IMPORTANT DOCUMENTS

A valid Canadian passport is required for Canadians intending to visit Cuba. The passport must be valid for at least one month beyond the date of your expected departure from Cuba. You will receive a tourist card on the Westjet or Air Canada flight.

Participants from other countries should check with the Cuban embassy or consulate.


BAGGAGE INFORMATION

Westjet: http://www.westjet.com/guest/en/travel/basics/baggage/checked.shtml

Air Canada: http://www.aircanada.com/en/travelinfo/airport/baggage/checked.html


HEALTH INSURANCE

Since May 1, 2010, travellers must present proof of health insurance in order to enter the country. Upon arrival, travellers may be required to present an insurance policy, insurance certificate, or medical assistance card valid for the period of their stay in Cuba. Those who do not have proof of insurance coverage may be required to obtain health insurance from a Cuban insurance company when they arrive.


PHONE NUMBERS (dialling from Canada)
Hotel Victoria:  011- 5373 - 33510
Hotel Moka:     011- 4857 - 8600


MONEY
It is recommended to bring CASH (Canadian, *not* American).  All transactions will be in the Cuban Convertible currency (CUC).  There is also a Cuban peso, but it is not intended to be used by tourists. As of January 2012, CUC is worth about $1.10 CAD.

Do not count on the use of bank machines or credit cards.  The rare place that accepts Visa cards also charges an additional 11% for their use — and there may be a (long) delay while waiting for processing.  Do not bring traveller’s cheques.

You will be able to change money at the airports, banks, and at our hotel (24 hours a day).

SAFE DEPOSIT BOX
Your hotel room will have a safe deposit box to safely store your passport and money.

MEAL COSTS
Breakfast will be provided. The March 15-25 has many lunches and dinners included.

We will seek reasonably-priced lunch and dinner restaurants. Lunches should range between 5-10 CUC, dinners 10-20. A “big splurge” meal for 30-45 CUC may also be planned.  As with all the program activities, you can choose to opt in or make your own plans.

Beer and mixed drinks are usually 1-3 CUC, while bottled water and coffee/tea are 1-2 CUC.

SOUVENIRS
There is not a lot to buy, but the following are available: cigars (of course!), rum, handicrafts, and t-shirts.  The items that tourists typically purchase, such as rum, cigars, and t-shirts, are available at the airport departure lounge for about the same prices as elsewhere.

Fine art purchased requires a certificate (available from sellers) for leaving the country. More expensive art may also be available.

DEPARTURE FEE
You will need 25 CUC as the departure tax, to be paid at the airport when you leave Cuba.  


DRESS
In Havana, dress is casual, but not beach-resort casual.  Flat, comfortable shoes are recommended.  Running shoes and sandals are fine. Temperatures typically average around 22-30C.  However, bring a light jacket or sweater for cool evenings and air-conditioned restaurants.

Plain, casual dress is appreciated.  Women need not "dress up".  This is also true for evening activities.


TIME ZONE
Eastern Standard Time

PACKING
Please note that it may be difficult or impossible to find certain items in Cuba that you may have forgotten to pack.  It is recommended that special care to include an ample supply of any prescription or over-the-counter medications you may require while on the trip, as well as common health and beauty aids such as antacids, laxatives, tampons, sunscreen, tissues, and bandages.

A suggested list to consider:

• Face cloth, shampoo, conditioner, hairspray, comb, hair brush
• Tissues, toilet paper and hand sanitizer for washrooms away from hotels
• If you are sensitive to foreign food and water, bring Kaopectate or Imodium
• Toothbrush, toothpaste, dental floss, mouthwash
• Shaver and supplies
• Deodorant, fragrance, moisturizer
• Bandages or a miniature first-aid kit
• Fingernail clippers, lip balm
• Insect repellent such as citronella essence
• Earplugs (if trouble sleeping)
• Vitamins, aspirin, or equivalent
• Camera, memory cards and lot of batteries for digital cameras
• MP3 player, batteries
• Rubber-bands, plastic bags, super glue, safety pins, sewing kit
• Novel, guide book, Spanish dictionary/phrase book, notebook, pens, pencils
• A 220 adapter may be useful for electrical devices

ELECTRICITY
Electricity in Cuba is a mixture of 110 or 220 volt outlets. Hotels usually have 110 volt outlets which use the same two-prong plugs as those in Canada, but rooms may also have 220 volts.  It is advisable to check with the hotel desk.


HEALTH
No inoculations are required before visiting Cuba.

Bottled water, which is easily accessible, is recommended;  tap water is not recommended for drinking.


GIFTS/DONATIONS
Cubans can use just about anything and everything.  In the past, tour participants have brought items that we take to places we visit, including a children’s home, and other programs for families (and have often regretted not bringing more).  Health items, cosmetics, reading glasses, school and office supplies, anything for children, and used clothing (summer variety!) will all be appreciated.