Page 127 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Cuba

Practical Information ❮❮ 125

Most tourist hotels will it is now becoming It is easy to become
also have a doctor or increasingly lenient dehydrated in Cuba’s
nurse on call. and even supportive. warm climate, where
Pharmaceuticals are Unfortunately, police sweat often evaporates
in short supply, except in harassment of homo- immediately. Drink plenty
farmacias internacionales, sexuals still occurs. of bottled water and
found in major cities and watch out for headaches,
resorts. It is advisable to Women Travelers exhaustion, and muscle
bring your own supply of cramps – signs that you
medicines you require, as Female tourists can may be suffering from
well as any prescriptions receive a fair amount dehydration or heatstroke.
you have for these, and of unwanted attention Do not under estimate
plenty of sunscreen and from Cuban men, which, the power of the tropical
insect repellent. for the most part, takes sun. Sunburn and
the form of verbal sunstroke are the most
Personal Safety intrusions. The most common health problems
effective response to tourists encounter when
Violent crime against them is a stony glare visiting Cuba. Avoid the
foreigners is rare, but or cold indifference. hottest part of the day,
in tourist areas and run- Despite advances in between noon and 3pm,
down sections of Havana, women’s rights, machismo and use a strong sun-
there is always a risk of is ingrained in Cuba’s screen, even when the
pick-pocketing and bag- male culture. This is weather is cloudy.
snatching. Avoid dark and generally limited to
lonely spots, do not carry flirtatious behavior DIRECTORY
large amounts of cash, toward women but can
or flaunt expensive items. also include expressions EMERGENCIES
Theft from hotel rooms is of bravado and even Ambulance
a common occurrence, aggression intended to § 104
so keep your possessions demonstrate male pride. Fire Service
locked in your bag and § 105
your valuables in a safe. Health and Hygiene Police
Visitors in well-trodden § 106
tourist areas may well Do not drink the tap
experience some level water. Some people POLICE STATION
of harassment from prefer not to brush their Havana
individuals offering teeth with it. You should MAP X2 • Calle Picota
a range of services. also make sure that ice § 7867 0496
Jineteros (male hustlers) cubes are made from ASISTUR
will attempt to sell you purified water. Bottled
fake cigars as the real water can be bought Havana
thing; jineteras are female cheaply and is widely MAP W1 • Paseo de
Martí 208 § 7866 4499
prostitutes. The best way available. Do not drink
to deal with either is from a bottle of water that Santiago de Cuba
simply to ignore them. is unsealed, as it may MAP P6 • Hotel
Cubans hitchhike from have been refilled with Casagranda § (22) 68
6128 ∑ asistur.cu
necessity due to the poor tap water.
public transportation The best way to avoid Varadero
system, although officials an upset stomach is to MAP F1 • Calle 30 e/
1ra y 3ra
discourage tourists from steer clear of certain § (45) 66 7277
hitchhiking or offering foods, notably lobster and
lifts. Foreign embassies in shrimp dishes. Also do LEGAL ASSISTANCE
Cuba report an increasing not eat meats or dairy Consultoría Jurídica
number of robberies products that have been Internacional
by Cuban hitchhikers. allowed to stand too long MAP D2 • Calle 16 314,
Cuba’s govern ment has on a buffet counter or in Miramar, Havana
a history of repressing the sun. Food from street § 7204 2490 ∑ cji.co.cu
homosexuality. However, stalls should be avoided.

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