Prepare for Your Trip to Cuba in 2025 — A Real Guide from Havana’s Casa VillaVerde
Travelling to Cuba is easy… when you understand how Cuba works.
Cuba doesn’t follow the script. And that’s exactly the charm. It’s a place where rhythm beats routine, where surprise is part of the plan — and where a little preparation goes a long way. This guide isn’t just a checklist — it’s your backstage pass to experiencing Cuba with confidence and curiosity.
We’re Casa VillaVerde, a casa particular in the heart of Old Havana. We host guests every week who come curious, and leave changed. And along the way, we help with everything: transfers, excursions, even the little things like where to buy snacks or how to find a working ATM (spoiler: you probably shouldn’t).
Let’s walk through what you really need to know to travel to Cuba in 2025 — with warmth, clarity, and no sugar-coating.
🛂 Entry Requirements to Cuba (2025)
Passport
Must be valid for at least six months beyond your arrival. Check now — don’t risk it.
e-Visa (Tourist Card)
Paper tourist cards are gone. All tourists now need a digital e-Visa. Get yours online here: 👉 https://evisacuba.cu/en/inicio
You’ll receive a code valid for 90 days, usually within 2–3 business days.
💡 If tech feels overwhelming, reach out — we can guide you through it.
D’Viajeros QR Code
The visa isn’t enough on its own. 72 hours before your flight, complete this form: 👉 https://dviajeros.mitrans.gob.cu
You’ll receive a QR code — don’t lose it. You’ll need it:
- To check in
- To enter Cuba
- Sometimes even to leave
💡 Screenshot it. Email it to yourself. Save it offline.
Travel Insurance
Insurance is required by law. It must cover:
- Medical emergencies
- Hospitalisation & repatriation
- Covid-related care
💡 For U.S. citizens: Travellers may be asked to purchase insurance locally, but enforcement is minimal nowadays.
💶 Cash, Currency & Cards in Cuba
Cuba has two economies — and only one actually works.
- Official rate: ~125 CUP = 1 EUR
- Real rate: ~370–400 CUP = 1 EUR (this is what everyone uses)
What to do:
- Bring cash in EUR, USD, GBP, or CAD
- Best bills: €20 or €50
- Don’t use ATMs (most don’t work or give bad rates)
- Don’t exchange at the airport
💡 We’ll connect you with safe, honest exchange contacts.
• Cash Only: Most local businesses accept cash in foreign currencies such as USD, EUR, GBP, and CAD. Foreign cards are barely accepted in Cuba, mostly in government shops, so please ensure you bring enough cash for your stay.
Accepted Cards (Sometimes):
- ✅ Visa, Mastercard, Postepay
- ❌ American Express, U.S. bank cards, contactless-only cards
🧳 What to Pack for Cuba in 2025
Forget fashion. Pack smart.
Essentials:
- Tropical mosquito repellent
- High-SPF sunscreen
- Hat, sunglasses, breathable clothes
- Comfortable walking shoes or sandals
- Flashlight or headlamp (for power outages)
- Power bank
- Prescription meds + basic pharmacy kit
- Offline copies of all your documents
🎁 Bonus: Extra meds, pens, or even candy for kids — locals are incredibly grateful.
📱 Internet & Connectivity in Cuba
Wi-Fi
Casa VillaVerde offers free Wi-Fi, but Cuba-wide it’s still hit-or-miss.
SIM Cards
A Cubacel Turista SIM costs ~\$25 (2.5GB + 20 mins + 20 SMS). Valid for 30 days. We can help you get one.
Pro Tips:
- Install a VPN before arriving (for Netflix, banking, etc.)
- Download Google Maps or Maps.me offline
- Save your e-Visa + QR code in multiple places
Cuba is one of the last places you’ll feel what travel was like before smartphones. And it’s kind of wonderful.
🔐 Is Cuba Safe?
Short answer: Yes.
Long answer: Cuba is one of the safest countries in the Caribbean, even for solo travellers or women. But you still need common sense.
Be aware of:
- Currency exchange scams
- Pushy “guides” or hustlers
- Unlicensed taxis with inflated prices
Avoid:
- Walking alone at night on dimly lit or empty streets
- Flashing expensive jewellery or cash
- Leaving your phone on a café table
💡 We’re always available to advise you with trusted local contacts for each city — whether it’s for safe taxis, knowledgeable guides, authentic restaurants or reliable services. Just message us any time.
🚖 How to Get Around Cuba
Transport in Cuba is part of the adventure — but with the right planning, it can be smooth and stress-free.
At Casa VillaVerde, we help guests move confidently both in and out of Havana. Whether you’re heading to the airport, exploring Viñales, or just need a lift to dinner — we’ve got you covered.
Intercity Travel:
- Private Transfers — Comfortable and secure travel across the island, perfect for airport pickups, day trips, or multi-city journeys. 👉 Book here
- Shared Transfers — A more economical option for travel to/from Havana. We’ll arrange rides with other travellers when possible.
In Havana:
- Private taxis — Safe and fast. We can book for you.
- Almendrones — Shared vintage cars. Authentic but informal.
💡 Always agree on the price before getting into the car.
Car Rentals:
Prefer to drive yourself? We offer reliable car rentals through our partners. 👉 See options
🌄 Want to Explore More?
Of course you do.
We offer day trips and multi-day adventures from Havana to the most iconic and beautiful parts of Cuba — curated with local insight, comfort, and flexibility.
- 🌿 Viñales — Explore lush tobacco farms, go horseback riding, and enjoy the stunning valley views
- 🐚 Playa Larga — Discover coral reefs and snorkel in the Bay of Pigs
- 🏛️ Trinidad — Wander cobblestone streets, sip canchánchara cocktails, and step into colonial history
- 🚘 Santa Clara & Cienfuegos — Rich in history, art deco charm, and Che Guevara’s legacy
- 🏖️ Varadero — One of Cuba’s most famous beaches. We offer day trips to this paradise of turquoise waters and soft white sand
💡 We craft experiences, not just itineraries — and we’ll adapt to your travel rhythm. 👉 See our excursions
🏡 Stay at Casa VillaVerde — A Private Home in the Heart of Havana
You’ll find hundreds of casas in Havana — but only one like this.
Casa VillaVerde isn’t a guesthouse. It’s a private home, designed just for you. When you book, the entire space is yours — no other guests, no shared areas, just peace, comfort, and that warm Cuban welcome.
We offer:
- 🛏️ Two private ensuite rooms with A/C, high-quality mattresses, and powerful showers (a rare find in Cuba!)
- 🧴 A fully equipped home — from towels and toiletries to kitchen basics and a rooftop perfect for sunset mojitos
- 📍 A truly unbeatable location — on a quiet street in Old Havana, walking distance to museums, plazas, bars, and hidden gems
- 💬 Personalised tips and support — we’re locals, and we’re always here to help you get the best out of your trip
- 📶 Wi-Fi during your stay — plus help finding SIM cards or getting connected around the island
💡 Whether it’s your first trip or your fifth, Casa VillaVerde is a space to relax, reconnect, and feel part of the real Havana.
👉 Book your stay now 📲 Or message us directly on WhatsApp: Click to chat
✅ Final Travel Checklist for Cuba 2025
- Valid passport (6+ months) eVisa: Apply here
- D’Viajeros form: Get QR code
- Printed travel insurance
- Cash in EUR/USD/GBP/CAD
- Essentials packed (meds, chargers, flashlight)
- VPN & maps downloaded
- Transfers, excursions, room confirmed
- WhatsApp us now for anything else
Questions? We’re Here to Help
We’re locals. We care. And we want you to fall in love with Cuba — the way we do every day.
📩 Message us on WhatsApp: Click to chat
Casa VillaVerde – Old Havana, Cuba. Let Cuba surprise you. Let us take care of the rest.
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