Cuba Or Belize: Which Trip Costs Less?

Cuba or Belize: Which is the Cheaper Holiday?

Planning your next trip but unsure whether to head to Cuba or Belize? Both countries offer a unique experience, but they differ when it comes to cost. So, which is the cheaper option? Let's break it down and find out!

Cuba

Cuba is a vibrant Caribbean island that offers a blend of culture, history, and natural beauty. The cost of a trip to Cuba can vary depending on your travel style and preferences.

Accommodation

Accommodation prices in Cuba range from budget-friendly options to luxurious resorts. You can find budget hotels or hostels starting at around $20 per night, while luxury hotels can cost upwards of $200 per night. Casas particulares, or local homestays, are a popular choice and typically cost between $20 to $50 per night.

Transportation

Getting around Cuba is affordable, with a one-way subway or train ticket costing between $0.05 to $0.50. Bus tickets are also inexpensive, ranging from $0.50 to $5. For longer distances, shared taxis or private car rentals are available but will cost more.

Food

When it comes to dining, Cuba offers a range of options. Street food or fast food can be found for $2 to $5, while casual restaurants serve meals for around $5 to $10. Mid-range restaurants will cost you $10 to $20, and high-end establishments can be $20 or more per meal.

Activities

Cuba has a variety of attractions, from exploring Havana's colourful streets to enjoying its stunning beaches. Some activities, like walking tours or museum visits, can be relatively inexpensive at $1 to $10. For more immersive experiences, such as snorkelling or historical site visits, expect to pay $10 to $30.

Belize

Belize, a small country in Central America, offers a mix of jungles, ruins, wildlife, and beautiful beaches. However, it is known to be more expensive compared to its neighbouring countries.

Accommodation

Accommodation in Belize tends to be pricier than in nearby Mexico or Guatemala. You can find guesthouses or mid-range options for around $100 to $150 per night. For more luxurious stays, prices can go up to $250 or more per night.

Transportation

Public transportation in Belize is inexpensive, with bus rides costing around $10 to other cities. Shared taxis or colectivos are also available for shorter distances. Renting a car is an option but can be costly, starting at $69 per day.

Food

The price of food in Belize is similar to what you would pay in the US. Street food or simple meals can cost around $5 to $7, while sit-down restaurants will be substantially more, ranging from $10 to $25 or more.

Activities

Belize offers a range of activities, including exploring ruins and enjoying water-based adventures. Entrance fees to ruins are typically $5, while a full-day tour of the famous ATM caves will cost around $120. Other activities like snorkelling or day trips to nearby countries can also add up.

Conclusion

So, which destination is the cheaper option? Based on the information, Cuba offers more budget-friendly options for accommodation, transportation, and food. Belize tends to be more expensive, especially for accommodation and food. However, both countries have their unique attractions and experiences to offer, so the choice ultimately depends on your preferences and travel budget.

Food and drink

The cost of food and drink in Cuba and Belize varies depending on where you eat and what you consume. Here is a comparison of food and drink prices in both countries.

Cuba

In Cuba, a typical fast-food meal costs around $6.70 for a combo meal at McDonald's or Burger King, and a cheeseburger costs about $2. A cappuccino costs $1.40, while an espresso is $0.95.

For groceries, a litre of milk costs $3, a loaf of fresh white bread (500g) is $1, and a bottle of wine is about $10. A bottle of beer from a known brand is $1.90, and a mid-range wine is $10.

When dining out, a meal in an inexpensive restaurant costs around $7, while a meal for two in a mid-range restaurant with three courses is approximately $25. A bottle of water (0.33 litres) is $1.30, and a domestic beer (0.5 litres) is $2.40.

Belize

In Belize, a typical fast-food meal costs around $3.70 for a combo meal at McDonald's or Burger King, and a cheeseburger costs about $1.10. A cappuccino costs $1.60, while an espresso is $1.10.

For groceries, a litre of milk costs $1.40, a loaf of fresh white bread (500g) is $1.30, and a bottle of wine is about $7.40. A bottle of beer from a known brand is $1.30, and a mid-range wine is $7.40.

When dining out, a meal in an inexpensive restaurant costs around $6.80, while a meal for two in a mid-range restaurant with three courses is approximately $30. A bottle of water (0.33 litres) is $0.83, and a domestic beer (0.5 litres) is $2.50.

Comparison

Overall, the cost of food and drink in Cuba and Belize is relatively similar, with some minor differences. Cuba may be slightly more expensive for certain items, such as fast food and dining out. However, the prices for groceries and dining out in both countries are still quite affordable, especially when compared to prices in the United States.

When it comes to alcohol, Belize seems to offer more affordable options, with lower prices for beer and wine. However, it is important to note that the prices may vary depending on the specific location and establishment.

Additionally, it is worth mentioning that Cuba has a unique currency system, with two official currencies until recently: the Cuban Peso (CUP) and the Cuban Convertible Peso (CUC). The CUC was eliminated in 2021, and now only the CUP is used. This can make the currency exchange process a bit tricky for first-time visitors to Cuba.

In summary, both Cuba and Belize offer affordable options for food and drink, but with slight variations in pricing. The choice between the two countries may depend on other factors such as accommodation and transportation costs, as well as personal preferences for cuisine and dining experiences.

Transport

The most obvious difference in transport costs between the two countries is the cost of getting there. A flight to Cuba from the US ranges from $300 to $800 return, whereas a flight to Belize is likely to be in the region of €350. However, once you are in Cuba, travel costs are very low. A one-way subway or train ticket can cost between $0.05 to $0.50, and bus tickets range from $0.50 to $5. A short taxi ride within a city will cost around $5, and car rental is approximately $40 to $100 per day.

In Belize, the ferry between the islands and the mainland is relatively expensive at over €15 per person for a 30-minute journey. Taxis are as expensive as in the US. A domestic flight within Belize costs €48 per person. Public transport is much cheaper, with a bus journey costing €15 per person.

If you are travelling between the two countries, the cheapest way to get from Belize to Cuba is to fly, which costs $230 to $750 and takes 19 hours and 53 minutes. The quickest way is also to fly, which costs $260 to $950 and takes 5 hours and 17 minutes.

Accommodation

In Cuba, there are two types of accommodation: hotels and 'casas particulares' (private houses). The hotels are either run by Cuban-owned chains or international chains. The Cuban-owned chains include Islazul, Cubanacn, Gran Caribe, Gaviota, Habaguanex, and Cubanacán. The former two are budget options, while the latter four are more upmarket.

The cheapest option is a national-peso state hotel, intended exclusively for Cubans, with rates as low as the equivalent of a couple of convertible pesos a night. However, these hotels are extremely dilapidated with poor facilities.

Casas particulares are rented out via Airbnb and are inexpensive, offering a more authentic experience. They usually have no more than three rooms for rent, with a high-season rate of $25-35CUC a night, which drops by $5CUC in the low season.

Belize City has a range of accommodation options, from beachfront properties to business-oriented hotels. The average price of a hotel room is $169 a night, with the cheapest being $33. The cheapest 3-star hotel room found recently was $74, while the most expensive was $370.

Placencia, a popular tourist destination in Belize, has a lot of pricey accommodation options, with some charging $250+ a night.

Overall, accommodation is going to be your greatest expense in Belize. While properties are far pricier than in neighbouring Mexico and Guatemala, they still offer great value for money, especially if you're coming from the US or Europe.

In Belize City, Villa Boscardi is a good mid-range option, costing $116 per night for a standard double room. In Placencia, Bella Vita Casitas is a good mid-range option, costing $131 per night for a one-bedroom villa. In Caye Caulker, Colinda Cabanas is highly recommended but expensive, costing $209 a night for a large cabana that sleeps three.

Activities

Cuba

In Cuba, there are a variety of activities to suit different interests and budgets. Here are some options:

• Museums: There are several museums in Cuba that you can visit, with admission fees ranging from free to around $10.
• City tour in a classic car: Experience Havana in style by taking a city tour in a vintage American car. Prices typically start at $35 per hour.
• Horseback riding in Viñales: Explore the beautiful valley of Viñales on horseback, with rates starting at $30 per hour.
• Cabaret shows: Enjoy a lively evening at the Cabaret Tropicana, with ticket prices starting at $85.
• Dance lessons: Learn some Cuban dance moves, such as salsa, son, or rumba. Lessons typically cost around $10 to $20 per hour.
• Baseball game: Catch a baseball game, Cuba's national sport, for as little as $1 per ticket.
• Snorkelling: Explore the underwater world at sites like Varadero, Isla de la Juventud, and Cayo Coco.
• Cigar-rolling lessons: Learn the art of rolling Cuban cigars at a factory in Havana for around $9.
• Salsa lessons: Move to the rhythm of salsa music and immerse yourself in the Cuban culture.

Belize

Belize also offers a range of activities to suit different interests:

• Scuba diving: Belize is known for its excellent scuba diving spots, including the famous Blue Hole and the Hol Chan Marine Reserve.
• Sunset cruise on Caye Caulker: Enjoy a relaxing sunset cruise and admire the island's colourful houses and palm trees.
• Swimming with stingrays and nurse sharks: Take a boat tour to Shark Ray Alley and swim with these fascinating creatures.
• Cave exploration: Explore the Actun Tunichil Muknal cave, filled with relics left by the Mayans, or tube through the caves of St. Herman's Blue Hole National Park.
• Mayan ruins: Discover the ancient Mayan city of Caracol, or climb to the top of El Castillo at the Xunantunich ruins for breathtaking views.
• Green Iguana Conservation Project: Learn about the endangered Green Iguana species and get up close and personal with these fascinating reptiles.
• The Belize Zoo: Visit the only zoo in Belize, which is home to over 150 native wildlife species and is accessible to visitors with physical disabilities.
• Extreme sports: For thrill-seekers, Belize offers a range of extreme sports options, including jet boat rentals, zip-lining, and cave kayaking.

Currency exchange

The official currency in Cuba is the Cuban Peso (CUP), while the local currency in Belize is the Belize Dollar (BZD).

Cuba's monetary policy changes often, and the exchange rates are volatile. The Cuban Peso (CUP) is the national currency and the one you will use the most while on the island. Cuban Pesos are available in bills of 1, 3, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, 500, and 1000. You can also find coins in denominations of 1, 3, and 5 pesos, as well as 5 and 20-cent coins.

You can bring US Dollars to Cuba and exchange them for Cuban Pesos at CADECA (Casas de Cambio), the government's currency exchange house, or in the informal market. However, you cannot use US Dollars in Cuba at any government-owned facility. Credit cards issued by US banks or their subsidiaries are also not accepted in Cuba.

The Euro is the best currency to bring to Cuba if you plan to use it. It's convenient, widely accepted on the island, and subject to the lowest bank fee (2%) when exchanging them.

Other foreign currencies accepted in Cuba include the Canadian Dollar (CAD) and Pound Sterling (GBP).

There are two types of exchange rates in Cuba: the official exchange rate imposed by the Banco Central de Cuba and the informal exchange rate, which is usually about four times higher than the official rate.

The Belize Dollar is permanently pegged to the US Dollar at 2:1, so you don't need to worry about calculating exchange rates. Belizean banknotes include $2, $5, $10, $20, $50, and $100, with the largest bill colloquially known as a blue buay (blue boy). As for coins, the largest are $1 and $2 coins, with smaller coins including 50 cents, 25 cents, 10 cents, 5 cents, and 1 cent.

US cash is widely accepted in Belize, especially in tourist destinations. However, if you pay with US Dollars, you will likely receive Belize Dollars at the $1 US to $2 BZ exchange rate.

Belize law allows individuals to bring in a maximum of $5,000 US Dollars in any form (cash, checks, bearer bonds, etc.). All visitors must declare their total currency holdings upon entering the country if they exceed $5,000 US Dollars.

American currency can be exchanged for Belizean Dollars at banks, some upper-end hotels, and currency exchange businesses. ATMs (cash points) are also available throughout Belize and usually work with American, European, and Canadian bank cards.

Frequently asked questions