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Driving in Cuba
If you consider renting a car in Cuba, bring a good road map, the sign across the road may not lead you to your destiny, especially if you plan to explore the off-the-beaten-track places. Recommended is the Guia de Carreteras, which you will be able buy in La Habana.
Many roads are in acceptable condition, but many are in need of repairs. And there may not be much traffic, still you have to stay alert as you will encounter carriages, tractors, lorries, bicyclists and pedestrians all using the same roads. It is not advisable to drive at night, as the roads, nor the majority of the road users for that matter, have lighting.
The speed limit in Cuba is 50kmph (31 mph) in cities and towns, 90kmph (56 mph) on the highway (carretera), and 100kmph (62 mph) on the motorway (autopista). You are expected to stop at all railroad crossings. It is a safety measure in Cuba (railroads and highways overlap at many points and rarely this is indicated by crossbars or warning lights) and at the same time it is a favorite spot for the police to hand out fines.
In all cities there are parking (parqueos) where you can leave your car attended for 24 hours. This costs around 1 or 2 CUC a night and it is definitely worth the money, as theft of wheels and wipers is not unknown. Service stations are plentiful and conveniently located on the major highways and on the outskirts of all major centers, as well as in major towns and cities.
Car rental – Basics
Renting a car in Cuba is easy, but it works out cheaper if you do it at home. It is always a good idea to make a reservation in advance, especially during peak periods, when cars can get a little scarce. Reservations are only accepted 15 days in advance, however, they are not guaranteed as the state-run car-rental agencies do not have trustworthy reservations system. All car- rental agencies have desks at the airport and at many major hotels around La Habana and the rest of the country.
To rent a car you must be at least 21 years of age and present your passport, driving license and a 200 CUC deposit (in cash or -non-US- credit card).
The handful of state-run car-rental companies normally have a large, modern fleet of (mainly small) rental cars. Prices and selection are rather standard. A rental car should cost you between 45 and 80 CUC a day, including insurance and unlimited mileage, depending on the model and the season. If you rent a car for 3 days or less, it usually comes with limited mileage. In Cuba you almost always pay for the first full tank of gas – in addition to the rental fee - and you can return it empty (you will not be refunded for any gas left in the tank).
Be very thorough when checking out your car and make sure that all essential accessories are present (is a spare tire of the correct size, a jack and a lug wrench). Check also that there are seat belts and that all the doors lock properly. Moreover, be sure to have the agent note every little scratch, as you will be responsible for any damage or missing parts upon return.
Car rental – Insurance
Make sure you have a good insurance! All car-rental agencies, Transtur being the exception, offer insurance coverage for between 10 and 20 CUC per day. Transtur, which runs Cubacar and Rex, charges a minimum 15 CUC for coverage for rentals that start in La Habana. Most car-rental agencies carry a deductible of 200 CUC up to 1,000 CUC.
Some do not cover theft, but this is a very minor problem in Cuba. If you hold a car insurance policy back home, you may be covered abroad for loss or damage to the car, and for liability in case a passenger is injured. The credit card you use to rent the car also may provide some coverage. However, be sure to check whether or not your insurance company or credit card coverage excludes rental cars in Cuba. Moreover, check your own car insurance policy, the credit card coveage and the rental company policy, for the extent of coverage in the event you cause an accident.
Insurance is voided if a driver causes an accident under the influence of alcohol.
Car rental – Cubans
Cubans may now drive rental cars and can be included on your insurance, as can a second foreign driver.
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