Santiago de Cuba, Cuba 🇨🇺
Nomad Score:
47%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Santiago de Cuba is the second-largest city in Cuba, known for its rich history, vibrant culture, and beautiful landscapes. |
| 👥 Population | Approximate population is around 500,000. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average internet speed is about 2-5 Mbps, limited access due to infrastructure. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | Currency is Cuban Peso (CUP) and Convertible Peso (CUC). ATMs are limited and may not accept foreign cards. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable; bottled water is recommended. |
| 🔌 Power | Electricity is 110V and 220V; Type A and C sockets are used. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Available from ETECSA; prepaid SIM cards can be purchased for around 10 CUC. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Foreign bank cards are not widely accepted; especially difficult for online transactions. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Airbnb, casas particulares (private homestays), and hostels are available. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | No, cash transactions are preferred due to limited acceptance of credit/debit cards. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Many options available on Airbnb and local rental agencies. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostal Casa De Lorna offers rates starting from 25 CUC per night. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Casa de la Cultura provides a creative environment for remote work. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Cafe de la Iglesia is ideal for working with a laptop, offering free Wi-Fi and coffee. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Meetups at local cultural events are not organized frequently, but social gatherings can be found at the Casa de la Cultura. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | An expats group on Facebook features gatherings and local event announcements. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Taxi services are available, but apps like Uber aren't operational in Cuba; negotiate metered fares. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Bikes can be rented at local shops for 5 CUC per hour. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Playa Santiago is about 30 minutes away from the city center. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Cubana de Aviación is the main airline for domestic flights. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Air France and American Airlines operate flights to and from Cuba. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Accessible via Carretera Central connecting various parts of the island. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Estación de Ferrocarriles de Santiago de Cuba serves as the main train station. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Public transport is largely reliant on buses, no system of passes in place. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses (Viazul) provide service to nearby cities like Holguin and Guantanamo. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Hospital Clínico Quirúrgico offers basic healthcare services. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga Santiago provides yoga classes multiple times a week. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Club Deportivo offers gym access for around 10 CUC per month. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Lavandería El Gato is a popular service that offers laundry for reasonable prices. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | No specific apps available; most food is eaten at local restaurants. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Ropa Vieja (shredded beef) is a must-try local dish. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | El Paladar offers vegetarian-friendly options at reasonable prices. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Heladería Coppelia is famous for its ice cream and cheap prices. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Mercado Modelo sells fresh produce at low prices. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Limited; locals mainly use social media for selling goods. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Not common; grocery shopping is usually done in-person. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Casa de la Música is the main area for nightlife and music events. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Cervecería Santiago is popular for locally brewed beer. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Café Sol offers a variety of local wines. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Street vendors selling snacks like 'pan con lechón' are widely available. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Taco’Mundo offers a variety of international dishes; a favorite is their vegetarian tacos. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | El Morro Fortress is an iconic landmark with fantastic views of the bay. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Museo de la Lucha Clandestina offers insights into Cuba's revolutionary history. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | The Moncada Barracks is renowned for its historical significance. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Cathedral of Our Lady of the Assumption is a notable architectural site. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Carnaval de Santiago in July is a colorful celebration attracting many visitors. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Centro Histórico is a vibrant area filled with buildings reflecting the colonial history. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Teatro Heredia hosts numerous cultural performances throughout the year. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Plaza de Marte has local artisans and food stalls. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Santiago is known for its traditional son music, and venues feature live music regularly. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Public murals are prevalent throughout the city, showcasing local talent. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Classes are hosted at various local homes to learn traditional Cuban recipes. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Galería Loft boasts contemporary Cuban art and hosts exhibitions. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Casa de la Cultura is a hub for artistic and cultural activities. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | The city is known for its revolutionary heritage celebrated in numerous monuments. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Sierra Maestra mountains provide great hiking and nature exploration opportunities. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Estación Biológica de la Sierra Maestra is ideal for nature lovers. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Malecón is popular for walking and cycling along the coastal scenery. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | El Morro offers breathtaking views of Santiago Bay. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | La Gran Piedra has diverse bird species for enthusiasts. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Cayo Granma Natural Park allows bonfires in designated areas. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | DHL services are available, limited delivery options within the city. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Local shops offer basic tech repair services; however, parts can be limited. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Local parks may have public tables; check Parque de la Libertad. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Language schools offer Spanish classes for tourists and expats. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Biblioteca Provincial is a quiet spot for reading and study. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Casa de Cultura serves as a meeting place for cultural events. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Gaming options are limited; local internet cafes sometimes have older PCs. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Gambling venues are not common; small local gaming spots may exist. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. 30,000 CUC per studio in the city center. |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. 20,000 CUC per studio further from the city center. |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. 50,000 CUC for a 1-bedroom apartment in the city center. |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. 35,000 CUC for a 1-bedroom apartment further from the city center. |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. 70,000 CUC for a 2-bedroom apartment in the city center. |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. 50,000 CUC for a 2-bedroom apartment further from the city center. |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | Corporate tax is approximately 30%. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 20% withholding tax on dividends. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Cuba has a unique tax system, generally favoring local businesses. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | Maximum personal income tax is around 50%. |
| 🧾 VAT | Standard VAT is not applicable; prices are generally fixed. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Cuba has strict regulations on foreign business ownership. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Annual property tax does exist, based on property value. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Property purchases incur about 4% in transaction tax. |