【Cuba’s Safety】Is Cuba surprisingly safe compared to other Latin American Countries?!

Latin America has many countries said to have poor safety, but Cuba is relatively safe. Still, it’s best to act with the mindset that Cuba is not safer than Japan. It’s always better to be cautious. Because Cuba is such an open country, it’s easy to let your guard down. Even in a country considered safe, if you show openings, the chance of being caught up in crime increases. Keep in mind that just walking around town will make you stand out!

1. Be cautious of pickpocketing and theft

Worldwide, Japanese people are often thought to have money, and this is no different in Cuba, even though it is considered relatively safe. It’s better to avoid wearing expensive clothes or accessories. This isn’t unique to Cuba, but crowded areas are particularly unsafe, so be alert. Not only cash and jewelry but also cameras and smartphones require attention.

There are also cases where entire bags are snatched, so it’s safer to keep them securely attached to your body. Markets and souvenir shops in Cuba are filled with new and interesting things, and it’s easy to get absorbed, but always stay aware of your belongings. Even in restaurants, hotels, and discos—places where people tend to feel safe—your guard can drop, so stay cautious!

2. Stay away from drugs

There are also unsafe areas in Cuba, so don’t let yourself get swept away by the open atmosphere and fall for dangerous temptations. You could unknowingly get involved in drug-related crimes. Someone might ask you to hold a bag, or try to sell you cheap cigarettes—things that may not seem related to drugs at first but can be risky.

If something feels even slightly suspicious, firmly and clearly refuse. By paying attention to the atmosphere and the people approaching you, you can sense changes in safety. Even in Cuba, considered safe, drug-related crimes have escalated into murder cases. The Cuban government strictly enforces drug laws, so you must be very careful.

3. Be careful with money exchange

Even though Cuba is relatively safe, tourists are easy targets everywhere. One of the most common issues is money exchange scams. Cubans, like others, often believe Japanese tourists carry lots of cash, so extra caution is needed. People may suddenly approach you in the street offering better exchange rates, but these are often unreliable, so be careful. Even in areas with many tourists and said to be safe, money exchange requires caution.

It’s good to have a rough idea of the exchange rate, but since it fluctuates daily, it’s hard to know what’s accurate. Scam artists will try to persuade you smoothly, so don’t fall for sweet deals—stay calm and make rational decisions. In Cuba, the safest way to exchange money is at banks or hotels, where safety and trustworthiness are ensured.

4. Avoid going out at night or being alone whenever possible

In Cuba, in busy downtown areas where many tourists gather, police officers are often on patrol, so there isn’t too much need for concern about safety there. However, it’s best not to approach deserted alleys or quiet places. After sunset, Cuban towns can appear dim even under streetlights, and in some areas it can be completely dark.

Even though Cuba is considered relatively safe, it is much better to act in groups rather than alone. There have been incidents where even men have been surrounded by groups and robbed of their belongings. During the daytime as well, streets with little pedestrian traffic can be unsafe and should be avoided. After sunset, it’s recommended to use taxis or other transportation. If you are drunk or carrying a bag, you are more likely to be targeted, so please enjoy Cuba responsibly!

5. Beware of friendly scams

Cheerful Cubans are often very friendly and will readily talk to tourists. Because the country is considered safe, if you get carried away and go along with them too easily, you might end up being scammed without even realizing it. Similar to money exchange scams, many people report being tricked after being offered various “good deals,” which ultimately result in losing money.

Be cautious of Cubans who approach you too familiarly while pretending to be a good friend. Many tourists end up being tricked into buying poor-quality cigarettes or paying unusually high prices for being invited to a live show. Because of preconceived notions that Cuba is safe and its cheerful atmosphere, some tourists let their guard down, but a firm attitude is necessary. Don’t be too misled by Cuba’s reputation for safety.

6. About the situation in Cuba

Thanks to strict crackdowns by Cuban authorities, the security situation is stable, but at the same time, several anti-government organizations do exist. Abroad, there are also anti-Cuban government groups formed by exiled Cubans. While Cuba is generally safe and you can travel there with peace of mind, it’s still better to keep up with the latest safety information.

In other Latin American countries, there have been crimes targeting Japanese tourists, but in Cuba there are no significant reports of such crimes. However, in the future, there is always the possibility of crimes influenced by terrorist groups, so take full safety precautions and enjoy your trip.

◎Summary

In recent years, Cuba has been attracting attention as a travel destination. It is known for being relatively safe, but letting your guard down too much can make you more vulnerable to crime. There is no need to be overly afraid, but taking basic precautions is necessary. Just because Cuba is considered safe doesn’t mean it’s okay to relax carelessly. Most Cubans are cheerful and kind, but there are areas that are less safe. Remember that tourists stand out, and enjoy your trip to Cuba with this in mind!