A young Cuban has ignited social media by responding to a comment that claimed it takes at least $4,000 to visit Cuba for a week, including round-trip airfare.
In a video posted on TikTok, creator @danay.jorjito1 reacted with disbelief to that figure: "Gentlemen, life in Cuba is tough and difficult, but we shouldn't exaggerate. 4,000 dollars in a week is too much. I can't imagine the number of things you must do to spend that money. If you told me for a month… but for a week, no. I spent a month in Cuba and you don't need that."
Her phrase "not even in a month do I spend that" triggered a flurry of comments sharing very different experiences.
Some agreed with her: "I went for a week with my husband to visit family and we spent around 1,500. We went out, shared, left some money, and had a great time. People exaggerate"; "I have gone with 1,500 and had money left over"; "If you’re going to enjoy with your family, you don’t have to spend so much"; "I went with 500 and returned with 120, without any trouble"; "In Cuba, everything is cheaper with dollars. For us, it's not as expensive as it is for them" or "I have gone twice and have never taken that much money; with food and the little I bring is enough for me."
Others argued that the high amount is possible: "After two years without seeing family, one wants to take them to places they have never been able to go. In Havana, you have to go with money, because even without luxuries everything is expensive"; "The first time I went with my husband and we took 8,500. We went out every day with his family, gave away money, and still it wasn't enough for everything"; "I went for 15 days with 3,000 and had almost half left, but if you go out every day and pay for expensive dinners, you spend more"; "Counting tickets, gifts, car rental, and outings, 4,000 goes quickly" or "I went for 8 days and spent 6,000 on restaurants, bars, and Varadero. Just for dinners we paid 200 dollars."
There were also those who emphasized that spending depends more on priorities and travel style: "It's a matter of mindset, need, and the amount of money you have"; "Some people want to show off, and that's why they spend so much"; "If you take 10 people to a restaurant, obviously you won't spend the same as someone who takes 5"; "With 1,000 dollars, you can have a great time if you're not trying to overspend" or "Those who have the means will spend it… and those who don't will make adjustments."
Among stories ranging from $500 trips with extra cash to short stays that exceeded $8,000, the video made it clear that there is no single figure for calculating the cost of traveling to Cuba: it depends on the budget, the intentions, and the type of experience sought.
Frequently asked questions about the cost of traveling to Cuba and experiences on the island
How much does it cost to travel to Cuba for a week?
There is no single figure to calculate how much it costs to travel to Cuba, as it depends on the budget, intentions, and the type of experience sought. Some visitors have spent from 500 dollars to over 4,000 dollars in a week, depending on how much they plan to spend on tickets, gifts, accommodation, and activities.
Why is the cost of living in Cuba so high for tourists?
The cost of living in Cuba can be expensive for tourists due to the economic crisis, inflation, and shortages of basic products. Visitors often encounter high prices for food, accommodation, and transportation, especially if they want to enjoy additional comforts or engage in tourist activities.
Is it better to carry dollars or euros in cash when traveling to Cuba?
It is advisable to carry cash in dollars or euros when traveling to Cuba, as the Cuban peso continues to lose value against these currencies. In addition, foreign bank cards, except those issued in Cuban currency, are generally accepted in stores that charge in foreign currency.
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