Cuba is a lot more expensive than most developing countries. Be prepared to pay as much for food and services, as you would in any western ‘developed’ country. This is due to a unique set of circ*mstances that are found in Cuba. These include: complex monetary rules such as the artificially fixed rate for the local CUP currency; restrictions on private businesses which stifle productivity and make the country reliant on imports, and a 60 year strong trade embargo imposed on Cuba by the United States. The result is that most visitors find Cuba more expensive than they anticipated.
How much you take along with you on the tour is obviouslya personal matter. If you intend to purchase many souvenirs in Cuba, or if you enjoyspending it upon a big night out, we would recommend that you take a bit more than the estimated amounts below. In total as anestimate, where no meals or activities are included, you need to allowabout 80-100USD per dayfor expenses.
- View our recommendations onHow to access your money in Cuba.(Foreign currencies currently accepted in Cuba)
Personal Tour Budget Summary
Expenses you will have once you arrive in Cuba
- Food- Allow about 25 to 50USD a day for food where no meals included
- Other- drinks, souvenirs, communications
- Optional activitiesand excursions (see list)
- Taxi to airportfor departure - 25to 35USD
- Tips(see below)
Tour Inclusions
- Accommodation: Every night of the tour.
- Transport: To complete the itinerary. Transport foroptional excursions and day tripsis not included.
- Breakfasts: for each day of the tour, except thearrivalday.
- Local guide: throughout.
See:Individual Tour Costsfor more information on your particular tour.
Tour Exclusions
- International Flights
- Visa and passport fees
- Insurance (Travel Medical Insuranceis requiredto participate on the tour)
- All meals (except for breakfasts)
- Drinks
- Tips
- Optional activities/ day-tours / excursions
- Airport departure transfer
Tipping on the Tour
There will be times during your tour in Cuba where there'll be opportunities to tip local service providers - such as drivers and local guides. This isa completely optional practiceto show your appreciation forexcellentservice and you should never feel obliged to do so, especially if you feel you did not receive good service. You may tip individually, or your tour guide will offer to collect the money and tip as a group. Also at the end of the tour, if you felt your tour guide did an outstanding job, tipping is appreciated (see also the section about yourtour guide).
For local guides on day trips and other optional activities in Cuba,as a suggestionwe recommended a tip of 2 to 5 USD per person.
