Cuba

el caribe · 12-13-2005

Has anyone been to Cuba fro Playa and been busted by customs on return to U.S.? If anyone also has some feedback or experience to relate i would like to hear it, thanks.

Rissask · 12-13-2005

I think most Americans go to Cuba via Mexico or Canada... we met a guy from Chicago who was flying from Cancun to Cuba two trips to PDC ago.
And do NOT allow them to stamp your passport while in Cuba.

lovbuds · 12-13-2005

We were thinking about popping over to Cuba this trip and found flights from $250 return. Anyone else have experience doing this?

Merry Christmas Peeps

redhed · 12-13-2005

During a recent stay in Merida, I met a gentleman from New York who had specifically travelled to Merida in order to fly to Cuba. He purchased a package from a local travel agent including air fare and hotel in Havana. He explained to me that he paid the agent an extra $25 (I think) for some kind of ticket that customs in Cuba and Mexico would stamp instead of his passport....therefore he could throw it out after his return to Mexico.

He loved Havana and was looking forward to a return visit.

MikenJulie · 12-13-2005

Many Americans also go through Canada to Cuba, but I guess the success of keeping it under cover is questionable. I read an article a few years back about various American citizens going to Cuba through Canada, officials were waiting for them upon returning to the USA. Fines varied from $7,000-50,000 USD, depending on amount of ppl and legnth of stay. President Bush, I forget the exact quote, but pretty much said we need good American citizens, and those going to Cuba for vacation, were not.

I wouldn't mind to go one day, but I sure am not sacrificing any Playa time just yet to do it!!!

Rissask · 12-13-2005

Ooops I meant through Mexico or Canada, not the USA, duh me...I changed my post.

At any rate- not sure where the attraction would lie- we have never been to Cuba, but I know lots who have been to both Mexico and Cuba and they say Mexico is better. Cuba has bland food, no shopping to speak of, and it's almost chilly in the winter months (when most people travel from here). *shrug*
OTOH, Havana would be cool to see, there is some interesting architecture, and the music is good.

krazy4playa · 12-13-2005

This will be helpful.

EDIT: you may not take another site's content and post it like that.

Babaloo · 12-13-2005

It's just plain silly that I can't go to Cuba without it becoming some sort of covert operation.

Jodeci · 12-13-2005

I have been to Cuba twice and it is a wonderful country. Havana is fantastic and I would love to spend more time there one day. The architecture alone makes it worth it. The people are wonderful and friendly and the music and culture is wonderful. It is true that if you go in the winter months it is not really hot. The first time I went in February, it was not quite as warm as I would have liked. The second time in May it is was beautiful though. I don't really travel anywhere for the food because food is just not that important to me so I can't really comment on that.

Bren · 12-13-2005

Don't waste your time and money. Spent 2 weeks in Cuba last year. The service is poor the food in bad the only thing nice are the people and some of the beaches. If you can get in the water, very windy there lots of red flags on the beach. We were so sick my husband call for a Dr. He came to our door with 2 armed guards and my husband had to give them $200 US before they would let him come into our room. We stayed at an AI which was very badly managed the people who worked there never smiled just worked their 14hr shift and went home.It was very common to see the staff being yelled at threw out the day. This does not make for a realaxing holiday.This was a 5 star which is most other places would be rated 2 or 3. Customs is very very strick even for us Canadians. It was the worst vacation my husband and I ever had. Would definatly never go back Mexico is a much better place for a vacation...

monte · 12-13-2005

I have flown from Cancun to Cuba. I think that anyone who likes to travel and enjoys different cultures should definately go. Yes, the food is not the best but the people, culture, music, architecture, automobiles and etc... is wonderful. When I flew into Cancun I used my birth cert. I did this just incase Cuba did stamp my passport, I could destroy it and use my birth cert. to get back into the U.S I had no problems with customs, matter of fact, they were wonderful and gracious.

krazy4playa · 12-13-2005

Many travel companies in Playa offer 2 day packages for about $250 air, hotel and breakfast plus VISA. You may want to do that and see if you like it and spend the rest of your time in Playa. If you find Cuba to your liking you can plan a longer trip later.

monte · 12-13-2005

Oh yeah, bring cash. If your cc is from an American bank it will be denied.

krazy4playa · 12-13-2005

And NO US traver's checks and your ATM card won't work either.

krazy4playa · 12-13-2005

7) It is a good idea to carry some sort of money belt to keep your extra cash and passport. Most hotels have a safe at the front desk and the better hotels have one in the room. Carry only the amount of money you need for the day and carry a photo copy of your passport. Keep the original passport and extra cash in the safe. BFI, an international bank and Transcard of Canada are now offering, or soon will be, sort of a credit or debit card that can be purchased at the airport, at the bank or at the landing dock for cruise ships. You can put as much money as you like in this account and then use it at most tourist agencies in Cuba. When departing Cuba, just turn it in at the airport or bank where you bought it and get your balance returned or if you prefer, leave a few dollars to keep it active if you plan to return to Cuba.

(8) In case of an emergency like running out of money, there are several things you can do. First, Western Union was approved in July of 1999, to operate in Cuba. Unfortunately, most Western Union offices in the U.S. still don't know it. Sometimes the BFI Bank will allow advances on American credit cards in emergencies. DHL offers overnight delivery to Cuba, perhaps international travelers checks like Thomas Cook can be sent to you. If all fails, go to the hotel desk and ask them to put you in touch with Asistur. This is a Cuban agency set up to help travelers in times of need. Sometimes they will advance you the money under certain conditions.

12-13-2005	#1 (permalink)
el caribe toe in water Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Rio Indio please, please , Posts: 46	Cuba Has anyone been to Cuba fro Playa and been busted by customs on return to U.S.? If anyone also has some feedback or experience to relate i would like to hear it, thanks.

12-13-2005	#2 (permalink)
Rissask Brit basher Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada Posts: 20,985	I think most Americans go to Cuba via Mexico or Canada... we met a guy from Chicago who was flying from Cancun to Cuba two trips to PDC ago. And do NOT allow them to stamp your passport while in Cuba. Last edited by Rissask; 12-13-2005 at 10:10 AM..

12-13-2005	#3 (permalink)
lovbuds into ruins Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Halifax Canada Posts: 75	We were thinking about popping over to Cuba this trip and found flights from $250 return. Anyone else have experience doing this? Merry Christmas Peeps

12-13-2005	#4 (permalink)
redhed Registered User Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Ottawa Valley Posts: 396	During a recent stay in Merida, I met a gentleman from New York who had specifically travelled to Merida in order to fly to Cuba. He purchased a package from a local travel agent including air fare and hotel in Havana. He explained to me that he paid the agent an extra $25 (I think) for some kind of ticket that customs in Cuba and Mexico would stamp instead of his passport....therefore he could throw it out after his return to Mexico. He loved Havana and was looking forward to a return visit.

12-13-2005	#5 (permalink)
MikenJulie life=playa Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: British Columbia, Canada Posts: 784	Many Americans also go through Canada to Cuba, but I guess the success of keeping it under cover is questionable. I read an article a few years back about various American citizens going to Cuba through Canada, officials were waiting for them upon returning to the USA. Fines varied from $7,000-50,000 USD, depending on amount of ppl and legnth of stay. President Bush, I forget the exact quote, but pretty much said we need good American citizens, and those going to Cuba for vacation, were not. I wouldn't mind to go one day, but I sure am not sacrificing any Playa time just yet to do it!!!

12-13-2005	#6 (permalink)
Rissask Brit basher Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada Posts: 20,985	Ooops I meant through Mexico or Canada, not the USA, duh me...I changed my post. At any rate- not sure where the attraction would lie- we have never been to Cuba, but I know lots who have been to both Mexico and Cuba and they say Mexico is better. Cuba has bland food, no shopping to speak of, and it's almost chilly in the winter months (when most people travel from here). shrug OTOH, Havana would be cool to see, there is some interesting architecture, and the music is good.

12-13-2005	#7 (permalink)
krazy4playa añejo Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Minneapolis, MN Posts: 2,214	This will be helpful. EDIT: you may not take another site's content and post it like that.

12-13-2005	#8 (permalink)
Babaloo añejo Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Playa del Carmen Posts: 10,985	It's just plain silly that I can't go to Cuba without it becoming some sort of covert operation.

12-13-2005	#9 (permalink)
Jodeci life=playa Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Halifax, Nova Scotia Posts: 901	I have been to Cuba twice and it is a wonderful country. Havana is fantastic and I would love to spend more time there one day. The architecture alone makes it worth it. The people are wonderful and friendly and the music and culture is wonderful. It is true that if you go in the winter months it is not really hot. The first time I went in February, it was not quite as warm as I would have liked. The second time in May it is was beautiful though. I don't really travel anywhere for the food because food is just not that important to me so I can't really comment on that.

12-13-2005	#10 (permalink)
Bren life=playa Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Beautiful BC Canada Posts: 921	Don't waste your time and money. Spent 2 weeks in Cuba last year. The service is poor the food in bad the only thing nice are the people and some of the beaches. If you can get in the water, very windy there lots of red flags on the beach. We were so sick my husband call for a Dr. He came to our door with 2 armed guards and my husband had to give them $200 US before they would let him come into our room. We stayed at an AI which was very badly managed the people who worked there never smiled just worked their 14hr shift and went home.It was very common to see the staff being yelled at threw out the day. This does not make for a realaxing holiday.This was a 5 star which is most other places would be rated 2 or 3. Customs is very very strick even for us Canadians. It was the worst vacation my husband and I ever had. Would definatly never go back Mexico is a much better place for a vacation...

12-13-2005	#11 (permalink)
monte añejo Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: dallas Posts: 12,397	I have flown from Cancun to Cuba. I think that anyone who likes to travel and enjoys different cultures should definately go. Yes, the food is not the best but the people, culture, music, architecture, automobiles and etc... is wonderful. When I flew into Cancun I used my birth cert. I did this just incase Cuba did stamp my passport, I could destroy it and use my birth cert. to get back into the U.S I had no problems with customs, matter of fact, they were wonderful and gracious.

12-13-2005	#12 (permalink)
krazy4playa añejo Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Minneapolis, MN Posts: 2,214	Many travel companies in Playa offer 2 day packages for about $250 air, hotel and breakfast plus VISA. You may want to do that and see if you like it and spend the rest of your time in Playa. If you find Cuba to your liking you can plan a longer trip later.

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12-13-2005	#13 (permalink)
monte añejo Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: dallas Posts: 12,397	Oh yeah, bring cash. If your cc is from an American bank it will be denied.

12-13-2005	#14 (permalink)
krazy4playa añejo Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Minneapolis, MN Posts: 2,214	And NO US traver's checks and your ATM card won't work either.

12-13-2005	#15 (permalink)
krazy4playa añejo Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Minneapolis, MN Posts: 2,214	7) It is a good idea to carry some sort of money belt to keep your extra cash and passport. Most hotels have a safe at the front desk and the better hotels have one in the room. Carry only the amount of money you need for the day and carry a photo copy of your passport. Keep the original passport and extra cash in the safe. BFI, an international bank and Transcard of Canada are now offering, or soon will be, sort of a credit or debit card that can be purchased at the airport, at the bank or at the landing dock for cruise ships. You can put as much money as you like in this account and then use it at most tourist agencies in Cuba. When departing Cuba, just turn it in at the airport or bank where you bought it and get your balance returned or if you prefer, leave a few dollars to keep it active if you plan to return to Cuba. (8) In case of an emergency like running out of money, there are several things you can do. First, Western Union was approved in July of 1999, to operate in Cuba. Unfortunately, most Western Union offices in the U.S. still don't know it. Sometimes the BFI Bank will allow advances on American credit cards in emergencies. DHL offers overnight delivery to Cuba, perhaps international travelers checks like Thomas Cook can be sent to you. If all fails, go to the hotel desk and ask them to put you in touch with Asistur. This is a Cuban agency set up to help travelers in times of need. Sometimes they will advance you the money under certain conditions.