and Trinidad. Hotels would be ideal for more
pampered travellers, as you’ll be given all the
amenities found everywhere else.
I took more local routes and stayed at
family-run bed and breakfasts. Initially, I had
wanted to Couchsurf with locals but I found
out it is illegal for Cubans to host foreigners
in their homes for free. Many turn their homes
into bed and breakfasts known as “casas
particulares” (private houses) for extra income
and to meet people, given they rarely have a
chance to see much of the world. My hosts in
Cienfuegos, Alexey and his family were some
of the loveliest people I’ve met on the road.
Many hosts have listed their properties on
websites like Hostelworld and booking.com.
You may still locate one once on the ground
as these places have to be labeled with a
small symbol similar to a blue and white
anchor by the door. Casas particulares are not
only cheaper than hotels, they also usually
provide meal options, laundry services, and
tour packages all the while making sure
you’re comfortable in a homely environment.
I also booked shared taxis through my hosts
as I prepared to travel to another city. It
is however, useful to know a little bit of
Spanish, and hand gestures, as not many
Cubans understand English well!
bottom
Morro Castle guards the
entrance to Havana bay
centre
A view of Vinales Valley
top
Tobacco farms are popular
attractions in Vinales,
Western Cuba
CURRENCY AND SPENDING
Cuba is one of the only countries that uses two
currencies, the CUP (pesos) for locals and CUC
(convertible pesos) for internationals. 1 CUC is
equivalent to US$1.00 (RM 4) and 1 CUC is 25
CUP. As a foreigner you will always be given
CUC when you exchange currency from legal
bodies. In touristic areas, most vendors would
list two prices and paying in CUC would usually
lead to paying extra.TEXT: HOI MUN YEE / IMAGES: 123RF & HOI MUN YEEIt is important to know that you cannot
obtain Cuban currencies outside the
country. You would have to get them at
local exchanges or banks. Due to less than
brilliant relations between the U.S. and Cuba,
exchanging the USD to CUC would result in a
10 percent tax on top of the 3 percent service
fee. For example, USD 100 would only get
you 87 CUC in return, so it is advisable for
you to exchange with Euros, Canadian Dollars,
British Pounds, or Mexican Pesos instead.
When it comes to the essentials, prices are
relatively low, especially for food. Local canteens
serving pastas, sandwiches, and pizzas are very
cheap, just remember your CUP to CUC rates.
Play your cards right and your daily expenditure
for food might hover just around the 15 CUC
(RM 60) mark. Depending on the type of bed
and breakfast you choose and services you use,
a stay of two nights might average to 50 CUC
(RM 200.) Souvenirs will always be priced in