Destination: Cuba
LONELY PLANET'S OFFICIAL GUIDEBOOK INFORMATION
Dangers & Annoyances
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Cuba is generally safer than most countries, and violent attacks are extremely rare. Petty theft (eg rifled luggage in hotel rooms, or unattended shoes disappearing from the beach) is common, but preventative measures work wonders. Pickpocketing is also preventable: wear your bag in front of you on crowded buses and at busy markets, and only take what money you’ll need to the disco.
Safety Tips
Most travel advisories classify Cuba as a low-risk country though crime is purportedly on the increase. Basic travel advice includes the following:
Beware of bag-snatching and petty theft especially in tourist areas.
Remove all valuable items from checked-in luggage and consider having it shrink-wrapped (there’s a service available at Habana airport).
Take care when driving on Cuban roads.
Take out comprehensive travel and medical insurance before you depart.
Monitor national and international weather updates particularly during the hurricane season.
Stay clear of all illegal drugs.
Check with your home bank whether your credit card will be accepted in Cuba. If not, bring sufficient funds in cash/traveler’s checks.
Keep away from military zones/restricted areas.
Begging is more widespread than other crimes and is exacerbated by tourists who amuse themselves by handing out money, soap, pens, chewing gum and other things to people on the street. Sadly, many Cubans have dropped out of productive jobs because they’ve found it’s more lucrative to hustle tourists or beg than to work. It’s painful for everyone when beggars earn more money than doctors. If you truly want to help, pharmacies and hospitals accept medicine donations, schools happily take pens, paper, crayons etc, and libraries take books. Hustlers are called jineteros/as (male/female jockeys), and can be a real nuisance.
Annoyances include travel agents promising services they can’t deliver and tiradores (masturbators) who frequent dark places, especially movie theaters. If you’re sensitive to smoke, you’ll choke in Cuba, where even in hospitals surgeons are lighting up.
Despite the many strides the Cuban Revolution has made in stamping out racial discrimination, traces still linger and visitors of non-European origin are more likely to attract the attention of the police than those that look obviously non-Cuban. Latin, South Asian or black visitors may have to show passports to enter hotels and other places from which ordinary Cubans are barred (under the pretext that they think you’re Cuban). Likewise, racially mixed pairs (especially black-white couples) will usually encounter more questions, demanding of papers and hassle than other travelers.
Government travel advice
The following government websites offer travel advisories and information on current hot spots.
Australian Department of Foreign Affairs
British Foreign Office
Canadian Department of Foreign Affairs
US State Department
Lonely Planet recommends World Nomads Travel insurance
