You do not need fluent Spanish to travel in Cuba, but a few clear phrases can make airport arrivals, hotel stays, taxi rides, restaurant visits and emergencies much easier. Speak slowly, keep sentences simple and save this guide offline before your trip.
Basic greetings and courtesy
- Hello: Hola
- Good morning: Buenos días
- Good afternoon: Buenas tardes
- Good evening: Buenas noches
- Please: Por favor
- Thank you: Gracias
- Excuse me: Disculpe
- I do not understand: No entiendo
- Could you speak more slowly? ¿Puede hablar más despacio?
At the airport and hotel
- Where is the transfer bus? ¿Dónde está el autobús de traslado?
- I have a reservation: Tengo una reserva
- What time is check-in? ¿A qué hora es el registro?
- The air conditioning is not working: El aire acondicionado no funciona
- There is no water in the room: No hay agua en la habitación
- Can I change rooms? ¿Puedo cambiar de habitación?
Taxis and transportation
- How much does it cost? ¿Cuánto cuesta?
- Please take me to this address: Lléveme a esta dirección, por favor
- Please use the main entrance: Use la entrada principal, por favor
- Please wait here: Espere aquí, por favor
- What time does the bus leave? ¿A qué hora sale el autobús?
Restaurants and food
- A table for two: Una mesa para dos
- Do you have bottled water? ¿Tiene agua embotellada?
- Without ice: Sin hielo
- I am allergic to… Soy alérgico / alérgica a…
- No seafood: Sin mariscos
- The bill, please: La cuenta, por favor
Shopping and money
- Do you accept Canadian dollars? ¿Acepta dólares canadienses?
- Do you accept cards? ¿Acepta tarjeta?
- I need a receipt: Necesito un recibo
- That is too expensive: Es demasiado caro
Health and emergencies
- I need a doctor: Necesito un médico
- It is an emergency: Es una emergencia
- Call an ambulance: Llame a una ambulancia
- I take this medication: Tomo este medicamento
- Where is the pharmacy? ¿Dónde está la farmacia?
- I lost my passport: Perdí mi pasaporte
How to make yourself understood
Show the written phrase on your phone, point to an address or map, and repeat key words instead of speaking faster. Keep hotel details, insurance information and emergency contacts available offline.
Related Cuba travel guides
📩 Abonnez-vous à notre Newsletter
Recevez directement nos dernières nouvelles, bons plans et astuces de voyage à Cuba 🌴