Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Havana is the vibrant capital city of Cuba, known for its rich history, architecture, and cultural heritage. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 2.1 million residents. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average internet speed is around 4-10 Mbps; however, public Wi-Fi hotspots are available in some areas. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | Cuban Peso (CUP) and Cuban Convertible Peso (CUC). Currently, 1 USD ≈ 24 CUP. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable; bottled water is recommended. |
| 🔌 Power | Electricity supply is 110V, 60Hz; Type A/B sockets are commonly used. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Cuba's main mobile providers are Etecsa. SIM cards can be purchased with a local ID and cost about 15-20 CUC. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Debit and credit card acceptance is limited; cash is still the primary payment method. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include private casas particulares, hostels, and hotels; typical costs are 25-100 CUC per night. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | No, cash is preferred as not all establishments accept cards. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Popular platforms include Airbnb and local rental websites, with options ranging from 30-100 CUC per night. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Affordable hostels such as Casa de Ania offering beds for around 10 CUC per night. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | Havana Vieja (Old Havana) is the most popular area due to its historic significance and attractions. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | Vedado offers a mix of local atmosphere, cafes, and coworking spaces suitable for longer stays. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Cuba Cowork is a popular space located in Vedado, offering good internet and a community environment. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Cafe de las Artes in Vedado, known for its relaxed atmosphere and decent Wi-Fi. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Check groups on Facebook like 'Digital Nomads in Havana' for regular meetups. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | The Expats in Havana group organizes social events such as potlucks and cultural outings. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Classic car taxis are available, and an app called 'Cuba Taxi' can be used for booking. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Bicycle rentals can be found in various locations, typically costing around 5 CUC per hour. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Playas del Este, about 20 km from the city center, is the most accessible beach for a day trip. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Cubana de Aviación serves domestic routes across Cuba. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Air France, American Airlines, and JetBlue operate flights to Havana. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | The A1 highway connects Havana to other major cities like Varadero and Pinar del Río. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Estación de Ferrocarriles de La Habana is the primary train station. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Buses are available but infrequent; no dedicated transit pass available. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Viaje de Pasajeros offers bus services to nearby cities like Trinidad and Viñales. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Hospital Clínico Quirúrgico, the leading hospital in the city for general healthcare. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga en La Habana is a popular studio offering regular classes in Vedado. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Hayes Gym in Vedado is a well-equipped gym for fitness enthusiasts. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Laundry services can be found in many residential neighborhoods, priced around 5 CUC for a full load. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | La Paella and D delivery services offer food delivery, primarily from popular restaurants. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Ropa Vieja is a must-try traditional Cuban dish. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | El Taller is a well-known vegetarian restaurant offering diverse options. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Puré de Patata serves some of the best pastries and desserts in Havana. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Almacenes Universales in Havana Vieja offers budget shopping for local foods. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Marketplaces like Mercadolibre exist but are limited due to local restrictions. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Deliveries from local stores can be arranged through community networks but are infrequent. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | La Rampa in Vedado is a vibrant area known for its bars and nightlife. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Cerveza Hatuey is the most famous beer brand in Cuba. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | La Casa del Vino offers an extensive selection of local and international wines. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Street vendors in Old Havana provide delicious snacks like ‘pan con lechon’. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | El Cocinero offers a mix of Cuban and international dishes, popular among locals and tourists. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Malecón, El Capitolio, and Plaza de la Revolución are iconic sites worth visiting. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes showcases Cuban art history. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Castillo del Morro is a significant historical fortification overlooking the bay. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Catedral de La Habana is a key landmark featuring stunning architecture. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Havana Jazz Festival in January and Habanos Festival in February draw large crowds. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Centro Habana is vibrant with local culture, music, and street performances. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Teatro Nacional de Cuba hosts an array of performances and events. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Mercado de San José offers local crafts, artisan goods, and vibrant atmosphere. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Live music is everywhere; Casa de la Música in Miramar is a popular venue. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Fusterlandia, a neighborhood made vibrant with colorful murals and sculptures by artist José Fuster. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Havana Cooking Class offers immersive culinary experiences. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Galería Habana showcases contemporary Cuban artists. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Hotel Nacional de Cuba, a historic hotel, is also a national monument. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Cuban culture is a mix of Spanish, African, and indigenous Taino influences. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | El Parque Nacional Alejandro de Humboldt, about 800 km from Havana, is a UNESCO World Heritage site. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Topes de Collantes offers beautiful hiking paths and natural springs. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | The Malecon offers a scenic walking and cycling route along the coast. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Mirador de la Giraldilla provides stunning views of Havana. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Havana's green spaces and surrounding areas are good for birdwatching, particularly in the wetlands. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Coastal areas along the Malecon have spaces for evening gatherings. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | CubaPost provides limited parcel delivery services domestically and internationally. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Cuban market provides basic repair services for electronics but may be limited. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Public parks often have table tennis facilities, generally free of charge. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Centro de Idiomas offers Spanish classes for all levels. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Biblioteca Nacional de Cuba is the main library, offering reading rooms and study spots. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Centro Cultural Bertolt Brecht hosts community events and cultural programs. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Limited options; popular locations are found in private homes. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | The Melía Cohiba Hotel has a small casino and game rooms. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,500 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $60,000). |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,000 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $40,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,300 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $78,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $900 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $54,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,200 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $96,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $800 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $64,000). |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | Approximately 15% for businesses. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | Current rate is around 15%. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Cuban tax system is highly regulated; income tax rates depend on the industry. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | The maximum personal income tax rate is 50%. |
| 🧾 VAT | Local Value Added Tax is approximately 10%. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, strict measures apply to foreign investments. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Property tax is based on asset value; rates vary significantly. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Tax applied during property purchases averages around 5%. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | Cuba has recently been improving regulations for foreign businesses, but income tax can be as high as 50%. |