Key2Cuba - Frequently asked Questions

How much should I expect to pay in Cuba?

In Havana you can expect to pay the same price as you would in Spain for drinks and food.
Lunch 8CCP (Cuban Convertible Pesos)
Dinner 10-15 CCP
Cocktail 3–6 CCP
Coke 1 CCPGo to top

What currency should I take with me?

The currency in Cuba is the Cuban Convertible Peso which has the same value as the American dollar. For £100.00 you will get around 185CCP depending on the rate of exchange at the time. US dollars are still acceptable but incur a 10% surcharge. It may be difficult to change your currency before arriving in Cuba, although this can be done on arrival at the airport in Havana, at the front desk in the reception of our hotel or in the bank next door to the hotel. All you will need is your passport and currency in cash. Although travellers cheques are acceptable, there is a large commission fee payable. American Express cheques and cards are NOT bankable. You can also withdraw money from the bank with a Visa/MasterCard. This carries a charge of between 11 – 13%.
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What food is included?

Breakfast is included and is a real feast of a buffet which will set you up for the day. You will need to pay for your lunches and evening meals. Depending on the hotel we stay at, there are nearby restaurants costing between 8-12CCP for lunch. There are also two restaurants in the hotel. When we eat out as a group, we usually pay between 10ccp and 13ccp for an evening meal in a local palador, (a private house). There are many great places within walking distance of the hotel. We also use an a Havana based beach resort where all meals are 5–10ccp and soft drinks and alcoholic drinks, are included. Go to top

How much does it cost to get into the clubs?

Club entrance in Havana is usually 5ccp in the day and from 15-25ccp at night and at weekends. During the week, nights out in Havana cost between 5 -10ccp entrance with an extra 5ccp for the coach there and back if we decide to travel further afield. All local clubs within walking distance are between 3-5ccp, or 10ccp with a free bar.

Other holidays may be cheaper because the hotel ratings are not as high as the hotels we use, which in Cuba, can be challenging. Some hotels are also not ideally situated close to all the action. For example, there are few Salsa night clubs in Old Havana and if you are in Miramar, you are a good 18ccp round trip taxi ride to all the Salsa clubs.

What is important is finding the right places to party. We have a dedicated team checking and making reservations at the best clubs so we hit the jackpot and find the action every night. We decide after class where we are going, and the coach will be waiting to take us wherever we want to go! With 17 top Cuban dancers with us, we are the party, wherever we go. Go to top

Optional Extra Programme

On the December trip in 2005, Los Van Van, (Cuba’s top salsa band) personally invited the Key2Cuba group to a concert in the countryside. As we were their guests they provided us with back stage access, a VIP area, and the only cost was 5ccp for the coach to take us there! Everyone was able to get signed copies of their latest album Chapeando, and hang out with the band. It was great fun and well off the beaten track, without a tourist in sight!

This kind of event is exclusive to Key2Cuba, and part of the optional extra programme that is carefully researched and arranged the week prior to your arrival, so that it is fresh and up to date. Kerry and her team are able to negotiate great group discount prices in restaurants, clubs or special venues for private parties. Also, Kerry has spent more than ten years cultivating a unique working relationship with all the top artists in Cuba. You will have privileged access to an amazing spectrum of events outside of the usual tourist experience.

Beach Party, Havana 25ccp/£12: This includes a trip down the coast on an air conditioned coach, lunch on the beach, a live 9 piece band and 17 Cuban dancers to party with. Bring your own rum and prepare to rueda in the sea.Go to top

Extra Costs

The extras you need to pay for would include your own drinks, lunch and evening meal, club entrances and optional extras. The dancers are invited out with us on nine occasions. Occasionally you may be asked to contribute 5.00ccp into a central kitty to bring extra dancers along to extra events. This is completely optional. Go to top

Tipping

Tipping is the culture in Cuba, just like America. Normally you would tip the bell boy for your bags, and at the end of the holiday tip the driver and dancers if you feel inspired to do so. All this and more is explained in the Key2Cuba guidebook, which you receive before departing on your holiday. In Cuba the average monthly wage is 11ccp, so most Cubans working in the service industry are looking for a tip and are eager to please. Go to top

How much spending money should I bring?

Imagine you are going on holiday to Spain. I would suggest that you bring the same amount of spending money you would normally take for a two week holiday according to your taste, (i.e. approximately £400 - £500+). This is for 14 days and nights eating, drinking, clubbing, tipping, optional extra visits out of town, private parties with Cuba top bands and a few presents/CD's. Go to top

What is the average age?

Most Salseros on the trips are usually between 25 - 58 years of age, but the actual limits so far have ranged from 21 to 71. Everyone over the age of 21 years is welcome. Cuba is a very sexually liberated place and it is important that everyone is an adult and can handle the attention they may receive in the clubs and street. Cuba is a safe place and the Cubans are a very proud, passionate and intelligent people. Be warned about falling in love! In the clubs there is a huge age range of Cubans, as everyone dances even into their 90's. The clubs have a great atmosphere and all ages, cultures and sexual orientation are welcome. Go to top

What size are the groups?

Groups vary from 21-48 Salseros. The most popular holidays are in the summer and New Year, which completely sell out. On our last trip, 22 clients were repeat customers. Over 17 clients have been more than 5 times with Key2Cuba and we have 10 clients who have joined us on at least than 8 holidays. There are up to 17 Cuban dancers, a Spanish translator at your service, a tour host, a British teacher and a Cuban programme manager. We become one huge Cuban family! The majority of our clients are single and come on the holiday independently. Go to top

What are the male and female ratios?

We normally have a good ratio between men and women. All the numbers are evened out equally with professional male and female Cuban dancers. Go to top

What levels are the classes?

There are four levels of classes: Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced and Professional. On the first night you get to dance with all the dancers and then in the first dance class we all dance together. Afterwards, Kerry and the top Cuban teachers will advise you as to which level we believe you will get the most benefit from. There are often a wide range of levels in the group; many complete beginners and some top professionals. We always warm up together and stretch down together. The classes include; Partner work, Body Movement, Casino styling, Rueda, Templeque, Afro Cuban Orishas dance and Rumba technique. The course is 21 hours with breaks. Go to top

Where do we take the dance classes?

You will be inspired and delighted by the most magical spaces that exist in Cuba. All classes in Havana take place in the hotel for your comfort and ease. The rooms are spacious, air conditioned and we have our resident engineer playing the music. The dance spaces are private and you will be able to learn in a really focused atmosphere. Go to top

I want to join you from outside the UK. How do I arrange this?

We welcome clients from abroad as 20% of our clients are international and fly in from around the world. You can arrange your own flight and join us at the hotel in Havana. Please see the itinerary for the relevant pricing. You will need to secure your own Visa from the Cuban Embassy and arrange your taxi from the airport to the hotel. If you wish to be met by the Key2Cuba Programme Manager on arrival, we will be happy to meet and greet you, this will incur an extra cost of £30.
N.B. Please note that we are offering 2 week holidays only with no 1 week option unless stated.Go to top

Further Information

For further information, please email info@key2cuba.com. Alternatively, call Kerry, Angela or Gail on +44 (0) 7767 313 168.

Next step - Book the holiday

Contact Jasna at Captivating Cuba and pay your £150 non-refundable deposit. Complete your booking form and terms and conditions available here and return to Key2Cuba. An invoice will be issued to you for the balance. Go to top

Frequently Asked Questions