Santa Clara, Cuba 🇨🇺
#1623
22.406628, -79.965101
Nomad Score:
47%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Santa Clara is a city in central Cuba known for its historical significance, particularly in the Cuban Revolution. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 250,000 |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average speeds around 10-20 Mbps (Wi-Fi in public areas available) |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 USD ≈ 24 CUP; limited banking services, rely on cash transactions |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable; bottled water is recommended |
| 🔌 Power | 120V, 60Hz, 🔌 Type A/B sockets |
| 📶 SIM Card | Etecsa is the main mobile provider; prepaid SIM cards available |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | International cards not widely accepted; carry cash |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include casas particulares, boutique hotels, and Airbnbs; prices range from $15 to $50 per night |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | No, cash is necessary for most transactions |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and local casas particulares provide short-term options |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostal Casa de los Abuelos is a popular budget option starting at $15 per night. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Santa Clara has limited coworking spaces; 'La Casa de la Cultura' often hosts remote workers. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Café de la Plaza is a popular spot with Wi-Fi and a laid-back atmosphere. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Local expat gatherings are found on social media; check Facebook groups. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Weekly meetups at local cafes, check local community pages for details. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Taxis can be hailed on the street or booked via local apps like 'Cubataxi'. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Limited options; bike rentals are available at some hostels. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Varadero Beach, approximately 2 hours away by bus. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Cubana de Aviación serves several regional routes. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Air Canada, JetBlue, and American Airlines offer flights to Cuba. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Access via A1 highway connecting major cities in Cuba. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Santa Clara train station serves local and some regional routes. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Public transport is mainly by local buses; no passes available. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Bus service through Viazul for travel to nearby cities. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Hospital Universitario Manuel Piti Fajardo is the main facility. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Limited; local parks often host free outdoor fitness sessions. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Gym 'Sport Center Santa Clara' offers basic fitness equipment; membership fees vary. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Laundromats are rare; many accommodations offer laundry services. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | No popular food delivery apps; rely on local restaurants or eateries. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Ropa Vieja is a traditional Cuban dish widely available. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Vegetarian options are limited; local markets offer fresh produce. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Heladería Coppelia offers a variety of ice cream flavors. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Markets like Mercado Agropecuario sell fresh produce at reasonable prices. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Limited access; few local e-commerce platforms. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Grocery delivery services are basically non-existent; shopping must be done in person. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | La Casa de la Música is a vibrant nightlife spot with live music. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Cerveza Santa Clara offers local beers. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Limited; most wine is imported and priced higher than local beverages. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Street vendors sell snacks like churros and pan con lechón. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Playa de Santa Clara serves a variety of international dishes at reasonable prices. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Che Guevara Mausoleum and Monument. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Museo de Artes Decorativas and Museo del Che. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Parque Vidal and Teatro La Caridad. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Iglesia de la Inmaculada Concepción. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | The Festival de la Música Cubana takes place every December. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | A variety of local art and music can be found in the city center. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Teatro de la Caridad offers local performances. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Mercado Gastronomico de Santa Clara is a popular weekend spot. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Casa de la Cultura frequently hosts music events. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Street art can be seen throughout the city, particularly on Calle Marta Abreu. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Some private classes are offered through local kitchens; inquire locally. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Galería de Arte 'El Taller' showcases local artists. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Palacio de Justicia is a stunning example of colonial architecture. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Cuban revolutionary history is a significant part of local culture. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | El Nicho waterfalls are about an hour drive away. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Topes de Collantes National Park offers hiking and nature activities. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Parque de los Martires has nice trails for walking and cycling. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Viewpoint at the Che Guevara monument offers scenic views. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Rich biodiversity can be observed in nearby rural areas. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Designated parks allow for bonfires during certain events. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | Limited options; local post office (Correos de Cuba) for shipping packages. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Repair shops are available for phones and computers, mostly in the city center. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Outdoor parks often have tables set up for public use. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Language schools are limited; consider local private language tutors. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Biblioteca Pública José Martí is a quiet place to study. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Centro Cultural José Martí hosts community events. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Limited, most gaming happens at home or in small groups. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Casinos are not common; Havana is the closest major gambling spot. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,500 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $60,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,200 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $48,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,800 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $108,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,500 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $90,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $2,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $160,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,700 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $136,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 15% |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 0% as there are no dividends under current laws. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Cuban tax system primarily based on individual income. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 50% |
| 🧾 VAT | No VAT; state-controlled pricing. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, strict rules apply to foreign investments. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Annual tax based on property value; around 5%. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | 4% on property transactions. |