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Communication

Communication

Eastern Cuba, Cuba

Mobile Access

ETECSA Cubacel is the mobile provider. Tourists obtain a temporary SIM.

SIM Card Purchase

  • Airalo eSIM options exist for some devices. Acquire a physical Cubacel SIM at airports or ETECSA offices.
  • Passport needed for SIM purchase.
  • Data packages have costs and limited allowance.

Wi-Fi Connectivity

Wi-Fi is found in hotels and public zones like Parque Central in Baracoa.

Connecting Online

  • Nauta internet cards unlock Wi-Fi. Scratch codes for hourly access.
  • Speeds vary and can be slow. High-bandwidth activities may not work.
  • Pre-download offline maps and translation apps.

Postal Services

The national service, Correos de Cuba, manages mail. Deliveries can be slow.

Sending Mail

  • Mail sending available.
  • Expect international mail to take time.
  • Arrival not guaranteed.

Language Aids

Spanish is official. English is limited outside main tourist spots.

Bridging Gaps

  • Carry a Spanish phrasebook.
  • Rosetta Stone and offline translation apps can assist.
  • Patience and gestures help communication.

Phrases

  • Hola (OH-lah) - Hello
  • Gracias (GRAH-see-ahs) - Thank you
  • Por favor (por fah-VOR) - Please
  • ¿Cuánto cuesta? (KWahn-toh KWEHS-tah?) - How much?

  • No entiendo (noh en-TYEN-doh) - I do not understand
  • Agua embotellada (AH-gwah em-boh-teh-YAH-dah) - Bottled water
  • ¿Dónde está...? (DOHN-deh es-TAH?) - Where is...?
  • Sí (see) - Yes, No (noh) - No

Language Insight

Spanish immersion deepens your visit. Local attempts to speak Spanish are appreciated.

Business Hours

Operating times for services and venues in Baracoa.

Shops

Generally 9 AM - 6 PM. Some close for afternoon siesta.

Dining

Lunch 12 PM - 3 PM; Dinner 6 PM - 10 PM, some later.

Banks

CADECA and banks 8:30 AM - 3 PM, Mon-Fri. Some Sat mornings.

Money Matters

Banks and CADECA offices locate in the city center. Exchange cash here.

Cash Points

  • ATMs may not work with all foreign cards.
  • Cash currency is important.
  • Reliability of ATMs varies.

Public Holidays

Public holidays alter business hours and transport availability.

Dates

  • Revolution Day (Jan 1), Victory Day (Jan 2).
  • May Day (May 1), National Rebellion Day (Jul 26).
  • Independence War Day (Oct 10), Christmas (Dec 25).

Seasonal Operations

Low Season Note

  • August-October (hurricane season) is low season.
  • Some businesses may shorten hours.
  • Temporary closures occur due to lower demand or weather.

Planning Ahead

  • Verify schedules locally upon arrival.
  • Hotel or Casa hosts can confirm opening times.
  • Be ready for weather variations.

Service Awareness

Plan your activities around observed local times and holidays for a smooth visit.

Etiquette & Customs

Navigating social interactions and local norms.

Greeting Customs

A simple "Hola" or "Buenos días" is common.

First Encounters

  • Handshakes are standard upon meeting.
  • Close friends and family may exchange a cheek kiss.
  • Use polite forms (usted) for strangers or elders.

Dress Code

Dress for comfort given the climate, while respecting local contexts.

Clothing Advice

  • Casual wear is fine in most settings.
  • Modest attire (shoulders, knees covered) for religious sites.
  • Smart casual for nicer evening dining.

Dining & Tipping

Tipping is customary and appreciated.

Table Manners

  • Eat with fork and knife.
  • Finishing your plate is polite.
  • Cubans are relaxed at the table.

Photography

Ask permission before photographing people.

Picture Taking

  • Politely ask 'Me permite una foto?'
  • Respect refusals.
  • Do not photograph military, police, or government buildings.

Sensitive Topics

Avoid Discussing

  • Discussions critical of government or politics.
  • Opinions vary, best to stay neutral.
  • Avoid negative comparisons to your home country.

Cultural Respect

  • Respect local beliefs and traditions.
  • Acknowledge the country's unique situation.
  • Show appreciation for local customs.

Social hints

Gender & LGBTQ+

  • Cuban society holds conservative views.
  • Official tolerance for LGBTQ+ individuals.
  • Public displays of affection may draw varied reactions, especially rural.

Personal Conduct

  • Exercise discretion.
  • Observe local interactions.
  • Cultural sensitivity matters.

Local Interaction

Patience and politeness bridge any cultural gaps.

Accessibility

Information for travelers with specific needs in Baracoa.

Infrastructure

Cuba's infrastructure, especially in Baracoa, is not adapted for mobility challenges.

Terrain Notes

  • Sidewalks uneven.
  • Ramps rare.
  • Public transport not accessible.

Accessible Attractions

Few attractions are accessible without assistance. Many paths involve uneven ground.

Transportation

  • Taxis offer the most practical travel, but no special features.
  • Assistance for transfers may be needed.
  • Limited specialized services for visual or hearing impairments.

Resources

General Info

General travel info may touch on Cuba accessibility.

Baracoa Specific

Specific resources for Baracoa are scarce.

Specialized Tours

Planning with a specialized tour operator is a strong recommendation.

Planning Ahead

Travelers with specific needs find tailored support from specialized operators beneficial.