Banks: 08:00 to 12:00 and 13:00 to 17:00, Monday to Friday
Post Offices: 08:00t to 17:00, Monday to Saturday
Department Stores and Shops: 09:00 to 18:00, Monday to Saturday
Museums: 09:00 to 17:00, Monday to Friday with shorter hours on weekends; some close on Mondays
Business Offices: 08:30 to 12:30 and 13:30 to 16:30, Monday to Friday with some open on Saturdays

Thanks to the strong police presence that blankets the city, Havana is a very safe place to visit. The tourist areas are especially safe and well-patrolled, but streetlamps are an idea that has yet to come to Havana, so it’s best to avoid the side streets after dark. Despite the friendly nature of Cubans, the wealth gap between tourists and the average Cuban is massive, so keep this in mind. It’s better not to tempt fate by wearing flashy jewellery or carrying expensive cameras in the open. The economic stresses of living in Cuba have created a large number of panhandlers, prostitutes and hustlers, who often try to woo you into letting them be your guide. Try to avoid getting involved with these people, even if you feel pangs of sympathy for their situation. Solo women should be prepared for heaping doses of overt adulation from the local men, although it’s almost always just typical Latino flirting. On a more natural note, stay alert of weather conditions during the height of hurricane season from August to October.

Electricity: 100V, 60Hz, with two-prong sockets, although some hotels also have European 220V systems as well. Be prepared for frequent power cuts.

The main health concern in Cuba is traveller’s stomach caused by consuming unclean food or water. Stick to bottled water and you’ll be better off, and make sure any seafood you order has been thoroughly cooked. Even basic medical supplies are in short supply in Havana, so bring a well-stocked medical kit. Don’t assume you’ll be able to buy anything, even simple things like bug repellent or antibiotics.

Cuba produces a large amount of very well-trained doctors. Many of them stay in the country, so it’s easy to find good, competent medical care. Many tourist hotels even keep one or two doctors on staff.

Ambulance: 116
Cira Garcia Hospital : +53 7 204 4300

The official language in Cuba is Spanish and this is what you’ll hear spoken 99 per cent of the time on the streets. In hotels and tourist service offices, it is common to find staff who can speak English and other European languages, but your best bet is to brush up on a few basic Spanish terms to use when exploring the city.

Although the official currency of Cuba is the convertible peso, US Dollars are also officially accepted at all businesses, although most local establishments prefer pesos. It’s possible to spend Dollars, but you’ll always get the change back in pesos.

US Dollars are so commonly accepted that it’s best simply to bring Dollars in small denominations. State-run casas de cambio (CADECA) can be found all over Havana, at the airport and in some of the larger hotels. Most banks also exchange money, but the exchange kiosks are your best bet. ATMs are not a sure bet for getting money in Havana, as only some of them accept international bank cards. Anything related to a US bank will be rejected. Credit cards and traveller’s cheques which are not affiliated with a US bank are accepted at most places. So if you are an American, it is wise to bring plenty of cash.

Visitors to Cuba may bring 200 cigarettes, 50 cigars or 250 grams of tobacco, three bottles of spirits, 10kgs of medicine in its original packaging and gifts with a value of US $50 without incurring any customs duty. Visitors under 18 years of age are not entitled to a duty free allowance on tobacco or alcohol. Most food products, weapons and pornography are al prohibited and the customs office may seize any electrical product which is deemed to consume too much power (but they’ll give it back to you upon departure).

Like many other Latin and Caribbean cultures, Cubans are very outgoing, friendly and fun to interact with. They live life with a tangible flair, despite the oppressive economic conditions many of them face. They welcome tourists from all countries with open arms (even Americans) and are generally happy to help you whenever possible. Visitors should feel relaxed around the locals and can talk about most topics although politics is usually something avoided. Due to the tropical climate, dress is casual, but women should avoid wearing revealing items that show too much flesh unless you’re at the beach. It’s also a good idea to avoid too much eye contact with members of the opposite sex unless you have ulterior motives for romance.

Cuba is a bit of an anomaly when it comes to concepts like service, dining and the like. Since the government operates most of the restaurants in Havana, there’s a strange sense of sterility to the service and presentation of the food. Many visitors comment on the distinct lack of decent meals to be found in Cuba, so simply follow typical Western dining etiquette when eating out. Tipping is something to carefully consider, as most people who work in the service industry are paid a pittance by the government or their private employers. Tourist tips greatly help supplement their very existence, so feel free to tip on the generous side. A standard 10 to 20 per cent of the bill makes a good gratuity.

All visitors to Cuba need simply to have a valid passport to enter the country. Tourist cards costing US $20 are issued upon arrival instead of visas, and they are typically valid for 30 days, though some can be for up to three months. It is a simple matter to renew the tourist card for another 30 days for US $25. The Cuban government has no qualms about Americans visiting their country.

The government-run Infotur is the best source for tourist information. There are several branches at convenient locations around Havana, but the main branch can be found at: Calle Obispo 63 y Calle San Ignacio, Habana Vieja and can be contacted by calling: +53 7 63 6884