Cuban Mother's Insight: Choosing Not to Rent a Car in Cuba Was the Best Move

A Cuban woman, who goes by @migdreysiperez on TikTok, shared a viral video explaining why she opted not to rent a car during her recent trip to Cuba. Many of her followers were curious about her experience with car rentals on the island, prompting her to address the topic. "I went to Cuba, and let me tell you why renting a car was not on my agenda," she began in her video. Despite having a positive experience with a rental contact from the previous year, she chose not to repeat it due to the ongoing fuel and electricity issues plaguing the nation.

She elaborated, "Considering Cuba's electricity situation, obtaining fuel is a hassle. You have to visit gas stations when there's power, which might coincide with your rest time or other activities." Safety and the stress of driving in Cuba were additional concerns. "Driving in Cuba is not for me. It's risky because the streets are dark and congested with motorbikes, horse carts, and bicycles. Where I live, there's a lot of this type of traffic," she explained, noting that she traveled alone with her young son and wanted to avoid such risks.

Economic factors also influenced her decision. "The money I would have spent on a car was better used elsewhere. I wasn't planning on leaving the province or staying in hotels, so it was the best choice," she remarked. Instead, she relied on taxis for transportation between the airport and her home, appreciating the professionalism of the drivers. "I loved the gentleman who drove me, very professional and careful," she added.

Ultimately, she found that occasionally using taxis was far more economical than renting a car only to have it sit idle most of the time. "I went out about three times, and it was much cheaper than having a car parked," she confirmed. Her account adds to the growing criticism of Cuba's transportation conditions, where fuel shortages, power outages, and deteriorating roads make driving increasingly challenging and hazardous.