Travel Information From Nauru to Cuba

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Routine Vaccines

Make sure you are up-to-date on all routine vaccines before every trip. Some of these vaccines include

• Chickenpox (Varicella)
• Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis
• Flu (Influenza)
• Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR)
• Polio
• Shingles

COVID-19

All eligible travelers should be up to date with their COVID-19 vaccines.

Hepatitis A

Recommended for unvaccinated travelers one year old or older going to Cuba.
Infants 6 to 11 months old should also be vaccinated against Hepatitis A. The dose does not count toward the routine 2-dose series.
Travelers allergic to a vaccine component or who are younger than 6 months should receive a single dose of immune globulin, which provides effective protection for up to 2 months depending on dosage given.
Unvaccinated travelers who are over 40 years old, immunocompromised, or have chronic medical conditions planning to depart to a risk area in less than 2 weeks should get the initial dose of vaccine and at the same appointment receive immune globulin.

Hepatitis B

Recommended for unvaccinated travelers of all ages to Cuba.

Measles

Infants 6 to 11 months old traveling internationally should get 1 dose of measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine before travel. This dose does not count as part of the routine childhood vaccination series.

Rabies

Rabid dogs are commonly found in Cuba. However, if you are bitten or scratched by a dog or other mammal while in Cuba, rabies treatment is often available.
Consider rabies vaccination before your trip if your activities mean you will be around dogs or wildlife.
Travelers more likely to encounter rabid animals include
• Campers, adventure travelers, or cave explorers (spelunkers)
• Veterinarians, animal handlers, field biologists, or laboratory workers handling animal specimens
• Visitors to rural areas
Since children are more likely to be bitten or scratched by a dog or other animals, consider rabies vaccination for children traveling to Cuba.

Recommended for most travelers, especially those staying with friends or relatives or visiting smaller cities or rural areas.

Your passport should be valid for at least two months after your departure date from Cuba.

Local Phrases Language : Spanish

Local Phrases :

Greetings

Hello = Hola
Good morning = Buenos dias
Good afternoon = Buenas tardes
Goodbye = Adiós
Nice to meet you = Encantada de conocerte(feminine)
Encantado de conocerte(masculine)

Conversational

How are you? = Cómo estás
I am good thank you = estoy bien gracias
What’s your name? = Cuál es tu nombre?
My name is … = Me llamo …
Do you speak English? = Habla usted Inglés?
I don’t speak … = no hablo...
How do you say… in … = Cómo se dice... en...
I don’t understand = no entiendo

Basics

Yes = Sí
No = No
Please = Por favor
Thank you = Gracias
You’re welcome = De nada
Excuse me (as a question) =
Excuse me (as sorry) =
Wait = Esperar
Hurry up = Apresúrate
Go away = Vete
Let’s go to = Vamos a
I want to go to … = Quiero ir a …
A little bit = Un poco
A lot = Mucho

Shopping & Eating Out

Restaurant = Restaurante
Do you have? … = Tienes? …
Not too spicy = no demasiado picante
It was delicious = Estaba delicioso
The bill, please = La cuenta, por favor
How much? = Cuanta(feminine)
Cuanto(masculine)
Very expensive = Muy cara(feminine)
Muy caro(masculine)

Transportation & Directions

Taxi = Taxi
Car = Coche
Bus = Autobús
Right = Derecha(feminine)
Derecho(masculine)

Left = Izquierda(feminine)
Izquierdo(masculine)

Straight = Derecha(feminine)
Derecho(masculine)

Stop here = Deténgase aquí

Places

Downtown = Centro
Street = Calle
Hotel = Hotel
Museum = Museo
Mall = Centro comercial
Market = Mercado
Hospital = Hospital
Doctor = Médica(feminine)
Médico(masculine)

Time & Dates

What time is it? = Qué hora es?
Today = Este Dia
Tomorrow = Mañana
The day after tomorrow = Pasado mañana
Yesterday = El dia de ayer
When? = Cuándo?

Emergencies

Where is the toilet? = Donde esta el inodoro?
Help me, please = Ayudame por favor
Call an ambulance = Llama una ambulancia
I don’t feel good = no me siento bien

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Anyone who does not comply with current Coronavirus rules, (e.g. wearing a mask in public or) may be fined or even arrested and prosecuted. Cuba has strict regulations governing the export of antiques and artworks. You should obtain and keep the receipt for anything you purchase as it may be requested by Customs on departure. Some art and antiques need an export permit from the Country Heritage Office (known as Bienes Culturales). It is advisable to ask the vendor if it is needed and they have the required permit for the item you are buying. Professional photographers may need an import permit for their photography equipment, as well as the appropriate visa. The policy on importation of drones is under review and, for the time being, Cuban Customs advises visitors not to bring drones. They may be confiscated on arrival and returned on departure; these procedures may take some time. Cuba has strict laws on unauthorised professional photography, and on taking unauthorised images of children, young people or women. Cuba has strict laws on the use, possession or trafficking of illegal drugs. Cuban courts are handing out severe penalties for those convicted of drugs-related offences. Pack all luggage yourself and Don't carry items for anyone else. Cuba prohibits the import of all meat products and fruit. If you arrive in Cuba with any meat or fruit, it will be confiscated and destroyed. Avoid military zones and other restricted areas. Be particularly careful when taking photographs or videos in these areas, which are not always clearly signposted. If you are suspected of causing injury to someone, or breaking a law, you will normally not be allowed to leave Cuba during an investigation and trial, and may even be detained, depending on the nature of the offence. The Cuban authorities take a serious view of any breach of their immigration rules. In some cases those who overstay are detained by the immigration authorities on departure and detained while investigations into their activities are carried out. Homosexuality is legal in Cuba, but there are few places where gay people can socialise openly. Same-sex couples - particularly if one partner is Cuban - should be careful about public displays of affection, which can lead to unwelcome attention from the police and local authorities.

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Havana

Havana is Cuba’s capital city. Spanish colonial architecture in its 16th-century Old Havana core includes the Castillo de la Real Fuerza, a fort and maritime museum. The National Capitol Building is an iconic 1920s landmark. Also in Old Havana is the baroque Catedral de San Cristóbal and Plaza Vieja, whose buildings reflect the city’s vibrant architectural mix.

Customs Allowances : Click Here

Fake cuban cigars scams

Everyone's heard of Cuba's famous cigars, and the legitimate ones are arguably some of the best quality smokes in the world. Unfortunately, the high demand for these commodities among tourists has made opportunistic swindlers take notice.

These criminals will often approach foreigners on the street with an offer to sell Cuban cigars at a deep discount. Ever hear the old adage "if it seems too good to be true, it probably is"?

Most of the time, the cigars being peddled are either fake or stolen. One thing to take note of is that genuine Cuban cigars are only available in state shops, state hotels or at official cigar factories.

The real deal comes in a box containing a certificate and sporting a holographic seal. If you don't see either of these things, you're probably looking at a fake. Legitimate cigars can be pricey and cost anywhere from 5 CUC to upwards of 400 CUC, or more.

Phony cigars, on the other hand, typically sell for about 1 CUC, and are probably not even worth that since fake cigars are mostly composed of tobacco waste. If you want to buy a genuine Cuban cigar and save a little money in the process, try asking your hotel doorman. They can sometimes get you the real deal tax free, which will shave a bit off the price.

Restaurant scams

Cuban cuisine is delicious, and there are certainly plenty of delectable eateries to choose from. But one thing to look out for during a pleasant night out is a little extra on your bill.

Restaurants will often present an "adjusted" tab that contains extra items you didn't order. They particularly like to try this scam when you've been drinking and are less likely to notice.

The best way to avoid this is to simply pay after each meal or round instead of running a bar tab. And, of course, always double check your bill before paying.

Some establishments will work with other locals, who pose as friendly folks welcoming tourists and inviting them inside to enjoy a drink or snack. The unsuspecting victim is then charged double or even triple the normal amount, the excess of which is split between the business and its "friendly" accomplices.

Again, always check your bill to avoid any unwanted surprises.

Being short changed Scams

Cuban currency (CUP or CUC) can be a bit confusing to visitors, and some of the locals have seen this as an opportunity to make a little cash the dishonest way.

When paying for anything, whether it be a taxi ride, a meal or merchandise from a store, be very careful that you receive all of your change back.

One of the most common scams pulled in Cuba against tourists is that of short-changing them and then pocketing the money.

Be sure you fully understand the difference in value between the two currencies as well, so you aren't given back the wrong type. If you are due CUC back and the merchant instead gives you CUP, you've just received change that is worth about 20 times less.

Counterfeit Cuban money and crooks scams

Exchanging money on the streets is a definite no-no. Locals will often tout better rates and faster exchange service if you exchange your currency with them. What you'll likely end up with, however, is counterfeit or outdated money which will be completely worthless to you.

Meanwhile the criminal will be long gone with your good money. Local thieves will also often approach tourists with an offer to exchange their currency on their behalf at a local bank, where they claim they will be able to get a better rate because they are Cuban and foreigners receive inflated rates.

Know that if you hand over your money to one of these swindlers, you'll probably never see it again.

Fake products scams

While counterfeit cigars are probably the most popular "fake" item to sell in Cuba, criminals also offer other merchandise for sale on the street that is less than legitimate.

Bottled water, for instance, that is actually nothing more than local tap water, is often sold in touristy areas. It is usually easy to tell when a bottle has been tampered with, but not always.

Your best bet is to purchase water from stores instead. If you do happen to buy a bottle of water on the street and it tastes peculiar, throw it away immediately.

Rum is another item that is often fraudulently sold as genuine when in reality has been switched out for lesser quality product so be particularly careful where you purchase it and from whom.

Streets scams

These are local "career criminals" who basically make their living on the streets scamming tourists. They are particularly prevalent in the larger cities of Cuba since that's where they'll likely find more victims.

These con artists will offer to sell just about anything, from cigars to drugs to sex. One of their more lucrative scams is selling discounted tickets for tourist activities, which in the end are not valid.

By the time the victim discovers they've been duped, the thief is long gone with their money. Solicitation of this sort is not legal and given Cuba's high police presence, it's advised that you do not interact with jineteros at all. If they do approach you, politely but firmly refuse and walk away.

International Driving Permit 1968 is required

• The most common religion in Cuba is Catholicism
• Don't speak anything against the government.
• Don't forget that every kind of device which is capable of receiving signals from satellites is strictly prohibited on the island.
• Don't bring credit cards or travellers cheques from American-based banks, including AMEX, which are not accepted in Cuba. Visa, MasterCard, Cabel and Visa Electron are all accepted credit cards.
• Don't photograph military or police personnel or installations - you may well be arrested for spying.
• Don't be unaware of customs restrictions of Cuba - check the Cuban customs website.
• Don't draw attention to yourself as a tourist, especially if you are with Cuban friends of the opposite sex as the police will be quick to ask your friends for identification.
• Don't forget to shake hands upon greeting someone and leaving - it's common to greet friends and family with a hug and kiss on the cheek. Informalities like addressing a stranger with "mi Corazon" (my heart), mi Vida (my life), or Carino (dear) are common.
• Don't show the homosexuality - it's frowned upon by Cuban society and law enforcement agencies.
• Don't spit and blow your nose in public.
• Don't forget to take good care of your wallet and passport in crowded places - keep them in your front pocket, and leave valuables, important documents and the money in the hotel safe. Keep a photocopy of your main passport page.
• Don't litter - it's against the law.
• Don't get involved with drugs - penalties are very severe in Cuban law. - Don't carry anything through customs for anyone else.
• Don't order Papaya Daiquiri or - Avoid using the word papaya in Cuba - it's actually vulgar slang of "vagina".

Do I need travel insurance to travel to Cuba?

Travel insurance is very important when traveling overseas. We strongly recommend that you take out cover to travel to Cuba. You can usually take out single trip or annual multi-trip cover to give you peace of mind should anything happen.

It can be a better and cheaper option to take annual multi-trip cover as it usually covers any number of trips taken in one year with a maximum of up to around 60 days away per trip.

We work with the top names in the industry and have already pre-selected the easiest, cheapest and best quality travel insurance on the market to save you time and money trying to find the best cover.

Travel insurance typically covers the following; however, you can tailor a policy to suit your needs depending on where you are traveling to, your activities and how long you are away.

• Medical Expenses
  Medical treatment can be extremely costly and add up very quickly, and include Overnight stays in hospital, minor or major surgery, accident and emergency treatment, drugs, COVID-19 treatment, journey home if you cannot use the original ticket, dental treatment, and many more unexpected expenses.
• Baggage and personal belongings
  If your baggage is lost, stolen, damaged or delayed it is extremely frustrating. If you must buy new clothes, toiletry products or personal belongings it can be very expensive and time consuming.
• Cancellation
  Sometimes due to unforeseen circumstances you may need to cancel your trip. This could be due to several reasons such as illness, injury, a bereavement or many other scenarios. Usually airlines, tour operators and hotels have large cancellation fees, so buying travel insurance that covers this is recommended.

Health Care

Healthcare System in Cuba

Healthcare of Cuba is ranked 103th in the world. The Cuban government operates a national health system and assumes fiscal and administrative responsibility for the health care of all its citizens.

Health Risk

Leptospirosis

Caused by bacteria of the genus Leptospira.

Dengue

Occurs from insect bites, including mosquitoes.

Zika

Occurs from mosquito bite.

Hantavirus

Less commonly, being around someone sick with hantavirus.

Tuberculosis (TB)

Caused from an infected and contagious person coughing, speaking, or singing.