For vacationers traveling abroad, if you are in a tourist section, taxis and rental cars are generally very safe. The tropical paradise of Cuba is no different. Taxi and rental car services are most times reliable, however if you find yourself trying to use these services outside of population centers caution needs to be taken. There are nuances to utilizing both taxis and rental cars in Cuba.



Rental cars can be found most commonly in or close to hotels. Other major locations for rental dealerships can be found near drop-off points of cruise ships and at airports. Finding locations from which to rent vehicles can be simple, however finding a reliable service can be a challenge. Situations have occurred in which patrons have had difficulty receiving the same vehicle that they reserved ahead of time. In many cases the rental company will try to give any car available to the renter, not just the one which was preferred.

Another issue which can arise with the rental car system involves traveling with young children. Many vacationers have found that it can be difficult to find a reliable source of children's seats. It is recommended to bring your own booster seat for the car if it is at all possible.

Beyond these situations, the system of car rental is very good in Cuba. The taxi system works similarly well. The most significant threat can come from unregistered taxis. In many instances the travelers may have to negotiate price, and price negotiations can be tricky. Care should be taken, because the traveler has a significant risk of being ripped off. It is also possible to end up with rather uncomfortable travel situations if one tries too hard to find the more economic rates. However, as mentioned before, these flaws are limited, and easily overcome by the positive aspects of Cuba's taxi system.

One primary upside of the rental and taxi systems comes as a result of the overall infrastructure of the nation. Cuba has a system of highways that are well paved, at least in relation to other Caribbean countries, and relatively safe for travel. Speed limits are kept well in check allowing for easy travel. Traffic issues can be present in major cities as tourists and citizens crowd to make their way through the streets. While this problem is consistent, the overriding theme in transportation is comparative ease, when compared to other tropical vacation destinations.

Another advantage of using taxis in Cuba comes is the variety of options available. This aspect is especially present in Varadero and Havana. The main alternative to a traditional taxi comes in the form of Coco-taxis. These vehicles are small, three wheeled cabs. These egg shaped vehicles are generally orange or yellow and make basic commutes a unique experience. At first glance they appear slow and insufficient to meet most travel needs, but on the road these cabs move swiftly through the streets. Coco-taxis offer services for a lower price then most taxi companies. The cost is negotiable and paid in advance, and is not a set fare for services.

Other varieties of taxis can be found around Cuba. The most common of these is horse drawn cabs. This rustic means of travel is often accompanied by lanterns after dark, and can provide a very relaxing commute. Many vacationers to Cuba wind up not relying on any transportation service by spending the entirety of their vacation at their resort. Cuba has many modern resorts in which visitors find that they have everything they need in or close by to their hotel.

However, if visitors to Cuba want to soak up the country's distinct culture and history, they must venture out of the confines of their resort. The taxi and rental car market in Cuba provides a steady service to tourists. All things considered, vacationers can count on these services to get them where they're going. The variety of ways to get around the tropical island coupled with the overall reliability of the roads makes travelling around Cuba an experience that can be quite rewarding. There are limitations, of course, but these are easily overshadowed by what the Cuban system of rental cars and taxis has to offer.