Travel Resources

1. SAFETY IN CUBA

Cuba is one of the safest countries in Latin America. Nevertheless, whenever travelling in a foreign country, basic knowledge of customs and behavior combined with common sense make for an engaging, informative and safe trip; normal precautions and remaining alert can prevent problems. You should know where you are going and avoid wandering into unknown areas without a fixed purpose. As in any large metropolitan city, Havana has its share of tourist crime. Caution should be exercised when walking, particularly in the evenings. We recommend carrying a money belt or small wallet/purse that can be easily concealed. Do not carry large sums of cash with you. There is no need to bring expensive jewelry, etc. on the trip. Carry a copy of your passport at all times and leave the original passport at the Casa Vera. It is recommended you leave several copies of your passport somewhere safe in the U.S. While most people who offer help may be trustworthy, maintain a degree of wariness and do not let your guard down. Use common sense at all times.

Consider purchasing a map and guidebook on Cuba and/or Havana. The Lonely Planet and Moon guides are highly recommended. Keep in mind that any guidebook you purchase may be out of date due to the ever-evolving situation on the island. Look for some smartphone apps on Cuba for use offline like Triposo, Map of Cuba, and even Google Translate!

You are welcome to contact the Program Manager about safety issues during past programs (crcrts@tulane.edu and dwolteri@tulane.edu), but please note that the University’s official position on safety in Cuba is reflected by the State Department and the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). This information is not intended to unnecessarily alarm participants; it is to serve as guidance for travel to the program’s specific region. Although all inherent dangers may not be eliminated from the study abroad experience, program administrators will do everything in their power to ensure that participants receive all the assistance they may need and all possible precautions will be heeded. However, it is essential that participants understand that they have a responsibility to act in the best interests of their own health and well-being at all times.

2. CULTURAL RESPECT

No matter how hard you try, you will not blend in, but you can take measures to not stand out so much. Cubans are friendly and will engage you in conversation. Also, please remember that this is a different culture than your own. Things will be done differently. The internet is not as readily available as it is in the U.S., and when available is not very fast. Flexibility, a sense of adventure, and a willingness to adapt to and enjoy new experiences are necessary to get the most out of this program. You must keep in mind that you are a guest during your stay in Cuba and should behave accordingly. Your status as a visitor does not excuse you from not complying with the country’s laws and cultural customs.

3. LECTURES/PRESENTATIONS

General program details, lectures and other requirements will be discussed during the first online orientation session. It is recommended to download or print out/make copies of all the suggested pre-reading materials you may need while in Cuba before departure. They will be available through Google Drive for easy access by May 18, but it is important that you download everything you need before you leave and save it on a flash drive. Internet in Cuba is slow and downloading documents can be a herculean task. We will provide access to Google Drive in the next weeks.

4. HOUSING

You will be housed at Casa Vera on Calle E #354 e/15 y 17, Vedado. In the heart of the tree-lined neighborhood of el Vedado, Casa Vera is conveniently located to local transportation, cultural venues, the Malecón, several restaurants and Internet access. Breakfast and dinner are provided on site. Each shared room is equipped with private bathroom, A/C, and a small refrigerator. Although the cleaning staff will provide and regularly change towels and bed linens, it is highly recommended that you bring an extra towel for beach trips and perhaps a pillow (if you need fluffiness).

*The residence has its own policies in terms of guests, alcohol, dining, etc., which they will share with you upon arrival.*

5. MEALS, FOOD, AND BEVERAGES

The program fees include breakfast and dinner most days (with few exceptions such as overnight trips). All meals will be served in the dining room of Casa Vera. Please be considerate and let the staff know if you will not be eating in the dining room on any given evening. These meals are for program participants only. Participants may not invite outside guests to partake in these meals.

Although the kitchen will do everything in their power to accommodate special dietary needs, it is important that you communicate clearly with the kitchen staff what you can and cannot eat and remain flexible and open. Participants are, of course, encouraged to experience local food on their own; the on-site program directors will be happy to suggest options throughout the city.

It is recommended that you drink bottled water to avoid the inevitable stomach issues associated with trying to adapt to tap water in Cuba. Casa Vera provides boiled and filtered water that is also safe for drinking.

6. CLOTHING

Bring practical, light, and presentable clothing. Lighter clothing includes cotton pants, skirts, short sleeve shirts, and tank tops. Lycra-cotton blends seem to hold their shape a little better (remember your clothes will line dry after washing). Cubans tend to dress informally but don’t confuse this with indifference. Bring one or two nice outfits/summer dresses for parties and the theater. There are many venues where short shorts are not acceptable although short skirts generally are. Bring a pair of comfortable sandals and walking/tennis shoes. Bring a waterproof jacket and umbrella for the occasional rain shower and more importantly to provide extra shade for the tropical sun. Bring at least one long-sleeve shirt and one pair of jeans. The sweatshirt and long-sleeve shirt will also be useful in dealing with the occasional over-air-conditioned theater, bus or other venue. And of course you will need a bathing suit.

7. PASSPORT

Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the start date of the program (June 23rd). When in Cuba, carry a copy of your passport with you at all times and leave the original at the residence in a safe place. Participants must take every precaution to ensure that their passports are not lost or damaged during their stay. Keep in mind you will need your passport on overnight trips in order to check into hotels. It is also recommended you leave copies of your passport somewhere safe back in the U.S.

8. VISA

U.S. citizens require a visa to enter Cuba. You will purchase your visa when you check in for your flight or at the gate before you board for Havana. You will be travelling on a tourist visa categorized under “Educational Activities.” Depending on the airline, a tourist visa will cost $50-100 USD. These visas allow one entry into the country only. Due to the limits set on this visa, participants will not be allowed to stay on the island and travel beyond the last day of the program, July 7th.

9. AIR TRANSPORTATION INFORMATION

You will be responsible for booking your international flight for this program from your home airport to Havana, Cuba and back; it is not included in the program cost. There are direct flights on most major airlines from Miami (American and Delta); Ft. Lauderdale (Jet Blue and Southwest); New York/Newark (Delta, Jet Blue, United); Houston (United); Charlotte (American); Tampa (Southwest); and Atlanta (Delta).

While you are welcome to arrive in Havana anytime on Saturday, June 23rd, the program will provide transportation from José Martí International Airport to your residence at 3:00PM. To be able to use this group transportation, your flight should be scheduled to arrive by 2:00PM. When returning on Saturday, July 7th, program transportation will have you at the airport by 7:00AM, so any flight leaving HAV at 9:15AM or later should be fine. Of course, you are welcome to book any flight most convenient to your travel needs; however, you will be responsible for getting to/from the Casa Vera on your own. If you have questions about a flight you are about to book, contact one of the staff.

TO SUMMARIZE, if you want to use program transportation to/from José Martí International Airport to the residence, we recommend that you book your flight from your hometown arriving into HAV no later than 2:00PM on June 23rd; the return MUST be on July 7th with departure time no earlier than 9:15AM.

10. MONEY

There are two types of currency in Cuba, both called the peso. The regular Cuban peso (=USD $0.04) is referred to as “moneda nacional” or “pesos cubanos” and identified on signs as MN. The Cuban Convertible Peso or CUC (=USD $.87) must be used everywhere U.S. dollars were once required—all tourist places, many restaurants, stores, and supermarkets (or “shopping”). It is legal to bring U.S. dollars or other foreign currencies into the country and to hold them, but you currently cannot actually spend anything except CUC and, where allowed, MN. Money should be changed at official exchange houses known as cadeca(s), which can be found at nearby hotels and other locations near Casa Vera. The exchange rate is exactly the same at each cadeca ($1 = 0.87 CUC) so there is no need to look for the best rate.

You will need money for lunches and some other meals, entertainment, gifts to take home, and incidentals. Because of the peculiarities of U.S.-Cuba relations, you must give some thought ahead of time as to how you are going to have this money available to you in Cuba. While one of the immediate changes implemented in the steps of normalizing relations with Cuba was that U.S. citizens could now use their credit cards and ATMs legally, we have not been able to confirm that this is actually easy or even possible. For that reason we recommend that you bring enough cash to cover your expenses for the entire duration of the program. We recommend $500-$700, but this suggested amount will be explained in the Orientation Session. Do not bother with traveler’s checks. They are extremely difficult to change. Cash is still the go-to, and if we hear otherwise in the coming weeks, we will inform you.

11. MEDICAL CONCERNS

Be sure to bring any prescription and non-prescription medications you may need for two weeks. The variety and availability of some products are extremely limited or non-existent, so consider what you will need for two weeks and bring an extra supply just in case. If you wear glasses or contacts, we recommend bringing an extra pair/supply. If you take vitamins, we suggest you bring along an adequate supply as well. If you will be taking medication that requires refrigeration or special handling, please notify us in advance so we may make the necessary arrangements. Bring along basic over-the-counter products like aspirin/analgesics, decongestants, in case of summer colds, anti-histamines, Band-Aids, mosquito repellents/lotions, medicine for mild stomach ailments, etc. Also make sure that all medications are in properly labeled containers.

All participants will have health insurance in Cuba. The Cira García clinic, located on Avenida 41 and 20 in Miramar is where the group will receive any non-emergency medical care. The clinic and pharmacy caters to tourists and foreign residents, has a good selection of medications, and offers excellent service. This insurance does not cover existing conditions; therefore it is important that you bring any prescription medicine with you. If you have any physical or learning disabilities that might require accommodation, please notify LARC at crcrts@tulane.edu and dwolteri@tulane.edu.

12. TRANSPORTATION/GETTING AROUND TOWN

The 2018 Summer Educator Institute in Cuba program provides official transportation to and from events specifically included in the schedule, such as airport travel, scheduled weekend excursions, and class field trips. The participant must provide all other transportation, incidental, or recreational. The most affordable way to travel within the city of Havana is by bus (guagua) or by peso cabs (colectivos, máquinas).

La Guagua (the bus): Bus fare is 40 centavos of a Cuban peso, which in our currency is basically free. The buses get VERY full, you will have to work your way to the back of the bus before your stop if you want to get off in the right place. The P1, P11, P4 and P5 could be particularly helpful during the program. Please be aware of pickpockets on the bus.

Máquinas (Peso Cabs/Collective Taxis): By and large, máquinas are the old American cars, and have taxi signs. However, any car might be a cab. They follow set routes, generally up and down one of the major roads (e.g. Línea, Calle 23) and they generally begin/end at Capitolio and emanate to the outskirts of the city. You can take a máquina from any point on its route to any other point on the route for a flat rate of 10 Cuban pesos (USD$0.40). Never ask the price, otherwise you’ll be charged more than 10 pesos. Stand on the corner of a major street, hail a car and ask the driver if he passes your destination, he will either drive off or tell you to get in. To get to Habana Vieja say “Capitolio.” Máquinas are your best bet to get to Centro Habana or Habana Vieja, and they are much faster and more comfortable than the guagua, but they are getting increasingly more difficult to get because of tourist demand.

CUC Cabs: There are two types of taxis that only accept CUCs (Cuban convertible pesos). The newish cars (1990s) with taxi company logos (e.g. Panataxi, Cubataxi) are the most expensive. Always negotiate a price before you get into the cab because they are no longer required to use meters. Fair fares: $6-8 from Vedado to Miramar, $6-10 to Habana Vieja. You can call 7855-5555 for these taxis, though it’s invariably faster to hail one on the street or at a taxi stand at a near-by hotel. Some old American cars have been fixed up in order to cover the tourist demand for transportation. You will see these waiting outside of clubs and nicer restaurants. Same drill: negotiate a price before getting in the cab. “Bumblebee” cabs are the 1970s Soviet cars that are painted yellow and black, they are a dollar or two cheaper than the fancier cabs, and you always have to bargain a price.

13. COMMUNICATIONS

Telephones: You may receive calls from the U.S. at the following numbers at Casa Vera (53) 7832-8771 or (53) 7832-3991. These numbers will connect you to house and then the caller should ask for you by name. At the local Etecsa on Calle 17 e/ C y B you can purchase calling cards in CUC to make long distance international calls if necessary, but it can be very expensive. Other (more viable) options are the programs Viber and Imo that allow you to make and receive phone calls on your phone when connected. Also, word has it that Facebook video calls have been working recently!

E-mail: Email is the most effective way to communicate with family and friends, although it is slower than what we are used to and not as ubiquitous. The following are some of the ways to get internet access in Havana and Cuba:

• As of July 2015 there are several outdoor wifi hotspots all over Havana and in most major plazas en cities all over Cuba, including Trinidad, but you still need to purchase a 2 CUC Nauta card in order to access the service for 1 hour. These cards can be purchased at ETECSA and at some hotels. They can also often be purchased from individuals on the street/near wifi hotspots who resell them for 3 CUCs.
• In Havana Wi-Fi is sometimes available at the Hotel Presidente (somewhat unreliable) which is on the corner of Calle G (Avenida de los Presidentes) and Calzada. The most convenient place for Wi-Fi access to the ANAP is the Hotel Paseo on the corner of Calle 17 and A.
• Wi-Fi is also available at the Meliá Cohiba for 10 CUC/hr, which is about a 15 minute walk from the ANAP.

Reminder: You can save money by composing your emails at the residence and taking them to the internet facility on a flash drive.

NOTE: You should be prepared for the fact that this will be the most un-wired few weeks you have had in quite some time. You may be able to find something positive in not being able to go on-line ten times a day, but then again, you may not. Be flexible!

14. FIELD TRIPS AND EXCURSIONS

The program has tentatively planned some overnight excursions and local field trips related to the course content. All participants are required to participate in all group travel and visits.

15. ITEMS TO PACK:

These items are not required but are very good suggestions if you want to bring them:

• Alarm clock (while not a daily occurrence, you might experience some blackouts in Cuba, so a battery-operated clock is preferable to one that plugs in. You will be responsible for getting yourself up and going on time.)
• Swiss army knife (it will need to be packed in your checked luggage)
• Small flashlight (for blackouts and dark streets)
• 1-2 flash drives
• Plastic grocery bags (called jabas; essential for shopping and other purposes)
• A small Spanish/English dictionary
• A small first-aid kit (plenty of Band-Aids)
• Personal hygiene products
• Handi-packs of tissue (to use in public bathrooms for toilet paper; very useful!)
• Insect repellent
• Sunscreen, hats, sunglasses
• Water bottle
• Umbrella (for rain and the sun)
• Woolite or laundry detergent (a small bottle is useful, particularly if you plan to do your own laundry)
• Clothes pins to hang wet clothes on the line
• At least one pair of pants
• Towel(s) (for beach trips)
• Prescription medicines (bring enough for the four weeks)
• Vitamins and prescription or OTC medicines (cold/allergy medicine, Tylenol, Advil, etc.)
• Contact lenses and contact lens solution (bring an extra pair, or bring extra glasses)
• Cuba/Havana travel guide/guidebook
• A surge protector (an absolute necessity. Expect power failures and fluctuations periodically)
• A plug adapter (from three prongs to two)
• Notebook and pens/pencils for taking notes
• Small shoulder bag (especially a waterproof one. Backpacks make you very sweaty; a smaller shoulder bag may be better, but it is up to you)
• Spices/hot sauce (Cuban food is tasty and nutritious but tends to be bland)
• If you are a smoker, bring lighters.