I moved to Cuba in January 2021. It’s been an incredible experience but I have to admit, there are pros and cons to living in Cuba.
And those I’d like to share with you here, plus other things I think are useful to know about life in Cuba.
In the old days, Cuba used to be the hottest holiday place for the rich and famous on the planet. Havana was the place to be, to party, and dance the night away.
Back then, all the movie stars came to Hotel Nacional in Havana to see and be seen. The world-famous mafia boss Al Capone even had a huge mansion in Varadero where he threw lavish parties!
When you think about Cuba today, you probably picture a noisy old revolution, mental images of Che Guevara and Fidel Castro, and pastel-colored classic American cars roaming the streets of Havana.
Cuba is still a sparkling country, that has been shrouded in mystery and myths for decades. A Caribbean paradise island that pretty much has been closed off from the world from 1959 until recently.
Life in Cuba Today
As the country has started opening up to the world, tourists have started pouring into Cuba. Maybe you have already been here, and were blown away by the vibrant ambiance (like me)?
Or you have seen images of the beaches of Varadero, people dancing in the streets of Havana, and are fascinated by the mystic atmosphere?
Also Read: 3 Historical Sites in Cuba Not to Miss
If for whatever reason you have a dream of living on this mesmerizing island, there are things you need to know. About Cuba, the history and culture, visa regulations, and what is special about living in Cuba in comparison to most other countries.
Although I passionately recommend Cuba as a travel destination for all breathing beings with a desire to explore, living in Cuba might not be for everyone.
It’s complicated, and I’ll tell you all about it. Let’s just get the geography straight first.
Where is Cuba
Cuba is a beautiful island nation lying like a center point in the Caribbean Sea, surrounded by the coasts of North, Central, and South America as well as the other Caribbean islands.
In fact, Cuba is an archipelago consisting of more than 4000 sunny islands, where the two biggest are the main island of Cuba, and the Isla de Juventud: the Island of Youth.
About two million Cubans live in the capital Havana, which in my opinion is a magical city of huge bucket-list qualities. Around 500.000 Cubans live in Santiago de Cuba, which is the Cuban capital of the carnival, and the rest of the population is spread across the island in little towns and villages.
Having a Caribbean climate, there are hot summer temperatures all year round. A little colder in the winter, which is the dry season, and warmer and more humid in the summer, the wet season. Beware of daily showers and the occasional tropical storm, in the Cuban wet season, which can be a bit intense.
Cuba is also home to no less than nine UNESCO World Heritage Sites and has a myriad of historic, architectural, natural, and sea wonders to show off. The adventures and sites are endless.
Interesting Things to Know About Cuba
What looks like “Cuban culture” at first glance today, really is a complex mix of heritages from three different continents and four centuries.
You find the gorgeous architecture brought by the old colonial European rulers in the 15th Century, spread all around the big cities, Havana, Trinidad, and Santiago de Cuba.
European Catholicism and the African colorful Santeria religion that arrived involuntarily with African slaves a few centuries back have merged into a strange co-existence worshipping in the same churches.
You will hear and feel the music everywhere, dance and religion intertwined. Cuban life is filterless, intense, and loud.
And lastly, a century of a love and hate relationship with the USA has shaped Cuba both before and after Fidel Castro abruptly took over on New Year’s Eve in 1958.
Today, people wear t-shirts with the American flag, the American dream is larger than life, but the dollar is banned.
Moving to Cuba
Is it possible at all to move to Cuba as a foreigner? The short answer is no, you cannot move to Cuba unless you are a Cuban citizen.
However, you can still live in Cuba, and within the laws, you can actually stay here indefinitely.
I will uncomplicate.
To move permanently to Cuba, you need to be a citizen, or you need a visa that permits a longer stay. To become a citizen, you need to marry a Cuban, or you can apply for citizenship on your own accord.
If you fall in love and marry a Cuban, you can apply for citizenship, but it is a lengthy process and includes a lot of paperwork.
If you want to become a citizen on your own accord, the process is even longer, also with a lot of paperwork, and solid arguments for why you desire citizenship without a spouse. Difficult, but it can be done.
If you don’t want to opt for all that, you can still live in Cuba almost indefinitely. You just need to find the type of visa that suits your needs.
Cuba Visa Requirements
What you might need to live in Cuba may be a tourist visa, a student visa, a family visa, or a work visa.
You can stay for three months in Cuba with a normal tourist visa, which is also called a tourist card. After that, you just need to take a weekend in another country, buy a new tourist visa, and voila; you can stay for another three months.
In reality, it is possible to live in Cuba indefinitely on a tourist visa, as long as you jump the border every three months.
A family visa lets you stay up to six months before you need to take a trip out of the country, and then it is the same procedure as above.
If you want to study in Cuba, you need to apply to and get accepted at a university or school that qualifies for a student visa. Then you can stay for as long as your planned education lasts.
You may try to find a job in Cuba, but it is difficult as Cubans are prioritized, and the pay is also very low. Very few foreigners would be able to live on this salary, without the right to governmental food stamps that the Cubans have.
A better option would be trying to find a position in an international company operating in Cuba, like travel agencies or hotels.
Living in Cuba as a Foreigner
As with any other country, there are pros and cons to living in Cuba.
If you decide to live in Cuba, you will enjoy the warmth of the people, the happy and vibrant lifestyle, the agreeable climate, and an inviting, intense, and colorful culture.
The quality of education and healthcare is considered excellent; however, Cuba is not a particularly technologically advanced nation. The bureaucracy is extensive, and everything is on paper.
There is also one particular aspect of living in Cuba as a foreigner that is a bit different from living in many other countries as an ex-pat. That is that the locals, the Cubans, generally can not travel abroad for various reasons.
Holidays, studying, or working abroad is something most Cubans can only dream about, which is something you will notice in your interaction. Foreigners represent The Outside World, a sphere most Cubans have never experienced firsthand.
Also, as a foreigner, you represent wealth, prosperity, and possibly a helping hand. Because of this, you may be subject to an interest that may seem a little intense.
How is Life in Cuba
In Cuba today, life is complicado, everything has an official and an unofficial side. There is a white and a black market. A mandatory job, and a job that provides money. A national currency, and currency that has value, which is any currency but the national one.
Sanctions are still in place from the USA, and socialist principles are still in place by the Cuban government. This will affect people living here, including you.
Because of a complicated history with general shortcomings for decades, Cubans are some of the most resourceful, innovative, and creative people I have ever met.
When something breaks (which happens a lot), and a gadget or spare part is needed, someone always has something that is almost a match, and they make it work.
Intriguingly, the still socialist-run one-party state of Cuba is in certain aspects the most capitalist country I have ever seen. Capitalist principles are the main drivers of any black market of the world, and Cuba is no different. In Cuba today, many commodities are scarce, but if you have the money you can get anything.
This means, in Cuba, you can live anywhere on the scale from extreme luxury lifestyles to real simple living, whatever you can afford, and prefer.
But other things will also affect your daily life and there are some more things you need to know before you start a moving-to-Cuba-project.
So let’s take a look at the pros and cons of actually moving to this beautiful, weird, and at times incomprehensible paradisiacal island.
The Pros of Moving to Cuba
The Caribbean weather is a no-brainer. Few places can beat the Caribbean climate, with super nice temperatures all year long. Well, almost. During the summer months the temperature and humidity are a little over the comfy zone but being able to leave the house all year round in flip flops is great.
Cuba is perfect for watersports. Scuba diving, snorkeling, fishing, and a lot of activities that are connected to the sea.
There are music and dance everywhere in Cuba, no Cuban can live without it. There is an extremely outgoing social life, and people live close together leaving very little time and space for “me-time”. Your neighbor may start playing music on a nightclub sound level, at 8 am.
This may be weird for a less warm-blooded (European or North American) person. I list it on the pros side though, so if you are an introvert you will just have to adjust accordingly.
Cuba offers stunning nature experiences both on land and in the sea, eco reserves, and coral reefs alike. The country boasts several protected natural parks to explore, and is also home to a diverse aquamarine life.
The cost of living in Cuba is still decent. In 2024 you can live rather cheap in Cuba, by European or American standards. By Cuban standards, however, a lot of things are now very expensive as the pandemic and currency reforms have caused dramatic inflation on the Cuban peso.
And lastly, if you travel to Cuba now, your presence will contribute to rebuilding an economy that has taken a heavy hit during the pandemic. That may not be your personal goal for staying in Cuba, but consider it a little perk on the pro’s side.
The Cons of Moving to Cuba
Shopping for most things in Cuba is difficult, and many items are hard to find. As the country is subject to sanctions, there are shortages of a lot of commodities in most categories, including foods, pharmacy items, and hygiene products.
If you have the money, you can get almost everything you need on the black market. This may sound dodgy, but shopping on the “black market” in Cuba today is as common as shopping in a store, it is just a form of re-selling what you have. At a black market price, of course.
Wifi is slow and expensive, provided by the monopoly provider Etecsa. You might also be sanctioned away from the online services you need, so it is a difficult country for being a digital nomad if you work online.
As I currently am doing exactly that, what I can tell you is that it is a bit difficult, but it is doable if you are motivated to be here.
You need a really good VPN to have normal internet access, and still, there may be pages or services you can not access due to trade restrictions.
So, Is It Possible to Move to Cuba in 2024?
Well, yes, it is. I moved to Cuba in January 2021 and have lived in Havana through most of the pandemic with the challenges and rewards that came with that.
But whether you should move to Cuba is a different question. With the current circumstances, this is not a country for everyone, it is more like an acquired taste.
If you want to thrive in Cuba, you need to be a person who loves to be outside your comfort zone. You definitely need to see the value of experiencing life from all complicated angles, and you probably should enjoy learning how to find your way and take on a challenge.
And it helps a lot to speak Spanish.
If you go all-in on this, you will be rewarded with a lot of insight. The warmth of the Cuban people, getting to know the Cuban culture, maybe learning a new language, and learning to handle a different life. And after a while, you might become a respected Yuma as well.
If you love the contrasts of the world, to feel that you are truly living, and appreciate learning the authentic way (not just watching 60 minutes or National Geographic) Cuba might just be perfect for you!
What do you think? Did this inspire you to try living in Cuba, or do you find the idea a bit daunting?
Also Read:
- Life in Havana – An Interview About Moving to & Living in Cuba’s Capital
- Why Moving Abroad is Such a Valuable Experience
- Important Things to Consider Before Moving to Another Country
- The Best Caribbean Islands to Visit & Why
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We recently traveled to cuba and met some amazing people! Our maid would love to visit Canada! Can someone tell me if this is possible, to send a letter of invitation? If possible and once they are in Canada can they find work and apply for a work visa that would be approved by the Cuban government?
Hi Marie! I am so glad you had a great time! I am not familiar with Canadian regulations, but in general, I can tell you that normally, the issue is not Cuban regulations – but regulations in the country the Cuban citizen wants to visit. In addition to a passport, it is often required that the Cuban citizen has proof of funds, a letter of invitation with assurance that they will be provided for, and proof of onward travel, among other things. You can check out the link below for more information, and the Embassy of Canada to Cuba might also be of assistance to you. Good luck! https://embassies.net/canada-visa-for-cuba-citizens
Hi, Hege.
A question, please.
I am intending to spend 5 months in Cuba next year. What is a mid-range rent of an apartment in Havana? Any idea? Or, a place not far from the capital such as Guanabo, where there are mainly houses, not apartments.
Thank you.
Hi Ned,
The prices will mostly depend on standard and amenities available in the apartment. If you don’t know anyone in Havana to speak to beforehand, a monthly booking through Airbnb for a whole apartment in Old Havana seems to start at around 800 dollars for January. From there, things become expensive fast.
Secondly, Expedia also lists accommodation in Cuba, and you might find good deals there.
You can also check a website called Revolico dot com, and choose ‘Alquiler a extranjeros’ (that means rental for foreigners, not sure if the page has an English language option), and check offers there. Less secure than an international site, though, and prices are often posted super low, and negotiation is intended. You will need assistance from a Cuban to do the negotiating, and verifying the place!
It could be an idea for you to book a place for 2 or 4 weeks, on Airbnb/similar and get to know the city before you book the rest of your stay somewhere you know that you are happy! You might also get some local connection after a little while living there that might help you arrange something locally.
When it comes to Guanabo, the prices seems to be similar to in Havana for January. One thing you need to verify if you stay in Guanabo, is whether there is fresh water, and not saline water, in your shower! Some houses do have water purifiers and great amenities, others do not.
Much appreciated, Hege.
On Homestay, for instance, I saw rooms for $340 to $400 a month.
After getting a less expensive place for most of my stay, for someone who does have a lot of expenses, would $900 a month be enough for everything?
I have also read that there are state-run restaurants, which are not expensive. You just need to have Pesos.
Hi again Ned, I would say that $900 is on the low side to cover everything, thinking of transport, food, and miscellaneous (unless you mean $900 after rent is paid). However, if you are able to get an apartment down to around $500 a month, it is probably just doable. You will be able to pay with pesos, dollars, and euros almost everywhere, including private restaurants and governmental restaurants. The only place you pay with credit cards only (not US cards) is in the MLC stores, which are governmental shops that do not accept cash in any form.
My family is from Cuba. The last time I was there was summer of 1956. My uncle had a beautiful pair of flats in Cienfuegos where he and my aunt lived. Another brother had a fabulous house in Punta Gorda in Cienfuegos. If you know this city you will know the location. Another uncle had a carriery air conditioning franchise along with an oldsmobile dealership. Another relative was completing a 3 floor building with a drug store on the ground floor for his pharmacy business.
After the revolution, property laws changed. My relatives are dead now. There is no way any of us can lay claim to these most valuable assets.
Cubans are generally crazy, hot headed people in my own opinion including my family. They went crazy over Castro and socialism. Today there are new people who know nothing of life prior to Castro. If you are in you have it made. If not, you are stuck. You cannot easily get out of the country. Everybody struggles. Please don’t tell me about cuba libre drinks, cigars, salsa or whatever excites you. People leave Cuba for the USA, people do not leave the USA for Cuba unless they are criminals fleeing persecution. I sponsored two Cubanos from the mariel boatlift. They went on to life in America and no idea of returning to the homeland. I find it funny when I read these travel blogs about how the grass is always greener. Look around you, make the best of where you live.
Hi Andrew, thank you for taking the time to comment!
I am familiar with Cienfuegos; it is still a beautiful town, unique with the foundation being created by French settlers centuries ago, and not the Spanish, which most places in Cuba are influenced by. 🙂
While the situation in Cuba is very difficult at the moment, more than normal, as you very correctly point out, one of the available ways to improve daily life for people living in Cuba right now is to facilitate tourism.
Travelers visiting Cuba now will contribute to the life and private businesses of Cubans in paladares and negocios, while other means of income are difficult.
Sometimes blogs like these also contribute to raising awareness and interest, which can be a great reward in a dire time for those who still are affected 🙂
“Travelers visiting Cuba now will contribute to the life and private businesses of Cubans in paladares and negocios, while other means of income are difficult.”
But that is not helping those in need. Those who are really in need are outside the paladares and negocios. In fact, you would be contributing to the enrichment of the few.
I would rather visit, but eat where the ordinary Cubans eat, carry items which are in shortage for donations, do some community work such teaching, etc.
In reality, thriving small businesses is making many Cubans more frustrated with the unfairness of the system. I talked to more than one Cuban in my visit in 2015. They all said they were not seeing the benefits of tourism. The majority are mot seeing ‘the benefits’ of tourists spending money in small businesses.
After all, in any country, small business does help the economy develop. Many small businesses even in Western countries just barely survive and are trapped in debt.
Hi Ned, thank you for further commenting on this article!
The items most in need in Cuba, if you were to go, are over-the-counter medicine, vitamins, milk powder, dried foods, and even a variety of foodstuffs that are now legal to bring after the further impact of the pandemic in 2020.
There are several ways to go to Cuba to do charity work, mostly within the tourism sector and also within The Catholic Church, and I am happy to hear that you are considering traveling to Cuba to aid in such a way.
Unfortunately, you would mostly not be able to eat where ordinary Cubans eat anymore, as they get their most low-priced products on the food stamp system that foreigners do not have access to. Some restaurants are able to hold low prices suitable for a Cuban salary, and these are mostly government-owned. Outside the food stamp system, prices have increased between 500 and 1000%. There are also some paladares that offer seated restaurant eating, but these are a large minority. I have found a few while living in Cuba.
It is correct that some already privileged people are working within the private sector in Cuba, but numbers from 2020 suggest that around 70% of Cubans benefit from the tourist industry, formally and informally. That year, around 4.5 million tourists visited Cuba. I have been staying in a variety of private casa particulares, mainly with what I would consider “ordinary Cubans,” from 2019 until today. The money they make from renting out to tourists usually benefits their extended family.
I also have seen firsthand the negative impact the drastic decline in tourism during and after the pandemic has had on the personal economy of Cubans, which is assessed to have dropped around 2/3. I understand that you have been given the opinion of several Cubans 9 years ago, but I want to suggest that may not necessarily be an accurate depiction of the opinion and impact of tourism on ordinary Cubans today.
Thank you for sharing your experience. On my website, you will find around 70 recent articles about Cuba travel, if you should be interested.
A foreigner getting citizenship in Cuba, it’s happened for a handful of foreigners since the 60’s under special circumstances.
You can get permanent residency.
Marry a Cuban or have a child in Cuba.
Santeria was not imported to Cuba. It was invented in Cuba.
Top of the line internet access is more expensive in Cuba than in Canada. About twice as expensive and not as fast.
If you have a cellphone, LTE is dirt cheap. About $5 for 15 gigs.
The BIG problem in Cuba is lack of meds whether over the counter or a script. Foreign residents usually fly to Mexico once or twice a year to restock their prescription drugs.
Shortages of staples like cooking oil, chicken etc…can easily be bought from places like supermarket23 and delivered to your door. Prices are about the same as buying the same in Canada.
Cheap and world class rum and cigars. What’s not to like…🤣
Hi Bohdan,
Thank you for taking the time to comment on this post! 🙂
I have a very big problem with a country in which the people are not allowed to leave
freely. Enough said. I do agree that Cubans are very warm and friendly
Hi Roger,
Just as a clarifying detail! Cubans are allowed to leave the country freely, the Cuban government no longer determines travel, and a passport is accessible to anyone if they can pay for it. However, it is very difficult for Cubans to be approved for a visa of any kind in any other country for holidays, visits, or work. This means that Cubans will rarely be accepted to enter other countries, and hence, are unable to leave Cuba.
They can leave without restrictions. The problem is, very few countries are visa free for Cubans or they will not get an entry visa.
I have to say as a Cuban living in the United States with family trapped in that island, I found your article somewhat tone deaf to the realities of the Cubans. You tiptoed around major issues and violations of human rights. The excellent medical service is not available to the Cuban national. I know this first hand, intimately as I have a brother that is going through some health difficulties. They cleaned his wound but that vinegar he had to source and a gauze he also had to source from the black market after getting a biopsy for possible throat cancer. I can ramble for hours and paragraphs of how affected the Cuban national is. The sanctions aren’t the problem. It’s a government that has oppressed its people for years. They do not even have the right to vote. 60 years of this crap.
Hi Jainiz, thank you for taking the time to respond.
I appreciate your views as a Cuban with family in Cuba, and I am not unaware of domestic challenges. This article in particular is directed at informing foreigners considering staying in Cuba for a shorter or longer time about what they need to expect, as I have done myself as a foreign national.
As this article is also written in a travel blog format, as opposed to a news publication, its intention is to give practical advice to foreign travelers.
Thank you for sharing your experience as the family of Cuban nationals.
Jainiz,
Cuban healthcare outcomes rank 2 spots below the US. Are you telling me that that ranking is only for non nationals?
“As a result of the complete prohibition on trade with the United States, a 2021 estimate by the Cuban government found that the embargo has cost the country close to $144 billion. A similar figure has been acknowledged by the United Nations.”
You trying to tell me that completely cutting off a small island nation from the entire world had no effect? Of course it does. Every government has its issues and has its corruption but to solely blame the Cuban government is silly. Especially when the US government unclassified documents admitted that it was their goal to starve out Cuban people so they’d turn on their government.
Lastly, your account of your brother’s account would be a second hand account. The author who’s actually living in Cuba would be a first hand account.
Hi. Great read! How would you purchase a water filtration in Cuba? I remember a hotel in Guardalavaca had one for drinking water, but I’m wondering about shower filters too.
Hi Daina!
I am not sure exactly what kind of water filtration you are thinking about, but I have never seen any kind to buy for drinking water – not bottles or mugs. I do know that some high-end places have water filtration installed in their tubing system though, for example, the really luxurious rental villas!
There are shops that sell bathroom stuff and plumber stuff, but I have not checked whether a water filter for the tap or shower is something they can easily provide.
For drinking water, I would bring a water bottle with a filter with me – I actually have one to avoid buying water all the time.
Haloo!! How easy is it to ship items to Cuba from South Africa?
Hi there!
I do not have any experience with sending items to Cuba from South Africa, but I have sent, and people have sent to me, packages from Europe. What you need to expect is that it probably will take quite some time, expect at least 2 months or more, and faster will be a nice surprise.
My advice on sending packages to Cuba is to wrap them super thorough with plastic and tape, and to send it as a tracked shipment with a code, that you can follow online. By doing that, the odds are that the package will arrive safely, and in one piece!
I just returned from a trip to Cuba, and not only is the US dollar not banned, it is accepted everywhere and in fact, preferred by every guide, paladar, and casa particular with whom we dealt. When you eat at a restaurant, the printed bill shows the price in Cuban pesos, USD, and Euros (and not at the official rate, either, but a black market rate). Do not exchange any currency, use your USD or Euros.
Hi Kw,
Thank you for taking the time to comment on your experiences in Cuba!
I don’t know which destinations you visited or for how long, but let me elaborate a bit about the currency situation in Cuba in 2023.
There is an official and an unofficial approach to the US dollar in Cuba. The Cuban government suspended the US dollar as a valid currency for use in Cuba in the summer of 2021 following a tightening of sanctions from the US. You can read more about that here: https://www.reuters.com/world/americas/cuba-suspending-cash-bank-deposits-dollars-citing-us-sanctions-2021-06-11/
Despite the suspension, the dollar was still flooding the black currency market, which is why the Cuban banks opened up for an “amnesty” to change the dollar into CUP, at a higher rate than the 1:24 rate that was standard for the old CUC. Now the dollar has one informal and one formal value, you can read more about that here: https://www.cibercuba.com/tags/cambio-moneda
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Governmental institutions of all kinds can still not formally accept dollars, like the MLC stores and governmentally-owned hotels – places where Americans are prohibited from shopping and staying under restrictions imposed by the US. They also enforce this by not accepting US credit cards anywhere but will accept other international credit cards in order to ensure that foreign currency enters Cuban banks. The Cuban currency does not have value outside Cuba, as it is a “closed” currency that is not traded with any other country.
In Cuba, a “restaurant” is owned by the government, while a “paladar” is a privately owned place to eat. Restaurants do not accept dollars, paladares do.
The places you experienced you could use the US dollar likely were paladares and particulares, both privately owned enterprises, as well as taxis, and street vendors. They will accept dollars in cash, but not by US credit card, and they can deposit it in the bank under the dollar amnesty.
If you want to read all about the details of how the Cuban monetary system works, you can read this article: https://epicnomadlife.com/currency-in-cuba/ 🙂
Glad I came across this article, lots of info, I’m from Canada and just returned from 1 week in Cuba which was NOT long enough… I was taken on a ‘cuban experience’ tour and the way locals live… anyway, will go again soon, I do like the idea of retiring in Cuba but worried about the ‘unknown’ issues/government but I like the 3 month and the weekend.. never really though of it that way.
Hi Adam,
now you can also stay for 3+3 months on a tourist visa, as the government just changed the regulations in November last year! Tourism is super important for Cuba for many reasons, and I know what you mean – 1 week is NOT long enough 🙂
Hey there, I am planning to travel to Cuba but am a bit confused about the flight that may be not expensive to travel with, how much do you think or know I can pay for a flight ticket from Namibia to Cuba, and which airline may you advise to take and from which country? And is it necessary to apply for travel insurance? Looking forward to your reply. Thank you.
Hi Joseph,
I have written two articles that will help you with your questions.
To find the cheapest flights, please read this:
https://www.spendlifetraveling.com/10-tips-on-how-to-find-cheapest-flights
And yes, I highly recommend getting travel insurance for your trip to Cuba. To read more about why, and how to find travel insurance that is best for you, please read this:
https://www.spendlifetraveling.com/what-to-look-for-in-travel-insurance
I hope this helps and that you will have a great time in Cuba!
How does one arrange travel to Cuba? How can a person buy the necessary credit card? Can you give a range of costs for a two-week stay, living simply, no fancy restaurants, nightclubs, etc.?
Hi Edie,
thank you for your questions!
As your questions are quite comprehensive, and I have written a variety of articles with the answer to them already, I am going to point you to where you can find a lot of the information you are looking for! And I have to post it in two portions as it is rather long!
I do not know what nationality you are, but here is an article about how you can travel to Cuba:
https://epicnomadlife.com/how-to-travel-to-cuba/
Concerning buying a credit card, are you referring to that US citizens can not use US credit cards in Cuba? In that case, I will refer you to this article about money in Cuba:
https://epicnomadlife.com/currency-in-cuba/
For a two-week stay, simple accommodation (destination not specified), airfare excluded you should budget something roughly like this:
2 weeks accommodation total: 14x$30 is $420
2 weeks in-house breakfast at your casa particular per person: 14×5 is $70
2 weeks lunch out per person: 14×20 is $280
2 weeks dinners out per person: 14×35 is $490
Total $1260
Here are examples of prices for casa particulares in Havana and Trinidad:
https://epicnomadlife.com/casa-particular-old-havana/
https://epicnomadlife.com/casa-particular-trinidad-cuba/
Any activities would be in addition to that.
You can read about transport and transport expenses here:
https://epicnomadlife.com/cuba-taxi/
I hope that helps!
Hege 🙂
I’ve heard rumors of poverty in the Cuban people. Is this at all important? I noticed you didn’t mention it in your article. I guess it is just a rumor. If the country really was poor, you would have included that information in your article.
Hi Louis,
I think it’s hard to find a country anywhere in the world that doesn’t have poverty. Yes, there is poverty in Cuba too. And unfortunately at the moment there are a lot of shortages as well. But at the same time there is a near-zero rate of homelessness and Cuba has the highest literacy rate in the world.
If you are thinking about living in Cuba and wondering how poverty in Cuba will affect you, then yes, you will see certain people living a much more basic life than you are perhaps used to. In many ways similar to developing countries in the region. And especially in the center of Havana you’ll find some people asking tourists for money or food.
Hi Louis,
rating Cuba on a western scale is a difficult project, as the economy is closed, the peso currently only formally has value in Cuba, and is not officially part of the international currency system. The Cuban system in many ways is like a closed circuit, apart from the relations they have with some countries.
As I mentioned, there has been huge domestic inflation after national currency reforms, many commodities are scarce after the pandemic, and decades-long shortcomings still impact current standards greatly due to a mix of external trade restrictions since 1962, and national regulations.
By western standards, the majority of the population probably will be considered poor, as a month’s pay in Cuba is around $30. At the same time, there is a national housing system, a food stamp system, and a health system, among other things, that balances that a bit. But Cuba is by no means a rich country today, and people work hard to make ends meet.
As a foreigner living in Cuba, you will not be enrolled in the system unless you become a citizen, so for you, the prices will be higher. This is why it is more expensive for foreigners to live in Cuba than Cubans, as you do not have food stamps, free health care, or cheap housing.
I met a woman from Santiago de Cuba and we have been talking about marriage and me living in Cuba. I will retire in September and sell my house and belongings so I have the freedom to go. I am concerned about how I will get my SSI checks because of the banking restrictions. Any advice?
Hi Mark,
That’s a good question…
The banking restriction is largely just for American banks. So my first thought would be to open a secondary international bank account such as Wise. Make sure you receive their bank card before you leave the US. Then transfer your money from your US account to your Wise account every month (with a VPN to access your online banking in Cuba) and use your Wise card in Cuba. But, as you probably know, using ATMs won’t give you the best rate. So although I think this will work I’d recommend talking to other Americans once you are in Cuba to see how they deal with their finances.
I know a family here from Cuba that owns resort properties. He is non-communist. He told us he and his family would be imprisoned, if he did not leave the country. Why?
He still owns his resort area and has many employees there still running it for him.
My wife and I would like to visit Cuba, I am type 1 diabetic. Any challenges finding insulin or diabetic supplies?
Hi John, there are a lot of shortages in Cuba. I’d definitely not count on being able to buy the diabetic supplies you need and highly recommend bringing everything.
Hi there,
Your site expressed a great deal of informative dialogue. I do have a unique question however that I can’t seem to find answers to.
Originally, Cuba would only recognize those wanting to move to Cuba via marriage to a Cuban spouse. Recently, with the addition of the new family code, same sex marriage is recognized by the island. Is it possible to become a resident via a same sex marriage?
Hi Gregorio!
After having done a bit of research on the new family code in Spanish and a translated summary, there does not seem to be specified that a same-sex marriage partner can apply for residency. It does however say, in the translated summary the following:
“Beyond guaranteeing the couple’s procreation, marriage nowadays undertakes, as a legal figure, the purpose of granting reinforced protection to the family, of guaranteeing material rights such as the possibility of having a voice and a vote in the family; the possibility of having a voice and vote in medical decision making, the possibility of immigration benefits for foreign spouses, and of sharing property rights, among others”.
This indicates that the right to apply for residency for a partner in a same-sex marriage should be the same as the right of a partner in a mixed marriage, but I can not definitely confirm that.
Enclosed are links to both versions. Hope that helps some!
Hege 🙂
https://walterlippmann.com/cuban-families-code-2022-summary/
(bullet point 8 towards the end)
https://www.parlamentocubano.gob.cu/sites/default/files/documento/2022-07/CF%20V%2025-140622%20VF%20%20Para%20ANPP%20%282%29_0.pdf
Hi,
This was very informative and I think your information will help many travelers who want to live in Cuba. Thank you so much.
Hello, very enjoyable and inspiring article! I have a few questions I hope you’ll answer. First, how do you get around in Havana – is there convenient public transportation? Also what if you need a doctor – or a specialist? And are foreigners ever charged more than locals due to the (I’ve read) perception of people from the US all being rich? Also, do you have to shop for your food every day if you choose not eat in restaurants all the time? Hope my questions are considered respectful, and if I’m confused about anything I’ve mentioned please correct me. And thank you! 🙂
Hi Ray,
The center of Havana is quite compact so you can explore a lot on foot. If you don’t feel like walking or have to go a bit further you can take a bicycle rickshaw or taxi. Both you can just flag down. There are plenty of buses, but unless you are fluent in Spanish they are quite confusing. For longer distances taking a shared taxi (a Colectivo) is a good option to save money.
I don’t have experience personally with doctors in Cuba. They are well educated, but supplies are a problem.
Yes, especially in Havana you will experience certain people trying to take advantage of foreigners and the money they can spend. But, it won’t take you long to figure out how Cuba works, which places are catering to tourists, and what the local prices are for things. You might have read there are 2 currencies in Cuba, one for locals and one for tourists, but that’s not the case anymore.
As for grocery shopping, there are vendors selling fruit and vegetables and there are (small) supermarkets selling a range of groceries. You’ll find the offer quite limited compared to other countries, but you can definitely get enough to prepare good meals at home.
As with any other country, there are advantages and disadvantages to living in Cuba. If you choose to live in Cuba, you will appreciate the people’s warmth, the happy and vibrant lifestyle, the pleasant climate, and an inviting, intense, and colorful culture. Very little violence, a slow pace of life, a large library, and a wide range of books. There are many beaches and, for the most part, pleasant weather. When compared to other Latin American countries, there is free healthcare, delicious organic food, and a low cost of living. Con: Few to no civil rights, free speech, or assembly.
I always wanted to know why other countries like Canada can’t trade with Cuba?
It’s an American blockade.
I’ve been to Cuba many times.
I’m surprised they haven’t built retirement communities for Canadians. We have the money and can inject a lot of money into the economy not just as tourists 1 week at a time.
Most people just want to live in a safe warmer climate and don’t care about the politics or want to change it.
As I understand it, they have plenty of doctors and we can always go home for medical procedures.
Hi Duane,
That is a good question. The short explanation is that when a large country like the US imposes sanctions on another country, like Cuba, the US expects other trade partners to comply with the US sanctions.
The way they enforce that expectation is that if another nation/trade partner continues to trade with Cuba, the US will stop trading with that country. So if Canada has important trade with the US, which is more important to Canada than a potential trade agreement with Cuba, Canada will abstain from trade with Cuba in order to secure the trade relationship with the US.
This is the situation for the majority of nations, except nations that are in a complicated relationship with the US, like f.ex. Venezuela, Russia, and China. So it is a chain of events!
You are so right… from someone in Canada who has visited so many parts of Cuba.
I always said: ‘IL faut partir pour revenir‘ which means you have to leave in order to come back to this paradise called Cuba.
I just can’t wait for my next trip.
Thank you for a wonderful introduction to a country and people I have been interested in visiting for most of my life. I have a slight concern, not because I’m an American citizen but because I’m a US military Veteran. Will I have any “special” complications or considerations that could arise in wanting to visit Cuba as a tourist? I’m fascinated by Cuba’s history, culture, architecture and the people. I’d like to experience it rather than read and wonder….
Hi Robert,
That’s a good question.
Cubans have no issues with Americans and the travel restrictions there are have been created by the US, not Cuba.
So if you’re concerned about running into issues while in Cuba, don’t.
That being said, Cuba seems to have very good security and seems to know more about you and your whereabouts than you’d expect in other countries you visit as a tourist. So they might be well aware you are a veteran but I don’t see them giving you any issues because of it.
Whether the US puts different restrictions on military veterans visiting Cuba versus other citizens I don’t know.
From what I understand every US citizen has to apply for a Cuba Tourist Card. I’d be surprised if they wouldn’t allow you to apply for that but to be sure I’d recommend Googling how to apply for the Cuban Tourist Card and its restrictions.
Great blog! My fiancé is from Cuba and we took a 2 week vacation there. You explained how ‘complicado’ the country is very well. Visiting this country makes me appreciate everything I have. And you’re right, Cubans are some of the most friendly people!
That is so true, traveling to countries where things are complicated really makes you grateful for “the little things” in your own!
I am glad you liked the article!
What about the lack of freedom in Cuba? I understand that each block has a home which houses the Committee for the Defense of the Revolution (CDR) which tracks the neighbors’ movements and reports it to the government if they see suspicious activity like someone complaining about the lack of food or freedom. Aren’t you concerned in living in a place like this? With so many countries out there that are just as beautiful but don’t have the East German apparatus to subjugate the masses why Cuba?
Hi, Rob. My husband I lived and studied in Cuba from 1981 to 1995. Our first-born was born there in 1989.
The CDR is not a negative entity. And I felt safe knowing the unlikelihood that there would be strangers prowling around my sector. I am more fearful walking near my hotel in Tennessee while white boys in a pick up truck slow down to hollar racial slurs and jeer at me…
And, the only loss of freedom I experienced was caused by the unfair, unjust and CRUEL American blockade.
Respect! 🇨🇺
Hi Rob,
There is no doubt Cuba is a complicated country, especially seen with Western European and US eyes! Personally, I am not worried about living in Cuba, as a foreigner. Concerning the one-party system that is still governing Cuba, it is a domestic national matter that I have no impact on. I try to focus on the things I might impact somewhat – like promoting travelers to visit Cuba! But like I said, I don’t think it is a place for everyone to thrive 🙂
I think I will like to visit Cuba one of these days, thank you for your advice.
So glad to hear that, I am very sure it will be a memorable experience if you go!
Perfectly said. I live in Cuba as a foreign medical student for almost 7 years. Cuba se extraña. Hugs and kisses.
Is there enough fresh water..and food to drink.
There is both food and water to find, but there are no shops and malls like in the US and most countries. You can buy bottled water in little stalls, some shops, and also in the MLC (Moneda Libremente Convertible) shops, using your foreign credit card (US cards not accepted). You can also eat in one of the myriads restaurants and paladares that are around. Shopping for food in a normal grocery store, however, is more difficult, as there are no normal grocery stores. There are also queues for stores everywhere and the selection of foodstuffs is scarce.
As a traveler, you can have breakfast at your hotel or casa particular. You can also have all your meals in restaurants, that is easy. A tip is also to bring a water bottle with a water filter inside, then you can drink the water right off the tap.
Thank you! I can understand why you miss it, it is a country easy to fall in love with, despite the challenges! Saludos 🙂
She makes me want to live there even more.
Such a nice comment, thank you! It truly is rewarding, although challenging. Glad you found the article inspirational!