Has anyone been to Cuba lately?

Question

I am planning a trip for Nov. 2008 to Cuba.......

...except I'm an American, with only half Cuban blood.

....So now, is there anything I should know about my travel??

EG. what to wear, what to buy, how to speak, where to go, what to do, what not to do, what to take, how much money to take....

...Also, how did you get there?

All in all, is there anything I should watch out for, since it is a Communist country?

Answer 1

I came back 2 months ago and my dad told me while I was there not to say anything about the government system or Communists. I have a friend from Cuba now who I still email and my dad told me that I shouldn't ask him about anything about Fidel Castro or mention anything at all. It will eliminate putting my friend in awkward positions.

Answer 2

It's not so much travel that is illegal as it is spending money there. However, you can get special permission and license to travel to Cuba legally. If you have immediate family there, that is one avenue for permission. The links below will help you see how to apply for travel.

However, you can also travel 'illegally' via another country such as Canada, Mexico. The only thing is that you have to be careful about paper trails (i.e. bringing back receipts, plane tickets, souvenirs, etc) from Cuba. And you must make sure they don't stamp your passport. They don't in Cuba, but for your sake be sure of it.

In order not to stand out like a tourist, don't dress like one to begin with lol...just dress regularly, like jeans and a t-shirt. On the beach wear your normal beach clothing.

You ask how you should speak...well, first of all NEVER insult their country or 'ways' of doing things. You will not be treated kindly, in fact they'll ignore you and not want to help you with anything. But just because it's communist doesn't mean they're all that uptight. Just simply answer their questions at customs and be relaxed. You're going for vacation, so there's nothing to be nervous about. They love it when people travel there.

Be respectful of them as people. And since you're half Cuban, you most likely know this and know that Cubans are wonderful, warm and hospitable people. If you've been raised with Cuban mentality, you'll find it to be the same there. Cubans are not as secluded as one thinks. They are modernized, especially the younger generation. They speak english too. Cubans know what's going on in the world and are exposed to everything we know too.

Mind you, they still have a hard time getting a lot of things we take for granted. So if you're able to take some little gifts (even from the dollarstore) such as pens, pencils, little toiletries, even feminine products, (sun) lotions, soaps, and the like, it will be so much appreciated. Even some make up like eyeliner for the ladies would be helpful.

Jeans are very expensive...so if you have any gently used clothing that you are able to leave with some friends, they would appreciate it so much.

Do you speak Spanish? If so, speak Spanish. They'll feel relaxed if you're relaxed and just try to be a friend.

What are you interests? It all depends on what you want to see and how long you are planning on going for. Are you planning to stay at a resort, with family, or a casa particular?

That also makes a difference in how much money you need to take with you. One thing I will say is don't take US dollars with you otherwise your money conversion will get a charge of 10%. CAD, Euros and Sterlings are better and won't get a fee.

US traveller's cheques and credit cards are also NOT accepted. But VISA and MasterCard are (that are not from a US financial institution).

Can you mention any of that so we know what to answer you?

As for sites, definitely check out Havana, the capital, por supuesto...go by el Malecón by the water.

Trinidad, Camaguey and Santiago de Cuba are also full of history.

Beaches are gorgeous in Cuba. The Cayos are just beautiful!

Cayo Coco is an amazing area.

If you plan to book in a hotel/resort, book no less than a 4* to ensure good quality of food, accomodation and service.

Buy rum, coffee, and leather goods. However, if you're a US citizen, you can't bring any of that back into the US (unless you've gone with permission). (again see the link below).

See the links below to see what strikes your interest. There are many itineraries and places to check out.

But please fill us in with a few more details that I asked earlier so we know better to answer certain things.