Travel Questions and Advice

[Vedado Fun]

I'm seeing mixed messages on the Internet about whether the Cuban government continues to charge a ten percent penalty to exchange USA Dollars -- this, in addition to the fee for the exchange of all currencies. What is the latest on this USD-only penalty. Does the ten percent fee stand or is it gone? Many thanks. If it stands, I will change my USDs to Loonies.

Thanks.

You still get dinged the %10 plus %3. You'll get. 87 CUC for $1 US at any bank or exchange place and even less at a hotel.

[IvyTown]

I'm seeing mixed messages on the Internet about whether the Cuban government continues to charge a ten percent penalty to exchange USA Dollars -- this, in addition to the fee for the exchange of all currencies. What is the latest on this USD-only penalty. Does the ten percent fee stand or is it gone? Many thanks. If it stands, I will change my USDs to Loonies.

Thanks.

[ProbzProbz]

As far as the visa goes I'm would say it's only good for one entry unless you are Cuban born in which case you have different options. However, I am not sure and I would call whatever airline you are using and they should provide you with the answer for sure.

As far as the exchange rate goes, it's 87 CUC for 100 USD at the cadecas throughout the city or banks. I just came back from la Habana and got 96 CUC for 100 USD, this was thru someone I've know for quite a few years so it's completely safe. I would not recommend doing this out on the streets as you may end up being hustled or even worse, robbed. As Vedado mentions sometimes you can luck out and do an exchange thru the casa owner or his / her connection. They'll prolly take a 1 or 2% to whatever they say you'll get for you USD, so you should be getting 93 or better at least for your 100 USD.

Mondo.

Here is a link for casas and a bunch of other stuff that I posted earlier.

http://conocecuba.com/

It is better to change it to Canadian dollars from a Bank in US and then convert it in Cuba. Better rates.

[John Corey]

"Support for the Cuban people" is now the category for most who are not part of an organized group. In reality, if the US government decides to make an example of someone, just give up because it will happen. When I go next month, I will not patronize the government owned hotels and restaurants. I have rented a privately owned apartment from airbnb, and I plan to eat at family owned restaurants. I plan to use a taxi driver with one of the old Cadillac's, not the government taxis. I'll figure out something else to qualify as helping some people understand free enterprise. I will document my time to qualify under that category, but nothing is for certain when traveling there.

Thank you for your advise. Life does not comes with any guaranties. Enjoy your time in Havana.

[Fun Luvr]

Should I assume that since the people to people travel category is not an option and for those who don't not qualify under the other categories the door to Cuba is shut unless you are part of a tour?

"Support for the Cuban people" is now the category for most who are not part of an organized group. In reality, if the US government decides to make an example of someone, just give up because it will happen. When I go next month, I will not patronize the government owned hotels and restaurants. I have rented a privately owned apartment from airbnb, and I plan to eat at family owned restaurants. I plan to use a taxi driver with one of the old Cadillac's, not the government taxis. I'll figure out something else to qualify as helping some people understand free enterprise. I will document my time to qualify under that category, but nothing is for certain when traveling there.

[John Corey]

JetBlue sent the same emails before the Trump restrictions where in place, to be honest, I can't see any difference in traveling to Cuba before or after Trump, same ole song and dance. Except maybe the "people to people" category. Like you, I did notice a BIG difference in the number of people on the flights to and from Cuba, on the return trip from Havana to Atlanta ( 2 weeks ago) there were only 22 passengers on my flight, over 200 empty seats. I look for several flights to Cuba to be cancelled very soon.

Should I assume that since the people to people travel category is not an option and for those who don't not qualify under the other categories the door to Cuba is shut unless you are part of a tour?

Thanks in advance for any information you can provide.

[NamasteParis]

Thanks Coco and Questner for your advices. I think I'll drive through the island for 2 weeks one way, and come back from Santiago to Havana by plane.

My report in March 2018.

[Ty Down]

I made flight reservations on JetBlue. In the reservation process, I had to specify which of the 12 categories I will be traveling under. Also, when I made an apartment reservation with Airbnb, I had to specify the category. I received an email from JetBlue stating "As a traveler, it's important to understand that Cuba is not only a unique destination, but has many unique entry requirements as well. If any of these requirements is not completed before your departure, we won't be able to allow you onboard. " It appears operators in the US are taking the policies seriously. I have reservations for January 17 to 23, and there are very few seats sold on the flights. Round trip fare from Orlando was $211, and that's with one checked bag. JetBlue can't be making much money on those flights.

JetBlue sent the same emails before the Trump restrictions where in place, to be honest, I can't see any difference in traveling to Cuba before or after Trump, same ole song and dance. Except maybe the "people to people" category. Like you, I did notice a BIG difference in the number of people on the flights to and from Cuba, on the return trip from Havana to Atlanta ( 2 weeks ago) there were only 22 passengers on my flight, over 200 empty seats. I look for several flights to Cuba to be cancelled very soon.

[Fun Luvr]

I made flight reservations on JetBlue. In the reservation process, I had to specify which of the 12 categories I will be traveling under. Also, when I made an apartment reservation with Airbnb, I had to specify the category. I received an email from JetBlue stating "As a traveler, it's important to understand that Cuba is not only a unique destination, but has many unique entry requirements as well. If any of these requirements is not completed before your departure, we won't be able to allow you onboard. " It appears operators in the US are taking the policies seriously. I have reservations for January 17 to 23, and there are very few seats sold on the flights. Round trip fare from Orlando was $211, and that's with one checked bag. JetBlue can't be making much money on those flights.

[Coco Des Iles]

Hi!

I intend to go to Cuba 3 weeks Feb-March 2018. First time. Veteran in Thailand, Rep Dom and Philippines, so I know the P4 P music. I'm french and I speak spanish. I go there solo for 60% P4 P, 40% tourism. To have a good feeling of the island, I plan to arrive at Havana, rent a car and cross the island to Santiago, then back home.

1/ Are the roads good, and is it a good idea / safe to drive across the island?

2/ I intend to stay one week in Havana, then few days Cienfuegos, Camaguey, Holguin, and Santiago: good itinerary? Any advice on places must-to-go, and places to avoid?

3/ My best option is to find a GFE gem, and possibly take her with me for few days or more if 100% chemistry. Is it possible in Cuba? I read the forum but I still don't understand if a foreigner can stay and travel across the country with a local muchacha. Some say the police stop these couples, some say we can walk hand by hand and stay in public places without problem. Can you please tell me exactly the "can" and "don't" with a Cuban supposed Girlfriend?

4/ Where could I find a cool GFE with slim tall black model type? Havana or Santiago? (if ever this question has sense! LOL) This to know where I should land first.

Thanks guys for your answers.

Honestly I would not do what your planning to do because you are going to spend more time on the road than enjoying your life with delightful Cuban chicas. First if you want to get one only companion for your trip, how long will it take you to get the right one? Your best bet is to go from town to town and get lucky at each stop. Roads are quite good in Cuba and traffic is low, but still driving from Havana to Santiago and back in 3 weeks can be exhausting. I will recommend enjoying Havana and nearby Playas del Este (See my post on Guanabo), and going no further than Cienfuegos and Trinidad for your first trip. Cuba is not Europe and don't imagine driving at 130 kmh on a freeway!

[Questner]

Hi!

I intend to go to Cuba 3 weeks Feb-March 2018. First time. Veteran in Thailand, Rep Dom and Philippines, so I know the P4 P music. I'm french and I speak spanish. I go there solo for 60% P4 P, 40% tourism. To have a good feeling of the island, I plan to arrive at Havana, rent a car and cross the island to Santiago, then back home.

1/ Are the roads good, and is it a good idea / safe to drive across the island?

2/ I intend to stay one week in Havana, then few days Cienfuegos, Camaguey, Holguin, and Santiago: good itinerary? Any advice on places must-to-go, and places to avoid?

3/ My best option is to find a GFE gem, and possibly take her with me for few days or more if 100% chemistry. Is it possible in Cuba? I read the forum but I still don't understand if a foreigner can stay and travel across the country with a local muchacha. Some say the police stop these couples, some say we can walk hand by hand and stay in public places without problem. Can you please tell me exactly the "can" and "don't" with a Cuban supposed Girlfriend?

4/ Where could I find a cool GFE with slim tall black model type? Havana or Santiago? (if ever this question has sense! LOL) This to know where I should land first.

Thanks guys for your answers.

The loop across the island takes 2 weeks. You can model your route to GAP or Intrepid travel agencies. Read European based travel forums for advice. If you are alone and there is no second driver, and for other reasons, I would suggest hiring a dynamic Cuban driver with his car and travel this way. Use common sense approach. You may find your beauty anywhere even if Santiago is much more non-white than Havana.

[NamasteParis]

Hi!

I intend to go to Cuba 3 weeks Feb-March 2018. First time. Veteran in Thailand, Rep Dom and Philippines, so I know the P4 P music. I'm french and I speak spanish. I go there solo for 60% P4 P, 40% tourism. To have a good feeling of the island, I plan to arrive at Havana, rent a car and cross the island to Santiago, then back home.

1/ Are the roads good, and is it a good idea / safe to drive across the island?

2/ I intend to stay one week in Havana, then few days Cienfuegos, Camaguey, Holguin, and Santiago: good itinerary? Any advice on places must-to-go, and places to avoid?

3/ My best option is to find a GFE gem, and possibly take her with me for few days or more if 100% chemistry. Is it possible in Cuba? I read the forum but I still don't understand if a foreigner can stay and travel across the country with a local muchacha. Some say the police stop these couples, some say we can walk hand by hand and stay in public places without problem. Can you please tell me exactly the "can" and "don't" with a Cuban supposed Girlfriend?

4/ Where could I find a cool GFE with slim tall black model type? Havana or Santiago? (if ever this question has sense! LOL) This to know where I should land first.

Thanks guys for your answers.

[Mondo707]

I've read the forum, but can't seem to find specifics on the easiest and legal way for a monger to get to and from Cuba.

1. Do I need a visa? If yes, do I just apply through the Cuban Embassy? Is there anything specific I need to say for my reason (one of the 12 approved US reasons)?

2. What will the airline I travel on ask me for as far as justification (if required) for my travel to Cuba? I noticed in Fort Lauderdale, JetBlue has a desk set up on the concourse for Cuba travel (what up with that?

3. Is there a website where I can sign up for say, a salsa class or something to be able to print a confirmation or justification for US purposes for my travel.

4. Do I need to carry any documents other than my passport / visa while in Cuba to prove I am authorized to be there (specific to the USA)?

Thanks in advance!

Hey Rodeo,

In regards to point #3 check out the link below. Yes, you can book it from here (USA) and pay it here too with US $'s.

Have a good time and like others have said, don't sweat it out. Let us know when you come back how things are in la Habana.

BTW, When I visit, I make a photocopy of my passport and that's what I carry while there (never had an issue and nobody ever asked me for my I. D.) Only exception is whenever you need to exchange money then you need to take the passport with you. I leave the passport inside the safe where I stay.

Mondo.

https://www.airbnb.com/experiences/7...ance_id=111375

[Ee2002]

To start with, there is no legal way to get to Cuba from the US if your intent is just to visit, but many people do it. As of now, the US government is not strictly enforcing their rules.

1. You need a visa. You will get it from the airline. It will cost $50 - $100, depending on the airline. In the past, many people selected "people-to-people exchange" as a reason for going, but that category has been deleted. I think people are now selecting "support for the Cuban people".

2. You must fill out a form on which you select the reason for travel. The JetBlue desk is probably there to issue the visa. You get the visa on the day of travel, not before.

3. I don't know of any website where you can sign up for anything that will justify your reason, whatever you choose. Salsa classes are not a valid reason.

4. No other documents are required while you are there. The Cuban government wants you there. They will not mess with you unless you do something stupid. The US government is the one putting the restrictions on you.

Look at this website for answers to some of your questions: https://www.jetblue.com/flights/cuba/.

What Fun Luvr said is spot on. The only thing is that People to People is still an option. It's just that you need to be part of a group to be in compliance. But the thing is, as of right now, it's business as usual. The new rules on Cuba travel have not been published yet, so they are not in effect until then. You can still use people to people for now, but support for Cuban people is probably a safer bet right now, just in case your travel occurs after the new rules are established.

I've already been a couple of times since the Trump announcement and everything is still the same. Once you've made a trip, you will realize how easy a trip to Cuba really is. Most of us had the same concerns leading to the first trip, so don't sweat it too much. I would advise you check out some of the non monger travel site forums for more information about Cuba travel like Lonely Planet and Trip Advisor, all of the questions you asked have been asked and answered repeatedly on those sites. Good luck.

[Fun Luvr]

I've read the forum, but can't seem to find specifics on the easiest and legal way for a monger to get to and from Cuba.

1. Do I need a visa? If yes, do I just apply through the Cuban Embassy? Is there anything specific I need to say for my reason (one of the 12 approved US reasons)?

2. What will the airline I travel on ask me for as far as justification (if required) for my travel to Cuba? I noticed in Fort Lauderdale, JetBlue has a desk set up on the concourse for Cuba travel (what up with that?

3. Is there a website where I can sign up for say, a salsa class or something to be able to print a confirmation or justification for US purposes for my travel.

4. Do I need to carry any documents other than my passport / visa while in Cuba to prove I am authorized to be there (specific to the USA)?

Thanks in advance!

To start with, there is no legal way to get to Cuba from the US if your intent is just to visit, but many people do it. As of now, the US government is not strictly enforcing their rules.

1. You need a visa. You will get it from the airline. It will cost $50 - $100, depending on the airline. In the past, many people selected "people-to-people exchange" as a reason for going, but that category has been deleted. I think people are now selecting "support for the Cuban people".

2. You must fill out a form on which you select the reason for travel. The JetBlue desk is probably there to issue the visa. You get the visa on the day of travel, not before.

3. I don't know of any website where you can sign up for anything that will justify your reason, whatever you choose. Salsa classes are not a valid reason.

4. No other documents are required while you are there. The Cuban government wants you there. They will not mess with you unless you do something stupid. The US government is the one putting the restrictions on you.

Look at this website for answers to some of your questions: https://www.jetblue.com/flights/cuba/.