Banks: 08.30 to 12.00 and 13.30 to 15.00, Monday to Friday; 08.30 to 10.30, Saturday
Post Offices: 08.00 to 19.00, Monday to Friday
Government Offices: 09.00 to 17.00, Monday to Friday
Business Centres: 09.00 to 17.00, Monday to Friday
Shops: 09.00 to 19.00 daily

Varadero is a safe holiday destination, particularly when compared with the average Caribbean town. It is almost completely reserved for tourists, is well policed and even single female travellers should have no hassles. You should still use common sense, however, do not swim past your depth, and take care on the roads if you hire a moped.

110V/220, 60Hz – generally twin, flat-pin plugs, although many larger hotels have the European twin, round-pin sockets.

Cuba, and in particular, Varadero, is nice and healthy, with a clean beach, clean streets and nice hotels. The beach can have strong tides but has lifeguards and is flagged - green denoting it’s safe to swim; yellow, proceed with caution; and red, don’t swim. Tap water is safe to drink but you are better off sticking to with bottled water (agua mineral sin gas) to be safe.

Emergency services: 116
Clinica Internacional Varadero: +53 45 668 611

Spanish is the official language, although English is spoken throughout Varadero in the tourist industry.

The peso (CUC) is the currency of Cuba, which is divided into 100 centavos. US dollars were banned in 2004 and must be exchanged and at a high rate of commission.

Duty-free limits for those aged 18 years and up include the following: 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars; three litres of wine or spirits; and gifts to the value of US$50. You will likely be scrutinised if you try and bring in lots of electronic items over and above personal use, although having a laptop, digital camera, phone and MP3 player should be no problem.

Cubans are friendly, open and easy to get on with, yet despite Fidel Castro retiring, criticising him or the government in any way is a big no-no. Dress is very informal in Varadero, as it is with anywhere in Cuba, although the Varadero Golf Course restaurant expects its guests to be properly attired. Ignore touts and tip waiter staff.

All visitors to Cuba need a tourist visa, passport, and return or onward travel ticket. Most airlines dish out visa forms on the plane. They are generally valid for 90 days but if you have left it until Cuba customs, you may only be awarded 30 days, which would be plenty of time in most cases.

The best place to find tourist information on Varadero is at the Cubatur, Cubanacan, and Havanatur offices in Varadero (CADECA). 
Phone: +53 45 667 870