The Havana Experience

If you’re traveling from the U.S. to Cuba, it’s important to know that not all credit cards will work in the country. Visa cards tend to be the most reliable and are accepted at most ATMs and banks across Cuba. However, even with Visa, availability of ATMs can vary depending on your location, so it’s best to withdraw cash when you can.

Mastercard may pose challenges at ATMs, but you can still use it to withdraw cash directly from bank counters in Cuban cities. Be aware that bank queues can be long, so plan accordingly.

Important: Due to U.S. sanctions, credit cards issued by U.S. banks are generally not accepted in Cuba. Make sure to bring enough cash to exchange during your trip.

If you contact us, we will call you within 24 hours (Mon-Fri) to arrange a free and non-binding travel consultation with you. During the travel consultation, we will discuss the trip and create an offer within the shortest possible time.

When you are ready to book, we will send you a booking form, which you fill out digitally, sign and send back to us to officially initiate the booking.

We will then send you a booking confirmation in the form of a deposit invoice with 25% of the travel price. We will then start booking your offer with our local partners. If you also buy your tourist cards through us, these will also be included in the deposit invoice. Once the invoice is paid within 1 day, you will receive the tourist card (if booked) by post within a short time. The remaining amount (75% of the travel price) must be paid 4 weeks before the trip.

At least 14 days before the trip starts, you will receive your travel documents with information about the individual travel services, vouchers and emergency contacts. If you have any final questions, you can of course always clarify them with us and off you go!

The Cuban power grid operates on 110 V/60 Hz alternating current. Sockets and plugs are American-style, so bringing an adapter is highly recommended. There are a few 220 V sockets. It is important to know that Cuba suffers from power shortages. In order to save electricity, power cuts are carried out, especially outside of tourist centers, which can also lead to disruptions in the water supply and communication.

You can find the most detailed description of customs regulations on the website of the Federal Foreign Office . Here are excerpts from the most important topics so that you don’t have to search for long:

Only take things that are for your personal use or that you could do without. Excess quantities may be confiscated because they are considered unauthorized gifts.

“Electrical devices may also only be imported to the extent that they are intended for personal use, not as gifts for Cuban citizens. For gifts (non-commercial imports) with a value of between 50 CUC and 250 CUC, customs duty of 100% is levied. Further information can be obtained from the relevant Cuban diplomatic mission abroad. The import of walkie-talkies, satellite phones and GPS devices is not permitted or requires prior approval from the relevant Cuban authorities. Laptops, cameras and mobile phones with GPS function are not affected by this. The import of fresh food (e.g. fresh sausages, dairy products, vegetables, fruit) is prohibited for health reasons.”

Do not take any objects from Cuba that could be considered Cuban cultural property. This may also apply to older coins. Information on this and export permits are available from: Bienes Culturales, Calle 17 #1009, entre10 y 12, Vedado, Telephone: 839658. The permit only costs a few pesos, but saves you potential trouble when leaving the country.

“Export regulations for tobacco products

Up to twenty (20) loose cigars may be exported without having to provide proof of origin and purchase. Up to fifty (50) cigars may be exported provided that they are in their original, closed, sealed packaging with an official hologram. More than fifty (50) cigars may only be exported upon presentation of an original invoice issued by the officially authorized state stores. This invoice must include the total quantity of tobacco intended for export. In these cases too, it is essential that the cigars are in their original, closed, sealed packaging with an official hologram.

Detailed information on Cuban import and export regulations is available on the Cuban Customs website at www.aduana.co.cu.”

You can obtain further customs information on importing goods from the embassy of your destination country. Only there can legally binding information be given.

You can view the customs regulations for Germany on the German customs website at www.zoll.de or inquire by telephone.

You can get the eVisa from us, your tour operator (starting at just $32, including taxes, excluding shipping costs). You can also apply for the eVisa directly from the Cuban embassy or through most airlines. The eVisa is valid for 30 days of travel but can be extended on-site (once for an additional 30 days, for a fee of 25 USD, payable in cash, at the airport). When entering Cuba, you must present the eVisa along with your passport. This electronic visa, which you fill out online before traveling, will be verified upon your entry into Cuba. Be sure to keep a copy of the eVisa confirmation with you, as you will need it when departing the country. If you lose access to your eVisa details, this may cause unnecessary delays or discussions during your departure.

For US travelers, please ensure that your trip falls under one of the 12 authorized travel categories for Cuba, as tourist travel is restricted. These categories include family visits, professional research, or support for the Cuban people. Make sure you have all the necessary documentation for your trip.