What budget for activities and outings Cuba?
In general, monuments, remarkable houses and museums are freely accessible, and when they are not, you will be charged between 1 and 10 € maximum. Unfortunately, there is no cultural pass allowing access to Cuban museums and cultural sites, not even in Havana. However, some local agencies offer tours combining the visit of several sites. As for the price, it all depends on the distance covered during your excursion. It is often the transportation that costs money in Cuba. For a full day with a private cab, count around 60 € for the cab alone.
There are many sports opportunities in Cuba. From deep-sea fishing to scuba diving (coral reefs and wrecks in particular), from horseback riding to mountain hiking, whether on foot or by bicycle (three superb mountain ranges are to be discovered), there is something for everyone. Depending on the activity chosen, prices vary: 5/7 € for the rental of a bike or snorkeling equipment, 30/45 € for a diving trip, 300 € for a big game fishing trip... As for the hikes, it all depends on the length of the trip and the necessary logistics (with or without horse?).
In musical bars and other places hosting a live show, it is sometimes necessary to pay for a whole bottle of rum (about 15/20 €) to get a table. This is at least the case at the Casa de la Música in Havana! When in a bar a famous artist is programmed, a participation is sometimes asked.
What is the budget for accommodation Cuba?
Hotels. Cuban hotels are still struggling to meet the ever-increasing influx of tourists... Of course, since the thawing of diplomatic relations with the United States, many hotels are planned and some have already opened their doors, but the evolution remains rather slow while the number of tourists is still increasing at a high speed. However, the situation should improve soon with the construction of new hotels all over the country since nearly 80,000 additional rooms were - before the pandemic at least - planned by 2030
If the infrastructures are generally correct, even luxurious for some, the prices charged are often higher than the quality of the service provided. In the comfort category, the international Spanish chain Mélia is at the top of the list with more than twenty hotels scattered throughout the island. Adapted to international standards, it is certainly one of the best options. Then come the Cuban groups Cubanacan, Gran Caribe and Horizontes which form the bulk of the offer. Also noteworthy are the charming hotels that have sprung up in Havana's historic district under the direction of the Habaguanex company. Remarkable restoration work is involved
Roughly speaking, a hotel is at least equipped with a restaurant and rooms with air conditioning and television. The more you go up in the range, the more the facilities are extended: discotheques, tourist office, stores, swimming pool, water sports, sauna, car rental... As everywhere, prices depend on the season, the geographical location, the level of equipment and the number of stars
Finally, you should know that some establishments will not allow you to be accompanied by a Cuban man or woman, although this practice is becoming increasingly rare. In general, the receptionist will simply ask for the identity papers of your Cuban companion in order to register his or her details at check-in. The high level of prostitution in Cuba has forced hoteliers and casas particulares to protect themselves, as theft by prostitutes is frequent in the establishments where they spend the night.
Bed and Breakfast. This is the most economical option throughout the country. Bed and breakfasts are marked with a blue logo: an upturned anchor that can be seen on the doors of your potential guests. These are the famous casas particulares (casa particularin the singular). A good way to enter the reality of Cuban families. Expect to pay between 20 and 25 € outside the capital and expect to pay between 25 and 35 € in Havana (same price for one or two people). It should be noted that the level of taxation of the owners of these casas has increased considerably in recent years, as the Cuban government seeks to extract money from this lucrative business.
The casa networks. However, if lodging with a host family remains a very attractive solution, both humanly and financially, there are unscrupulous casa networks that inflate the prices, taking advantage of them in the process, and others that propose casas on their Internet site but change them at the last minute for a much worse one, presenting you with a fait accompli once you are there. So beware of the Cuban casa networks that flourish on the web. However, you can trust two serious networks that we have referenced in this guide, after having tested them several times: that of the Cuba Linda association and that of mycasaparticular.
Airbnb. You should know that Airbnb has been operating in Cuba for several years and the casas offered through this network are very good. For the payment you can proceed online as usual via the Airbnb website, but international money transfers to Cuba are still impossible, so Airbnb has organized itself and found reliable relays on the spot. It sends cash via one of its employees directly to the owner of the casa the day after the arrival of the tenants.
Passport and tourist card required. In all casas, upon your arrival, the owner will ask you for your passport and your tourist card because he is required to register you on a register of entries and exits regularly controlled by the authorities. So don't be afraid, they are not trying to steal your passport! This procedure is completely normal. It was established by the Cuban State to avoid the sneaky renting and therefore the non-payment of taxes by the casa owners... If a renter forgets to register a tourist on his register and thus to declare him, he must pay a fine of nearly 1,000 € to the State! It is therefore easy to understand why casa owners are quick to ask you for your passport as soon as you enter the door.
Camping. Wild camping is prohibited. The campgrounds are in fact only bungalows. A 100% Cuban atmosphere is guaranteed, as foreign tourists still rarely use this type of accommodation. The infrastructure remains spartan and rudimentary.
Travel budget Cuba and cost of living
Cuba is not a cheap destination. It is true that the current monetary situation is rather favorable to tourists, but this situation is exceptional and is not expected to last
Small budget: count 50 € per day and per person. Accommodation in casa particular, cheap meals and bus transportation
Medium budget: with 70 to 90 € per day and per person, you will have the choice between casa and 3 stars hotel and will be able to eat in good restaurants. Transportation by bus or collective cab.
Big budget: with a budget of 150 € per day, you will live like a pasha. 4 to 5 star hotels and the most expensive meals on the island. However, you will have to extend your budget a little more to have your own vehicle
