Cuba FAQs

When's the best time to visit Cuba?

The high season for visitors is Dec - Apr when the weather is usually sunny, mostly dry and not too humid, though there can be cool days. Hurricane and tropical storms are possible Aug - Nov.

For more detailed information visit our When To Go section.

What's the official language of Cuba?

Spanish.

What's the official currency in Cuba?

Since 2021, the Cuban National Peso (CUP) has been the only legal cash currency in Cuba. Bring Sterling (or Euros) to exchange into CUPs. At government-owned Cadeca exchange houses, banks and some larger hotels you will be given the official rate of exchange. US Dollars cash are not accepted by any government-owned businesses.

Private hotels, bars, restaurants often accept payment in Sterling or Euros cash using an unofficial (often much better) exchange rate. US Dollars cash may also be also welcomed by such private businesses. Tourists often stock up on CUPs by paying using hard currency in this way and getting their change in CUPs. We think it’s best to only change small amounts at a time into CUPs and be alert to forgeries.
Using street money changers is not recommended and you should also avoid having CUPs left over at the end of your trip.

Sterling/Euro/US Dollar bank notes should not be damaged in any way and coins won’t be accepted. ATMs are quite widely available and will apply additional charges to those of your own bank.

You’ll need a credit card to cover transactions in most shops, as well as hotel extras and car-rental extras such as petrol. Some clients have reported difficulties using cards in Cuba so do not rely on them as your only source of funding. Be sure to check with your bank that your cards are accepted in Cuba (cards issued by US banks are not accepted, for example).

What's the time difference between Cuba and UK?

GMT -5 hours.

What places combine well with Cuba?

Mexico’s Yucatán, with flights from Cancún to Havana, 1 hour 15mins.

What are the festivals and cultural events in Cuba?

Carnival:  There are carnivals throughout the country on different dates. Havana’s carnival moves around date-wise year upon year, but is always accompanied by parades, music, drumming and dancing. Santiago’s carnival in July is probably the biggest and the best.
International Jazz Festival: Havana, Dec. Workshops and concerts. One of the world’s best.