MileHacker Logo
Practical Tips & Hacks

Practical Tips & Hacks

Eastern Cuba, Cuba

Money-Saving Strategies

Stretch your budget further with these smart financial moves in Santiago de Cuba.

Free Activities

  • Enjoy people-watching at Parque Céspedes.
  • Stroll along Enramada street.
  • Explore the Tivolí neighborhood.
  • Walk along the Malecon (waterfront promenade).

Transportation Savings

  • Walk as much as possible, especially in the compact city center.
  • Use shared taxis (almendrones) for specific routes.
  • Consider Viazul buses for intercity travel.
  • Prioritize casa particulares for lodging savings.

Dining Approaches

  • Happy hours and dining deals are uncommon.
  • Dining value often comes from paladares.
  • State restaurants may offer less value.
  • Santa Ifigenia Cemetery has a small entry fee.

Accommodation Value

  • Casa particulares offer substantial savings over hotels.
  • Breakfast is often an additional, fair cost at casas.
  • Tourist discount cards are not widely available.
  • Focus on other ways to manage spending.

Time-Saving Tips

Make the most of your time in Santiago with these efficiency suggestions.

Attraction Timing

  • Visit popular sites right at opening time (9-10 AM).
  • Midday (1-3 PM) is ideal for indoor activities or a siesta.
  • Crowds are lighter early in the day.
  • Skip-the-line options are generally not applicable.

Efficient Routing

  • Group attractions by proximity to lessen travel time.
  • Explore Parque Céspedes area together.
  • Visit Moncada Barracks/Santa Ifigenia Cemetery.
  • Conclude with El Morro.

Express Transportation

  • Private taxis offer faster, more direct routes.
  • Domestic flights are faster for long distances.
  • These options bear a higher cost.
  • Lines for services (ETECSA, CADECA) are common.

Pre-Booking Actions

  • Book your casa particular or hotel well in advance.
  • Secure Viazul bus tickets ahead of time.
  • Arrange airport pick-up with your accommodation.
  • Plan especially for high season or festivals.

Local Insights

Common Traveler Pitfalls

  • Bring ample cash (USD or EUR); cards have limited acceptance.
  • Always agree on taxi fares before the ride.
  • Drink only bottled water to avert stomach issues.
  • Protect yourself from the strong sun and humidity.

Unofficial Norms

  • A small "tip" or gift may facilitate services.
  • Keep your valuables discreetly out of sight.
  • Speaking Spanish impresses locals.
  • Show knowledge of Cuban music or baseball.

Local Customs

  • "No hay" (there isn't any) is common due to shortages.
  • Cubans are friendly and curious; anticipate conversations.
  • Music and dancing hold a central place in daily life.
  • Embrace chances to listen and participate.

Money Exchange Caution

  • Exchanging money on the street carries risk and illegality.
  • Use official CADECA locations.
  • Rely on unofficial exchanges through trusted local contacts.
  • Allow time; things happen at a different pace.

Solo, Family & Group-Specific Advice

Tailor your approach to Santiago based on your travel companions.

Solo Traveler Guidance

  • Santiago is generally safe for solo travelers.
  • Be mindful of petty crime, especially at night.
  • Inform your casa owner of your plans.
  • Staying in casa particulares fosters meeting locals.

Group Travel Logistics

  • Book larger casa particulares or adjoining rooms.
  • Pre-arrange private transfers for group comfort.
  • Book Viazul bus tickets for everyone well ahead of time.
  • Streamline your travels with advance plans.

Family-Friendly Adaptations

  • Look for casas with multiple rooms or a patio for children.
  • Baconao Park (dinosaur valley) is good for kids.
  • Cuban food is generally not spicy, suiting children.
  • Bring all kid-specific medications and toiletries.

Accessibility Notes

  • Physical accessibility is very limited in Santiago.
  • Travelers with mobility challenges should plan with care.
  • Ideally travel with assistance.
  • No specific adaptations are widely available.

Travel Smart

Patience and flexibility will greatly aid your Santiago de Cuba visit.

Resources & References

Access information for planning and during your journey.

Digital Assistance

Technology can support your travel planning and navigation.

Printed Guides

Traditional resources provide valuable insights where digital access is limited.

Safety & Health

Knowing who to contact in an emergency is always prudent.

Digital Resources

Essential Apps

  • Maps.me for offline maps and navigation.
  • Google Translate with offline Spanish language pack.
  • A currency converter for quick exchange rates.

Useful Websites

  • Viazul Bus website for intercity schedules.
  • Official Cuban Tourism Websites for general information.
  • Booking platforms like Airbnb and Booking.com.

Deepen Your Experience

Search for podcasts on Cuban history or travel to gain context and deepen your appreciation before your visit.

Emergency & Medical Information

Important Contacts

Emergency Numbers

  • Police: 105
  • Fire Department: 106
  • Ambulance: 104
  • Clínica Internacional: Preferred for tourists.

Medical Facilities

  • Clínica Internacional: In Vista Alegre neighborhood.
  • Offers better services for tourists.
  • Better medication availability.
  • Hospital General Juan Bruno Zayas: Public hospital (less preferred for tourists).

Lost Documents

  • Report lost or stolen passport to local police (105).
  • Obtain a police report; this is a requirement.
  • Contact your country's embassy in Havana.
  • Seek emergency travel document assistance there.

Digital Resources

Essential Apps

  • Maps.me for offline navigation; download Cuba maps.
  • Google Translate offline Spanish pack.
  • Whatsapp/IMO for internet communication.

Useful Websites

  • Viazul Bus for intercity schedules and booking.
  • Official Cuban Tourism Websites for general info.
  • Airbnb and Booking.com for accommodation.

Print Resources

Recommended Reading

  • A current Cuba guidebook for practical tips.
  • Detailed city map of Santiago de Cuba as a backup.
  • "Cuba Libre!" by Tony Perrottet for historical context.

Literary Context

  • "Havana Nocturne" by T.J. English.
  • "The Old Man and the Sea" by Ernest Hemingway.
  • "Waiting for Snow in Havana" by Carlos Eire.

Further Reading & Exploration

Visual & Audio Media

  1. "Buena Vista Social Club" documentary for Cuban music.
  2. "Fidel" documentary on Fidel Castro.
  3. "I Am Cuba" classic Soviet-Cuban film.
  4. Listen to traditional Cuban music: Son Cubano, Trova, Bolero, Salsa.
  5. Artists: Compay Segundo, Eliades Ochoa, Ibrahim Ferrer.

Community & Language Aids

  1. Search for Cuba travel groups on Facebook or Reddit (e.g., r/CubaTravel).
  2. These communities provide recent advice from fellow travelers.
  3. Utilize apps like Duolingo or Babbel.
  4. Use a Spanish phrasebook for basic phrases.
  5. Gaining Spanish aids better interactions.

Important Information

Natural Disaster

In case of hurricane threats, follow accommodation host or local authority instructions. Evacuation announcements will be made.

Embassy Contacts

Most countries lack a consulate in Santiago. The closest embassy for your country is in Havana. Keep their contact details ready for assistance.

Local Publications

Local newspapers like "Sierra Maestra" offer a glimpse into local life, though they are government-controlled.

Health Note

International clinics are preferred by tourists for medical care due to differing service levels.

Pre-Trip Checklist

Essential Preparations

+ Months Before

  • Passport Validity

    Check for 6+ months beyond departure.

  • Visa/Tourist Card

    Research requirements for your nationality and apply.

  • International Flights

    Book, especially for high season.

Month Before

  • Travel Insurance

    Purchase mandatory Travel Medical Insurance for Cuba.

  • Vaccinations

    Arrange any necessary ones with your doctor.

  • Gather Cash

    Start gathering cash in USD or EUR.

Pre-Trip Research

Currency & Exchange

Familiarize yourself with Cuban currency and current exchange rates.

Political & Economic Context

Gaining knowledge of the political or economic situation aids realistic expectations.

Basic Spanish

Learn basic Spanish phrases for better interaction with locals.

Start Learning

Arrival Checklist

First Steps Upon Arrival

  • Pass through immigration (passport, Tourist Card, return ticket ready).
  • Exchange currency at CADECA.
  • Purchase a tourist SIM card if local connectivity is desired.
  • Locate pre-arranged airport transfer or official taxi.

Orientation Strategies & Purchases

  • Acquire a local map or use offline Maps.me.
  • Orient yourself within your accommodation's neighborhood.
  • Ask your casa owner for local tips and services.
  • Buy bottled water immediately upon arrival.

Departure Preparation

Departure Timing

  • Purchase souvenirs well before your departure.
  • Avoid shipping items from Cuba; it can be difficult.
  • VAT refund procedures are not applicable for tourists.
  • Arrive at the airport 2-3 hours before international flights.

Return Journey Readiness

  • Reconfirm your flight details.
  • Possess the other half of your Tourist Card.
  • Have enough cash for the final taxi and purchases.
  • Plan for potentially slow check-in and security lines.

Pre-Booking Reminders

International flights, Tourist Card, and Travel Insurance require advance booking.

← Previous
Itinerary Suggestions
← Back to Santiago De Cuba
Next →
Resources & References

Next Up: Resources & References

Continue to Resources & References