Items you can take into cuba?

Question

hi me and son are going to cuba in 2 weeks and have read a lot of things saying you can not take in dvd player etc, my son would like to take his psp and portable dvd player , could anyone tell me if this allow , do not want to get there and have them taken off him , has anyone been recently and taking these items in , please help,

Answer 1

You are allowed to bring in a portable DVD player , MP3 , camera, mobile phone even a laptop etc..as long as they are personal belongings. The worst that can happen is that the customs will register your portable DVD or laptop to verify when you leave the country that it's not sold to Cubans.

A stand alone DVD with burner ( no portable) is a bit  difficult , normally you have to declare it to the customs and they will charge you an import tax of 50 cuc (+/- 60 US $)

I heard from lots of travellers that they passed without problems, in the worst case you pay 50cuc import duty if it's no personal belonging.

Don't worry enjoy your stay.

Havanalover

http://www.havana-guide.com

Answer 2

Rules change day to day in Cuba.

Here is a good web site to check out. They are up to date on the rules.

www.cuba-junky.com

Answer 3

Hi there

The Problem is that in Cuba electronic equipement is very expensive and mostly very low quality. So many people who come to Cuba take electronic stuff (like DVD's, notebooks, etc.) with them to sell it there.

With Cuban laws you can never be sure. One time they let me in with my notebook without any problems, the other time they recorded me and checked if I still have it with me when I left the Island.

As long as the equipment is portable they probably rate it as personal belonging.

If they do not rate it as personal not they won't take it from you but you have to pay an import fee (60 CUC for a DVD).

Answer 4

Basically the things that are regarded as normal for a tourist are OK; things that are more likely to be brought in as gifts, are the problem.

Answer 5

You can take those in. They are allowing those personal items into Cuba as your personal belongings. It's not going for selling and will be no problem.

(Keep them on your carry-on, if you prefer.)

Here's an updated quote from the link below:

"(new) VCR and DVD players are now allowed into Cuba:

Cuban customs has lifted the restrictions on the importation of VCR and DVD players into Cuba. Starting May 1st, 2007 travelers can bring them into the country regardless the type, brand or model, including the built-in ones in other equipments.

Tourists are allowed to take their personal effects which include the articles (new or used) that they reasonably need for their holidays (according the length and purpose of the trip), plus: sport equipment, jewels, photographic camera, camcorder, cellular phones, blackberries, laptops, Ipods, MP3 players, video games, hair dryers, electric shavers, binoculars, one portable radio receiver, tape recorder, one portable music instrument and a sound recording device."

So you and your son will have nothing to worry about.