Beach town in Matanzas, Cuba
Varadero
Cuba's long white beach and all-inclusive resort strip, easy for sun-and-sand but isolated from real Cuban life. Resorts run generators during blackouts; the town is expensive and heavily commercial.
At a glance
- Safety4/5Safe with normal careDetails
- Monthly budget$2,000–3,200Comfortable, one person · $2,000–3,200Details
- Value for money34/100Better value than 33% of places we coverDetails
- Best time to goNov–AprWarmest: Jul, 33°CDetails
- Tap waterNo, drink bottledDrink bottled water.Details
- LGBTQ+3/5Tolerant, but be discreetDetails
- Solo travel3/5English: common in tourist areasDetails
- Doctor's visit$40–100Private clinic, without insuranceDetails
- Getting aroundHop-on hop-off busWalkable centerDetails
- Cash or cardCash onlyCash only.Details
Where to stay in Varadero
Areas visitors base themselves in.
| Area | Good for |
|---|---|
| Varadero town | Casas particulares, restaurants and bars at lower prices than resorts |
| Hotel strip (Hicacos peninsula) | All-inclusive resorts with generators and beach access |
| Cárdenas | Nearby local town for cheap food and a real Cuban feel |
Apps that work in Varadero
No ride-hailing apps work here; see the taxi note below.
- Maps: Organic Maps or Maps.me (download offline maps before arrival)
- Messaging: WhatsApp
- Psiphon: VPN for blocked sites and services
- Taxis: No ride apps. Taxis wait at hotels and the main road; agree a fare in USD or euros first.
Cash, cards and tipping
What to carry and how to pay. Money in Cuba.
- Cash only Cash only. Foreign and US cards don't work in ATMs or terminals; bring US dollars or euros. All-inclusive resorts are often prepaid abroad.
- Currency: Peso (CUP). US$1 ≈ $24.00 on 03 Oct 2026.
- ATMs: Foreign cards don't work in ATMs or card terminals, so you can't withdraw cash at all. Bring enough.
- Tipping: Tip in cash: about 10% in restaurants, plus small dollar or euro notes for guides, drivers, musicians and casa hosts.
- Paying by phone: None for visitors: Transfermóvil and EnZona need Cuban accounts. A Cuban prepaid Clásica card is the only card option.
Before you go
Visa and entry
- Get a tourist card (tourist visa) online via eVisa-Cuba, through your airline or agent, or from a Cuban embassy.
- Complete the D'Viajeros form within 72 hours before arrival; save the QR code as a PDF, as airlines check it.
- Carry proof of travel medical insurance valid in Cuba and an onward or return ticket.
Emergency numbers
Police 106 · Ambulance 104 · Fire 105
Plugs
Type A, B, C, L · 110 V, 60 Hz. Do I need an adapter?
SIM and eSIM
CubacelTur temporary SIM from Havana Terminal 3, other airports or ETECSA offices, with passport; 7- or 30-day packs. Signal drops during blackouts. eSIMs work for visitors.
More places in Cuba
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Sources
Prices are SoloSquare estimates; climate, air, safety and visa figures come from the sources listed. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.