Holguín, Cuba 🇨🇺
#784
20.88697, -76.259199
Nomad Score:
48%
Essentials
🏙️ City | Holguín is a city in eastern Cuba, known for its rich history and beautiful parks. |
👥 Population | Approximately 300,000. |
💻 Internet Speed | Average internet speed is about 5-10 Mbps in public Wi-Fi areas. |
💸 Currency & Banking | 1 EUR ≈ 25 CUP; ATMs available, but foreign cards may not be widely accepted. |
🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable; bottled water is recommended. |
🔌 Power | 110V, 60Hz, 🔌 Type A/B sockets. |
📶 SIM Card | Etecsa offers prepaid SIM cards, available at Etecsa offices in Holguín. |
💳 Banking for Expats | Credit/Debit cards accepted in few places, mostly in Varadero or Havana. |
🛌 Accommodation | Airbnb, Casa Particular options widely available at affordable prices. |
💳 Cashless Friendly | No, cash is the primary method of payment. |
🏠 Short Term Rentals | Commonly available through Airbnb and local rental agencies. |
🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostal Casa Yami offers dorms starting at $10 per night. |
Working and Networking
🏢 Best Coworking Space | Coworking space not well established; some cafes may provide Wi-Fi for remote work. |
☕ Best Cafe for Work | Café de la Casona is known for its ambiance and Wi-Fi connection. |
💼 Networking Events | Limited opportunities; check local Facebook groups for gatherings. |
🥂 Social Events for Expats | Monthly meetups primarily organized through social media platforms. |
Transportation
🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | No popular ride-hailing apps; local taxis available. |
🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Scant rental options; exploring by foot is popular. |
🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Guardalavaca Beach is about 35 km away. |
✈️ Top Regional Airline | Aero Caribbean serves various domestic routes. |
✈️ Top International Airline | Cubana de Aviación is the main airline for international flights. |
🛣️ Highway Access | National Highway (Carretera Central) connects to major cities. |
🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Central de Holguín serves as the main bus station. |
🚍 Public Transport Passes | Buses run regularly; no special passes available. |
✈️ Regional Travel | Buses and colectivos (shared taxis) connect to nearby towns. |
Health and Wellness
🏥 Best Hospital | Hospital Clínico Quirúrgico in Holguín provides essential services. |
🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Few dedicated centers; informal yoga sessions might be found locally. |
🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Fit Gym Holguín offers basic workout facilities. |
🧺 Laundry Services | Lavandería la Plaza available; drop-off services may apply. |
Food and Drink
📱 Best Food Delivery App | No major food delivery apps; street vendors are common. |
🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Ropa Vieja is a must-try traditional dish. |
🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Café El Faro has vegetarian options available. |
🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Heladeria Coppelia is famed for its ice cream. |
🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Mercado Agropecuario for fresh produce. |
🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Limited online shopping; reliance on local markets. |
🛒 Grocery Delivery | Not common; local supermarkets provide the best options. |
🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Calle Maceo has several lively bars. |
🍻 Local Brewery | Cerveza Hatuey can be found in local bars. |
🍷 Wine Bars | Limited, but some restaurants serve local wines. |
🍲 Street Food Stalls | Street vendors are common and offer inexpensive local snacks. |
🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Pizzería La Bodeguita serves various international dishes. |
Culture and Attractions
🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Visit Parque de la Libertad and the statue of Calixto García. |
🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Museo Provincial de Holguín showcases local history. |
🏰 Historical Sites | The Basilica Menor de San Juan Bautista is a historic church worth visiting. |
🕍 Religious Sites | The Cathedral of Holguín is prominent in the city. |
🎉 Annual Events | Festival de Holguín occurs in March, celebrating culture. |
🎨 Cultural Districts | Old Town is where cultural life flourishes. |
🎭 Theater Venues | Teatro Eddy Suñol hosts various performances. |
🛍️ Local Markets | Plaza de la Marqueta for local crafts and foods. |
🎼 Music Scene | Live music is prevalent in numerous central squares. |
🎨 Street Art | Varies throughout the city, especially in urban spots. |
🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Limited cooking classes available, check local listings. |
👩🎨 Art Galleries | Cultural center frequently exhibits local artists' works. |
🕰️ Historic Buildings | Arco de la Revolución is an iconic structure. |
🏴 Local Heritage | Deeply rooted in revolutionary history and culture. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Loma de la Cruz offers beautiful views of the city. |
🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Parque Nacional Alejandro de Humboldt is a UNESCO site. |
🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Walking trails are found in Parque de la salud. |
🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Top of Loma de la Cruz provides sweeping views. |
🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Natural areas around Holguín attract diverse bird species. |
🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Areas near beach resorts are unofficial fire spots. |
Other Services and Amenities
📦 Parcel Delivery Service | Cuban Post services available, but slow. |
🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Few local shops available, but services are basic. |
🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Community centers often have table tennis available. |
🧑🏫 Language Classes | Spanish language classes offered in various local centers. |
📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Biblioteca Provincial de Holguín for reading and studying. |
🏘️ Community Centers | Centro Cultural de Holguín hosts community events. |
🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Limited; local cafes may have gaming options. |
🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | No major casinos; local entertainment events are available. |
Business
🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $700 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $28,000) |
🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $500 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $20,000) |
🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $750 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $45,000) |
🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $550 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $33,000) |
🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $800 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $64,000) |
🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $600 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $48,000) |
💼 Corporate Tax | Varies; small businesses may be subject to different rates. |
💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | Typically around 10%. |
🏦 Tax System | Cuban residents are taxed on a local basis. |
📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | Around 50% for high earners. |
🧾 VAT | No VAT system; taxes vary depending on services. |
🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Strict regulations apply to foreign investment. |
🏠 Property Tax | Minimal tax on property ownership. |
🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Typically about 3% for property transactions. |