Upcoming Events
Havana, Cuba Educational Summit
May 18-24, 2024
Registration is opening soon!
Contact Jeff Carlisle at jeff.carlisle@tpg-group.com to register for the Cuba Educational Summit in the spring of 2024.
Agenda – Topics of Study
As is true of all our international programs, we aim to cover a variety of topics to ensure our delegates receive a complete overview and understanding of each health system we study. Please click here to view the agenda for the Educational Summit.
Get To Know Your Fellow Delegates
Everyone will receive meeting materials on Saturday prior to the opening reception that will include a detailed agenda for the week, all the delegate biographies and company information, your badge, and more. But if you’d like to get a jump on reading about your fellow delegates you can do so right here.
A PDF with delegate biographies, headshots, and company profiles will be available closer to the start of the Educational Summit.
The delegation will be staying at the Grand Aston La Habana. Located near the US embassy, with convenient access to Old Havana, the Vedado commercial district and the Malecón. The hotel décor is eclectic and modern, featuring the colors and vibe of modern Havana.
This 5-star hotel was chosen as it has been approved by OFAC for US Citizens. Section 515.210, restricts US Citizens from lodging, paying for lodging, or making reservations at certain properties in Cuba. This hotel is NOT prohibited for US Citizens by the Bureau of Economic and Business Affairs.
All delegate reservations will be handled by TPG-IHA. We will be traveling from Miami to Havana together as a group, and will arrive at the hotel and complete the check-in process together.
These reading materials are provided to you as a supplement, NOT a requirement.
Feel free to read as many, or as few, of these materials as your interest & availability allows.
Cuba aims for Universal Health
Maternal and Child health care in Cuba: achievements and challenges
Non-communicable diseases: risk factors and actions for their prevention and control in Cuba
Experiences and lessons from Cuba on the road to Universal Health in the Americas
The Health Care System and Training Specialist in Intensive Care Medicine and Emergency in Cuba
Travel to Cuba is a special and heavily-regulated endeavor. TPG-IHA will be handling all paperwork and arrangements to make your experience as simple and painless as possible. However, there are MORE items that we need to collect than a typical Educational Summit, and there are more “things to know” than traveling to a European country.
Please pay close attention to all the details in the emails you receive, and here on this page. Don’t hesitate to contact Jeff Carlisle with any questions – it’s better to be sure and ask!
Weather
Cuba has a semi-subtropical climate, divided into two seasons: wet (May-October) and dry (November- April). However, regional variations and trade winds account for fluctuations. Cuba’s average temperature is 77 °F. Compared to most countries, Cuba experiences little variation, although July and August can be hot and humid. Nearly two-thirds of all rainfall occurs during the wet season.
Time Zone
Havana, Cuba is on GMT-5, which is the Eastern Time Zone. When it is 1:00pm in New York it will also be 1:00pm in Havana.
Currency
After operating with a dual currency system, the Cuban peso (CUP) and the Cuban convertible peso (CUC) since the early 1990s, in January 2021 Cuba adopted the CUP as its sole currency, leading to the abolition of the CUC.
The Cuban peso (CUP). Unlike other currencies that can be exchanged anywhere in the world, you can’t get Cuban pesos outside of Cuba.
The exchange rate is roughly 1 USD to 25 CUP. The Global Exchange website has the most up to date exchange rates.
US dollars (USD) are widely accepted in Cuba. They can be used to pay for goods and services in most tourist-oriented businesses, including hotels, restaurants, shops, and taxis. USD can also be exchanged for Cuban pesos (CUP) at authorized banks and exchange bureaus, including the hotel exchange desk. However, it is important to note that the exchange rate for USD is not always favorable to tourists. It is therefore advisable to exchange only enough USD for your immediate needs. It is also a good idea to have some CUP with you in case a merchant only accepts that.
US credit cards do not work in Cuba.
The use of credit cards and debit cards in Cuba has been authorized by the U.S. government, but must wait until the organizations, banks, credit card companies in the U.S. which issue credit or debit cards have agreements with vendors in Cuba.
As a general rule U.S. issued debit/credit cards are not recognized by Cuba banks. It’s necessary to bring a sufficient amount of cash with you to cover the entire duration of time that you’ll be in Cuba. Further, often non-US issued credit/debit cards will not work in Cuba. PLEASE bring U.S. dollars or Euros to Cuba for your stay in Cuba. Do not count on accessing an ATM for cash or using your credit card.
The Cuban government requires that travelers declare cash amounts over the equivalent of 5,000 USD.
Tipping in Cuba
Most of the tips associated with this program for bus drivers, porters, restaurant staff and hotel luggage service have been included in your program cost. Their tips will be paid from the program office.
If you would like to provide additional gratuities to specific individuals whom you would like to recognize their excellent service additional gratuity is always appreciated.
If you are out on your own, below are suggested amounts:
Taxi Drivers: $1-$2 in line with service
Water/Bartender: 10% of the total bill
Cleaning Staff: $1-$2 per day
Power Outlets
The electricity in Cuba is 110 or 220V, 60Hz. Newer hotels are being built with 220V and use european-style round two-pin plugs (Type C). Please make sure you bring plug adaptors and converters with you as they are difficult to find in Cuba.
Keep in mind that Cuba has infrastructure challenges and the power goes out periodically. Keep everything charged and make sure you have a backup portable charger.
What to Pack
In Cuba, goods aren’t as readily available as in other countries. Remember that Cuba isn’t one of those places where you can go out and buy what you forget to pack. It is recommended you make sure you have the following:
- Prescription Medication (prescription label must have your name ) and non-prescription medications.
- Attire for both professional meetings and cultural orientation (see attire recommendations below)
- a light jacket or sweater for cool evenings
- sunscreen / sunglasses
- alarm clock
- soap
- extra pair of glasses
- OTC medications/Band Aids
- Spanish-English dictionary
- hand Sanitizing wipes or liquid
- chargers and or adaptors
Some additional items to consider bringing are shaving cream, razor, insect repellent, contact lens solution, toothpaste, toothbrush, dental floss, bandages, creams & ointments (travel first aid kit), feminine hygiene products, over-the-counter drugs. It’s also a good idea to keep toilet paper or tissues in your bag, along with hand sanitizer, as many public restrooms do not have toilet paper or soap.
Dress Code
Dressing for professional meetings is far more casual than in the United states. However, shorts, capris, or vacation wear are not recommended and would offend your counterparts. Good walking shoes are a must. Many of the streets are cobblestone and buildings often do not have working elevators.
- For Women, this can include slacks and skirts with light blouses. Some facilities have air conditioning, yet this can be blowing very strong, so a light wrap is recommended.
- For Men, short sleeved shirts with collars are what you will find most of your counterparts wearing. Rarely will you find a man wearing a tie. Sports jackets are appropriate for any ministerial meeting.
Dressing for non-professional program activities is the same as it would be for any caribbean vacation. However, due to the travel restrictions, the cultural orientation/non-professional activities are interspersed between the professional meetings.
Telecommunications
There is direct dialing between the U.S. and Cuba (Cuba’s country-code is 53; Havana’s city-code is 7). Please check with the hotel before placing a call to the United States as the cost can be very high.
Cell phones
Your U.S. mobile phone may work in Cuba if your mobile phone is capable of roaming in Cuba. AT&T, Sprint, Verizon and T-Mobile currently have roaming agreements with Cuba. We advise that you contact your current carrier for the most up-to-date information on usage and roaming costs, etc. before leaving.
You can also get a CUBACEL SIM card for us on an unlocked quad band GSM cell phone at the airport. Visit Cubaceltur.
Internet/WI-FI
Hotel Wi-Fi is included with your rooms. Access Information will be given to you at check-in. You can access the Internet in the rooms and public areas at the Grand Aston Hotel, Please note, connection speeds vary widely and may not support video calls.
Shopping
Please note that effective September 24, 2020, authorized travelers may no longer return to the United States with alcohol and/or tobacco products acquired in Cuba as accompanied baggage for personal use.
Vaccines
While there are no required vaccines needed for travel to Cuba, it is important to consult with your personal physician for recommendations. You can also get more information about vaccines and travel from the The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website.
General Health Tips
We strongly recommend drinking bottled water only. The most common afflictions for visitors are mild diarrhea, heatstroke, and sunstroke. Cuban water is not safe to drink. Drink only bottled or boiled water or carbonated drinks in cans or bottles. Avoid tap water, fountain drinks, and ice cubes. The hotel may state that the water is safe (potable) in the hotel, however, we still recommend using bottled water, this includes for bruising your teeth.
Bottled water is in high demand in Havana at this time. The Hotel will only give you one bottle on the first night. We will have bottled water available on the delegation bus for you daily. We recommend grabbing 2 bottles in the evenings.
Additionally:
- Get plenty of rest before departure.
- If you are prone to upper respiratory infections, carry cough, cold, and sore throat remedies, and aspirin. To avoid delays at customs, always use the original containers for over the counter and prescription drugs.
- Common travelers’ ills can be treated with antacids, aspirin, and preparations such as Imodium or Pepto Bismol or Imodium. If you suffer from motion sickness, take along a preventive remedy.
- Ask your doctor for a broad-spectrum antibiotic that you can take with you, just in case.
- If you wear glasses or contact lenses, bring an extra pair.
- Watch out for spicy dishes, especially at the outset of your program. Avoid eating food from roadside stalls as well as unpeeled fruits and fresh salads in small hotels. If you absolutely must eat food at a doubtful location, make sure it is served hot.
- Always use an insect repellent if you find yourself in a mosquito-prone area.
- If traveling in scorching heat, remember to drink enough water and to use hats, sunglasses, and sunscreen. Avoid venturing out in the midday sun.
Personal Safety
Your personal safety is usually a matter of common-sense awareness of your surroundings. Keep wallets in an inconspicuous location; don’t leave expensive jewelry or other valuables unattended in your hotel room. The surest way to protect these items from loss or theft is to leave them at home. Take advantage of hotel safes and always lock your door when in your hotel room.
When traveling in markets and public areas, take care of your belongings and leave valuables back at the hotel. It is wise not to accept gifts of food or drink from any strangers. Do not go with anyone soliciting business or services away from the delegation or public spaces. Take care with your passport, credit cards and money – a money belt to fit beneath your clothes is highly recommended. Avoid walking alone after dark in isolated places.
Prescriptions
Please take the following precautions to avoid complications while traveling:
- Leave all medication in its original packaging with all prescription details.
- The prescription must be in your name.
- Bring extra medication in case of loss or damage.
- Discuss the issue of time zone changes with your physician to ensure that you are receiving the proper dosage at the proper time of day. You should also discuss alternatives for medications that require refrigeration, as this is not possible while traveling.
- You will need an original, signed letter from your doctor to bring certain medical devices such as syringes, pumps, or EpiPens® on the airplane.
Ensure you have all the medicine you require for your time in Cuba. Medicine (prescription and over the counter) is not readily available in Cuba. Always carry your prescription medication in original packaging, along with your doctor’s prescription.