Travel Questions and Advice

[Adinga]

Don't waist your time bringing used tech gifts -- keep it simple with clothes, perfume and cash.

[EMode]

I'm going to be heading to Havana at the end of March.

I have some older cell phones that I'm not using any more. A few Galaxy S5, an old Asus zenfone, sony Xperia, etc.

Anyone have any suggestions on what to do with them in Cuba? Can I sell them for anything down there? Even for $100 for the lot or something. Or should I give them away as lovely parting gifts for the contestants that will be participating in my "game show"? I'm open to any suggestions.

Thanks all.

[Sam 14]

.... I've never been asked about my itinerary or proof....

That's a big help Mondo, thank you. Doing an advanced search I found where others have said the same thing, that no one seems to get shaken down about it. Your update is comforting. 🙏🏼 I appreciate all your writing, and the other members who take the time to write. Cats like you make this a great site.

I'll spend a week in Havana, then check Cardenas / Varadero. Waitresses, sales clerks, students, anything like that is what I'll be pickin on; long as it's brown and cute. A month should be enough time to get my feet wet. I'll holler again in May to see if anyone is around.

Thanks again!

[Kutler]

I've thru Cardenas on the way to Varadero but never stayed there. I think the place is known for the "coches" capital of Cuba. Check the link below.

https://www.cuba-junky.com/matanzas/...lares-home.htm

Mondo.

Cardenas is a bit off the beaten path, but I've had success there. Best bet in Cuba is to get a Jinetero, a male that will hook you up for a small commission.

Alternately you could rent at moto from Varadero and do the 30 minute drive once and a while. I never knew Cardenas to be on the path from anywhere.

Matansas is nearby the airport, but not between it and Varadero, as well. I never found Puta there.

I've not been to Cuba in a long time, IIRC the night scene was god awful, but the puta was friendly.

[Adinga]

My contacts tell me that they do ask occasionally and you will need to keep records of your spending.

I would make sure you have documents from Casa proprietor detailing lodging and food bills.

I've always flown thru Cancun using Aeromexico to avoid headaches. Its not full proof by any means but I never had issues with the Authorities when landing back in the States. I've been to about 20 times.

[Mondo707]

Hello friends. Super appreciate everyone's reports and information here. Planning a trip, can I ask please? I've read many pages back already, but want to book the flight now.

For US passport holders, is it often known of US authorities following up requesting proof of the traveler's itinerary when they stated Support for the Cuban People as their reason for travel please? Advance thanks. I'll be sure to add a report, as usual. Cuba first-timer here. ✌127996;.

As far as I know when you come back from your trip to Cuba, I've never been asked about my itinerary or proof.

You should know that when you get your visa going to Cuba you pick "support for the Cuban People" category, that's one of 12 categories the US Gov allows for people from the US to travel to Cuba.

When you return they might ask you reason why you traveled to Cuba, then you mentioned "support for the Cuban people" and like I said there's no hardcore questioning regarding your entry back to the US, after all you did travel with a valid reason.

Mondo.

[Sam 14]

Hello friends. Super appreciate everyone's reports and information here. Planning a trip, can I ask please? I've read many pages back already, but want to book the flight now.

For US passport holders, is it often known of US authorities following up requesting proof of the traveler's itinerary when they stated Support for the Cuban People as their reason for travel please? Advance thanks. I'll be sure to add a report, as usual. Cuba first-timer here. ✌127996;.

[Mondo707]

Hello all, am hoping to travel to Cuba (my 2nd trip) in the summer and was looking to stay in Cardenas. I was told that there are recently built high rise apartments there with good sea views? Anyone know the names of these buildings or where they are in Cardenas so I can search online? Seems like a good idea to rent an 8th floor apartment, modern and good views! Thanks!

I've thru Cardenas on the way to Varadero but never stayed there. I think the place is known for the "coches" capital of Cuba. Check the link below.

https://www.cuba-junky.com/matanzas/...lares-home.htm

Mondo.

[Mondo707]

I'm heading to Cuba in about 8 weeks. Probably staying in the Parque Central Hotel with the tour group. Can we bring dates back to the hotel? Thanks!

No, specially Parque Central hotel. Your best bet would be to take your date to one of the places she knows. Yes, most of them have places you can rent for short time.

Mondo.

[Trinpaul]

Hello all, am hoping to travel to Cuba (my 2nd trip) in the summer and was looking to stay in Cardenas. I was told that there are recently built high rise apartments there with good sea views? Anyone know the names of these buildings or where they are in Cardenas so I can search online? Seems like a good idea to rent an 8th floor apartment, modern and good views! Thanks!

[MoogieBar]

I'm heading to Cuba in about 8 weeks. Probably staying in the Parque Central Hotel with the tour group. Can we bring dates back to the hotel? Thanks!

[Sammytheman]

My plans have changed. I'm flying from Toronto to Veradero.

Just say no to the US immigration BS.

Is there any transport from Varadero to Havana?

I understand I can hire a car and driver for around $100, or maybe a carshare for much less.

Then staying in Vedado in Hav.

Last visit La Rampa was jumping but that was 2018.

You can try taking viazul or even ask around and take the local buses the locals take called metro. Alternatively, try to bargain with non-government taxis and see it that works. I went from Matanzas to Havana in an old Chevy with 3 other passengers and I paid I think 5 CUCs which was around 5 USD. Good luck and don't be shy to write us a trip report.

[DarrenGap]

My plans have changed. I'm flying from Toronto to Veradero.

Just say no to the US immigration BS.

Is there any transport from Varadero to Havana?

I understand I can hire a car and driver for around $100, or maybe a carshare for much less.

Then staying in Vedado in Hav.

Last visit La Rampa was jumping but that was 2018.

[Mondo707]

Will the US apply any restrictions or regulations on me if I travel from New York to Cuba using my British passport?

Do I need to conform to one of their "12 categories" for visiting?

Will I be able to pass immigration back into the US?

I've always travelled from Europe to Havana, so I just don't know how mad the US rules and regulations are.

Hey DG,

You'll need to do the same thing we do here in the US. , choose one category for travel, most people choose: "help to the Cuban people".

Here's your country's link to your question, remember, Google is your friend, LOL.

https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/cuba/entry-requirements

Traveling to Cuba from the USA

US law does not permit travel directly from the USA to Cuba for tourism purposes. The law applies to US nationals and all foreign nationals who are either resident in the USA, or traveling through the USA en route to Cuba. UK nationals traveling on direct flights between the UK and Cuba, or via other countries, are unaffected by this US legislation.

Under certain conditions, travel is permitted from the USA to Cuba, including on the direct flights which operate between the two countries. Everybody traveling on these routes (both US citizens and foreign nationals) will need to comply with US law and travel for one of 12 permitted reasons/categories of travel. Tourism isnt one of these 12 permitted reasons/categories. For more information see the US Department of the Treasury website and the US State Departments travel advice for Cuba. For travel-specific questions, see the Code of Federal Regulations 31 C.F.R. 515.560 and the US Treasury Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) frequently asked questions.

Remember to post your trip report when you come back.

Mondo.

[DarrenGap]

Will the US apply any restrictions or regulations on me if I travel from New York to Cuba using my British passport?

Do I need to conform to one of their "12 categories" for visiting?

Will I be able to pass immigration back into the US?

I've always travelled from Europe to Havana, so I just don't know how mad the US rules and regulations are.