Location

La Habana, Cuba
Cuba is the largest island in the Caribbean located 140km from the Bahamas, 180km from Florida, 146km from Jamaica and 210km from Cancun. The language of Cuba is Spanish, however in the tourist areas you can find many Cubans that can speak English. Havana, Cuba is the capitol city of Cuba. With a population just over 2 million it is not only the focus of the country but the largest city in the Caribbean. This most sought after and romantic city was founded in 1514. It's strategic location in the Caribbean and existing natural harbor made it the perfect stopping point for Spanish galleons on their way to and from the New World. From the maritime days through the 1950s the area was fought after and enjoyed by many for its strategic location and decadent appeal. More recent history has seen the city popular for political as well as romantic reasons. The area around the port is today known as La Habana Vieja (The Old Havana). This very popular tourist destination is protected as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is best seen on foot. There is a large push for historic preservation and restoration throughout the city with an emphasis on La Habana Vieja. The great seawall (Malecon) is an outstanding place to visit for its views and culture. This is the meeting place for the people of the city come nightfall. The presence of seven fortresses and towers with a great wall to connect them all tell of the history and amount of wealth this popular city has known. Other divisions of the city include the once popular and wealthy neighborhoods of Vedado, Miramar and El Cerro. These areas have many grand structures varying in architectural influence. Unfortunately, many of these relicts have deteriorated a great deal, and are only skeletons of what they once were. Some of these grand structures have become home to as many as a dozens families per structure. Other less flashy and equally as important areas offer a different view of reality. The more modern high-rise apartment buildings are a reminder of the harsh reality that these great people have endured.

Conference location
Capitolio de la Habana
Industria y San Jose
CP 10200
AP 2545 Habana Vieja
Habana
Cuba

Weather
The climate is subtropical with average temperatures ranging between 26 and 30 degrees Celsius. Most rain falls between May and October and hurricanes can occur in autumn (August to November). Humidity varies between 75% and 95%. Cooler months are January (app. 22oC) to April when the least rain falls. Required clothing: Lightweight cottons and linens most of the year; the high humidity makes it unwise to wear synthetics close to the skin. Light waterproofs are advisable all year round. The usual beach attire is a given but we recommend a light jacket or sweater as the evening can get quite cool and while Cuba is overall casual you will need some casual dress clothes for certain nightclubs i.e. The Tropicana.

Currency and creditcards
The currency of Cuba is the Cuban Peso however the U.S. dollar is the currency of tourism. Pesos cannot be exported and the US dollar is accepted everywhere. Everything is also priced in U.S. dollars. Cash in small denominations is preferred. There are no ATM machines! Banks are open on Monday to Friday from 8:30 AM-12:00 AM and from 1:30 PM-3:00 PM. From the creditcards Visa, MasterCard and Banamex are widely accepted at the larger hotels and in the main tourist areas. Cards issued in the United States (American Express, Diner's) may not be used and are not accepted. Also please note: also all travelers cheques must be drawn on any, but an American Bank.

Electricity
Electricity is 110 volts, 60 cycles. Some of the newer hotels that have been built by Europeans have 220 volts and adaptors may be required.

Telephone
Cell phones do not work at all in Cuba.
International calls are only possible form the larger hotels and the costs are about 6 USD per minute.

Health care
Various medical centres and hospitals are to be found in Havana.There are medical clinics available in the resort areas. Medical care is professional and economical but not free. Insurance is recommended prior to departure.

The water is safe to drink- and don't forget the local rum and beer- it's good!

For more information we also refer to the following web sites:
http://www.cubalinda.com
http://www.gocuba.com

And the following web sites in Spanish:
http://www.cuba.cu
http://www.cubaweb.cu