Compared to most Latin American countries, the amount of crime in Cuba is low.  In fact the crime rate is less than in any other Latin American or Caribbean country, making Cuba the safest country in the area. There is some petty theft but the type of violent crime found in the U.S. is virtually nonexistent. You will probably feel safer in Cuba than in your home country. Violent crime against foreigners is a rare occurrence. Most of Cubans are honest hard working people.

Unfortunately, Americans, Canadians and Europeans are viewed as millionaires by the people of third world countries, including Cuba. Comparatively speaking we are much better off. There are always a few dishonest individuals looking to take advantage of foreigners. However, if you are alert, exercise common sense and take some basic precautions, you should have few problems with crime in Cuba-better safe than sorry.

Robbery is most likely to take place in large towns and cities. Parts of Havana should be avoided at night. Be especially careful in those areas which have poor lighting and narrow streets. Pickpockets can be a problem anywhere in the world. So, don't carry large amounts of your money, your passport or valuables in exposed areas of your clothing. If you have to carry large amounts money, conceal it with a money belt or another device underneath your clothes. Keep a small amount of money in your pockets to fool would be thieves by making them think that is all you are carrying.

Don't carry original documents. It is advisable to make photocopies of these important papers. Exercise similar precautions to avoid having your purse or camera snatched. Whatever you do, don't flaunt your wealth by wearing expensive jewelry in public places. If you really want to keep a low profile and not stand out, dress down and wear clothing like the locals so you don't stick out like a sore thumb.

Try to avoid street hustlers commonly called jineteros who will try to sell you anything or offer to change your money. In Havana Vieja there have been a lot of purse snatchings and muggings as in the downtown areas of Cuba's major cities. But most U.S. cities have more crime in a year than in all of Cuba. Women should be careful of men harassing them. This is another form of machismo in a male dominated society. The best thing to do is just ignore these men. They are just flirting and saying flattering but often vulgar remark-called piropos.

When exploring the island as a tourist, never leave your things on the beach unattended when going swimming. Don't lose sight of your luggage or leave valuables in your hotel room. Have a safe place in your apartment or house to hide your most prized possessions. However tempting it may appear, don't change money with black market street traders. This practice is illegal, risky and you most often end up getting ripped off in some way. Avoid walking on dark streets and in out of the way places at night.

As for burglary, you are better off living in an apartment or condominium or a single detached dwelling. The former tend to be less susceptible to burglary due to their design and the fact that there is "safety in numbers". Apartments sometimes have intercoms, security access and even guards. Neighbors will usually help keep an eye on your place if you befriend them. Be sure to inform them when you will be away.

One of the best defenses against burglaries is having a house sitter or a live in maid. If you do hire a maid, ask for references. Be careful to treat your household help well to ensure their loyalty. It is advisable to have a safety deposit box for jewelry or any other small valuable items. Again, in the long run you are better off toning down your materialistic life style and not making an ostentatious display of your wealth by having a lot of unnecessary luxury items.

Single women living alone should never walk unaccompanied at night. If you do go out in the evening, be sure to take a cab or have a friend come along. Speaking Spanish will often protect you. It is advisable to know some basic phrases in the event of an emergency.  

Men should always watch out for prostitutes who often are expert pickpockets. They are also known to work with accomplices who will gang up on unsuspecting victims at a most inopportune moment. Also, never walk alone at night when intoxicated. You are a sitting duck.

Be careful of overly friendly strangers. Treat anyone you meet on the street with caution. Don't put too much trust in new acquaintances. Watch out for people who offer you get rich scams or try to sell you land "sight unseen". If it seems too good to be true, it usually is. White collar crime is a world-wide problem. Don't be naive and think just because you are in a third world country nobody will try to swindle you. You don't have to be paranoid, just be more cautious than normal. If you use your common sense you will avoid most problems.

In the event that you are robbed, accosted or bilked out of money, you should contact the local authorities as soon as possible. If you lose you passport or other documents, contact your local embassy or consulate (see the list included in this book).