General Information

Time:

GMT -5

Language:

Spanish

Electricity:

110/220 60HzHz

International Flights:

We have contracts with all the major airlines that fly from the UK to Cuba.

Virgin Atlantic: London Gatwick to Havana Direct – Sunday & Thursday* *As of March 2008, this will change to Wednesdays Cubana: London Gatwick via Holguin (Eastern province of Cuba) to Havana – Saturday & Wednesday Iberia: Daily service from major UK airports via Madrid to Havana Air France: Daily service from major UK airports via Paris to Havana.

**It is advisable to inform us at the time of booking if you have any special dietary requirements or need special assistance at the airport so that we can inform the airline**

Hotels:

The accommodation we feature has been hand selected by ourselves in order to provide at least a minimum basic standard of service. If there is a hotel that you know of but has not been featured, please do not hesitate to ask as we are more than likely to have the rates for it.

**It is advisable to inform us at the time of booking of any specific requests, therefore we can check with the hotel to assure these services are available **

All Inclusive:

All meals and drinks are included in the price, as well as non – motorized sports (subject to availability), however, some All Inclusive hotels may charge for mineral water as this is not always covered by the rates. You may only find local and international brand drinks in the higher star rated hotels opposed to the lower star rated who may only serve local beverage.

Health:

We would recommend that you contact your local GP to get any up to date health information including vaccinations prior to traveling.

Currency:

In November 2004, the US Dollar was no longer accepted in Cuba and they introduced the Cuban Convertible Pesos (cuc). It is adviseable to take UK sterling or Euros as exchanging dollars into cuc will incur you a 10% charge. Credit Cards that are not issued by an American Institution are accepted widely in Cuba, however it is strongly recommended to check with your bank before traveling to avoid any disappointment. Using a Credit Card will mean that you will incur an additional charge of around 11%, therefore it is advisable to take cash.

Departure Tax:

Currently 25 Cuban Convertible Pesos (cuc) per person and is payable locally before you depart Cuba.

Climate:

Cuba has a year round hot tropical temperature. The cooler period tends to be from November to March when the temperature drops to around 20°c during the daytime. May to October is usually rainy season, however the temperature is high and it could be days before you see some rain – and when you do it is quite refreshing. Mid September to early November is considered to be the hurricane season, but like British weather it is not always guaranteed.

Visa:

Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the date that you return to the UK. All clients traveling to Cuba need a Visa (Tourist Card). The Visa is valid for a month and is required by everyone including Infants. UK and non – Uk residents can use the Tourist Card, if you have any doubts (non – Uk) please contact your local Embassy or alternatively you can contact the Cuban Consulate on 0207 240 2488.

Customs:

All DVD readers and writers including those on a laptop, Walkie Talkies, GPS Systems and Play Station Consoles are not permitted in Cuba. If you are caught at the airport, the item will be confiscated and returned when you leave. You will incur a large fee for release, therefore best advice is not to take it.

Travel Insurance:

We strongly recommend that you purchase Travel Insurance prior to traveling.

FCO:

The Foreign and Commonwealth Office provides up to date travel information to help UK travelers make decisions about traveling abroad. For further information please visit: www.fco.gov.uk/knowledgebeforeyougo