Top5 Amazing Facts About Cuba That Will Shock You

In this article we will explore amazing facts about Cuba. Cuba has many surprising taboos and rules for foreigners and residents. Like there is no home Wi-Fi, eating beef can lead to jail, and Coca-Cola is banned. So let’s know about Cuba.

5) Internet Facility

One of the amazing facts about Cuba is that Cuba has limited internet access, making daily life challenging for residents. People cannot set up Wi-Fi in their homes and must visit public parks or hotels for internet. Access requires purchasing prepaid Nautica cards, costing about $1 per hour, which is a large portion of the average monthly salary of $20 to $30. This makes regular internet use difficult, especially for those in rural areas.

Only certain individuals, such as artists and state journalists, can apply for home internet, but they must undergo strict checks. Freedom House rates Cuba’s internet freedom as not free, with many websites restricted during political unrest. Despite promises to improve internet services since 2019, by the end of 2023, only 36% of the population had internet access, and less than 10% had home Wi-Fi.

4) Multiple Properties

One of the amazing facts about Cuba is that In Cuba, owning more than one property is forbidden, which surprises many foreigners. Each Cuban citizen is allowed only one home, and real estate transactions are heavily regulated. Before 2011, buying or selling houses for money was not permitted; people could only swap homes of equal value.

Limited buying and selling began after reforms in 2011, but under strict control. Having multiple homes or renting out property is seen as asset speculation, which goes against socialist principles. Foreigners can only own property with a Cuban spouse and government permission.

3) Blowing Nose or Spitting

One of the amazing facts about Cuba is that blowing nose or spitting in public is ban. While it’s common in some Latin American countries, in Cuba, it’s considered very rude and uneducated. Cubans value dignity and politeness, and they prefer to keep their community clean.

Loudly blowing your nose in a cafe or spitting on the sidewalk can lead to dirty looks or consequences, such as being asked to leave. In tourist areas, fines for spitting can range from 50 to 100 CUP, about $2 to $4. Tourists are advised to go to a restroom or find a private spot to blow their nose and to use a tissue, disposing of it properly.

2) Don’t Give Money To Begging Childrens

One of the amazing facts about Cuba is that Don’t give money to begging children in Cuba. The government promotes a false image of no homelessness, but begging is increasing in tourist areas like Havana, Trinidad, and Santiago de Cuba. Children often approach tourists for sympathy, but giving them money is considered taboo, as it encourages begging and can lead to warnings or fines from local authorities.

Many begging situations are organized by groups taking advantage of tourists. Instead of cash, it’s better to offer small useful items like snacks, pens, soap, candy, wipes, or coloring books, which are seen as humanitarian gifts.

1) Beef Ban

One of the amazing facts about Cuba is that In Cuba, eating beef is almost completely banned for ordinary citizens. The government controls its distribution, allowing it only for special occasions or certain groups like tourists, the elderly, or state-run facilities.

Getting a permit to slaughter a cow is very difficult, and breaking this law can lead to heavy fines or up to 20 years in jail. Therefore, beef represents privilege and social status. Many people buy it on the black market at high prices, despite low salaries. Wasting food is also taboo in Cuba due to food shortages, and people are taught not to leave any food on their plates.