Informazioni su Cuba

Currency: The national currency is the Cuban Convertible Peso that circulates in the national territory and its exchange value is set by the National Bank of Cuba. One Cuban peso equals 100 cents. The circulatory bills are those of 1, 3, 5, 10, 20 and 50 pesos and coins of 1 and 3 pesos. The fractional coins are 1, 2, 5, 20 and 40 cents. It is forbidden the import or export of the Cuban currency.

Prices are set in CUC (Cuban Convertible Peso). Tourist facilities and other services operate in CUC, so it is highly recommended to exchange your currency at the bank offices located at the airport or at hotels or other services.

All the foreign currencies must now be exchanged for Cuban pesos where a 10 per cent commission will be charged and 8 per cent additional for the US dollars. In some tourist and large urban areas, the Euro is also accepted.

Credit & Debit Cards: MasterCard and Visa are increasingly accepted, provided they are not issued by a US bank, but check with your credit or debit card company for details of merchant acceptability and other services which may be available. American Express and other cards issued by US banks are not accepted.

Travellers Cheques: US Dollar, Sterling and other major currencies are accepted, but US Dollar cheques issued by US banks are not acceptable (including overbranded cheques from other banks worldwide). The white exchange paper received upon encashment must be retained.

Banking Hours: Mon-Fri 0830-1200 and 1330-1500, Sat 0830-1030. Hours may vary and banks may be open all day in larger cities.

Cuba 's system of primary health care covers the entire country and is considered to be unique in Latin America. Health services are free for all Cubans. There is an extensive network of centers (442 health clinics and 281 hospitals), in addition to other specialized institutions. The infant mortality rate is 7.1 per thousand live births and life expectancy at birth is 75.2 years. Cuba is among the six nations of the world that produces interferon (INF).

Its type B and C meningitis vaccinations and hepatitis B are unique in the world. These achievements have been made possible thanks to the existence of 211 research-production scientific centers and institutes.

Food & Drink: Mains water is chlorinated and, whilst relatively safe, may cause mild abdominal upsets. Bottled water is available and is advised for the first few weeks of stay. Milk is pasteurised and dairy products are safe for consumption. Local meat, poultry, seafoods and fruit are generally considered safe to eat.

Medical Care and Insurance: Around 95 % of hotels have a doctor on the premises for the provision of primary care to patients. In addition, there are eight international clinics that offer specialist treatment in Pinar del Río,Varadero, Cienfuegos, Trinidad, Cayo Coco, Santa Lucía, Guardalavaca and Santiago de Cuba. It is advisable for all tourists traveling to Cuba to do so with health insurance, which is available on the island from the company Asistur, S.A.

Health Regulations: Health regulations are only applicable to travelers from countries where there is endemic yellow fever and cholera, or countries declared infected areas by the WHO, in which case an International Vaccination Certificate is required. There are restrictions on the import of animal or vegetable.

Passports: Passports valid for at least six months after the departure date from Cuba required by all nationals without diplomatic representation in Cuba. Persons of Cuban origin who are nationals of other countries must travel with a Cuban passport if they left Cuba after 1970.

Visa: To enter the country the visitor should have a visa issued by a Cuban consulate. The visa can be renewed at the main hotels of the country if the visitor stays in Cuba longer than the time granted on the visa.
[click here for more information about Cuban Visa]