Havana, Cuba Report of what it's like to live there - 07/30/23
Personal Experiences from Havana, Cuba
Background:
1. Was this post your first expatriate experience? If not, what other cities have you lived in as an expat?
No, I have served in Europe, the Middle East, and Latin America.
2. What is your home city/country? How long is the trip to post from there, with what connections? How easy/difficult is it to travel to this city/country?
Washington DC/ USA. Flight time from DC to Florida is about 2.5 hours. You are required t transfer in Florida. If flying American you will transfer in Miami for the 45 minute flight to Havana. Total time from DC to Havana was 4.5 hours.
3. How long have you lived here?
One month
4. What years did you live here?
2023
5. What brought you to this city (e.g. diplomatic mission, business, NGO, military, teaching, retirement, etc.)?
Diplomatic
Housing, Groceries & Food:
1. What is your housing like? What are typical housing sizes, locations, and commute times for expatriates?
Housing is general single family homes with a few apartments. The longest commute for individuals with the US Embassy is less than 20 minutes. Housing is very nice.
2. How would you describe the availability and cost of groceries and household supplies relative to your home country?
Groceries are a challenge. There is currently a shortage of many items in Havana. However the basics can be found locally and I supplement with items brought in from the US via pouch. There are vegetable and fruit markets, small grocery stores, a diplostore and the diplomarket. The issue you are never sure what will be available.
3. What household or grocery items do you wish you had shipped to post?
Learning to appreciate coffee since diet coke or coke zero are generally not available.
4. What typical restaurants, food delivery services, and/or takeout options are popular among expatriates?
There are lots of restaurants - Asian, fish, Mexican and Cuban. There are restaurants that offer delivery and a service called Mandao that is much like DoorDash.
5. Are there any unusual problems with insects or other infestations in housing?
So far just a few very tiny ants.
Daily Life:
1. How do you send and receive your letters and package mail? Are local postal facilities adequate?
I am with the US Embassy and use diplomatic pouch.
2. What is the availability and cost of household help, and what types of help are typically employed by expatriates?
Household help and gardeners are readily available and cheap. I pay $20 per day for housekeeper and $150 per month for a gardener.
3. What kinds of gyms or other sports/workout facilities are available? Are they expensive?
There is a gym at the Gran Muthu hotel that has outside memberships. Additionally, I think Club Havana has a gym.
4. Are credit cards widely accepted and safe to use locally? Are ATMs common and do you recommend using them? Are they safe to use?
No, paying for things in Havana is complicated with Cuban pesos, the MCL card with euros or US dollars added, and the CUP card (pesos). Each establishment is a bit different so far I have been able to pay in Cuban pesos but I ask to make sure. You can get a pre-paid MCL card at some of the hotels and the airport. Credit cards are not accepted and no ATMs.
5. How much of the local language do you need for daily living? Are local language classes/tutors available and affordable?
At least a little Spanish is helpful. Otherwise a translator app on your phone can help out.
6. Would someone with physical disabilities have difficulties living in this city?
Yes, this is not a ADA-friendly environment.
Transportation:
1. Are local buses, trams, trains or taxis safe and affordable?
Generally safe but the buses and shared taxis can be very crowded.
2. What kind of vehicle(s) including electric ones do you recommend bringing to post, given the terrain, infrastructure, availability of parts, burglary/carjacking risks, etc.? What kind of car or vehicles do you advise not to bring?
Small SUV would be great to deal with roads that are a bit rough. An electric vehicle might be useful but contact the Embassy prior to shipment to make sure all required infrastructure is available.
Phone & Internet:
1. Is high-speed home Internet access available? How long does it typically take to install it after arrival?
If with the US Embassy please contact GSO for details.
2. Do you have any recommendations regarding mobile phones? Did you keep your home-country plan or use a local provider?
If with the US Embassy post will provide a Cuban mobile phone.
Pets:
1. Are qualified veterinarians and/or good kennel services available? Do animals need to be quarantined upon entry to the country? Are there other considerations regarding pets that are particular to this country?
No quarantine required with proper paperwork. Vet services are available. You will need to bring pet food in your consumable shipment or ship in via pouch.
Employment & Volunteer Opportunities:
1. What types of jobs do most expatriate spouses/partners have? Locally based or telecommuting? Full-time or part-time? Can you comment on local salary scales?
The US Embassy currently has more EFM positions available than EFMs. If this is a priority for your family please reach out to post and we will work with you on a list of available positions. The local salary scale is significantly below the U.S. minimum wage.
2. What is the typical dress code at work and in public places? Is formal dress ever required?
Dress code is mostly business casual to accommodate the heat and humidity.
Health & Safety:
1. Are there personal security concerns to be aware of at this post? Please describe.
Just use the same common sense you would use in the U.S.
2. Are there any particular health concerns? What is the quality of available medical care? What medical conditions typically require medical evacuation?
No particular health concerns. If you require medical care the Embassy will likely medieval you back to the United States. Post has a well staffed Health Unit. One note is that individuals should bring over the counter medicine such as Tylenol, cold medicine, etc with them as it is not available locally.
3. What is the air quality like at post (good/moderate/bad)? Are there seasonal air quality issues? Does the air quality have an impact on health?
Air quality is good.
4. What do people who suffer from environmental or food allergies need to know?
Get a translation of your allergy information in Spanish. Restaurants are always very helpful.
5. Are there any particular mental health issues that tend to crop up at post, such as Seasonal Affective Disorder (winter blues)?
A little bit of island fever get off the island every three months is the recommendation I have been given.
6. What is the overall climate: is it extremely hot or cold, wet or dry, at any time of year, for example?
Hot and humid all year round
Schools & Children:
1. What is the availability of international schools? What has been your general experience with them, if any?
The US Embassy is only adult EFMs. EFMs under 18 are not allowed to live at post but can visit.
Expat Life:
1. What is the relative size of the expatriate community? How would you describe overall morale among expatriates?
Expat community is small.
2. Is this a good city for single people? For couples? For families? Why or why not?
Good for singles and couples. Lots of restaurants, some cultural activities like theater and museums, and loads of nature to explore.
3. Is it easy to make friends with locals here? Are there any prejudices or any ethnic groups who might feel uncomfortable here?
The Cubans are very friendly no problem making friends.
4. Is this a good city for LGBT expatriates? Why or why not?
On paper LGBT rights are protected but the reality can be a little different.
5. What have been the highlights of your time in this country? Best trips or experiences?
So far exploring Havana and having lots of fun.
6. Is this a "shopping post"? Are there interesting handicrafts, artwork, antiques, or other items that people typically buy there?
Not really but a few local handicrafts are available.
7. What are the particular advantages of living in this city?
No traffic!
Words of Wisdom:
1. What do you wish you had known about this particular city/country before moving there?
Make sure to bring the proper clothing for the climate and pack your suitcase with snacks to being into to Cuba.
2. Knowing what you know now, would you still move to this city?
Yes
3. If you move here, you can leave behind your:
Winter coat and boots
4. But don't forget your:
Sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses
