LACNIC V - HAVANA, CUBA
NOVEMBER 18 - 20, 2003

CUBA

The Cuban archipelago comprises a surface area of 110, 992 km² and is situated in the westernmost part of the insular Caribbean, at the entrance of the Gulf of Mexico. More than 4000 keys and islets form part of the Cuban island, including the special municipality Isle of Youth (Isla de la Juventud), with a surface area of 2200 km². The nearest countries are Haiti, United States, Jamaica and Mexico.

The fact that Cuba is an island and its location under the Tropic of Cancer favors a nice subtropical moderate climate, prevailing warm temperatures. There is an average number of 330 days of sun a year, and two seasons rule: the rain season (May to October) and the dry season (November to April). The average temperature is 25, 5°C (77° F) and water temperature is 25°C. For more information about the weather in Havana, please go to: http://www.weather.com/outlook/travel/local/CUXX0003?lswe=Havana&lswa=WeatherLocalTravel

HAVANA

The city of Havana was founded in 1519 by Diego Velázquez. It was moved twice before it was established in its current privileged site at the northwest coast of the island.

Havana is the smallest of the Cuban provinces, but has the highest population. It also overcomes in extension and population other cities of the Antilles with over 2 million inhabitants. This fourth centennial city has different architectural styles from 17th century houses to modern structures.

Source: Cubatravel

LANGUAGE

The official language is Spanish.

CURRENCY

In addition to the Cuban pesos, American dollars circulate freely in the island with options of exchange in all the provinces. Both currencies are accepted in several stores but others, only accept one of them. Therefore, is advisable to ask first.

METHODS OF PAYMENT

In tourist facilities the prizes are in US dollars. Credit cards taken are: Cabal, Transcard, Visa and MasterCard International, as long as they had not been issued by American Banks or branches. There are also cards issued by Banco Financiero Internacional (BFI cards) and by Banks of Credit and Comerce, Metropolitan, Popular de Ahorro and BICSA (RED cards).

From June 2002, euros have been successfully circulating in Varadero and they are expected to start circulating in Cayo Largo and Jardines del Rey by the end of the year 2002. You can also withdraw cash from credit cards in several banks, but it is advisable to bring cash with you because withdraws may take some time and some facilities accept only cash. Traveler checks may be used to pay some services. The most accepted are Thomas Cook and Visa.

TIME ZONE

Cuba standard time corresponds to UTC -05:00. The summer time is established from May to October to make good use of daylight. For more information on time zones visit http://www.timeanddate.com

ELECTRICITY SUPPLY

110 and 220 volts. 60 Hz. Flat-pinned plug sockets.