Is Cuba safe?
Of 40 countries that I have photographed in, I feel the safest in Cuba. Violent crime against tourists is unheard of. As in any tourist destination petty theft is always possible so I suggest standard precautions.
I heard the food in Cuba is not very good.
No longer true. Our photography tour has now also become a culinary tour. We eat at many excellent restaurants (by North American Standards). The quality of dining has changed significantly, from even a few years ago. We know all the best places to eat.
What effect will the latest US embargo announcement have?
Despite the current debates, it will be good for the Cuban people in the long run. More commerce, more money will mean more freedom. As far as a direct effect on our workshops is concerned, there will eventually be changes in the overall experience. The current infrastructure can barely support the level of tourism that exists today. If many more people start to visit Cuba there will be the inevitable changes that occur when that happens. Price increases, availability issues and a change in the look and feel of the places we visit. All the more reason to do it now and experience the Cuba, with all its imperfections, that will never be again.
What is the power for my electronics?
Voltage for the most part is 120V like at home with standard two prong. I have also stayed in hotel rooms that have 220V outlets with the Euro two round prongs so bring an adapter. Be careful what you plug in and where. They are usually labeled. Remember that pretty well all modern electronics is now dual voltage anyway. Bring a power surge protector for your delicate electronics such as laptops. The power in Cuba is subject to brownouts, and surges. Not good for your laptop. There are small travel ones available at Best Buy and Future shop or Tiger Direct. You should be using one everywhere and not just Cuba.
What about money and debit / credit cards?
Credit Cards – As long as they are not US based some bigger hotels and establishments take them. However, its not like at home. Cash is used pretty well everywhere. Don’t automatically expect to supplement your cash with a credit card. The cigar factories do take them. Travelers cheques must be in Canadian funds and from a Canadian institution. They are a pain to cash with potentially long waits and of course AMEX is not accepted being US based. There are now a few ATM’s in Havana and Trinidad, that work with credit cards, but not debit cards.
Cash – bring Canadian dollars, not US dollars. They have a standard exchange rate which is set by the government. Bring some small US cash such as one dollar bills for quick tips in case you don't get to exchange at the airport. Money can be changed at the airport when you arrive. Also at bigger hotels.
Debit Cards - don't work. Leave them at home.
Communications back home.
Internet – the hotels will have internet. You pay 6 CUC (about 7 dollars for one hour.) It is slow . You will be able to stay in touch. Expect about a half hour to check email and respond to a few important ones. Any more than a few and you will be there for an hour.
Phone – You can buy a phone card or call from your room if you need to stay in touch. There is good mobile coverage. Check with your mobile supplier in your home base if they have a package you can use down there. Again, make sure you have the dialing instructions down pat. This is the best way to access the Internet and email as well.
Vaccinations and Health
Vaccinations – Currently none really needed but Dukoral is not a bad idea. Its an oral vaccine you drink a couple of weeks beforehand. Helps with the stomach and associated upsets. Not a guarantee for everything. I have not had problems in Cuba but you just never know. Sanitation is good, but do not eat the street food. Its not very good and could be risky due to sporadic refrigeration.
Drinking water.
Do not drink tap water. Ever. The locals don't drink it as it could be contaminated because of faulty old piping. Cracks develop and sewage can mix with the fresh water. Do not even brush your teeth with it. Bottled water is everywhere and not expensive. You can also bring your own tablets or travel purifier if you wish not to use bottled.
Toiletries and Personal Medicines
Availability in Cuba can be hit or miss. Havana is better equipped than smaller towns or Trinidad for things that we take for granted here. If your contact lens solution is almost out or your deodorant is on its last few uses, bring a fresh supply to last for the 10 days. Even if it is available we may not be able to get to a store in a convenient timeframe for you. Personal medications that you may be on, or could require, should be brought as your carry on. Bring documentation as proof. Assume they will not be available anywhere. First aid kit. There is lots on the internet about putting together a small first aid kit. I suggest you bring one for smaller annoying things such as cuts scrapes, blisters, splinters. First aid stuff is not widely available in stores, we may not be near a place that sells them or they could be closed. Bring your own supplies for minor things.
What Camera gear do I need to bring?
For the workshop we work with wider lenses. From 16mm - 100mm is most common. Typical street shooting requires wider angles. No telephoto. Tripods are not needed unless you have a personal preference when shooting interiors, architecture, or special nightshots. Flash is optional and only used in some cases for daylight fill flash and nothing else.
Backup camera gear. If you have a second camera, a body or anything else that will take a decent photo , bring it. There are NO repair facilities in Cuba for photographic equipment. You cannot buy a camera nor can you buy parts or accessories. You may as well be shipwrecked on a desert island as far as photo equipment is concerned. You will have what you bring so make sure its in good shape before you go. Have extra cards as well as overlapping lens combinations. The prime purpose is photograph and you don't want to be without a critical element.
Camera Bag. Fancy camera bags with lots of compartments, Kevlar mesh protection, zippers everywhere, and compartments for every accessory are great – for the airplane to get your stuff down there. When I am down there I use a 25 dollar army surplus bag that I have outfitted with a few dividers poached from my collection of other bags. Foam pieces work just as well but the Velcro on pre made dividers is useful. The reason is this – you are able to blend in a lot better on the street with a non camera looking bag. You are also less intimidating for street portraits the less you look like a “serious photographer”. You also do not carry a lot of equipment for this type of shooting. We will discuss that later, but leave the long lenses at home or in the hotel room. Its nice also to have a small nylon rain cover for your low end bag. I just take one from one of my other small bags. That together with the umbrella will keep your stuff dry.
Should I bring a laptop or Ipad?
Yes! Bring your laptop – You will need one to download and share you photos. Also bring a memory stick so we can compile and review the days work. An Ipad is not quite as useful unless you have it configured specifically for photography. It cannot easily accept downloads from your card and has no USB for sharing work on a stick.
Other stuff to bring
1. Hat and sunscreen and bathing suit. At this time Cuba can be tropical and sunny. We will be outside a lot. If you want to take a short break bring a bathing suit. Hotel in Havana may have a pool.
2. Walking shoes. We will be walking/standing quite a bit. Nothing strenuous , but being on your feet for hours at a time requires good supportive walking shoes. Don’t buy them the day before you leave. Break them in to make sure blisters don’t pop up unexpectedly. Also bring a change of shoes for the evening. Your feet appreciate the change. Nothing formal will be needed so even running shoes are fine.
3. Flashlight. Power failures happen for unexplained reasons. You need to find your way around the hotel in case it goes out.
4. Translation or phrase book. Brushing up on your Spanish before you go can make for a nicer experience even though its not necessary. Even if its just a few basics. Not that many people speak English. We will of course have a guide to help you through things but your experience will be more fun and richer if you give it a go yourself.
5. Small umbrella. We will be shooting rain or shine. Great street shots happen when roads are wet. Waterproof camera covers ore OK but not great in my experience. An umbrella tucked under one arm when shooting is the easiest.
Travel Insurance is necessary.
For Canadians, more than OHIP is mandatory but also bring your OHIP card. Cuba decreed that all visitors will need to show proof of medical insurance. Since that order was instituted I have been down many times. Never got asked for anything but that could change anytime. Get third party medical insurance for the duration of the trip. Some people have it through work benefits. If not please buy it – when you buy your airfare. It includes complete coverage for bigger mishaps right down to evacuation if needed. If you don’t have it OHIP will not cover the majority of things and you will wind up out of pocket – on the spot.
Travel Arrangements
All arrangements for Capturing Cuba will be handled through Merit Travel
Of 40 countries that I have photographed in, I feel the safest in Cuba. Violent crime against tourists is unheard of. As in any tourist destination petty theft is always possible so I suggest standard precautions.
I heard the food in Cuba is not very good.
No longer true. Our photography tour has now also become a culinary tour. We eat at many excellent restaurants (by North American Standards). The quality of dining has changed significantly, from even a few years ago. We know all the best places to eat.
What effect will the latest US embargo announcement have?
Despite the current debates, it will be good for the Cuban people in the long run. More commerce, more money will mean more freedom. As far as a direct effect on our workshops is concerned, there will eventually be changes in the overall experience. The current infrastructure can barely support the level of tourism that exists today. If many more people start to visit Cuba there will be the inevitable changes that occur when that happens. Price increases, availability issues and a change in the look and feel of the places we visit. All the more reason to do it now and experience the Cuba, with all its imperfections, that will never be again.
What is the power for my electronics?
Voltage for the most part is 120V like at home with standard two prong. I have also stayed in hotel rooms that have 220V outlets with the Euro two round prongs so bring an adapter. Be careful what you plug in and where. They are usually labeled. Remember that pretty well all modern electronics is now dual voltage anyway. Bring a power surge protector for your delicate electronics such as laptops. The power in Cuba is subject to brownouts, and surges. Not good for your laptop. There are small travel ones available at Best Buy and Future shop or Tiger Direct. You should be using one everywhere and not just Cuba.
What about money and debit / credit cards?
Credit Cards – As long as they are not US based some bigger hotels and establishments take them. However, its not like at home. Cash is used pretty well everywhere. Don’t automatically expect to supplement your cash with a credit card. The cigar factories do take them. Travelers cheques must be in Canadian funds and from a Canadian institution. They are a pain to cash with potentially long waits and of course AMEX is not accepted being US based. There are now a few ATM’s in Havana and Trinidad, that work with credit cards, but not debit cards.
Cash – bring Canadian dollars, not US dollars. They have a standard exchange rate which is set by the government. Bring some small US cash such as one dollar bills for quick tips in case you don't get to exchange at the airport. Money can be changed at the airport when you arrive. Also at bigger hotels.
Debit Cards - don't work. Leave them at home.
Communications back home.
Internet – the hotels will have internet. You pay 6 CUC (about 7 dollars for one hour.) It is slow . You will be able to stay in touch. Expect about a half hour to check email and respond to a few important ones. Any more than a few and you will be there for an hour.
Phone – You can buy a phone card or call from your room if you need to stay in touch. There is good mobile coverage. Check with your mobile supplier in your home base if they have a package you can use down there. Again, make sure you have the dialing instructions down pat. This is the best way to access the Internet and email as well.
Vaccinations and Health
Vaccinations – Currently none really needed but Dukoral is not a bad idea. Its an oral vaccine you drink a couple of weeks beforehand. Helps with the stomach and associated upsets. Not a guarantee for everything. I have not had problems in Cuba but you just never know. Sanitation is good, but do not eat the street food. Its not very good and could be risky due to sporadic refrigeration.
Drinking water.
Do not drink tap water. Ever. The locals don't drink it as it could be contaminated because of faulty old piping. Cracks develop and sewage can mix with the fresh water. Do not even brush your teeth with it. Bottled water is everywhere and not expensive. You can also bring your own tablets or travel purifier if you wish not to use bottled.
Toiletries and Personal Medicines
Availability in Cuba can be hit or miss. Havana is better equipped than smaller towns or Trinidad for things that we take for granted here. If your contact lens solution is almost out or your deodorant is on its last few uses, bring a fresh supply to last for the 10 days. Even if it is available we may not be able to get to a store in a convenient timeframe for you. Personal medications that you may be on, or could require, should be brought as your carry on. Bring documentation as proof. Assume they will not be available anywhere. First aid kit. There is lots on the internet about putting together a small first aid kit. I suggest you bring one for smaller annoying things such as cuts scrapes, blisters, splinters. First aid stuff is not widely available in stores, we may not be near a place that sells them or they could be closed. Bring your own supplies for minor things.
What Camera gear do I need to bring?
For the workshop we work with wider lenses. From 16mm - 100mm is most common. Typical street shooting requires wider angles. No telephoto. Tripods are not needed unless you have a personal preference when shooting interiors, architecture, or special nightshots. Flash is optional and only used in some cases for daylight fill flash and nothing else.
Backup camera gear. If you have a second camera, a body or anything else that will take a decent photo , bring it. There are NO repair facilities in Cuba for photographic equipment. You cannot buy a camera nor can you buy parts or accessories. You may as well be shipwrecked on a desert island as far as photo equipment is concerned. You will have what you bring so make sure its in good shape before you go. Have extra cards as well as overlapping lens combinations. The prime purpose is photograph and you don't want to be without a critical element.
Camera Bag. Fancy camera bags with lots of compartments, Kevlar mesh protection, zippers everywhere, and compartments for every accessory are great – for the airplane to get your stuff down there. When I am down there I use a 25 dollar army surplus bag that I have outfitted with a few dividers poached from my collection of other bags. Foam pieces work just as well but the Velcro on pre made dividers is useful. The reason is this – you are able to blend in a lot better on the street with a non camera looking bag. You are also less intimidating for street portraits the less you look like a “serious photographer”. You also do not carry a lot of equipment for this type of shooting. We will discuss that later, but leave the long lenses at home or in the hotel room. Its nice also to have a small nylon rain cover for your low end bag. I just take one from one of my other small bags. That together with the umbrella will keep your stuff dry.
Should I bring a laptop or Ipad?
Yes! Bring your laptop – You will need one to download and share you photos. Also bring a memory stick so we can compile and review the days work. An Ipad is not quite as useful unless you have it configured specifically for photography. It cannot easily accept downloads from your card and has no USB for sharing work on a stick.
Other stuff to bring
1. Hat and sunscreen and bathing suit. At this time Cuba can be tropical and sunny. We will be outside a lot. If you want to take a short break bring a bathing suit. Hotel in Havana may have a pool.
2. Walking shoes. We will be walking/standing quite a bit. Nothing strenuous , but being on your feet for hours at a time requires good supportive walking shoes. Don’t buy them the day before you leave. Break them in to make sure blisters don’t pop up unexpectedly. Also bring a change of shoes for the evening. Your feet appreciate the change. Nothing formal will be needed so even running shoes are fine.
3. Flashlight. Power failures happen for unexplained reasons. You need to find your way around the hotel in case it goes out.
4. Translation or phrase book. Brushing up on your Spanish before you go can make for a nicer experience even though its not necessary. Even if its just a few basics. Not that many people speak English. We will of course have a guide to help you through things but your experience will be more fun and richer if you give it a go yourself.
5. Small umbrella. We will be shooting rain or shine. Great street shots happen when roads are wet. Waterproof camera covers ore OK but not great in my experience. An umbrella tucked under one arm when shooting is the easiest.
Travel Insurance is necessary.
For Canadians, more than OHIP is mandatory but also bring your OHIP card. Cuba decreed that all visitors will need to show proof of medical insurance. Since that order was instituted I have been down many times. Never got asked for anything but that could change anytime. Get third party medical insurance for the duration of the trip. Some people have it through work benefits. If not please buy it – when you buy your airfare. It includes complete coverage for bigger mishaps right down to evacuation if needed. If you don’t have it OHIP will not cover the majority of things and you will wind up out of pocket – on the spot.
Travel Arrangements
All arrangements for Capturing Cuba will be handled through Merit Travel