Havana

State MLC stores — hard-currency shops (card only)

Mercado agropecuario — farmers' produce markets

Cadeca/CIMEX — state chains

Best: Nov – Apr · Wet: May – Oct

Fees: The system barely works for foreigners: many international cards (especially US-linked) are rejected, and ATMs are unreliable.

Limits: Low and inconsistent when they work at all.

Best machines: (Bring cash — don't rely on ATMs)

Vaccines: Routine, Hepatitis A; Typhoid for wider eating. Bring any prescription meds you need — pharmacies are sparsely stocked.

Health: Drink bottled water only. Carry your own basics (painkillers, rehydration salts, sunscreen) — shortages are real and shops may simply not have them. Tourist clinics (Cira García in Havana) serve foreigners for cash.

Tap water: ❌ Don't drink the tap. Bottled water can itself be scarce — buy it when you see it and keep a reserve.

Safety: One of Latin America's safest countries for visitors — violent crime is rare and tourists are generally left in peace. The real challenges are practical: cash-only economy, shortages of food/fuel/medicine, and long queues. Petty scams (rigged taxis, 'closed' restaurants steering you elsewhere) are the main annoyance.

For most short tourist trips, citizens of the US, UK, EU/Schengen, Canada, Australia and New Zealand either enter visa-free or get a simple online authorisation (an eVisa or eTA) before flying. Typical visa-free stays run 30–90 days. Some countries want a visa arranged in advance, and a growing number ask you to fill an online arrival or eVisa form even when 'visa-free' — so always check the official portal for your exact nationality before you book.