Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Holguín is a city in eastern Cuba known for its historical significance and natural beauty. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 300,000. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average speeds are about 10-15 Mbps. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 USD ≈ 24 CUP. Most transactions are in CUP, but some establishments may accept USD. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable; bottled water is recommended. |
| 🔌 Power | 110V, 60Hz, 🔌 Type A/B sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Etecsa is the main mobile provider; data packages are available. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | CUP and USD are commonly accepted; other cards may not be widely accepted. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options vary from casas particulares (local guesthouses) to hotels. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Limited; cash is preferred in most places. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb is available, with prices starting around $25 per night. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Casa de Iris offers rooms starting at $15 per night. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | The Historic Center provides access to major attractions. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | Near Parque de las Flores offers cafes with Wi-Fi and a relaxed environment. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Currently, there are no dedicated coworking spaces; cafes with Wi-Fi are commonly used. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Café 305 offers good coffee and Wi-Fi for remote work. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Community gatherings are organized through local expat groups on social media. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Various meetups happen monthly at different locations; joining Facebook groups helps stay updated. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | No apps are available; local taxis are common. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Limited options; bicycles can be rented at local shops. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Playa Pesquero is about 40 minutes away by taxi. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Cubana de Aviación provides regional flights. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Air France and Aeroméxico offer international routes. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Primary access via the A1 highway connecting to other regions. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | The main bus station serves as the hub for intercity travel. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Tickets purchased on buses; no passes available. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses frequently connect to nearby cities like Santiago de Cuba or Bayamo. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Hospital Clínico Quirúrgico is the primary healthcare facility. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga classes are available in local parks; check for community sessions. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Gyms like Power Gym offer basic facilities. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Local laundromats offer wash-and-fold services; prices are reasonable. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | No specific apps; most food is delivered by local restaurants through phone orders. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Ropa Vieja (shredded beef) is a local favorite. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | La Casa de los Vegetarianos offers good vegetarian options. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Heladería Coppelia is popular for ice cream. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Mercado Agropecuario offers fresh produce at affordable prices. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Limited; mostly local shops without online presence. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Delivery services are very limited; shopping is usually in-person. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Plaza de la Marqueta is a vibrant nightlife area. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Cervecería 5ta Avenida offers local beer tasting. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Few wine bars; best options found in upscale hotels. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Street vendors sell quick bites like empanadas and ham sandwiches. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | La Casa de la Pizza serves decent pizza. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Loma de la Cruz offers a panoramic view of the city. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Museo de la Historia offers insights into the local history. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Plaza de la Revolución is iconic for its significance. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Cathedral of Holguín is worth a visit for its architecture. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Festival de la Cultura Holguinera celebrates local arts in February. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Centro Histórico features colonial architecture and local shops. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Teatro Eddy Suñol hosts local performances. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Plaza de Mercado sells local crafts and produce. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Various live music spots feature local bands primarily in bars. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Murals can be found in several neighborhoods, promoting local culture. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Culinary workshops can be found through local expat groups. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Galería de Arte Holguín showcases local artists. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Casa de la Cultura is notable for its colonial architecture. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | The famous Holguín flag symbolizes local pride. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Parque Natural Bahía de Naranjo is great for nature lovers. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Parque Nacional Alejandro de Humboldt is about an hour's drive. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Beautiful paths can be found along the coastline. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Mirador de Mayabe provides stunning views of the valley. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | The lush areas around Loma de la Cruz are good for birdwatching. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Beaches typically allow bonfires; check local regulations. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | Local post office provides parcel delivery services. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Tech repair shops are limited; some telephone services available. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Parks often have tables available for public use. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Local schools offer Spanish courses; private tutors are available. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Biblioteca Provincial provides study resources. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Various local centers host cultural activities. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Limited; primarily found in larger hotels. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Gambling is limited; mostly found in major hotels. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,200 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $48,000). |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $900 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $36,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,500 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $90,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,100 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $66,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,800 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $144,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,400 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $112,000). |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | Tax for foreign businesses generally around 35%. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 30% on dividends. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Cuban tax system is complex; residency often dictates taxation. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 50% for higher income. |
| 🧾 VAT | Typically around 5%. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Limited to specific regulations for foreign investments. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Property tax applies based on value; varies widely. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Approx. 4% on sales. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | Currently, no specific incentives for digital nomads. |