Living Cheaply in Havana - Real Havana: Explore Cuba Like a Local and Save Money - page 115

Budgeting
Obviously, budgets can vary dramatically from one person to the next. The Cuban
government recommends that all tourists entering the country have with them at
least the equivalent of $100 USD per person, per day of their stay. I would recom-
mend that you bring approximately this much currency with you as well. This will
help you to avoid any problems, and to ensure that you have enough money for
any foreseeable situation. If you have a credit or debit card, and are certain that it
will function in Cuba, you can bring it as well, in place of some of the hard cur-
rency. Nevertheless, I recommend bringing a good supply of cash, so you can eas-
ily convert some to CUC, rather than having to search for an ATM immediately
upon arriving in Cuba.
Accommodations - You should factor spending about 20 to 30 CUC per night for a
casa particular. Hotels can be more expensive. If you are staying longer than 2
weeks, you should be able to negotiate the nightly rate considerably.
Food - You can easily get by with eating cheap and readily available food sold at
street side shops. Estimate about 10 to 20 pesos (MN) per meal. This equates to
about 2 to 3 CUC per day. For a more healthy approach, you might consider hav-
ing a larger evening meal in a restaurant. Under this plan you might expect to
spend a total of 5 to 6 CUC per day on food.
Alcohol - This category is highly dependent on the individual. Estimate that most
cans of beers cost 1 CUC or less.
Transportation - You can easily walk around most of the city. Although this is time
consuming, it is great exercise and the best way to meet locals and learn the cul-
ture. If you anticipate using taxis particulares a few times per day, budget to spend
about 50 pesos (MN) or 2 CUC daily. For state taxis, estimate 5 to 6 CUC daily.
Entertainment - If the ideas presented in this guide appeal to you, then you should
be able to find a great deal of fun in Havana for next to nothing. If you plan to
dance the night away in bars and discos, estimate spending an additional 10 to 20
CUC per evening.
Average Budgets:
Cheap : If you are budget conscious and traveling solo, you can expect to spend
about 30 to 40 CUC or less, per day. A couple can easily get by with 50 CUC per
day (25 CUC each). This includes the price for accommodations at an inexpensive
casa particular.
Moderate : If you want to live like a local Cuban while also enjoying a few extravag-
ances per day, such as having a few more drinks, staying at a fancier casa, and
making greater use of taxis, you can expect to spend about 50 CUC per day (solo)
or about 70 CUC for a couple (35 CUC each).