Holguin

Cuban rums are the finest that may be had

Average temperatures range between 26 and 30 degrees Celsius all year round and there are two seasons: the rainy season, from May to October; and the dry season, between November and April. Sugar cane and its derivatives are the mainstay of the economy, increasingly complemented by nickel and a line of traditional export products like Havana cigars, citrus fruit and the products of the fishing industry. Food is a kaleidoscope of flavours thanks to the influence of the Spanish, African, French, Chinese and Arab cultures in the country's culinary history. If any one dish had to be chosen to typify Cuban cuisine it would be pork roasted on a spit over an open fire, garnished with congri rice and boiled mandioc with garlic dressing, but fish and seafood are also very popular. The world knows that Cuban rums are the finest that may be had. Brands such as Havana Club, Varadero, Santiago de Cuba, Bucanero and many others are very much in demand on the world market. The most typical drinks are the Daiquiri and the Mojito, both made with lime juice and pure cane rum.

Shopping Bank:
0830-1200 and 1330-1500 Monday to Friday; 0830-1030 Saturday. Shopping hours: 0900-1900 Monday to Friday.

Money Matters Currency:
Cuban Peso (peso) = 100 centavos. Notes are in denominations of peso50, 20, 10, 5 and 3. Coins are in denominations of peso1, and 40, 20, 5, 2 and 1 centavos.Hard currency must be used in most transactions. Currency exchange: Money should be exchanged at official foreign exchange bureaux, banks or international air and sea ports, who issue receipts for transactions. At official tourist shops, purchases are made only in US Dollars; it is therefore advisable not to change too much hard currency into pesos. Black marketeers may offer as much as 20 times the official rate for US Dollars, but tourists are advised to avoid them as severe penalties for black marketeering are imposed.

Credit cards:
Visa and MasterCard are accepted. American Express is not accepted. Travellers cheques: US Dollar, Sterling and other major currencies are accepted, but US Dollar cheques issued by American banks are not acceptable. Do not enter the place and date details on any travellers cheque or it will be refused. The white exchange paper received upon encashment must be retained and shown when money is spent.

Getting Around Rail:
The principal rail route is from Havana to Santiago de Cuba, with two daily trains. Some trains on this route have air conditioning and refreshments. There are also through trains from Havana to other towns.

Road:
Most sightseeing is pre-arranged, though internal travel arrangements may be made through any of the several ground handlers. Traffic drives on the right.

Bus:
Most tours will include travel by air-conditioned buses. The Cubans themselves use the long-distance buses that link most towns; fares are low and services are reliable, but the buses can be very crowded especially during the rush hour.

Taxi:
Taxis and chauffeur-driven cars are cheap but can be scarce and are in general very old. It is usual to order them through the hotel. All official taxis have meters but in private taxis fares should be pre-arranged. Car hire: There are several car hire companies. Bicycles can be hired.

Electricity:
110/120 volts AC, 60Hz. American-style flat 2-pin plugs are generally used, except in certain large hotels where the European round 2-pin plug is standard.