exchange with or, the value of your bills. That is to say…if you have 10’s, 20’s or 50’s, you won’t get as much(They pay the most for 100 Euro or 100 Dollar bills). Nobody wants your coins. Unless some poor old guy went running around trying to find you someone to exchange money with, there’s no need to pay a tip. Everyone gets what they want in the exchange rate. One other thing: 99% of all Cubans who actively approach you are what are called “Jineteros”, which means Jocky. Only in this case, they ride tourists. They nearly always start by asking for the time. These are not your friends! Largely harmless, they’re hoping to sell you something. This might also be part of an elaborate scheme including the tag-team scam. The first contact gets details from you and will not try to sell you anything. He will then relay this information to his partner who will stop you in the street insisting that you know each other. What follows next depends on the scammers. As you walk Havana, many private cars will honk or drive near and ask “Taxi?” At night, this is common but more risky. The single old Cuban man or even a young man is ok but (of course) they will always ask for more than the ride is worth. Try to negotiate down. Try to avoid two young males in the front seat driving together. At the end of your ride, they will insist that you short changed them. Then come the rude noises, the raised voices as they hope to confuse you and startle you into giving them a large bill…which (of course) they will have no change for. Best to avoid these two guys completely! Also, beware of the woman with a baby, she will insist that she wants no money…only milk. This too is part of a scam. It should also be said that all of these scams can be found in Europe and other countries as well, it’s not just a Cuban thing. If you love literature…find a taxi to visit Hemingway’s Finca (estate) about a 15 minute ride above Havana. It’s a blissful, peaceful shady place, a nice change from the frantic city below. GOOD LUCK,ALL !!!!

Great video! Very well explained and to the point! Thanks 🙌🏼

Very good advise. I would add as a Canadian that our bank cards (NON AMERICAN BANKS) can be used and welcomed for purchases, rather than cash. In the big centres there are always vendors carts selling fruit, baby bananas, mango, guava and melon. Internet cards can be purchased from vendors in the hot spot areas usually for a markup of 25 cents. This saves HOURS standing in the famous line to buy. In fact to buy anything requires patience.

Its good that youtube suggested this kind of video and channel to me, I'm pretty sure you will reach more people soon. Keep going! 😍

Thanks guys! Very helpful video 👌

Thanks for the tips

Thank you so much!! This was so helpful!!

My father is going to travel to Cuba starting tomorrow, and I want to ensure that he is safe during his trip in Cuba, so I watch this video to give my father some advice when traveling to Cuba.

ThAnk you for this video

Really looking forward to visiting Cuba at some stage. Great tip about museums closed on Mondays! Will definitely take that into account when I figure out the logistics :)

Very helpful! Thanks! 😊

You can even buy a cuban simcard an load it with acces to internet.Then it works all over the county an you dont have to go to any hotspot. Its not expensive: Regarding buying snacks an food you can go to MLC shops an use your bankcard an shop whatever you want. That shops have whatever you need but you cant use cuban currency only foreign bankcard.

excellent post. currently planning a trip to Cuba

Very helpful! Thank you!!!

Nice, I'm going in 3 weeks

Thanks visiting my island

Cute video I subs..also thanks

Guys, honestly in 5 seconds you made me realize what I have been trying to understand since 5 months ago. The ETECSA phone card for Internet. Finally the penny dropped. Thanks!

Do you have to get the Tourist Card in order to enter Cuba? Thanks so much in advance for a reply….👋🏼🇨🇦

Come to the Philippines. A lot vloggers come here and enjoy the foods and the nature's gift.

OK I was in Cuba for 30 days in 2017. The best tip that I have for anyone is try and rent an apartment in the Cuban family's home. They will take you under their wing and show you how to give like a local and before long you will be treated like a part of their family 👪.

Fantastic tips. I loved your video. I am planning to travel Cuba with my wife (and an infant) and could you please tell if Buses are fine to travel around Cuba? Can you please give the links for booking buses? How did you find local B&B in Cuba? Did you use Airbnb? As I can understand from your videos, AirBnb does not work in Cuba.. I am planning a 12 day trip in January 2022 and need to do a bit of planning. It would be great if you can comment and help. Thanks.

Hello, I have been trying to go to Cuba for a while, just found you guys and loved the tips and tricks. How did you guys get the pink visa? or where are you guys from? I am trying to go from Houston USA. Did you both had to get like a short of medical insurance before getting there? I heard of that too. Also it seems like I am not able to find a flight ticket from Houston to Cuba, any suggestions ? :)

Hallo guys , thanks for the video. N4 is booking your activities online . Is there Any site to suggest ? Can’t find anything

I'm British and bookin Friday to Cuba. I went in 2016 didn't av problem have things changed

Oh yes tourist card yes actually filled it out on plane 😄

The visa I got was Included with holiday

I really want to visit Cuba.

Tnx. Does rbnb sites works on the local net ?

In Canada we just fill out the tourist/visa car on the plane. Another tip. Bring your own toilet paper.

yes bring all cash only euro or dollarts and don t change them at a bank the will rip you off 24pesos is 1 US $ if you change on the black market you got 100 pesos for 1 $ usa.

These internet cards are expensive $1 a hour and only last one hour, then you have to reload another card which makes going on the internet a pain.

You can buy fresh produce from any farm shop or market? I don't understand why you said you can not buy fresh food. I understand meat is a problem but not vegetables

Been to Cuba 2x. Nothing new for me. The tourist card rose in cost each time 😂 damnit Cuba!

What is the name of the buses?

How much Spanish did you need?

what the heck is eros eurus eurs???

I’m literally cuban😭

I'm bookin all inclusive so won't need cash

You don't seem to be very seasoned travelers, Canadians are the #1 tourist in Cuba and it is not as difficult as you claim. Everywhere else in the Caribbean is 10 times more expensive. Your times are very common sense and apply to anywhere you travel. What you don't mention is that Cuba is the safest country in the western hemisphere! And as far as wifi, you're on vacation, who needs the internet, and by the way Cubans do not like their photos taken without permission, and they are not interesting in hearing about your opinion on politics and government...enjoy Cuba...yes it's cut off from the world..but in the best way possible! PEACE!

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You also forgot to mention Cuba is under an economic blockade from the United States, and this is the cause of many of these shortage or difficulties

Did you see drugs in cuba or smell cannabis in habana neighborhood and streets?

Doesn’t sound like a relaxing place to visit. Too many discomforts and no luxuries.

Don’t travel to Cuba

¡Viva la Revolución y el Chel! ¡Viva el Socialismo! ¡Yo soy Fidel! 🇨🇺☭

❌WAY to RUSSIAN friendly!!🔥💀🇷🇺💀🔥FRIEND of my ENEMY is NO FRIEND of mine!!

You can help Cubans to get a democracy if YOU DON’T GO TO CUBA

Don’t go to Cuba!! Very bad experiences, very bad food…