How safe is traveling in Cuba?
Cuba is a special country with an incredibly hospitable population. But how safe is it actually to travel around here?
I would like to tell you something personal about that question.
I have lived in Cuba for years and know the country not only from the beautiful beaches and tourist attractions, but especially from daily life. My own experiences are sometimes very different from the picture you get when you read the official travel advice.
Safety and crime
Cuba is known as a country where crime is relatively low compared to many other countries in Central America and the Caribbean.
Of course, this does not mean that nothing ever happens. Theft, fraud and robbery also occur here. Moreover, the difficult economic situation has increased crime.
Just like everywhere else in the world, it is wise to pay close attention to your belongings, not to sell large sums of money and to avoid remote places in the dark.
But I think it is important to say that Cuba should not only be judged on the problems that the country is currently facing.
The current situation in Cuba
Life in Cuba has changed quite a bit in recent years.
There are regular prolonged power outages and shortages of fuel, medicines, and other daily necessities.
Transport is also not always self-evident. A planned trip can sometimes go differently than expected.
These are real problems that you have to take into account.
In particular, the availability of medical care, transport and other necessary facilities can have consequences for your safety.
The official travel advice
At the moment, Cuba has a negative travel advice from most governments. This means that only necessary travel is advised and holiday travel is not recommended.
Personally, I think it is important to distinguish between crime and the problems with daily provisions.
You can feel safe on the street and at the same time face conditions that make a trip difficult or risky.
I take the official warnings seriously, but I also want to share my own experiences.
Therefore, always check the current travel advice and take a good look at the conditions of your travel insurance.
The official travel advice can be found here:
Well prepared for travel
Good preparation is extremely important in Cuba.
Think, for example, of sufficient medication for your own use, reliable agreements about transport, remaining available in the event of a power outage and sufficient opportunities to adjust your travel plans.
Payments also deserve extra attention. ATMs and payment cards don’t always work as you’re used to.
And perhaps most importantly, be flexible and take unexpected changes into account.
Cuba through my eyes
Despite all the difficulties, Cuba remains a very special country for me.
The hospitality, the music, the nature and especially the people make the country unique.
I want to show Cuba as it really is. Not only the beautiful sides, but also the challenges that come with everyday life.
With my years of experience and local contacts, I can help you get a realistic picture of the circumstances and what is possible.
Do you have any questions about Cuba? Feel free to contact me!
Hasta pronto!