Travel to Cuba

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Travel and visa information Cuba

Currency Exchange

Students are recommended to bring euros, British pounds, Canadian dollars and Swiss francs. US dollars are also convertible, but exchanging them incurs a 10% penalty. Credit Cards can only be used in hotels and some restaurants, we only recommend using Credit Cards in ATMs or banks.

There are two types of currency in Cuba: the CuC and the CuP.

CuC is the currency for tourists and foreigners, 1 CuC = 1 USD. You can exchange Euros for CuC in hotels, airports and banks, we recommend SABECA.

CuP is the national currency. It is used by Cubans for their daily purchases. 1 CuC = 24 CuP. Change only 10 CuCs into CuPs for “Colectivos” and small shopping.

Pocket money

If you are staying with a family which includes two meals per day, you should expect to spend 50 to 60 CuCs per week on buses, taxis, snacks and miscellaneous items. If you are staying in a hotel with breakfast included, you should expect to spend 50 to 70 CuC per week.

Of course you can spend much more! We strongly recommend that you travel in Cuba, and our Secretary will be glad to help you with directions and reservations. For 40 to 60 CuCs you can expect a weekend anywhere in Cuba including public bus fare, budget accommodation and local food.

Insurance

There are good doctors and hospitals in Cuba and they are not expensive. However, be sure you get Global Sanitary Insurance prior to your trip, as it is mandatory for all visitors.

Arrival to Havana

Estudio Sampere Cuba is located at La Víbora, a residential district in South Havana. It’s easy to reach central Havana from the school; all accommodations are at a walking distance.

Arrival to Jose Martí Airport:

We strongly recommend hiring a transfer service prior to arrival.

Arrival to Cuba:

After getting off the plane, you should head for the immigration counters with your passport and tourist visa. It is a long procedure which includes a security check (metal detection). Then proceed to pick up your luggage at the indicated baggage claim. After the baggage claim, there is another security control to check the baggage itself. At the door to the only exit from the baggage claim you will find a guide with a sign from Estudio Sampere logo or your name.

Transfer to accommodation:

The guide will bring you directly to your accommodation on a private car. Jose Marti International Airport is located 40 minutes from Havana.

If you can’t find the guide, wait for 10/15 minutes by to the Money Exchange Bureau. If by that time, the guide is not there, take a taxi and go directly to the school. The school offers 24-hour service and we will always welcome you.
Vista Alegre 264, entre Luz Caballero y Juan Bruno Zayas
Tel (24h/7): 00 537 640 4484

Some important addresses and phone numbers:
Estudio Sampere: Vista Alegre 264, entre Luz Caballero y Juan Bruno Zayas.
Alberto Rodríguez (director): Mobile phone: 00 535 281 3935

Visas

All students need to apply for a Toursit Visa. The visa can be extended during the stay. You can apply to the Cuban consulate or directly to airlines.