Cuba Safety
CUBA SAFETY FOR TRAVELLERS
In Cuba hustlers are called Jineteros/ Jineteras
Cuba is a very safe place in many ways but as safe as this island is, there are still occasional incidents of crime (although violent crime is almost non existent). Cuba safety is our number one priority at Locally Sourced Tours. Although Cuba does not have a concept of crime as it exists in other countries, it is still important for a traveler to use good judgement. There is generally a high concentration of police in most cities and no known terrorist threat.
Here are some helpful safety tips when traveling through Cuba:
Do not flaunt your wealth. Cubans are very poor compared to most tourists so it is advised to show respect in this regard. Look after your belongings in crowded areas to avoid becoming the victim of a bag snatcher or pick pocketer. At night, travel in taxis in groups of 2 or more. If you are doing anything adventurous, you might not know the level of inspection, safety laws and training involved. Use good judgement and avoid doing anything that does not feel safely controlled. Locally Sourced Cuba Tours prides itself on the extensive network of ground operations, tour leaders and local contacts in Cuba which keep us informed and up-to-date on Cuba safety and on all local situations in which we operate. Our passengers’ safety in Cuba is of the utmost priority and we rely on these networks to allow us to make the operational decisions necessary to keep our trips running safely. We often know of situations on the ground before the media and we are in constant contact with our local offices, tour leaders, local operators, and colleagues in order to closely monitor and inform you of the most current information affecting any regions where we operate.
From a medical perspective, Cuba is very safe providing you are careful with what you eat and drink
Please also read our Safety Guidelines for further information on the operational safety standards you can expect on every Locally Sourced Tours trip. As whole, the island is considered to be free of most dangerous fauna. For further reference, we also recommend that you check your government’s travel advisory website(s) Australian Department of Foreign Affairs & Trade – www.smarttraveller.gov.au Canadian Foreign Affairs & International Trade – www.voyage.gc.ca New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs – www.mfat.govt.nz/travel UK Foreign & Commonwealth Office – www.fco.gov.uk USA Department of State – www.travel.state.gov World Health Organisation – www.who.int/en
Female TRAVELLERS
In terms of personal safety and well being, Cuba is a very good destination for woman travellers. In most instances, streets can be walked alone at night and violent crime is almost non-existant. Cuban males have a machismo side to their culture, so can be very chivalrous and protective of females. This however can work both ways and Cubans have also been known to pursue relentlessly. In some cases Cuban males might make incessant whistling and kissing sounds which can make foreigners understandably uncomfortable. The first step to overcoming this annoyance is by simply ignoring these advances. In some cases it might be necessary to be a little more forceful and some simple, clear Spanish phrases should do the trick. As with all travel destinations, it is good to be very clear with local men what you are and are not interested in. Some phrases you might use are: “No moleste” (don’t annoy me) “Esta Bueno ya” (that’s enough) “Que falta respeto” (you are being disrespectful)