You will only find a few agencies offering car rental service in Pinar del Rio, Cuba. If it is your first time traveling as a tourist or visitor, and you plan to purchase a vehicle, you should be aware that some inconveniences may arise. If you live in Australia, the United States, or Europe, you will notice that car purchasing in Cuba differs from your home country. Many tourists and visitors arriving in Pinar Del Rio, Cuba, expect to find a variety of car services, as well as offices in many locations, but this is not the case, so you should keep the following points in mind
The types of cars you can find
There are a wide variety of brands that tourists and visitors often find, such as: Audi, Mercedes, Peugeot, Renault, Kia and Hyundai. However, it is important to contact the agency in advance to obtain information about the models and dimensions you want for your comfort.
Documentation
Keep your identification documents with you, do not leave them in your suitcase. Your passport is important to carry while traveling by road. In different places, such as bridges that lead to very busy beaches, you may be asked for your passport when paying the toll.
Parking
When parking at a destination you are visiting, it is important to have cash on hand to pay for parking. The price of this service is not very expensive.
Regulation of car rentals
Please do not try to negotiate with a local to purchase a vehicle. Car rental services in Cuba are regulated and it is illegal to offer vehicles to Cuban residents. There is only a small list of authorized and recognized agencies that are allowed to provide this service.
Routes and guides
If you have already planned your trip to Pinar Del Rio, Cuba, and decided to rent a vehicle, you should consider the following tips if you are a first-time visitor:- First, choose the sites you would like to visit in advance, such as historical sites, streets, squares, and beaches;
- Second, consider the most comfortable routes to reach your destination;
- Third, plan how much gasoline you will need for the duration of the trip.
GPS is not always reliable
If you're going to use a GPS to guide you on the road, be aware that data connection can be poor in Pinar Del Rio, Cuba. Also, there's no guarantee that your car has a built-in GPS. We recommend asking locals to make sure you don't get lost, and if necessary, bring printed maps with annotations about routes and landmarks.
Fuel
Pay attention to the fuel gauge, and always remember to fill up your tank. It is crucial that you do not leave it to the last minute, as in Pinar Del Rio, Cuba, you will not find a gas station on every corner. Also, make sure you have Cuban pesos (the national currency: CUP) with you, as that is the only way to pay for fuel. Rental cars must be filled only with their specific type of fuel.