Geography:
The State of Cuba is located in the Caribbean Sea on the islands of Cuba, Juventud (until 1978 – Pinos) and many (about 4195) small islands. It is washed in the north by the Strait of Florida, in the southwest by the Yucatan Strait, in the east by the Windward Strait, in the south by the Caribbean Sea. The area of the country is 110.8 thousand square meters. km (this is the largest island of the Antilles ridge).
The relief of the island is predominantly flat, hills and mountains occupy about 30% of the country’s territory. The highest mountain range is the Sierra Maestra, stretching along the southeastern coast for 250 km, the highest point in the country is Turquino Peak (2005 m.). Karst formations with many caves are developed. The shores (total length – 5746 km.) Are cut by deep bays and bays, and mostly low, often marshy and overgrown with mangroves.
Entry:
Russian citizens do not need a visa to Cuba for up to one month stay in the country. Permission to enter and stay in the country is one of the copies of the immigration card, which tourists fill out on the plane before boarding (in Latin letters). This document must be kept before leaving the country. The tourist passport must be valid for the entire stay in the country. There is no consular fee when entering Cuba and no marks are put in the passport.
Flight: from 11 hours (direct).
Customs regulations:
Tourists do not have to fill out a customs declaration. Allowed to carry no more than 2 bottles of spirits and 200 pcs. cigarettes; audio, video and photographic equipment – one item for each person. It is forbidden to import: computers (except laptops) and spare parts for them, products of a pornographic nature, medicines without indicating the brand of the manufacturer, some food products (fruits, meat and dairy products produced in European countries), it is also forbidden to import drugs, firearms, for with the exception of sport hunting rifles owned by tourists who come to the country for this purpose and who have the appropriate permit issued in Cuba upon arrival. It is forbidden to export song and exotic birds and animals (live and dissected), sea shells, cultural values.
When departing from the country, an airport tax is paid – 25 convertible Cuban pesos for each ticket.
Tipping:
Tipping in most cases is up to 10% of the cost of the service. Porter and maid at the hotel – up to 1 USD. It is better to give tips in person, as tips are usually given to the general cashier.
Safety:
Photographing military equipment, military personnel and industrial enterprises is strictly prohibited. Refrain from giving alms or alms to children and beggars on the street. It is strictly forbidden for Cubans to beg, and plainclothes cops patrol most of the tourist sites, so begging can land beggars in prison.
Cuba introduced severe restrictions on smoking in public places: since February 7, 2005, smoking has been banned in most institutions and enterprises, cigarette vending machines have been removed from public places, and tobacco sales near schools have been banned.
In general, you can be calm about the things you leave in the room (but do not forget to close the doors and windows). However, we strongly recommend keeping valuable items, documents and money in a safe (in the room or at the reception). This service is free in most hotels. In addition, please note that the hotel is not responsible for your belongings if you escort strangers to the room.
Medical: It is recommended to have international health insurance with you.
Tap water is not drinkable unless specifically directed by the hotel.
It is better to take essential medicines with you.
Electricity:
In most old buildings, the mains voltage is 110 V., 60 Hz. However, in modern hotels the voltage is 220 V. The sockets are standard two-pin.
Souvenirs:
Be sure to buy Cuban rum and real Cuban cigars, among which the most highly valued brands are Bolivar, Coiba, Montecristo, Partagas, Punch, Ramon Allones, Sancho Panza, X. Upmann”, “Romeo and Juliet” and “Trinidad”.
The famous Cuban rum is made from sugar cane. This is a state-owned production, so hand-buying is not recommended: customs officers may ask for a receipt. The most popular rum variety – Havana Club – exists in three types: Carta Oro (gold), Carta Blanca (white) and Anejo (old); they vary in maturity and price. Officially, you can take out two boxes of cigars (50 pieces) and 2 liters of rum. But in fact, no one checks it.
Cuban coffee is very tasty. This is a non-state export, and any quantity can be exported. The most famous varieties are Cubita, Turquino and Arabica Serano Washed.
