Cuba

Capital	Havana
Currency	Cuban peso (CUP), Cuban convertible peso (CUC)
Population	11,382,820 (July 2006 est.)
Electricity	110V/60Hz or 220V/60Hz (North American, European, or Italian plug)
Time Zone	UTC -5

When to Go
The best times to visit Cuba are between December and April. Avoid storms and hurricanes before
December and the sticky heat of the Cuban summer which can be unbearable for some. This is also the
high season so expect a price increase during this period.

Language
The official language of Cuba is Spanish, although the version here is quite different from that spoken in Spain, and Mexico.

English is spoken in some tourist locations although basic Spanish is an asset if planning to leave the resort.

Some things to do
Take in a guided tour offered through your resort.

Most resorts have a beach front and various activities. If you chose to venture off the resort, here are some things to do:
See a neighbourhood performance of Afro-Cuban dance, and local music, which exists in almost every neighbourhood.

Visit the countryside and talk with farmers. Check out the two types of area markets
(state-run markets and profit-oriented markets). Profit-oriented markets are where farmers sell their produce directly.

Vacations to Cuba
Vacations to Cayo Coco, Cuba
Vacations to Cayo Largo, Cuba
Vacations to Cienfugos, Cuba
Vacations to Havana, Cuba
Vacations to Holguin, Cuba
Vacations to Manzanillo de Cuba
Vacations to Santa Clara, Cuba
Vacations to Santa Lucia, Cuba
Vacations to Santiago de Cuba
Vacations to Varadero, Cuba

Weather
The average temperature in Cuba is 25C with the highest temperature averaging 30C and the lowest 20C. Weather conditions in Cuba are relatively constant all year round with only moderate fluctuations in temperatures and other weather conditions. If you are going to Cuba to specifically enjoy the sun, then the months with the sunniest weather are from January to April. Cuba experiences extreme weather conditions on an almost annual basis. The worst weather happens during the hurricane season which is between June and November bringing winds of up to 250km per hour.

Merchandise
The biggest Cuban exports for tourists are rum, cigars, and coffee. All items are available at government-owned stores or on the streets. For genuine merchandise, be sure to pay the official price at the legal stores.

If you are planning to take large quantities of cigars home, be sure you have purchased them officially from an approved shop that gives you proper purchase documentation. Foreign nationals are allowed to export up to 50 cigars without special permits or receipts, but the export of more requires official receipts. If you don't have an official purchase invoice, the cigars could be confiscated. Always ensure that the Cuban government origin warranty stamp is properly affixed to the cigar box.

Cruisine
Black beans are a main staple in Cuban households. Cubans eat mainly pork and chicken for meat. Beef and lobster are controlled by the state. However, lobster lunch/supper offers are plentiful for tourists.

Beverage
Cuban national cocktails include the Cuba Libre (rum and cola) and the Mojito (rum, lime, sugar, mint leaves, club soda and ice). Havana Club is the national brand of rum and the most popular.

Safety first
Cuba is generally a very safe country with strict policing and neighbourhood-watch-style programs. Nevertheless, a certain degree of common-sense and caution is advisable. Visitors should avoid coming to the attention of the Cuban police and security services, and not to involve themselves in politics, drugs, or pornography/prostitution.

Healthwise
Cuba is considered very healthy except for the water. Some travelers drink untreated water without ill effect. However, it is best to drink bottled water. Cuban milk is normally unpasteurized which can make some visitors sick.

The island is tropical and thus host to a number of diseases. Hepatitis B and tetanus shots are recommended by most travel clinics. Cuba has one of the highest numbers of doctors available per capita in the world, making doctors readily accessible throughout most of the island. Your hotel reception should be able to point you to the closest doctor.

It is recommended to stock up on over-the-counter medications before heading to Cuba, as pharmacies lack many medications that travellers may expect to find, such as aspirin, ibuprofen and Imodium. Toiletries such as shampoo, conditioner, razors, tampons and condoms are also hard to come across.