Bayamo, Cuba

Capital City

This quaint provincial capital has little to offer the average expat. With a population of just 236,826, Bayamo is an isolated, under-developed municipality where most residents get around on foot or by horse-drawn carriage. Bureaucracy is a persistent headache, as the city's inland location historically made it a hub for smuggling and contraband trade.

While the city's revolutionary history and university provide some cultural appeal, the lack of modern infrastructure and transportation options will likely frustrate anyone accustomed to city life. Unless you're a die-hard historian or academic, Bayamo is probably not the best choice for Americans seeking an easy transition to Cuban living.