Cuba’s Largest Source Of Tourists Issues Damaging Travel Advice To Its Citizens
/Cuba’s Largest Source Of Tourists Issues Damaging Travel Advice
Excerpts From 6 May 2024 “Cuba Travel Advice” Issued By Government Of Canada
From the government of the Republic of Cuba: The primary sources of tourists in 2023 were “Canada (936,436 visitors), Cubans residing in other countries (358,481), Russia (184,819), the United States (159,032), Spain (89,285) and Germany (69,475).”
“Theft from hotel rooms, particularly in private accommodations (casas particulares), and from cars is common. Never leave belongings unattended in a vehicle, even in the trunk.
Some businesses may try to charge exorbitant prices, namely taxis and classic car rentals. Disputes about overcharging may lead to violence.
Some hustlers specialize in defrauding tourists. Most of them speak some English or French and go out of their way to appear friendly. They may offer to serve as tour guides or to facilitate the purchase of cigars. Some have used violence in their efforts to steal tourists.
Fraudulent tour agents and taxi drivers also operate throughout the country, including at Havana’s international airport. Thefts of luggage from taxi trunks have occurred.
In bars, sex workers, including minors, may be very persistent and intrusive with tourists who refuse their advances. Foreigners, including Canadians, have been the victim of theft after engaging in sexual relations, and some of them have faced child sex accusations.
Cuba faces chronic and severe shortages of basic necessities, including: food, bottled water, public water supply, medication, fuel, hard-currency.
Fuel shortages are currently critical and affect a wide range of services. Travelling across the island is extremely challenging. Public transportation services, including taxis, are often disrupted, leaving tourists with few options to travel. Some travellers have been temporarily stranded with a rental car. Intermittent shortages of tap water provided by municipalities happen, including in Havana and in resorts.
Hotels and resorts, that often use generators during power outages, may not be able to maintain their services. Fuel shortages may also affect government services.
Local authorities enforce the rationing of food and medications, which could also affect travellers.
Shortages may lead to disruptions to other essential services. There are often long line-ups at gas stations that have led to altercations.
Women travelling alone may be subject to some forms of sexual harassment. Incidents of sexual assault against Canadian women have occurred, including at beach resorts.
The telecommunications network in Cuba is poor. Connections are unreliable and may be intermittent. Some Canadian cell phones may not work, even in large cities. Internet access is limited across the island.”
