Despite recent advances, Cuba remains a communist country, and the government will not tolerate any criticism. If you start a conversation on politics or the government, you'll probably make people uncomfortable, and you'll be denounced to the police as a subversive foreigner.
There are residences all around the country where foreigners can stay, almost like a government-run network of bed & breakfasts. Foreigners are only permitted to remain in casas with a blue sign on the outside, whereas dwellings with an orange sign are reserved for Cubans alone. If you stay in the incorrect spot, you and the house owner may both be in danger.
Professional photographers and enthusiastic enthusiasts alike should be aware of what they picture. In Cuba, photographing police or troops is prohibited. You might get away with one or two covert photos, but if you're detected, you could face espionage charges.
Cuba has two currencies, each of which has a vastly different value. One convertible peso (CUC) is worth 26 Cuban pesos (CUP), therefore double-check your change to avoid being taken advantage of.
For the majority of Cubans, the minimum wage is extremely low, and the cost of living is extremely high. Don't forget to tip those who work in the tourist sector because they rely on gratuities to maintain a good level of living.
The attitude regarding blowing your nose and spitting in public is one of Cuba's cultural oddities. Many people in other Latin American countries wouldn't mind if you cleansed your nose in public, but Cubans consider it impolite. If you need to, go somewhere private.
Although tap water will be available across the country, it is not recommended for consumption due to the risk of stomach aches and nausea from the change in the water. Plus, bottled water is mineralized and cleaned, so you won't get tropical illness from it. So bring plenty of water bottles with you, as the country's dry, tropical atmosphere makes it easy to become dehydrated.
Because internet connection or wifi service is unlikely to be available in Cuba, download offline maps of Cuba or the places to which you plan to travel so that you can navigate and avoid getting lost in the streets of Havana and Santiago.
Bring enough cash to exchange and have some spare dollars on you at all times. Because credit and debit cards are still not generally accepted in Cuba, do not travel with small amounts of cash.
This time of year, the weather is wonderful.
Have a local teach you a few dances or just enjoy the music if you can't dance at all.
