🇨🇺 Travel eSIM plans for Cuba

From the colourful chaos of Havana and the sugar-white sands of Varadero to the tobacco fields of Viñales, Cuba rewards travellers who use its unhurried rhythm. Stay in a casa particular (private homestay) for authentic charm and direct support of local families. Cuban music is everywhere: catch a live son or salsa band in a neighbourhood bar rather than a tourist show. Meals are simple but hearty; expect rice, beans, pork and root vegetables. Bring cash in euros or British pounds - credit cards from Singapore rarely work and the Cuban convertible peso has been phased out. The local peso (CUP) is now standard. Exchange at official CADECA offices for the best rate. Avoid changing money on the street. Patience is essential: internet is slow, transport can be delayed and supplies run short. Pack a reusable water bottle with a filter and download offline maps before arrival.

Cuba’s highlights are best enjoyed selectively. These four are worth your time:

• Old Havana (La Habana Vieja) - A UNESCO World Heritage site of grand plazas, crumbling colonial architecture and lively street life. Explore on foot and watch for impromptu music.
• Varadero Beach - One of the Caribbean’s finest strips of white sand and calm turquoise water. Ideal for swimming and sunbathing, though all-inclusive resorts dominate the shoreline.
• Viñales Valley - A lush landscape of limestone mogotes (hills) and tobacco farms. Go for hiking, rock climbing or a classic-car tour through the patchwork fields.
• Bay of Pigs (Playa Girón) - A historic site and excellent snorkelling spot. The clear, shallow water is full of tropical fish and coral. Combine with a visit to the small museum on the 1961 invasion.

Cuban cooking blends Spanish, African and Caribbean influences. These dishes are worth seeking out:

• Ropa Vieja - Shredded beef simmered in a tomato-based sauce with peppers, onions and garlic. Cuba’s unofficial national dish, often served with rice and black beans.
• Arroz con Pollo - Chicken and rice cooked with saffron, garlic and vegetables. A comforting one-plate meal found at most paladares (private restaurants).
• Picadillo - Ground beef (or pork) seasoned with cumin, oregano and sofrito, then mixed with rice and sometimes olives or raisins. Simple and satisfying.
• Tostones - Twice-fried green plantain slices, crispy on the outside and soft inside. A common side dish or snack, often salted and served with garlic mojo sauce.

Vegetarians will find limited options; beans, rice and fried plantains are reliable choices. Street food is cheap but hygiene varies - choose stalls with high turnover.

Cuba has a tropical climate with two main seasons. The dry season from November to April offers the most comfortable weather: lower humidity, clear skies and temperatures around 24-28°C. This is also peak tourist season, so book accommodation and transport well ahead. The wet season from May to October brings afternoon downpours and higher humidity, but also fewer crowds and lower prices. June to November is hurricane season; the official period runs from 1 June to 30 November, with peak activity in September and October. If travelling during these months, purchase flexible flights and travel insurance that covers weather disruption. The best compromise is late November or early December - still dry and warm, but before the Christmas rush. For beach holidays, any time from December to April gives the calmest seas.

Pack for heat, sun and unexpected rain. Cuba’s infrastructure is patchy, so bring these essentials:

• Lightweight, breathable clothing - Cotton or linen shirts, shorts and a light jacket for cooler evenings. Avoid synthetics that trap heat.
• Sun protection - Bring a high-SPF, reef-safe sunscreen (SPF 50+). Local brands are hard to find and often overpriced. A UV-blocking hat and polarised sunglasses are also vital.
• Comfortable walking shoes - Old Havana and Viñales involve a lot of walking on uneven cobblestones. Sturdy sandals or trainers are best.
• Universal power adapter - Cuban sockets accept two-pin round or flat plugs (Type A/B/C). Voltage is 110V, so check your electronics.
• A travel eSIM - Use a local data plan before arrival; Cuban SIMs are hard to buy and internet is slow. An eSIM lets you stay connected without hassle.

Pack a small first-aid kit with diarrhoea treatment and insect repellent. Leave valuables at home; hotel safes are not always reliable.