Cuba is a lot more expensive than most developing countries. Be prepared to pay as much for food and services, as you would in any western ‘developed’ country. This is due to a unique set of circumstances that are found in Cuba. These include: complex monetary rules such as the artificially fixed rate for the local CUP currency; restrictions on private businesses which stifle productivity and make the country reliant on imports, and a 60 year strong trade embargo imposed on Cuba by the United States. The result is that most visitors find Cuba more expensive than they anticipated.

How much you take along with you on the tour is obviously a personal matter. If you intend to purchase many souvenirs in Cuba, or if you enjoy spending it up on a big night out, we would recommend that you take a bit more than the estimated amounts below. In total as an estimate, where no meals or activities are included, you need to allow about 80-100USD per day for expenses.

• View our recommendations on How to access your money in Cuba. (Foreign currencies currently accepted in Cuba)

Personal Tour Budget Summary

Expenses you will have once you arrive in Cuba

• Food - Allow about 25 to 50USD a day for food where no meals included
• Other - drinks, souvenirs, communications
• Optional activities and excursions (see list)
• Taxi to airport for departure - 25 to 35USD
• Tips (see below)

Tour Inclusions

• Accommodation: Every night of the tour.
• Transport: To complete the itinerary. Transport for optional excursions and day trips is not included.
• Breakfasts: for each day of the tour, except the arrival day.
• Local guide: throughout.

See: Individual Tour Costs for more information on your particular tour.

Tour Exclusions

• International Flights
• Visa and passport fees
• Insurance (Travel Medical Insurance is required to participate on the tour)
• All meals (except for breakfasts)
• Drinks
• Tips
• Optional activities / day-tours / excursions
• Airport departure transfer

Tipping on the Tour

There will be times during your tour in Cuba where there'll be opportunities to tip local service providers - such as drivers and local guides. This is a completely optional practice to show your appreciation for excellent service and you should never feel obliged to do so, especially if you feel you did not receive good service. You may tip individually, or your tour guide will offer to collect the money and tip as a group. Also at the end of the tour, if you felt your tour guide did an outstanding job, tipping is appreciated (see also the section about your tour guide).

For local guides on day trips and other optional activities in Cuba, as a suggestion we recommended a tip of 2 to 5 USD per person.