By SE Lewinski

HAVANA TIMES – A recent Cuban national visiting family via Panama noted very few Cuban passports going through immigration, and the foreigner line was predominant. However, they spent thirty minutes in a “Welcome Back to Cuba Interrogation” with a total luggage dump and repetitive questions before being released.

My friends always ask me, “Should we visit Cuba?” That is like giving financial advice; if things go wrong, people get upset and disgruntled. So, to be fair, I will provide the Good, the Bad, and the Ugly for whoever may take my advice as a world traveler and attempt to be unbiased (okay, maybe not hahaha!).

THE GOOD

Traveling to Cuba depends on where you’re coming from for accommodations. US citizens are not allowed to stay in government hotels or resorts on the island so they revert to private homes or apartments. Many Cuban entrepreneurs have their homes and apartments available for foreigners, leading to positive experiences. Travelers are encouraged to support the local people by bringing their tourist dollars coming to the island. These individuals struggle to maintain their property and are very diligent in taking care of their customers.

“Deborah’s apartment is modern, well-designed, and clean. The apartment has two air conditioners that you can control. We had no problems” Cassandra October 2024

“Amazing place to stay and explore the Vedado area of Havana. Close to restaurants and entertainment. Had all of the amenities I needed.” Troy September 2024

As for transportation, the equivalent Uber is La Nave a mobile application that connects passengers and drivers in Cuba 24 hours, whatever your destination. Just be careful, you can be taken on a joy ride to increase the payment. La Nave is not like Uber where you pay upfront, you pay cash after being delivered. Of course, you will need a SIM card for the island and can pay and pick up a prepaid one at the airport (need an unlocked phone).

Viazul is a country-wide bus system and can order tickets online (highly recommended). I have used Viazul to transit from Havana to Varadero, rather than a taxi or private car. Zero issues, just be aware gasoline availability can impact the schedule for buses.

Now a secret on how to get to the beaches east of Havana. Nice tourist buses leave from Parque Central in Old Havana. Make sure you ask where the beach pick-up return is because it’s not the same as drop-off. Also, keep your ticket; it allows a return at no extra charge. Just be aware the locals know about this transit and will line up way earlier than the foreigners to get on the bus. Side note, toilets are essentially non-existent on Cuban public beaches, except you know where.

Now, if you want a great nighttime........

© Havana Times