In a nutshell
- Cuba is a genuinely safe travel destination — crime is low, and tourists are treated well across the island.
- That said, scams like counterfeit money and short-changing at restaurants are common, so stay sharp.
- Dangerous animals are rare, but tropical storms and heavy rainfall are a real risk, especially June through November.
- Read on for all our practical safety tips for Cuba — from avoiding jineteros to protecting your documents on the road.
Is Vacationing in Cuba Dangerous?
Cuba is a safe travel destination. Although the country is very poor, a great deal of emphasis is placed on public safety.
You can walk the streets freely during the day and in the evening and do sightseeing in Cuba. That said, avoid completely unlit streets and areas.
Muggings or gun crime are not something you need to worry about in Cuba — quite unlike, for example, Mexico.
Tourism is hugely important to Cuba, and as a tourist you’ll be treated like royalty. The locals know that tourists bring money into the country and don’t want to get on your bad side.
That’s why purely tourist destinations like Varadero or Viñales are especially safe.
However, since poverty in Cuba is steadily increasing, theft does occur, and you should always keep a close eye on your belongings.
What Does Crime in Cuba Look Like?
Everything that’s a major problem elsewhere in Latin America — muggings, violent crime, shootings, drug trafficking, etc. — is rare in Cuba. Overall, crime in Cuba is low.
Among tourists, theft and scams are the most common issues.
Even if theft isn’t as widespread as in, say, Rome, you should always keep a close eye on your bags and valuables. This applies especially on Cuba’s beaches and anywhere that gets crowded — for example, in cities like Havana or Trinidad.
Common scams in Cuba include the sale of counterfeit money and being given too little change at restaurants. We’ll tell you how to protect yourself in the next section.
Rules of Conduct for Cuba
Even though Cuba is generally safe, there are a few things you should watch out for.
#1 Keep a close eye on your valuables
Theft does happen in Cuba despite the otherwise solid safety standards. Keep your valuables close to your body at all times and never leave them unattended. We recommend bringing a money belt for your Cuba road trip.
#2 Leave some of your documents at your accommodation
If something does get stolen and you lose everything, that’s a real problem. So it’s best to leave your passport and other important documents at your accommodation rather than taking them out sightseeing.
For example, we always travel with two credit cards and bring one along on day trips. We also leave our passport at the accommodation and only carry our national ID — or have a photo of our passport on our phone.
We’ll tell you which documents you need for Cuba in our article on entering Cuba.
#3 Watch out for jineteros
Technically, jineteros are sex workers who offer their services on the street. In Cuba, however, the term refers to men and women who approach you in a charming way, offering to show you around the city or help you out — but who are ultimately only after your money.
What this means in practice: they sweet-talk you, strike up a conversation, and you end up going for cocktails with them. Except you’re the one expected to pay.
For you, this probably isn’t the end of the world — but you should know that jineteros are not interested in you, just your wallet.
#4 Don’t exchange money on the street
Counterfeit money is widespread in Cuba. Always exchange your money through reliable sources such as guesthouses.
We explain more about exchanging money in Cuba in a separate article.
Also read our tips on paying & currency in Cuba
#5 Always count your money carefully
As a tourist in Cuba, you’ll often get ripped off. Whether the bill at a restaurant suddenly shows a different amount or the server has conveniently “forgotten” your change — all kinds of tricks are used to get as much money out of you as possible.
So in Cuba, always double-check prices, bills, and change.
Is Cuba Safe for Solo Female Travelers?
Yes, Cuba is safe for solo female travelers. Since the country is generally low-risk, you don’t need to worry too much even as a woman traveling alone.
That said, Cuba wouldn’t be our first choice for a solo trip as a woman. Expect to be whistled at or called out to on just about every street corner. This can get very annoying, especially if you’re not used to it.
Women receiving compliments on the street in Cuba is completely normal. It’s part of the culture, and local women would probably be more offended if no one said anything. Some men, however, are unfortunately very pushy.
Since I made my trip to Cuba on my own, you’ll find more on this topic in my personal account of Cuba.
Natural Disasters
The greatest danger in Cuba is hurricanes. Hurricane season runs from June to November. Most hurricanes, however, don’t make landfall but stay out at sea. The result in Cuba is typically severe storms. Tropical storms are especially frequent in August and September.
Unfortunately, a hurricane does occasionally make landfall and cause widespread destruction. This happens every few years at irregular intervals.
If you’re traveling to Cuba during hurricane season, stay informed at all times and try to stay inland if a hurricane is threatening.
Also read all our tips on the best time to visit Cuba
Earthquakes also occur in Cuba. Earthquakes can trigger tsunamis. However, strong tremors and tidal waves are even rarer in Cuba than hurricanes.
Dangerous Animals in Cuba
Cuba has very few dangerous animals. Mosquitoes are the biggest concern, as they can transmit a number of diseases. Protect yourself from bites as best you can.
Note: Mosquito repellent is only available in a very small number of stores in Cuba. It’s best to pack some before you go.
Otherwise, Cuba has neither venomous snakes nor other poisonous animals. There are a few venomous scorpions in Cuba, but we didn’t encounter any.
It’s also important not to go swimming just anywhere — crocodiles live in the swamps, and the sea has jellyfish and toxic coral. Only swim where it is explicitly permitted.
