When is the best time to go to Varadero?+
From December to April, when it's dry, with temperatures around twenty-seven degrees and minimal rain. It's the peak season with the highest prices, cresting around Christmas and February. From May to October it's humid and hot with afternoon showers, and September and October are the peak of hurricane season. Watch out in winter, though — the sea is twenty-five degrees in February, which is chilly for the Caribbean.
What do I need for a trip to Cuba?+
A passport valid for six months after your return, a tourist card arranged through your travel agency, and proof of health insurance, which is checked on entry. Before traveling, you fill out the electronic D'Viajeros form with a QR code. Important note: visiting Cuba disqualifies you from the US visa-waiver ESTA program, so you'll need to apply for a standard US visa afterward.
How does money and card payment work in Cuba?+
Cards issued by American banks don't work at all; European ones often do, but they can't be relied on — bring enough cash in euros for the whole stay. Euros exchange better than dollars, since dollar exchange carries a surcharge. CADECA exchange offices have hour-long lines; in Varadero it's simpler to exchange at your hotel. Bring small denomination bills from home — they can't be broken in Cuba, and tips are given in them.
Should I expect power outages and shortages?+
Not at the resorts in Varadero — they have their own generators and priority supply. Outside them, yes — planned power outages are common across Cuba, and even basic goods are missing from shops. Bring your own first-aid kit, including diarrhea medication, ibuprofen, bandages and repellent, since you won't find them in Cuba. Buy bottled water as soon as you see it, not when you need it.
How does internet work in Cuba?+
Wi-Fi is paid for with Nauta cards, sold by the hour, and hotel signal is often limited to the lobby. Speeds are low and connections unreliable. Most resorts now offer in-room Wi-Fi for an extra fee, but don't expect to work or stream. The wisest approach is to accept being offline for the week and let your family know in advance.
Is Varadero safe?+
Yes, Cuba is one of the safest countries in the Caribbean, and violent crime against tourists is rare — police are everywhere and penalties are harsh. More common are small scams: unfavorable exchange rates, cigars sold on the street that are almost always fake, and unmetered taxis quoting made-up fares. Healthcare is decent but medicine is scarce, so your own first-aid kit is essential.
Is a day trip from Varadero to Havana worth it?+
Yes, even if it means four hours on a bus for a single day. Varadero is a tourist peninsula where you won't see Cuba as a country; Havana is the opposite. Anyone with time should stay one night in a private casa particular — the city in the evening and early morning is completely different from a midday bus-tour stop. Matanzas or Cárdenas are alternatives for a shorter trip.
How much should I tip?+
Tips make up a substantial part of staff income, since state salaries are a fraction of what a tourist spends on a single lunch. At a restaurant, leave ten percent; at an all-inclusive, one euro to the bartender per drink and one to two euros a day for housekeeping. Give it in cash, in euros or dollars in small bills brought from home.
