{"id":942,"date":"2016-03-24T15:57:51","date_gmt":"2016-03-24T05:57:51","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.insure4less.com.au\/blog\/?p=942"},"modified":"2019-01-07T10:02:08","modified_gmt":"2019-01-07T00:02:08","slug":"cuba-possibility","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.insure4less.com.au\/blog\/cuba-possibility\/","title":{"rendered":"Cuba: A New Possibility"},"content":{"rendered":"

The United States has just lifted a 50-year ban<\/a> on American citizens visiting Cuba as tourists, essentially opening up a brand new tourism and economic market for both countries.<\/p>\n

These significant new measures, together with eased restrictions on trade and newly granted access for Cubans to American bank accounts and the US dollar, are all part of a greater push to broaden Cuba\u2019s access to the global economy and restore relations between the two countries.<\/p>\n

Independent travel to Cuba will now be much easier for Americans, and although there are still restrictions on the type of travel (it\u2019s allowed for educational, cultural and other authorised purposes), the longstanding ban on general tourism to the island has been lifted and regular flights between the countries will resume later this year.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Cuba has always been a popular holiday spot despite the travel restrictions. Even though Americans visiting Cuba previously had to go in organised group tours and\/or fit one of 12 authorised categories, US travel to the island skyrocketed more than 50% in 2015<\/a> \u2013 an obvious indication of the growing desire for its unique travel experience.<\/p>\n

Australians, on the other hand, have always been able to freely enter Cuba. While these recent US trade and tourism changes won\u2019t directly impact Australian travellers in any way, it has certainly put the rich culture and intrigue of this Caribbean nation back into the spotlight.<\/p>\n

So if your interest has been peaked and you\u2019re thinking about travelling to Cuba, find out everything you need to know below!<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Travelling to Cuba<\/h2>\n

Cuba is a fascinating place to visit \u2013 a fusion of past and future, an oddly welcome contradiction of the natives\u2019 inherent patriotism and dignity with a nation that\u2019s economically poor and culturally primitive.<\/p>\n

But despite that, the island buzzes with life, colour and charm. It\u2019s no wonder that so many international tourists every year choose to visit this vibrant, animated country so rich in culture and spirit.<\/p>\n

Take note, however: Cuba is not an easy place to visit. It\u2019s not for the timid, offering little guidance and support for independent travellers \u2013 which is probably why the majority of visitors choose to travel with a guided tour.<\/p>\n

Travelling on your own isn\u2019t impossible, though. If you do decide to go it alone, here are some simple survival tips for making the most of your once-in-a-lifetime experience:<\/p>\n

Getting There<\/h3>\n

With no commercial flights currently connecting the US and Cuba, the best way to get there is via Mexico or Canada. You can fly one way from Cancun in Mexico to Cuba\u2019s capital Havana with the national airline carrier Cubana<\/a> for around $270.<\/p>\n

Travellers should soon have more flight options, however, with the US expected to begin regularly scheduling flights between the countries later this year.<\/p>\n

Vaccinations<\/h3>\n

There aren\u2019t any compulsory vaccinations required for travel to Cuba, but a few are highly advised just as sensible precautionary measures. Your typhoid, hepatitis A, diphtheria, tetanus and polio vacs should all be up to date, which you can get from your GP.<\/p>\n

You\u2019ll need to get these vaccinations at least two weeks before you travel, but ideally at least two months in advance.<\/p>\n

Visas<\/h3>\n

Despite the differing advice from the Cuban Embassy in Canberra<\/a> and various travel guides, Australians don\u2019t require a special visa to get into Cuba and can enter just with a standard travel card that you can get over the counter when you board your flight to Havana. Always check for the latest advice on\u00a0Smart Traveller<\/a>.<\/p>\n

The card costs about $18 AUD and eliminates the need for any other arrival documentation \u2013 you just have to go to the customs counter when you arrive in Havana with your passport and travel card, and you\u2019ll be allowed entry.<\/p>\n

The Cuban Embassy urges Australian travellers to apply for a tourist visa by sending your passport (and $60) to Canberra for processing, but we believe this is unnecessary. Just check out this<\/a> or this<\/a> forum thread on TripAdvisor.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Money<\/h3>\n

Cuba has two currencies: the Cuban Peso and the Cuban Convertible Peso (CUC). Locals use the Peso while foreign tourists are issued with Convertibles, which have a conversion rate of approximately 1.3 AUD to 1 CUC. Accommodation, restaurants, bars and taxis all charge in CUCs, and even everyday items listed in pesos will be happily converted to CUCs.<\/p>\n

Australian dollars can\u2019t be exchanged there and US dollars are not allowed. And while they do have ATMs, they don\u2019t accept American bank cards or Australian bank cards affiliated with American banks. Your best bet is to bring in foreign cash to convert into CUCs \u2013 ideally, Euros.<\/p>\n

Internet and Mobile<\/h3>\n

Wi-Fi is not readily available, but most hotels have computers with internet access \u2013 although at frustratingly slow speeds and high costs.<\/p>\n

Most Australian mobile phone companies don\u2019t have roaming agreements with Cuba so many Australian phones, even with global roaming, won\u2019t work there. You can get an international SIM card \u2013 just make sure you check the charges for calls and texts in Cuba as it can be quite expensive with some carriers.<\/p>\n

Travel Insurance<\/h3>\n

Travel insurance<\/a> is highly advised in Cuba, as hospitals and medical facilities are expensive and unreliable at best. Make sure you choose a provider with a 24-hour emergency helpline, and keep a copy of your policy and all emergency phone numbers on you.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Local Laws and Culture<\/h3>\n

Cuban laws extend to foreign travellers in the country. You must carry photo identification with you at all times, and may be detained if found without it. If you lose your passport or other identification documents, you should contact the Canadian Embassy in Havana<\/a> immediately which is available to assist Australian citizens and residents.<\/p>\n

Penalties for drug offences are severe and can lead to lengthy prison sentences in local jails. Don\u2019t take drugs into the country with you and don\u2019t accept them from anyone offering them to you, as they may be undercover policemen.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s also illegal to drink and drive, engage in black market activities, and take photos of military or police installations, harbours, and rail or airport facilities.<\/p>\n

Safety and Security<\/h3>\n

Be aware of the risk of crime in Cuba. Foreign travellers have been victims of both violent and petty crimes including assault, sexual assault, muggings, pickpocketing and bag snatching. Stay vigilant throughout your travels and take steps to protect yourself by securing your belongings to your body and avoiding isolated areas.<\/p>\n

If you are a victim of crime or theft while in Cuba, make sure you get a written police report from the Policia Nacional (National Police) before you leave the country.<\/p>\n

Cuba is a beautiful, energetic and culture-rich country to visit, but like with any foreign country, it\u2019s crucial that you travel smart and travel safe. One of the best ways to protect yourself is to register your travel plans<\/a> with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, and keep an eye on Smart Traveller<\/a> for any safety risks and updated travel advice for the area.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

The United States has just lifted a 50-year ban on American citizens visiting Cuba as tourists, essentially opening up a brand new tourism and economic market for both countries. These significant new measures, together with eased restrictions on trade and newly granted access for Cubans to American bank accounts and the US dollar, are all […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[89],"tags":[],"yoast_head":"\nCuba: A New Possibility<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"The United States has just lifted a 50-year ban on American citizens visiting Cuba as tourists, essentially opening up a brand new tourism and economic mark\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.insure4less.com.au\/blog\/cuba-possibility\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Cuba: A New Possibility\" \/>\n<meta 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