Top 10 Things to Know About Cuba

Thinking of traveling to Cuba. Below are 10 things I learned on my first visit.

1. Cuba has 2 currencies. The Cuban Peso (that locals use) and the Convertible Cuban Peso that tourists use and it’s exchange rate is based on that of the U.S. Dollar
2. Expect that getting through customs upon arrival into the country will take you about 2 hours.
3. Cuban’s are hard-working, kind-hearted and engaging people
4. A bottle of Cuban Rum costs the same as a large container of Pringles chips.
5. The temperature in the winter months averages in the mid-20s C and the natives find that cold. (although it was close to 30C when I was there in December)
6. Cubans still use ration cards for basics such as bread and rice.
7. Cubans are cautiously optimistic about the future, especially in light of the announcement that the U.S. will be lifting the embargo, but the younger generation still feel that they may have a better life if they lived abroad.
8. Che Guevara is still a hero to many.
9. The beaches in Cuba are spectacular (but you probably already knew that). 300 beautifully clean, natural, white sand beaches along 588 km or coastline.
10. Cuba is a Photographers dream.