How Solo Women Can See the ‘Real’ Cuba, From a Woman’s Perspective

Travel Tips for Women in Cuba

Have the right mindset

Start your trip with no expectations – this makes travel in Cuba so much more satisfying.  Learn to embrace the natural Cuban calm and humour of dealing with daily struggles. — Clarita

The best tip for visiting Cuba is to go with an open mind. It is a poor country experiencing many challenges. However, these difficulties are offset by the country’s natural beauty, fascinating culture, and the warmth of the Cuban people.  — Talek

First travel with no expectations and then you’ll never be disappointed (do you research of course) and imagine what it was like to travel with no technology, which to be honest some of us will remember, traveling 20+ years ago! That’s what traveling in Cuba is like. — Gina

Expect the unexpected and remember that even the most difficult moments are all part of the “cuba experience”. This is how the Cuban people live every day under a blockade, much of what we take for granted in our own lives. — Clarita:

Learn a little Spanish, it will go a long way with the locals. — Gina

Safety in Cuba for solo women

Cuba is seen as a very safe place for women to travel in general. Petty crime is low compared to most other countries; women can walk alone at night; violent crime is rare, but don’t take unnecessary risks of course eg: don’t carry valuables or walk in areas locals would not! The Cuban people are always very friendly and helpful to everyone and do not abide by people mistreating any visitors to the island. — Clarita

Local scams on tourists do exist so don’t change money on the street. Street hustlers and wolf-whistling are both quite common in Cuba, just be aware of prices and ignore those whistles! None of this poses a danger to your safety. — Clarita

Check government travel advisories before you book a trip. Canadians here. Americans here.

You need to show proof of travel insurance upon arrival in Cuba – check rates here.

Bring what you need

There are food and oil/gas shortages in Cuba so don’t expect the same variety of food or services that you may be used to, particularly outside of Havana. In more remote resort areas, staff are usually bussed in from other regions so this may be affected as well.

Don’t expect to be able to buy any essentials in Cuba (come prepared with everything and more) you can always leave items behind to very grateful recipients. — Clarita

Take everything you may need, especially medications and period products, though the medical care is good, the resources are not. — Gina

Leave room in your packing to bring what you can in over-the-counter medicines and anything else, for the people. — Joy

Technology

Go to Cubacel phone store, and get a sim card for your phone. You can keep in touch the entire time you are there.  For years this was not the case! — Joy

Have multiple ways of accessing money. — Clarita

Do not rely on wifi (get that Lonely Planet guidebook), take cash, US dollars or EUROS, as ATMs are more than likely not to work. – Gina

The currency is CUP (Cuban Pesos). You must get them there. Sometimes you can pay with euros or US dollars. Your credit cards will not work there. – Joy