Post Report Table of Contents

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United States Department of State

July 1983

V 'v.v.-;- * Cuba Post Report Table of Contents

1 The Host Country 1 Area, Geography, and Climate 1 Population 1 Public Institutions 1 Arts, Science, and Education 2 Commerce and Industry 3 Transportation 3 Communications 4 Health and Medicine 4 Employment for Spouses and Dependents

7 US Interests Section 7 Havana 7 The Post and Its Administration 7 Housing 8 Food 8 Clothing Preface 9 Supplies and Services 9 Religious Activities The US Interests Section (USINT) was 9 Education established on September 1, 1977, under 9 Recreation and Social Life a bilateral agreement with the Govern¬ 10 Official Functions ment of Cuba. The Interests Section operates under 11 Notes For Travelers the aegis of the Embassy of Switzerland, whose 11 Getting to the Post government has served as the pro¬ 11 Customs, Duties, and Passage tecting power of US interests in Cuba 11 Firearms and Ammunition since the US Embassy in Havana closed 11 Currency, Banking, and Weights on January 3, 1961. and Measures Personnel assigned to post find 12 Taxes, Exchange, and Sale of Havana a truly challenging experience. Property The work of the Interests Section, par¬ 12 Recommended Reading ticularly in an environment of evolving 12 Local Holidays political relationships between the US and Cuba, is an interesting, complex, and often difficult task that is far from Cover: Cathedral at Plaza de la Catedral in old complete. Havana.

This is the official post report prepared by DEPARTMENT OF STATE PUBLICATION 9356 the post. The information contained herein Department and Foreign Service Series 363 is directed to official US Government Foreign Affairs Information Management Center Publishing Services Division employees and their families. Any other in¬ formation concerning the facts as set forth Revised July 1983 herein is to be regarded as unofficial information. For sale by the Superintendent of Documents U.S. Government Printing Office Washington, D.C. 20402 S I. i 7.1 ' C S°1 | CÍ-) United States Department of State

November 1985 Change to Cuba Post Report ofJuly 1983

On page 3, column 1, under Transportation, Automobiles, change sentence 3 to read as follows:

Vehicles older than 4 years may not be imported.

The Host Country

Area, Geography, than in the eastern US but less than in courts shall be “a system of state organs most other and Climate places in the same latitudes. independent of all others.” All courts, in¬ About 75% occurs during the summer cluding the People’s Supreme Court, are wet season when short but heavy subordinated to the National Assembly of Cuba, about the size of Pennsylvania, is downpours are frequent. Peoole’s Power (and thus to the Council the largest island in the West Indies and of State). lies on the northern boundary of the Administratively, Cuba is divided Caribbean Sea, about 90 miles (145 km.) Population into 14 Provinces plus the city of Havana, south of Key West, Florida. Including the and 321 municipalities. Isle of Youth, formerly the Isle of Pines, Cuba’s population is about 10 million, and some 1,600 adjacent keys and islets, with an annual growth rate of 1.1% and Cuba accounts for more than one-half of density of 215 persons per square mile. Arts, Science, the total West Indian land area. Cuba’s population is composed largely of The island extends 745 miles and Education (1,200 people of Spanish and African origin; km.) from west to east; its width ranges Spanish is the national language. from 22 to 125 miles (35-200 km.). The Cuban Government has established About 60% of the population is ur¬ Cuba’s coastline, indented and finances many organizations which, by hundreds ban. Havana, the capital, is the principal of bays and inlets, is about 2,500 miles under the direction of the Ministry of port and city of Cuba, and has a popula¬ (4,020 km.) Culture, encourage artistic and intellec¬ long and includes the largest tion of nearly 2 million. Other major tual expression at both professional and keys. The harbors of Havana, Guan¬ cities include Santiago de Cuba, amateur levels. The tanamo, and Bahia Honda (on the nor¬ Ministry currently is Camaguey, Santa Clara, Holguin, Matan¬ the central thern coast, west of Havana) are among authority for all museums and zas, Cienfuegos, and Pinar del Rio. the best in the world. Most of the nor¬ galleries, ballet and theater companies, Before 1959, Roman Catholicism was the thern coast is musical groups, publishing steep and rocky, and the nominal religion of about 85% of the southern coast, except for the moun¬ houses—formerly known as the Cuban population. Current figures are not tainous eastern end, is low and Institute of Books—and the motion pic¬ marshy. available, but church attendance is low. The rivers, ture industry. The Ministry is also generally short, narrow, and Freedom of religion is formally protected shallow, are responsible for domestic “culturization” navigable only for short by the Cuban Constitution. distances, if at all. (scheduling extensive live performances Topographically, about three-fifths and exhibits in rural areas), controls in¬ ternational cultural of Cuba is flat or gently rolling with exchanges, and is the Public Institutions arbiter of all many wide and fertile valleys and plains. professionals working in the The rest is mountainous or performing and visual arts. hilly. Three Under its new Constitution, which was In recent main groups of mountains are located in years, Cuba’s most notable adopted in December 1976, Cuba is cultural the eastern, central, and western section exports have been organized along much the same line as of the island. The most rugged is the films—generally documentaries with a the Soviet Union, with a party- Sierra Maestra range in the eastern sec¬ strong ideological message, produced and govemment-state structure. The Com¬ distributed tion, where peaks rise to almost 6,000 by the Cuban Institute of munist Party, described in the Constitu¬ feet (1,829 m.) above sea level. Cinematographic Art and Industry tion as “the highest force of the society (ICAIC)—sports, and ballet. Although Cuba lies entirely in the and state,” is headed by a Politburo. The The Cuban national tropical zone, it is also in the trade wind ballet, founded Communist Party is Cuba’s only legal belt, making its climate semitropical. The and directed by world-famous ballerina political party. Alicia average annual temperature is about 75 °F Alonso, is ranked internationally Executive power is vested in the (23 °C), as a major ballet company. The com¬ dropping in winter to about 70 °F Council of Ministers, which heads the (21 °C), and rising in summer to about panies of modem dance which consist government. Legislative power, to the 81 °F (27 °C). Cuba has only two seasons: primarily of Afro-Cuban folk dance are extent any exists, rests with the National less known. dry, lasting from November to April, and Musical, guitar, and theater Assembly of People’s Power (roughly the festivals attract notable artists. Be wet, from May through October. The equivalent of the USSR’s Supreme country’s yearly rainfall averages prepared to witness political/ideological Soviet), which designates the Council of 54 inches denunciations directed at “yankee (137 cm.)—10%-25% more State. The Constitution specifies that the imperialism.” Education, which is free, is a major interest of the revolutionary government. Illiteracy is nearly wiped out; remaining adult illiteracy is the focus of a massive

1 campaign, with many adult workers Learning” are major university-level in¬ some canning are the primary industries. “fighting the battle of the ninth grade” in stitutions for specialized education, such The government has placed emphasis on night classes. as engineering, medicine, agronomy, fine increasing production of seafood (mainly The secondary school system em¬ arts, and various technical fields. for export), poultry, and pork. Produc¬ phasis is on technical training, with for¬ tion of rice and beans, two big staples in mal studies alternating with periods of ac¬ the Cuban diet, has not kept pace with the tual labor on the land or on assembly Commerce and Industry population growth. Tomato production lines. The most successful example of has tripled in 7 years. Citrus fruit and this work/study secondary education is a Since the early 1960s, the Cuban pineapple production has improved. system of boarding schools located in economy has been a centrally planned, Plantain and banana production, also big rural areas throughout the country. En¬ nonmarket system in which nearly all in the Cuban diet, almost tripled from trance is subject to strict political economic activity is planned by a central 1970 to 1977. background requirements, e.g., students planning board and executed by large Light industry is important to Cuba. have to have completed primary school state trusts or enterprises. The system is Cigar production has increased substan¬ and are required to be members of the characterized by extensive food and other tially and now constitutes the largest “pioneers”; parents are checked for rationing, long lines for buying items in percentage of Cuba’s tobacco exports. political background and revolutionary short supply, and very high prices for Cement production has more than fervor, predisposition, or potential. luxury items such as TV’s, stereos, and doubled. Electric power production has Universities are located in the cities refrigerators. also doubled since the revolution, but has of Havana, Villa Clara, Camaguey, and Sugar accounts for 20%-25% of not kept up with demand. (Power outages Santiago de Cuba, and each supports an Cuba’s GNP, nonsugar manufacturing occur regularly in Havana and other ma¬ affiliated institution of university level for about 15%. Food processing has re¬ jor cities.) that attained self-sufficiency with regard mained fairly steady since the revolution. to independent faculties and facilities. Meatpacking, milk processing, coffee Also, some 20 “Centers of Higher roasting, beverage manufacturing, and View of Hotel Nacional.

2 Cuba’s nickel reserves are among the munity in Havana, car sales are sporadic Communications world’s largest and consist mostly of and choices limited. lateritic All deposits. The ore is processed on personnel with vehicles must Telephone and Telegraph the island in two large, formerly US- have local automobile insurance. The Telephone service is automatic but poor. owned plants. Government of Cuba Insurance All official residences have telephones. A About 35,000 tons of nickel oxide Organization recommends a comprehen¬ 3-minute call to the US costs US$6.23. and nickel sulfide are exported annually. sive policy with variable premiums ap¬ The international circuit is open 24 hours, A contract was signed in 1973 to build a proaching a total cost of $466. No formal but a 6-hour delay is usual when making new restrictions dictate make or color of plant at Punta Gorda with Soviet overseas calls. assistance which will increase annual vehicle. Worldwide telegraph service, nickel production by 30,000 tons. Small available through Western Union, is Local deposits of copper, cobalt, chromite, iron unreliable. ore, and manganese also exist, but their Intercity travel is complicated by a lack of production has declined or has been reliable road maps and infrequent and not Mail and Pouch discontinued. clearly visible directional signs. City traf¬ All USINT mail to and from Cuba is by Cuba’s imports ex¬ fic in Havana is regularly exceed light, and trucks have diplomatic pouch. Pouch service for let¬ ports. The Soviet Union supplies the bulk been banned from some major roads. ter mail averages 10 days transit time; of Cuba’s import needs in food and raw Driving is sometimes hazardous due to parcel/periodical mail is sporadic. materials, with only 15% of these coming potholes and obscure traffic signals. International airmail to and from the from the industrialized West. Other ma¬ Engine oil on streets due to leakage from US is slow and unreliable and not sug¬ jor imports from the West are old cars is grain, especially hazardous during gested for personal mail. Letters, film, chemicals, manufactured rains. During the rainy season many goods, eyeglasses, and prescription medicines machinery, motor vehicles, ships, and streets are flooded, with water rising on may be sent to Cuba at domestic rates spare parts. Cuba’s trade with the Soviet occasion above waist level halting traffic. through the diplomatic air pouch. Per¬ Union and other members of CEMA Car inspection regulations are poorly en¬ sonal merchandise, newspapers, (Council for Mutual Economic forced and older cars, as well as buses, magazines, and limited amounts of of¬ Assistance, the Communist common frequently break down. ficial supplies may be sent to Cuba market), is conducted on the basis of Taxis can occasionally be found in through the diplomatic surface-to-air bilateral front of tourist hotels, but it is clearing accounts using non- virtually (SA) pouch. convertible currencies. Soft-currency impossible to hail one on the street. Bus Havana receives weekly air and SA earnings from exports one of CEMA transportation is erratic and pouches from the Department and, bar¬ country can be used to overcrowded. only finance im¬ ring airline strikes and schedule changes, ports from that country. Annual trade pouches arrive every Friday. Pouches are protocols set volume of goods to be ex¬ Regional dispatched from the Department every changed between Cuba and a CEMA The road system provides access to Wednesday. Transit time for US letter country. Cuba’s major cities, but secondary roads mail runs between 7-21 days. The are poor and full of potholes. diplomatic pouch mail address is: Cubana de Aviación, the Transportation government-controlled airline, serves (Name) Cuba’s major cities and has limited inter¬ Havana Automobiles national routes. The only other scheduled Department of State Washington, DC 20520 In Havana, transportation for foreigners international air services available are is generally by private car. A personal provided by Air Canada, Mexicana de NOTE: Use ZIP 20520 for letters and vehicle is necessary for permanent per¬ Aviación, Iberia, Aeroflot, Interflug, 20521 for packages and periodicals. sonnel. One automobile may be imported Chesa, and TAAG (Angola). Since no Packages from Cuba to friends in the by each accredited diplomat. Cars should regularly scheduled air service to the US US and elsewhere may be sent only by in¬ not be older than 4 years since such is available, some travel is routed through ternational mail. vehicles have to be exported upon ter¬ Mexico City, Merida, Kingston, Mon¬ mination of assignment. Cars less than 4 treal, or Toronto and an overnight Radio and TV years old may only be sold to other stopover en route is usually required. Cuba’s official radio and TV (only two diplomats or to the Cuban Government. Almost daily direct charter air serv¬ channels in Havana) broadcasts reach all If a car is not sold it must be exported ice from the US (via Miami) is now parts of the island. Radio programs in¬ upon termination of assignment. Local available. Although these flights are clude the normal range of news, public inspection, registration, and insurance primarily operated for tourist groups, US affairs, sports, and music, all are required. personnel assigned to Havana and visitors highly flavored with political propaganda. TV Automobiles, essential here, may be to post are able to make use of this ir¬ programs include news broadcasts, local purchased with hard currency from regular air service. Scheduling of music, variety shows, diplomats leaving Cuba. However, given charters fluctuates monthly. soap operas (ideological), films (many of East Euro¬ the comparatively small diplomatic com¬ pean production, interspersed with some US films), documentaries, local and na¬ tional affairs, sporting events, and some dramatic productions.

3 VOA, CBC, BBC, Armed Forces Havana for emergency dental and Bring mosquito repellant, sunscreen radio, and other major shortwave radio medical care. The regional medical of¬ lotion, prescription drugs, eyeglasses, stations are received easily in Cuba. ficer considers this facility suitable for first-aid items, and a normal range of Some US broadcast band commercial sta¬ routine cases, and recommends that pa¬ medicine cabinet drugs to post. US-brand tions are also relatively easy to receive. tients be medically evacuated for treat¬ drugs are not available in Cuba, and most The post provides rooftop antennas to im¬ ment of cases with any complexity. A full personnel supplement their diets with prove quality of reception. Video-cassette range of medical specialists is available in vitamins. You may wish to make ar¬ player/recorders provide best home Cuba, but equipment is not always rangements with a friend or a pharmacy entertainment. Music from the US enjoys modern and pharmaceuticals are not to send you medical supplies via the wide popularity in Cuba, and classical always available. pouch. Contraceptives should be brought music programs are broadcast most of the or sent to post. Medical appliances such day. No electronic conversion is required Community Health as heating pads and ultraviolet lamps for any audio or visual equipment Mosquito bites and insect-borne diseases should be llOv, 60-cycles. brought to Cuba if based upon US are common in Cuba in spite of periodic Yellow fever, typhoid, and gamma standards. eradication programs in Havana. Sewage globulin shots are recommended. Cuba backups occur during heavy rains and does not require any particular inocula¬ Newspapers, Magazines, jeopardize public water supply. Garbage tions for persons coming from the US. and Technical Journals collection and disposal equipment is USINT receives a limited number of limited, and pickup schedules vary. Air periodicals and newspapers; most person¬ pollution is common during cane Employment for nel subscribe to US magazines. Pouch harvesting. Sanitation in food processing Spouses and Dependents delays often prevent a regular flow of appears adequate. Hard currency retail facilities that diplomats use are not reading materials. No US, Canadian, or USINT currently has four part-time posi¬ non-Socialist country newspapers or always clean. City water is chlorinated, tions located in the Administrative, Con¬ and periodicals are sold in Cuba. potable bottled water is provided to sular, and Political/Economic Sections households of US Government personnel occupied by dependent spouses. Part- and office coolers. time opportunities develop throughout the Health and Upper respiratory and sinus prob¬ Medicine year for dependent spouses to aid in lems are common in the Cuban climate preparation of cost-of-living and hardship Medical and outbursts of flu occur. Other medical Facilities reports, inventories, etc. The USINT problems experienced by USINT person¬ post medical adviser does not During summer and school vacation maintain office hours at the nel include hepatitis, dengue fever, diar¬ Section, but periods, USINT offers an employment is available rhea, intestinal parasites, and fungal in¬ by appointment. A stock of program for dependents 16 years of age US fections. With periodic torrential rains, prescription and nonprescription and up. The Foreign Students School also medicines for minor ailments is available flooding occurs, and typhoid is a threat. hires teachers from the diplomatic com¬ in the Health The The last major typhoid outbreak occurred Unit. regional medical munity. The small USINT commissary, officer visits Havana several times each in 1977. “Bodega,” employs one part-time year. Currently the spouse of one of the dependent. Preventive Measures officers works as the post’s registered nurse. Although lab tests of tapwater indicate it Diplomatic personnel and depen¬ safe for drinking, precautionary boiling is recommended. dents use the Cira Garcia Hospital in Boiling bottled water is also necessary, and soaking of vegetables and fruits is suggested.

4 Panoramic View of Havana.

Granma Monument.

5 Havana

Gulf of Mexico

o/edai

Cemetery* + + 4- + US Interests Section

Havana

Havana, the capital, reflects Cuba’s varied history. Old Havana, with its nar¬ row streets, and Morro Castle, dominating the harbor entrance, are reminders of the colonial Spanish origin of the city. The fading and often crumbl¬ ing glory of the large tourist hotels, yacht clubs, and lavish private residences reflect the city’s heyday as a vacation spot. Since the revolution, most of the government’s energies and financing have gone into improvements in rural areas, leaving for low priority street and building maintenance.

The Post and Its Administration

The US Interests Section (USINT), opened September 1, 1977, occupies the seven-story former US Embassy building. Officially, the Section is a part of the Swiss Embassy, which since 1961, U.S. Interests Section—Official Building. has represented the US in Cuba. Twenty American employees are assigned to the USINT personnel currently receive a Section under reciprocal agreement hardship differential and a cost-of-living units have at least three bedrooms, and which also applies to the Cuban Interests allowance. People assigned on 2-year one garage or carport. The units are Section in Washington, DC. USINT is tours are entitled to one R&R trip. The located in the residential suburbs of currently staffed with the following, all of R&R point for Havana is Mexico City. Miramar, Cubanacan, or Siboney, all whom have diplomatic status: chief of west of the office and city center, 10-15 section, two political/economic officers, minutes from the office. administrative officer, regional Housing security/general services officer, budget Furnishings and fiscal/personnel officer, consul, two Temporary Quarters All quarters are fully furnished. Quarters vice-consuls, one USIS officer, one ex¬ New arrivals often stay in transient have complete standard US Government ecutive secretary, three communications quarters or hotels. In most instances, furniture sets, washer, dryer, water officers, and a complement of Marine homes are ready for immediate occu¬ cooler, freezer, refrigerator, air- Security Guards. pancy. Welcome Kits containing all conditioners, dehumidifiers, gas range, USINT offices are located on the necessary items are provided to arrivals lawn furniture, lawnmower, garden hose, Malecón, Havana’s ocean-front drive. until airfreight arrives. tools, ironing board, hamper, bug killers, The address is Calzada beween Calles L barbecue, and vacuum cleaner. Avoid and M, Vedado; telephone 32-0551. Of¬ Permanent Housing bringing any upholstered furniture fice hours are 8 am-5 pm, Monday The principal officer resides in the fur¬ because of the humidity and insects. through Friday. All officers other than nished US Government-owned official Bedspreads, mattresses, and pillows are the chief of section handle weekly duty residence. All other permanent personnel provided. Bring decorative personal ar¬ responsibilities, which include airport are assigned to furnished quarters leased ticles: area rugs, wall hangings, home pouch pickup. from the Cuban Government. Of the pre¬ maintenance tools, etc. USINT handles sent 14 rental units, 1 is a duplex apart¬ all maintenance and minor repairs in ment, 2 are small houses, 6 are moderate¬ leased houses. Major repairs are handled sized houses, and 5 are large houses. All by the Cuban Government Service Organization (CUBALSE).

7 Utilities and Equipment cleaning items are of poor quality. Con¬ household effects shipping allowance. Hot and cold running water is installed in venience items, such as cake mixes and Personnel normally have 1 year to ex¬ all housing units. Electric current is pet food, are unavailable. haust their 2,000-pound consumables The USINT Recreation Association allowance. llOv, 60 cycles. Surges and drops are common and occasional electric outages operates a small store to supplement sup¬ occur. Voltage regulators are recom¬ plies. No fee is charged to join the mended for sensitive equipment, but no “Bodega.” Main sources of personal Clothing food damage has been reported to stereos or supply have been through the TV’s. Bodega. Group orders are placed with US Cuban dress standards are informal. For¬ suppliers and shipped with official goods mal attire is used on rare occasions by to Cuba on support flights, periodically senior diplomats. Guayaberas (Latin Food chartered by the Department of State. sports shirts) can be purchased locally, Orders are by caselot, so items used in but tall and/or portly people prefer Diplomats are allowed to shop for food in small quantities, such as spices and bak¬ guayaberas made in Mexico, Philipines, two stores operated by CUBALSE. ing powder, should be included with in¬ or Panama, which are cheaper and of bet¬ itial household effects ter Vegetables are strictly seasonal and sup¬ shipments. Also quality. Casual summer clothing can ply of all foodstuffs is erratic. Canned include a stock of convenience foods in be worn all year with only a sweater or foods are usually of local production or your unaccompanied airfreight for use light jacket for winter. The USINT office imported from the Eastern bloc. US cuts during temporary stays. Lunch is usually building is centrally air-conditioned, and of beef, chicken, pork, and sometimes brought from home by most employees. you may prefer to wear a sweater on turkeys and guinea hens are available and Home gardens have been cultivated to occasion. of good quality. Local milk and supply tomatoes, lettuce, and other Children’s and adult clothing is of powdered milk, although different in vegetables, but spraying with insecticide very poor quality and is not readily taste and appearance from American is necessary. Seeds should be brought available. Very few items, such as shoes milk, are acceptable. from the US. and baby supplies, are imported, but Paper products are nonexistent and Each employee assigned to Cuba is generally goods are of local or Eastern authorized a 2,000-pound consumables European production. Supply of all items allowance in addition to the limited is not constant and prices are high. Bring Morro Castle.

8 all clothing items with you or order them is extremely poor. Beauty salons and Away From Post. Some American later for delivery by pouch. barbershops for diplomats are good and dependent children above 8th grade at¬ use imported products and shampoos. tend boarding schools in the US. Men. Men wear lightweight suits on for¬ Dressmakers are easy to find, but fabric, mal occasions, such as national days, of¬ zippers, hooks, and buttons must be Special Educational ficial dinners, receptions, and on the imported. cocktail circuit between November and Opportunities Adults and older dependents from other April. Senior diplomats and government Domestic Help embassies have been able, with difficulty, officials occasionally wear suits for of¬ CUBALSE is supposed to provide to take classes at the University of ficial calls. Guayaberas are worn in the domestic help of all kinds, but recent ex¬ Havana. Private lessons in piano, guitar, office during the day; white, long-sleeved perience has not been satisfactory. On the drawing, and horseback riding are fairly guayaberas are frequently worn at eve¬ average, maids and cooks receive US easy to arrange. FSI Spanish lessons are ning functions. $150-$250 per month and gardeners available at the Section under the post receive an average of US $200 per month language program. An international Women. Long dresses or dressy shorter for full-time employment. women’s crafts club meets monthly. ones are usually worn to dinners and No facilities exist for those with receptions. Hats, gloves, and stockings physical, developmental, or learning are never worn. Senior diplomats and Religious Activities handicaps. government officials on occasion dress accordingly for official calls. Like other Latin American countries, Post Orientation Program Cuba is Roman Catholic by tradition. All new arrivals are briefed Children. Summer by the chief clothing is worn year Functioning Catholic churches can still of section and senior and other staff round. Shorts and lightweight pants can be found, but few Protestant churches members. be worn to school. Sandals or other open and synagogues exist. Regular Sunday shoes are not permitted. morning Catholic services are held in Spanish at principal Havana churches. At Recreation and the Anglican Cathedral, a special service Social Life Supplies and Services in English is conducted for English- speaking parishioners each Sunday at Sports Supplies 5 pm. An acceptable brand of shampoo and During most of the year, swimming, some imported makeup items and snorkeling, salt and freshwater fishing, and other water toiletries are usually available at Education sports may be enjoyed in Cuba. The official residence and two of diplomatic stores, but are expensive; the the staff post suggests you bring your own. Cuban Dependent Education quarters have swimming pools and one staff house has a tennis court. A and imported cigarettes are sold, and cigars are plentiful but expensive. In At Post. Two schools are available for good beach is located 20 miles from Havana and the nearest accessible coral general, bring most consumer products diplomatic children. The Alliance Fran- with reef is a 1-hour drive away. you, or send for them later, in¬ caise elementary school operates in A small diplomatic golf and tennis cluding toothpaste and brushes, tobacco French and the School for Foreign club with a pool and nine-hole course products, cleaning items, feminine Students provides instruction in English near Havana usually has memberships hygiene supplies, artificial Christmas from nursery school (age 3) through trees and available. decorations, sewing supplies, grade 8. All Section children currently at¬ birthday supplies and gifts for children, tend the latter school. The curriculum Deep sea fishing boats may be rented by the day from the Ministry of Tourism baby needs, insect repellant, shower cur¬ uses mainly American textbooks. Most of tains yacht basin located at Barlovento, in the (the Section has plain white), bed¬ the school’s teachers are Cuban; basic western suburbs. Lake and reservoir spreads, hobby and home repair equip¬ courses are in English. Language instruc¬ fishing in and around Havana is enjoyed ment, adhesives and household tion in Spanish, German, and French is by anglers; bass fishing at world-famous lubricants, motor oil and lubricants, offered in the afternoon. The school pro¬ Treasure Lake, a 3-hour drive from the cooking utensils, beach toys and supplies, vides physical education, art, and music. city, can be memorable. school supplies, film, and batteries. Enrollment is under 100, with children of Horseback riding, restaurants, and many nationalities. Classes are small, and amusement rides are available at Lenin Basic Services the school follows the American Park, a CUBALSE maintains a system of repair academic calendar. The school’s facilities large recreational area in greater southwest Havana. Horseback riding shops for the diplomatic community are limited but considered adequate by lessons are also offered at this facility. which provides services, but not always the Department’s Office of Overseas of acceptable quality. Repair parts are not Schools. Transportation to and from available for cars and should be Touring and Outdoor Activities imported school is provided by the Section but no Cuba has some of the finest beaches in the or brought with you. Drycleaning service cafeteria service is available. The school world. The most famous resort is exists but is hard on clothing and quality offers British (Mercer College) and Varadero, 90 miles east of Havana. Some University of Nebraska correspondence excellent natural beaches are closer to courses for students in grades 9-12. Cor¬ Havana along Cuba’s north coast. Soroa respondence materials are taught in classrooms.

9 and its famous orchid gardens, west of at the Lenin Park and on Saturday eve¬ International Contacts. Opportunities Havana, are also within an hour’s drive. ning in the Cathedral Plaza, Old Havana. for meeting host country nationals so¬ Located in the mountains, Soroa is also For nightlife, the Tropicana Nightclub cially are limited and official contacts are well known for its botanical gardens and and several hotel cabarets offer dinner, generally formal. The chief of section a short hike leads to a waterfall. Within drinks, and floor shows. A number of and members of the USINT staff are in¬ driving distance is the Valle de Vinales movie theaters show films from Western vited to official and diplomatic receptions located in the western mountains of Pinar Europe, Eastern bloc countries, and the and other events attended by Cuban of¬ del Rio providing attractive vistas and US. The latter include prerevolutionary ficials and leaders in various fields. All cave exploration. In Matanzas State are copies of old films and illegal copies of invitations to Cuban officials must be sent Las Cuevas de Bellamar, about a 2-hour more recent films which are sometimes through the Ministry of Foreign drive from Havana past the city of Matan¬ dubbed in Spanish. Cuban TV features Relations. zas. Visitors are guided through a small the same type of films. Movies are shown Contacts with the diplomatic com¬ part of the extensive underground at the Marine House when available. The munity are far more frequent. Social caverns. post periodically receives video tapes of events within this community range from Other places of interest further away major US sports, news, and cultural relatively formal dinners, receptions, and from Havana include Guama (a crocodile events which are shown in the office cocktails to informal gatherings for darts, farm), Trinidad (Spanish colonial ar¬ building recreation room. bridge, crafts, and sports events. chitecture and a national historical monu¬ Bring a good supply of books, tapes, ment), Cienfuegos (Spanish colonial records, games, musical instruments, architecture/swimming), and Santiago de hobby materials, and sports equipment. Cuba (Cuba’s second most important Most people in the diplomatic community Official Functions city, close to Spanish-American War have Betamax or VHS video recorders sites). Overnight travel must be arranged and trade tapes. If you have a VTR bring Nature of Functions far in advance. Havana has several small a good supply of video cassettes. The chief of section is treated formally as museums worth visiting: the Museum of a Chief of Mission and therefore par¬ Colonial Art, Social Activities Hemingway Museum, ticipates in all activities to which the Museum of the Revolution, and the diplomatic corps as a whole is invited. Natural Science Museum located in the Among Americans. The official Other USINT members are not normally old American capitol building. Additional attrac¬ community of Havana consists invited to official Cuban functions, but do tions include a small zoo and an of assigned personnel, their families, and receive invitations from some embassies. a variety of temporary aquarium. duty personnel. In¬ Formal attire is rarely required at official formal social gatherings among this small functions. For women, suits or dresses Entertainment group are frequent. A small entertain¬ are suitable; for men, suits and long- Throughout the year ballet, modern ment area in the office as building serves sleeved guayaberas are often acceptable. a focal dance, concerts, operas, theater, plus point for movies, VTR’s, happy (See—Clothing.) cultural presentations from many coun¬ hours, and similar informal social ac¬ tries are available in Havana at moderate tivities. Dinner parties, group barbecues, Standards of Social Conduct prices albeit with little or no advance and beach trips are common. Because of Calling cards are used and can be printed notice of the small American opening nights. A variety of representation, most locally. A small supply of printed cards museums and other activities are galleries (most closed on organized in conjunc¬ and invitation cards should be brought to are An is tion with other missions. A Monday) available. invitation weekly soft- post. Formal calls within USINT are not ball game required for art exhibits. is usually held at a local club. required. Some new arrivals will be in¬ Free performances by musical and troduced officially to Cuban contacts, and dance groups are presented each weekend most will find paying courtesy calls on their counterparts at other embassies useful.

10 Notes For Travelers

missions in Havana from the St. Getting to the Post ministered. Notify the post well in ad¬ Lawrence Seaway and from European vance of arrival of pets so that clearances ports. Containers should be carefully can be arranged easily. All animals must Regular charter flights are scheduled be¬ also be taken to Cuban veterinarians tween Miami and Havana; schedules waterproofed. No evidence indicates vehicle boxing is needed for sea ship¬ change monthly and the Department is in¬ shortly after arrival for a checkup. ment, but minor damage to vehicles can formed of schedule changes. ARA/EX, occur. ARA/CCA, and/or OPR/STP/T should Firearms and Ammunition be consulted regarding current schedules of flights. You can also get to Havana via No firearms should be Mexico on Mexicana Airlines. Havana is Customs, Duties, brought to Cuba. While Cuban also served by several airlines from dif¬ and Passage regulations permit ferent locations (Iberia from Spain, diplomats to import hunting weapons, the Chief of the Interests Section has deter¬ TAAG from Portugal and Africa, Chesa Customs and Duties mined that USINT from Czechoslovakia, Air Canada, Free entry of personal property is permit¬ personnel should not do so. Aeroflot, Interflug, etc.); corresponding ted for all USINT staff members. Lug¬ schedules should be checked before gage of persons holding “official” traveling to Cuba. passports is subject to customs review on Cuban visas are required and cannot arrival, but not that of persons with Currency, Banking, and be obtained on arrival. The Department diplomatic passports. Each person Weights and Measures (via ARA/CCA) and/or USINT (for other assigned to USINT may import one per¬ locations) must be asked to assist with sonal vehicle. Vehicles older than 4 years The Cuban peso is the official exchange visas well in advance. The Department’s may be imported but must be shipped out medium. The dollar exchange rate is set passport office should not be involved in upon completion of tour. Ostenta¬ by the National Bank of Cuba and fluc¬ the visa process. Advise USINT well tious models should be avoided and any tuates monthly. Western diplomats and before you travel so that accommodations doubts in this area should be addressed other visitors to Cuba must purchase can be arranged and someone can meet to the General Services Office. pesos with hard currency and receive, you on arrival. Taxis and buses from the (See—Transportation, Automobiles.) with the pesos, a reconversion exchange airport to Havana are not recommended. No limit exists on amount of US cur¬ card. The pesos thus acquired are called Travel to your quarters will be provided. rency carried into or out of Cuba. “convertible pesos.” The card proves the Shipments to Havana are planned on bearer acquired local currency legally. an individual basis according to point of Passage The card must be presented to vendors, origin and type of transportation available All US personnel and dependents enter¬ restaurants, hotels, etc. if asked when from that location to Cuba. Cable Havana ing Cuba must have valid visas. If travel¬ purchases are made, and to customs of¬ well in advance requesting information ing from the US to Cuba, no inoculations ficials when leaving to change pesos back on the best route for your shipments. Ad¬ are required, although several are recom¬ to dollars. vise the post of the number of pieces, mended. Consult with the Department’s A local (peso) bank account is need¬ weights, list of contents, and airway bill Medical Services Division. When you ar¬ ed in order to purchase items from number promptly so that permits may be rive, the post will arrange for various diplomatic stores, which operate on a arranged for entry. The Department has photos needed for your diplomatic/ credit/check payment basis. Deposits to authorized air shipment of all automobile identity booklet, hard currency store these bank accounts must be made in hard and household effects from Miami Inter¬ card, drivers licenses, etc. Since varied currency or in convertible pesos. national Airport to Havana. Sending sizes are required, do not bring photos Personal US dollar checking ac¬ posts should, however, contact USINT with you. Passport-sized pictures are not counts of all personnel assigned to Cuba and OPR/STP/T in the Department acceptable. must be licensed by the US Treasury before consigning personal shipments to Department in order to negotiate checks US Despatch Agent in Miami. If in¬ Pets in Cuba. The USINT cashier operates a structed to surface ship direct to Havana, Pets must have a certificate of good small dollar accommodation exchange, consign shipment to the same address as health signed by a veterinarian and dated but bring a sufficient quantity of cash that given for airfreight, and pouch ship¬ 10 days or less from day of the animal’s and/or travelers checks to cover initial ping documents (including list of con¬ arrival in Cuba. Dogs and cats must also expenses until US Treasury licenses are tents) to USINT as soon as possible for have a veterinary certification of the date secured to permit use of dollar checks in preclearance and local transportation the last rabies vaccination was ad¬ Cuba. arrangements. Water and handling damage has been noted in shipments of other diplomatic

11 All personnel assigned to USINT Castro’s Revolution: Myths and Suarez, Andres. Cuba: Castroism and have their salaries sent directly to their Realities. Praeger: New York, 1962. Communism, 1959#1966. Trans, by US banks. Gonzalez, Edward. Cuba Under Castro: Joel Carmichael and Ernst Halperin. No direct correspondent relation¬ The Limits of Charisma. Houghton- Thomas, Hugh. Cuba: The Pursuit of ships exist between US and Cuban banks, Mifflin Company: Boston, 1974. Freedom. Harper & Row: New so a third-country financial institution Halperin, Ernst. Fidel Castro's Road to York, 1971. such as the Royal Bank of Canada must Power. Massachusetts Institute of always serve as intermediary banks for Technology Press: Cambridge, 1970. the purpose of moving drafts, letters of Halperin, Maurice. The Rise and Decline Local Holidays credit, and other negotiable instruments of Fidel Castro. University of between the two countries. California Press: Berkeley, 1972. Officially observed Cuban holidays are as Both English and metric systems of Lewis, Oscar and Ruth M., and Susana follows: weights and measures are used in Cuba, M. Rigdon. Four Men, Living the National Liberation Day Jan. 1 Revolution. although the metric system predominates. University of Illinois Cuban Revolution Anniversary* Jan. 2 Press: Urbana, 1977. Labor Day May 1 Mesa-Lago, Carmelo, ed. Revolutionary Cuban National Rev. Festival July 25-27 Taxes, Exchange, Change in Cuba. University of Pitts¬ Independence Day Oct. 10 and Sale of burgh Press: Pittsburgh, 1971. Property ♦Observed every 5 years

No taxes or duties are imposed on Varadero Beach. diplomats in Cuba. Personal property may be sold to other persons with diplomatic privileges. In the case of car sales, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs must be notified in advance of the sale. Neither party to such a sale is liable for tax nor duty. Autos may also be offered for sale to the Cuban Government. No fees are charged for licensing for driving, fishing, scuba diving, etc.