Havana, Cuba

• The 1950s cars and colonial buildings are real, but so are the daily power outages, unreliable internet, and cash-only economy. Credit cards rarely work due to US sanctions. Old Havana looks polished for tourists, but walk a few blocks into residential areas and you'll see the economic reality.
• Music is everywhere - live bands play in restaurants and plazas, locals chat with strangers. Eating alone is normal here, especially at paladares (privately-owned restaurants). You'll see Cuban women reading over coffee or dinner by themselves. English works in tourist zones, but you'll need Spanish basics elsewhere.
• Violent crime against tourists is uncommon - there are harsh penalties for crimes against visitors. The main annoyances are catcalling (piropos, which locals consider normal flirting), pickpockets in crowded areas, and people trying to sell you tours or cigars. The verbal harassment can get tiresome but doesn't usually go beyond words.
• No Uber here. You'll take vintage car taxis at inflated tourist rates, use the La Nave app if you get a Cuban SIM card, or walk. Vedado and Miramar have decent street lighting and feel safe at night. Centro Habana gets rough after midnight.

Spanish is the main language. English is spoken in tourist areas like Old Havana, Vedado hotels, and upscale restaurants, but very limited elsewhere. The emergency service (106) has some English-speaking operators. Tourist police (556-157) can help with crimes against foreigners and some speak English. Learn basic Spanish phrases like 'No me moleste' (don't bother me) and 'Necesito ayuda' (I need help).

• Catcalling (piropos) happens constantly here. Locals see it as normal flirting, but it can wear you down. 'No me moleste' (don't bother me) or 'Ya!' (enough) usually makes them back off. Covering up more than you might at the beach helps - locals don't wear revealing clothes day to day.
• Daytime is casual, but dress up a bit for restaurants and clubs at night. No shorts, flip-flops, or tank tops in nicer places. Cubans put effort into how they look when going out.
• Bring cash - euros or USD. Credit cards don't work because of sanctions. Exchange money at CADECA offices (they charge 8% on dollars). Official rate is 120 CUP per dollar. Street vendors offer 330-450 CUP but that's illegal.
• Power goes out every day, anywhere from 2-12 hours depending on your neighborhood. Havana gets better treatment than the countryside but still has scheduled blackouts. Charge everything when you have electricity. A portable battery helps.
• People here are friendly and chatty. You'll have nice conversations, but also get approached by people selling tours, cigars, or restaurant tips (they earn commission). Say no politely but firmly.

The first hour after landing is when you're tired, carrying everything, and easiest to take advantage of. Three things to sort before you fly:

• Your ride from the airport. A driver who meets you in arrivals, at a price fixed before you fly — no haggling at the taxi rank.

  Book an airport pickup

• Data the moment you land. Maps, ride apps and a way to call for help as soon as you switch your phone on. An eSIM installs at home.

  Get a good eSIM

• The emergency number. Police: 106. Save it in your phone, not just on this page.

  All emergency contacts

• Uber doesn't operate in Cuba. Use La Nave (ride-sharing app) if you have a Cuban SIM card and Cuban pesos - rides cost around 400 CUP ($1.90 USD) between neighborhoods. Otherwise, rely on classic car taxis that charge tourist rates of $10-15 between major areas.
• Official yellow taxis and classic car taxis are everywhere in tourist areas like Old Havana, Parque Central, and Vedado. Airport taxis cost €25-30 to the city center and drivers prefer euros or dollars in cash. Always negotiate the fare before getting in.
• Walking is the best way to experience Havana, though the heat and distances can be exhausting. Vedado and Old Havana are walkable during the day. Public buses (guaguas) are extremely cheap but crowded, unpredictable, and difficult for tourists to navigate.
• Coco-taxis (yellow/green three-wheelers) and bicitaxis (bicycle taxis) work for short distances and photo ops, but negotiate prices firmly as they target tourists.

Explore Havana with local guides and curated experiences.