Language Spanish is the language of Cuba but a reasonable proportion of people speak English, especially in Havana, although out in the country less English is spoken. The standards of education are high in Cuba and most of the people working in the tourist trade are bright and speak English.

Power Generally a power adapter will be required for UK residents as electricity is mainly 110 V 60 Hz, although the more modern hotels in Havana do provide 220 V power.

Telephones Some UK mobile phones do work in Havana and other large towns but once one leaves the urban areas there is a severely limited mobile network. Phones do have to be Tri-band and your carrier has to have an agreement with the local mobile phone company. We recommend you seek the advice of your air time provider to confirm whether your phone will operate in Cuba.

There is a public telephone network in rural areas and our accommodation for the Rio Negro and Las Salinas areas does provide public phones. The majority are pre-paid card phones and cards can be purchased freely in the urban areas but are more difficult to find in the country. We recommend that you pre-purchase a supply in Havana. Charges are high and , for example, an international call from Cuba to the UK costs approximately USD 8/minute.

Taxis The rule is use official taxis. Private taxis are simply not worth the hassle, having said that a trip in a 1947 Buick can be an experience!. Even so always ‘discuss’ the price before you get into the taxi – this way you will get no surprises and may save a fortune.

Medical Always drink bottled or boiled water. Cuban's are deceivingly immune to the microbes that will make us mere mortals sick. Also make sure you have a good supply of mosquito repellent as they are savage brutes here, especially out in the mangroves. If you need medical help, go to your hotel or contact your GrandSlam representative– who will arrange help. The standard of care available is quite good but don’t expect miracles and private health care style luxury!

Food As a general rule, the local food in Cuba is not as exciting as one would expect given the cultural mix, but this is due to the recent political history. Pork, chicken black beans and fish are the staple diet of Cubans and the cooking is basic. Traditional Cuban food cooked well tastes great but don’t expect spicy or sauce-laden food because you won’t get it. The best food in Cuba is invariably at the small private restaurants (the locals’ houses!) that are springing up in every town. In these places the food is generally good and cheap, although in Havana these private houses are becoming ‘trendy’ and prices are increasing.

Tips In restaurants and bars, the staff do expect tips, but don’t feel obliged to give one if the service is poor. Avoid over-tipping. A dollar is a good tip for most services.

Nightlife Is great in Cuba with salsa clubs, bars and discos staying open very late. There are very few altercation and the atmosphere is wonderful. At the private restaurants, called "paladares", you can find good Cuban food, prices are moderate and the service is excellent. Payments at the small private restaurants can be in Cuban pesos but generally US Dollars are required. Exchange rates are about 20 pesos to one US Dollar.

Crime Cubans are generally friendly people. You'll be pleasantly surprised by their straightforward approach to life. Crime is minimal but exists so just be sensible. Don't wear flashy jewellery in the street, secure valuables and don’t go leaving money, cameras or wallets on display in your car, even in the boot. Hotel's have stringent 'guest' rules and oblige all guests to be properly introduced to the reception. Generally, walking around in Cuba is very safe, even in the cities but avoid poorly lit places at night.

Consumables Toiletries are exorbitantly expensive here. Try and bring enough shampoo, shaving foam and blades, deodorant, etc. Also, film, batteries and video cassettes are very expensive and it worthwhile bringing a good supply.

Bureaucracy - reigns supreme in any government-run establishment. Form filling, paper shuffling and queuing are a way of life in these places, so if you come across it just go with the flow, its part of Cuba.