It’s not obscure why Havana is such a preferred vacationer vacation spot. With its elegantly-worn and colourful colonial-era buildings, classic vehicles, fascinating museums, and energetic nightlife and music scene, this metropolis supplies a culturally enriching and thrilling touring expertise.
When you’re planning a visit to Havana, you could be questioning in the event you’d be protected throughout your keep there. The brief reply is that Havana is usually thought of a protected vacationer vacation spot. In truth, it’s one of many most secure nations in South America. Right here’s some extra detailed details about security in Havana.
How Secure Is Havana?
In response to the US Abroad Safety Advisory Council (OSAC), Cuba is mostly a protected nation. Additionally, since tourism is a vital contributor to the financial system, the native authorities in Havana prioritize the protection of vacationers, with the police sustaining a presence all through the town.
It’s fascinating to notice that Cuba, as an entire, is a safer nation than the U.S. The International Peace Index for 2022 (GPI), as an illustration, ranks Cuba because the 98th most peaceable nation on the planet, whereas the U.S. is listed in 129th place. Reviews from feminine vacationers additionally point out that Havana is a superb vacation spot for ladies who’re touring solo.
Crime in Havana
Vacationers in Havana largely solely encounter petty crimes, akin to pickpocketing, theft, and cash scams. Guests ought to be careful for bogus tour brokers and taxi drivers. It’s advisable to solely use established tour operators and registered taxis, versus non-public automobiles.
The sale of counterfeit merchandise in road vendor stalls, in addition to official outlets, is one other petty crime to look out for. Well-liked pretend merchandise embrace fragrance, cosmetics, tender drinks, bottled water, and rum.
When purchasing for Cuba’s well-known cigars, guests ought to understand that the sale of faux cigars in Havana is rife. To make sure that they purchase the actual deal, vacationers ought to store for Cuban cigars at cigar factories, state outlets, or state resorts. Actual Cuban cigars are expensive and are available a field that accommodates a certificates.
Neighborhoods in Havana
Whereas it’s completely protected to stroll round Havana throughout the day, it’s best to be vigilant when strolling at evening in sure areas, akin to central Havana, or to quite taking a taxi. Guests must also follow extra warning when visiting sure neighborhoods, akin to Calle Monte, Cuatro Caminoa, and Marianao.
A few of the nicest neighborhoods to go to embrace Outdated Havana, Vedado, Vibora, Sevillano, Miramar, and Playa. Outdated Havana isn’t solely one of many most secure areas within the metropolis, however additionally it is a UNESCO World Heritage Web site. Right here you may go to fascinating museums and well-known websites just like the Monastery of San Francisco de Asís.
Suggestions For Optimum Security in Havana
Though Havana is mostly a protected place, vacationers can keep away from changing into the victims of petty crime by following the following pointers:
- To keep away from attracting consideration to themselves, vacationers shouldn’t stroll across the streets of Havana with costly jewellery or equipment.
- Resort and guesthouse company ought to lock up their valuables in a protected earlier than leaving their rooms.
- When vacationers fall sufferer to a theft or mugging try, they need to not put up a combat.
- It’s advisable to not become involved with medication when in Havana. If caught whereas shopping for or utilizing medication, vacationers can face a hefty advantageous or a jail sentence.
- Guests ought to be looking out for counterfeit cash when exchanging cash or receiving change for a money buy.
- Since pickpocketing is a well-liked petty crime in Havana, guests ought to not stroll round with their wallets of their pockets.
- When driving round Havana in a rented automotive, it’s advisable to not cease for hitchhikers.
