Cuba is generally safer than most countries, with violent attacks extremely rare. Petty theft eg rifled luggage in hotel rooms or unattended shoes disappearing from the beach is common, but preventative measures work wonders.
Pickpocketing is preventable: wear your bag in front of you on crowded buses and at busy markets, and only take the money you will need when you head out at night. Begging is more widespread and is exacerbated by tourists who hand out money, soap, pens, chewing gum and other things to people on the street. If you truly want to do something to help, pharmacies and hospitals will accept medicine donations, schools happily take pens, paper, crayons etc, and libraries will gratefully accept books.
Alternatively pass stuff onto your casa particular owner or leave it at a local church. Students who can provide proof of enrollment at a Cuban university or college for a minimum stay of six months are issued a carnet β the identification document that allows foreigners to pay for museums, transport including colectivos β collective taxis and theater performances in Cuban pesos CUP , thus saving a bundle of money.
All embassies are in Havana, and most are open from 8am to noon on weekdays. Australia is represented in the Canadian Embassy. New Zealand is represented in the UK Embassy. Canada has additional consulates in Varadero and Guardalavaca. The measure was brought into force by President Kennedy in though prosecutions have been rare. Americans have skirted the law in the past by flying via third countries such as Mexico, Canada and the Bahamas.
Cuban customs officials don't stamp American passports. Now most Americans will go to Cuba under a general license. Further progress with USβCuba relations has opened up specific categories of travel for Americans, most general licenses are self-qualifying.
