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City Guide - Havana - Getting Around | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Getting Around Public Transport There are two types of buses that operate around town, known as guaguas and camellos; both are overcrowded with a non-existent timetable. Most visitors avoid this form of transport in Havana unless they are familiar with the routes. There is a strict system of queuing and visitors should make sure they are at the end of the queue by asking for 'el ultimo' (the last one). The fare, 20 centavos for camellos and 40 centavos for guaguas, is payable on board. The service operates around the clock but there are very few buses in the middle of the night. Taxis There are two categories of taxis in Havana - those for the tourists, which charge in US Dollars, and local taxis, which accept Pesos. It appears that anybody who owns a car is willing to act as a taxi but these are unofficial and passengers are in danger of being ripped off. Many owners of the old American models are keen to offer their services as a taxi and many visitors are equally happy to have a ride in one. The official Dollar taxis are numerous and comfortable, being air-conditioned. Taxis can be flagged down in the street or found waiting outside the main hotels. Rates are about 90 cents per kilometre, and the meter should be turned on at the start of the journey. Tipping is now allowed in Cuba, and a tip of about 10% of the fare for good service is always appreciated. Reputable firms are Habana Taxi (tel: (7) 419 600) and Taxis Gaviota (tel: (7) 204 650). Bicitaxis A pleasant way to move around the city is to hire a two-seater bicitaxi, which are similar to Asian rickshaws with the driver pedalling from the front. There is no need to look for them as the drivers solicit tourists continuously, seemingly unable to believe that anybody would choose to walk. In addition, there are the relatively new, but limited in number, bright yellow scooter rickshaws. Rates for both are based are similar to normal taxis (about 90 cents per kilometre). Limousines Rex (tel: (7) 339 160; fax: (7) 339 159) can provide chauffeur-driven limousines for US$325 per day. The weekly price is US$1625. They also provide luxury chauffeur-driven Audis and Volvos for US$240 and US$220 per day respectively. Driving in the City Although the traffic in Havana is not particularly heavy, motorists will still find that driving in the city can be beset by problems. The system at traffic lights (when they are working) is quite different to other countries. A flashing amber light mans proceed with caution and it is permitted to turn right on a red light if the road is clear. Road signage is similar to Europe but often the lettering has completely faded and is impossible to read, particularly at night. The grid system of roads in Havana makes it straightforward to negotiate the city; the biggest hazard is the large numbers of cyclists and pedestrians meandering along the middle of the road. Night driving is a particular problem as most cyclists ride without lights. Parking is relatively straightforward with many hotels having car parks for the use of their guests, although there is generally a charge for overnight parking. Parking around the city or outside a hotel without a car park is relatively easy because of the low number of vehicles, but it is worth paying the hotel doorman a small fee to keep an eye on the vehicle if parking overnight. Valuables should be kept out of sight as hire cars have special number plates making it obvious that it is being driven by a tourist. Car Hire The major car hire companies have offices in the city as well as at the airport: Cubacar (tel: (7) 335 546), Havanautos (tel: (7) 239 833), Via Rent a Car (tel: (7) 339 781) and Transtur (tel: (7) 338 384 or 553 991). Renting a car is the only virtually hassle-free way of seeing the island, especially when visiting places where there is no public transport. However, it is an expensive way to move around Havana and most people stick to taxis. The minimum age for rental is 21 years and a national driving licence must be carried. The purchase of insurance has to be done locally, although it is claimed to be not worth the paper it is written on. Alternatively, a US$200 deposit can be left, this is refunded at the end of the rental period on the safe return of the car. One week's car hire will cost a minimum of US$350. Payment can be made by credit card provided it is not issued by an American bank. The car hire companies in Cuba are all local, so even though the models for hire are Japanese, Korean or French, they do not match international standards of service and vehicle condition. Checks should be made for any damage before leaving and also that windscreen wipers, lights etc are functioning. Bicycle and Scooter Hire Although a bicycle is probably the best way to get around the city, there are no official outlets to hire one. Reception staff in the hotels may be able to arrange bicycle hire on a private basis. The state of the roads is not particularly good with potholes causing problems especially at night. Mopeds can be rented in the beach resorts, a few hours from Havana, but are strictly for local use. |
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