CUBA

Purchase of all goods and services in Cuba must be paid by means of the Cuban Convertible Peso – US dollars and Canadian dollars are not accepted.

Never accept the attempting offer of a better exchange rate from any would-be money-changer who approaches you. Banco Nacional de Cuba (BNC) and Banco Financiero Internacional (BFI) and the national Banco Popular de Ahorro are the banks that handle foreign exchanges. Please note that some branches are open from 8AM to 3PM only.

The most common greeting in Cuba is a kiss on the cheek, while shaking hands is common among men only in formal circumstances. It is polite to use proper titles when speaking to Cubans – senor, senora, senorita, doctor, ingeniero (engineer) and professor.

For those who have a sensitive stomach – watch what you eat! Drink only bottled water or water that has been boiled for at least 10 minutes, even when brushing your teeth. Never consume drinks with ice, milk and uncooked foods.

Plan for SUN – bring plenty of sunscreen as well as mosquito repellent. Be sure to use sunscreen, even on an overcast day.

Nudism and topless sunbathing are not allowed on most beaches. Men and women with body piercing and tattoos may provoke raised eyebrows.

Camping and sleeping in sleeping bags on the beach or in areas not specifically used as a camping site, is strictly forbidden.

Bring soap, toothpaste, nail polish, etc to leave as small gifts for your housekeeping staff.

If time allows, plan a visit to Havana – visit the bar Hemmingway was a regular at – also try to imagine the city in the 1930’s & 40’s when it was a playground for the rich and the famous.

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DOMINICAN REPUBLIC

Never accept the attempting offer of a better exchange rate from any would-be money-changer who approaches you. Casas de Cambio (Bureaux de Change) is where you could do money exchange. Be cautious that most banks closed on weekends – Casas de Cambio is more flexible in their opening hours.

US dollar bills are widely accepted in tourist areas/hotel zone but make sure you carry smaller bills such as fives and tens as locals are often leery of US fifties and hundreds because of possible counterfeits.

Most taxis are not metered so it is important to agree a price before setting off.

For those who have a sensitive stomach – watch what you eat! Drink only bottled water or water that has been boiled for at least 10 minutes, even when brushing your teeth. Never consume drinks with ice, milk and uncooked foods.

Do not under-estimate the power of the tropical sun so be sure to use sunscreen, even when the weather seems predominately cloudy.

Women travellers – foreign women can receive a fair amount of unwanted attention from Dominican men. The most effective response is a stony glare or cold indifference.

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LAS VEGAS

Temperatures can vary greatly – from cold in the winter to scorching hot in the summer. During transitional months you can experience both extremes – so pack wisely.

Drinking lots of booze at night + walking around in 46 ºC/ 115 ºF heat during the day = dehydration so remember, drink lots of water!

Dry heat, dry cold and dry wind – be sure to bring along lip balm, lotion and re-wetting drops with you.

When staying on the Strip realize that distances can be far so wear comfortable shoes if you plan to leave the confines of your hotel.

Look left, look right, look left and look right again. Pedestrians need to pay extra special attention as they walk across the Strip. Traffic is scary!

Many taxi drivers are unable to accept traveller's checks so make sure you bring some small American dollar bills with you.

Any shows you are interested in seeing or restaurants you want to try – book/reserve ahead.

When booking a hotel remember that there are hotels that can cater to most of your wants.

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MEXICO

Before you leave home, call your credit card company and advise them of your travel plans. Unless you do this, there is a fairly good chance that using your credit card in Mexico will cause the company to put a “stop” on your account due to the relatively high number of fraudulent and stolen credit cards in Mexico.

Banks and casa de cambio (private foreign exchange shops) are common and easy to locate. Two of the largest banks are Banamex (Banco Nacional de Mexico) and Bancomer (Banco de Comercio). To avoid frequent trips to the bank, use credit cards whenever possible.

US dollar bills are widely accepted but make sure you carry smaller bills such as fives and tens as Mexicans are often leery of US fifties and hundreds because of possible counterfeits. US dollars are great for tipping.

For those who have a sensitive stomach – watch what you eat! Drink only bottled water or water that has been boiled for at least 10 minutes, even when brushing your teeth. Never consume drinks with ice, milk and uncooked foods.

Be sure to use sunscreen, even on an overcast day.

Depending on the wave and tide conditions, each section of the beach is marked with a flag indicating whether it is safe to swim there:

• Black flag
  Don't swim, too dangerous.
  
  
• Red flag
  Use caution, dangerous. Some may got dunked occasionally by big waves even when they stay close to shore so be caution.
  
  
• Any other colour(s)
  It is reasonably safe to swim. Always back-out of the ocean – this way you will never be surprised by a “rogue wave”.

The sand is very clingy. When you leave the beach, be sure to wash the sand off your feet, legs, back, and butt. Otherwise it may come off in your hotel room and possibly your bed.

Mexican Auto Insurance is required for driving in Mexico.

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