Best Travel Insurance for Digital Nomads
By Natália Becattini
Embarking on a journey as a digital nomad in Cuba stirs a mix of excitement and uncertainty. This Caribbean island, with its rich history and culture, offers an unconventional yet fascinating destination for the modern nomad.
However, several questions naturally arise: How reliable is the internet? What are the living costs? Can I find suitable accommodations? Well, I stayed there for three months and was able to work from a cute house in Havana. However, doing that has its tricks.
This blog post delves into these concerns, providing essential insights and practical tips to navigate the unique challenges and opportunities of living and working remotely in Cuba.
Let’s unravel the mysteries of being a digital nomad in this intriguing country!
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Cuba is an exciting place with lots of history for a small island. It occupies a huge space in popular imagination, even becoming a topic of electoral debate in many developed countries. That alone should be a reason to want to see Cuba closely. But wait, is Cuba a destination for digital nomads? It could be, and I’ll tell you why!
First off, I can assure you this will be a unique experience. Maybe you’re tired of the usual destinations among digital nomads: cosmopolitan cities that are always more or less similar. Well, Cuba is different. You’ll be confronted with a place that seems to have stopped in time, where the logic of things is entirely different from what we’re used to.
Cuba has history at every corner, and being there feels like you can see and touch it. It’s a fascinating country with one of the world’s most surreal and compelling stories. It’s a privilege to understand it firsthand, to talk with Cubans to get their perspective and to see up close the consequences and development of this history for the current moment.
Anyone who sees geographical flexibility as an opportunity to learn more from the world should consider Cuba on their list of destinations. As digital nomads, we have access that regular tourists usually don’t because we spend more time and, in a way, end up “living” the dynamics there.
Of course, as foreigners, we still have privileges unreachable for the average Cuban, especially those charged in dollars. Nevertheless, this is an excellent experience if you go with an open heart to live something you’ve never lived before and are willing to sacrifice a bit of comfort to see a new world.
Suggested Read:
• The Pros and Cons of Being a Digital Nomad
• Best places for digital nomads this year
This is the million-dollar question and the reason many digital nomads give up on going to Cuba. Before traveling, I researched the subject a lot, and all the information I found online discouraged me from going.
However, being stubborn, I bought a ticket to spend 30 days in the country, and if it was actually impossible to work from there, I was prepared to take a vacation. In the first week, I discovered that, although expensive and unstable, the internet was sufficient for my needs. I ended up staying 87 days in the country without failing any of my professional obligations.
Like everywhere else in the world, in Cuba, you can access WiFi networks or use the country’s 4G mobile network. The difference is that WiFi is not available in most Airbnbs or family homes. There is WiFi in larger hotels, but in my experience, it was always much slower than using the 4G network.
Just before the pandemic, the Cuban government improved the speed of the mobile network and expanded access to it in the country.
I got a local SIM card and used a phone to tether to my computer, thus allowing me to work.
Phone SIM cards are sold at ETECSA stores, the Cuban telecommunications company. You’ll need to present your passport, pay for the SIM card, and top-up. Currently, a package with 4GB (4g) + 12 GB (3g) costs 950 pesos, or 4 dollars at the unofficial exchange rate.
This is the largest internet package available at the moment, and it usually lasted between 5 days and a week for me and my boyfriend, both of us working full-time. And I must say, I do some heavy tasks, like downloading and uploading videos and using Canva a lot.
Remember, Cuba is undergoing an intense inflationary process at the moment, and prices might be different during your trip.
In three months, we spent 170 dollars on mobile data for two people.
You must have heard that Cubans use the internet in the square, right? Well, that’s true! When they do it, they’re connecting to public networks provided by the government.
You can also access these networks. But for that, you need to buy a card with credits to access the network. The cards are sold by time, and you can buy 1, 2, or 5 hours of internet access. As soon as you connect, it starts counting the time, stopping when you disconnect. You can use the card as many times as you want until time runs out.
You can find these cards in various ETECSA stores around the cities, in hotels, and sometimes even in small street stalls. But here’s a tip: the cards can be a little more expensive in the hotels, so it’s worth looking for an ETECSA store.
Once you have the card, you need to find a WiFi hotspot. These hotspots are generally located in public squares, cafes, hotels, and other public places. You’ll know you’re in one of these places when you see a bunch of people looking at their phones.
Personally, I found this form of access very slow and hardly used it during my time in the country.
On the other hand, higher-end hotels, especially those geared toward international tourism, tend to offer better connectivity. You can either stay in one of these places or buy a WiFi card at the reception and access it from the hotel’s lobby, cafes, and restaurants.
I did this at a resort in Cayo Santa Maria, and it was one of the best connections I had in months, but this quality varies in each establishment.
I won’t lie that I didn’t get frustrated at any point. The internet, both WiFi and mobile, can be very unstable and completely drop from time to time. Therefore, I would only recommend the experience to those with some flexibility in their work.
As I said, I didn’t fail to meet any of my commitments, including maintaining my social media posting schedule and making all the video calls I needed. However, there were days when things simply didn’t go smoothly, and I ended up more stressed than I should have been. You know when it takes hours to do simple things because technology doesn’t help? Yeah, that.
So, I believe it is possible to work remotely in Cuba, but it’s not necessarily easy. We have to lower our expectations regarding the timing in which things will be accomplished and go at a different pace. Sometimes, you’ll have to leave things for tomorrow; there’s no way around it.
One popular tip around the Internet in Cuba is to organize everything to do most of your work offline and only use the Internet when necessary. I didn’t do this because it’s almost impossible for me, but it’s something you might try if it makes sense for you.
More Digital Nomad Destinations in Latin America:
• Essential Travel Guide for Digital Nomads in Santa Marta
• Digital Nomad in Medellín: Top Tips for Your Stay
Since November 2022, most foreigners entering Cuba on a tourist visa can stay there for 90 days. Before that, most people could only stay for 30 days, renewable for another 30.
This change undoubtedly benefits those who want to spend time as a digital nomad in Cuba without worrying about bureaucratic procedures.
The visa is straightforward to obtain. It’s called Tarjeta de Turismo, and it is just a small form where you must include your personal information. It costs only 20 dollars, and most of the time, you can buy it at the check-in at the airport, directly at the airline’s counter. This is true for most airlines that fly from other countries in Latin America, such as Copa and Wingo. However, you should confirm whether the airline provides this service if you are flying from other places.
In case it is not provided, the best thing to do is to buy it from a visa or travel agency. Do not fly to Cuba without a visa since they are not available on arrival, and the bill in case you do that is quite expensive.
Cuba is one of the few countries that require all visitors to have travel insurance that covers medical expenses.
This policy is strictly enforced upon entry, and you may be asked to show proof of your travel insurance at customs. If you cannot provide evidence of insurance, you might be required to purchase a policy from a Cuban insurance provider at the airport.
While this ensures you meet the legal requirements, these last-minute policies might not offer comprehensive coverage, emphasizing the importance of arranging your insurance before departure.
Keep in mind that, due to legal restrictions, not all companies operate in Cuba. I did a little research and found this Spanish provider that covers all countries in the world, including Cuba.
In Cuba, some web pages and online services are restricted or blocked. This includes specific news sites, social media platforms, and some streaming services.
Although I found it less restrictive than I had imagined, a VPN allows you to bypass these restrictions by accessing the internet as if you were in another country. It enables you to access these services as if you were in your home country or another country with fewer internet restrictions.
During my time in Cuba, I used the Shurfshark VPN. It is supposed to be the best VPN for travel because it works on all sites, including Netflix, which is rare. And the best part is that you can get up to 83% OFF on your subscription, plus 3 months free if you get the annual plan.
Therefore, installing a VPN on your computer and mobile phone is essential for visiting Cuba. Do this before entering the country, as once there, you won’t be able to install it.
Finding the perfect spot to drop your digital anchor in Cuba is quite easy! Here’s the lowdown on accommodations for digital nomads in Cuba:
Remember, internet access can be limited in Cuba, so booking accommodations in advance is a good idea. Also, read reviews and check for WiFi availability before getting there.
Nestled in the Caribbean, Cuba enjoys an inviting and consistent tropical climate throughout the year. Here’s what you need to know about the climate in Cuba:
Understanding the climate is key for planning your trip, especially for outdoor activities and packing appropriate clothing.
Despite the occasional rain or storm, Cuba’s weather contributes to its lush landscape and outdoor life.
Cuba, with its unique charm and vibrant culture, offers several destinations that stand out for digital nomads:
These destinations provide a mix of culture and comfort, making them ideal for digital nomads exploring Cuba.
Navigating the cost of living in Cuba as a digital nomad or visitor presents a unique set of considerations. Here’s what you need to know:
Depending on your preferences and lifestyle, you can expect to spend between $800 – $1200 per month to live as a digital nomad in Cuba.
In summary, while Cuba can offer a cost-effective lifestyle, particularly regarding local food and transport, expenses like accommodation, internet, and tourist activities can add up. Planning and local knowledge are key to enjoying the real life there while managing expenses effectively.
Here, you will find a good selection of tours and activities in Havana. Book them in advance!
The exchange rate in Cuba in 2024 is around 240 pesos per dollar on the streets. The official rate used in government stores and banks is 110 pesos per dollar. Here are a few things you should know:
As the official currency loses value every day, Cubans will be eager to exchange money with you. The best thing to do is to find someone reliable who applies a fair rate and only deal with them.
Grocery shopping in Cuba can be quite a different experience from what you might be used to elsewhere. Due to import restrictions and economic factors, the variety of products in Cuban grocery stores is often limited compared to stores in many other countries.
The country has two types of stores – state-run stores and private markets. The state-run stores, also known as MLCs, operate in a currency that equals the dollar and only accept credit cards for payment. The products offered at these stores can vary a lot. Therefore, it’s recommended to visit them regularly to see what’s available and make purchases whenever you come across something you need.
Private markets, known as Mipymes, might offer more choices since they now have permission to import, but prices can be high.
Cuba operates a ration system for some essential goods, which means certain items are available at subsidized prices for Cubans but in limited quantities. That is the case with products as common as eggs. For foreigners, it’s only possible to buy these products on the black market, and the prices are high due to limited availability and high demand.
In 2023, a box with 30 eggs would cost $15 in the local farmers’ markets (agros).
Besides grocery stores, the agros are great places to buy fresh vegetables, meat, and other local products. Everything is organic and tastes delicious, but the variety is limited.
Some shops are geared towards tourists and may have more variety but at higher prices. Learning some basic Spanish phrases can help you shop where locals do.
Here are a few apps that can help in your stay in Cuba. Remember to download them before traveling to the country since they might not be available while in there.
Cuba is not a common choice for digital nomads, and it is possible that you are not going to meet any while there.
As internet accessibility improves, we may see a change in the upcoming years. However, this shouldn’t be a reason for not going right now. See this as an opportunity to get to know locals and mingle with them.
Cubans are very social and love to chat with foreigners. They will even go out for a few beers or a party with you. Talking to them is the best way to understand the country’s complicated politics and economy deeply.
As far as I know, the two coworking spaces in Havana closed in the past few years due to government restrictions.
However, you can still work in cafés and paladares around the city. Hotel lobbies are also a great place to bring your computer whenever you want to leave home.
You can not enter the country with a drone.
Navigating the life of a digital nomad in Cuba presents a unique blend of challenges and rewards.
Conclusion: Is it worth being a digital nomad in Cuba? For those seeking a culturally rich and unique experience and who can navigate the logistical challenges, Cuba is a rewarding destination. It offers a deep dive into a vibrant culture and a chance to slow down and reflect.
However, it may not be the ideal choice for those reliant on high-speed internet and modern conveniences. Cuba is perfect for adaptable nomads who value rich experiences and cultural immersion over digital convenience.
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