For Cuba mostly, but good general advice all around.
You are traveling to a foreign country. BE RESPECTFUL. News flash, people-there is a pretty harsh stereotype that the world has about the US. Don't believe me? Do some research.
Don't be trying to tell the Cubans how the American economic/political/whatever system is so much better. If you are talking to fellow Americans, don't lament loudly of whatever it is you disapprove of. And yes, I observed that happening. Guess what, you might not speak Spanish, but a good majority of Habaneros speak very, very, very good English. They can HEAR YOU. Don't be rude.
Avoid dressing too flashy--avoid copious amount of jewelry/expensive watches/etc. Remember the average person's salary is under $50/month. Don't make yourself a target.
CURRENCY
There are two forms of currency in Cuba. The 'tourist' currency is the CUC (pronounced kook) which is the Cuban Convertible peso. They exchange this for $1 USD to 1 CUC --with a 10% 'service' fee. The other currency is the Moneda Nacional or CUP (pronounced coop), tourists are discouraged to use this currency. There are plans to get rid of the CUC since it is a tourist money only and return to solely using the Cuban peso.
U.S. credit cards DO NOT WORK. I was dumbfounded on how many people just
assumed they would. What? Did you not do some reading before visiting a
country we still have an embargo on?
That being said, you are working on a cash transaction base now. Plan accordingly. Budget your trip. You can exchange money right at the airport outside arrivals. You can exchange money at the hotel also. AND if you are brave and know somebody, you can exchange money on the black market for the best rates. What this entails is a special trip to somebody's house where you give them your greenback and you hope to hell you are getting valid CUC in return.
We went through a Canadian tourist agency and booked our hotel through them and they charged our card with Canadian dollars. We didn't want any confusion when we arrived. They gave us a voucher that we just presented at check in--super easy.
Our hotel would accept Traveler's cheques to exchange, but they charged an extra 10% for that privilege.
Food/beverage is fairly cheap in Cuba so you won't have to worry about that being a big expenditure.
BE PREPARED
After hearing stories from fellow travellers, I would avoid trying to book through Air BnB or such places-a few people got scammed. Besides hotels, there are what is known as Casa Particulares. Private homes that you can rent a room out of. Not quite what we view as a bed and breakfast, but you are literally renting somebody's spare bedroom.
If you chose to go this route, try to arrange beforehand for somebody to pick you up from your Casa Particular. If you ask a taxi driver, there's a chance that he won't be 'able' to find what you arranged, but he can set you up with sister/friend/cousin's house that is 'much nicer'. Everybody is out to make a buck here, be prepared.
Also, bring paper products such as tissues/toilet paper/wet wipes. There seems to be a constant shortage in public restrooms, more on that later. Almost all restrooms have an attendant, so have change for a tip - it is expected.
Roads and sidewalks are in dubious shape. Wear practical, comfortable shoes and ALWAYS be aware of where you are walking. Any parading around with your selfie stick and you will most likely wind up in a 10 foot hole that has been left in the middle of the walkway. They don't put barricades or warnings up a majority of the time.
Most of all--ENJOY. The people are lovely, as fascinated by Americans as we are of them. They realize that Americans the people are not Americans the politics, and mutual curiosity make for some great conversations.
Monday, January 23, 2017
Friday, January 20, 2017
Travelling to Cuba (by plane)
This is mostly just FYI for anybody that might be interested in travelling to Cuba.
Information is valid as of 12/29/16. Take note that it is changing rapidly and constantly.
By plane:
You must have a valid passport. No wink-wink-nudge-nudge. THEY ARE GOING TO STAMP IT. There seems to still be a lot of opinions still out there about US passports.
You will need a Visa card, there are places that will sell you them online, but it will cost up to and over $100 USD after you add all the processing fees.
We flew Southwest from Florida and they check in the Cuba flights down in the baggage claim area. There are two stops you have to make. First, you must get the Visa. They verify your flight information (you do not have to have your boarding pass, they have the information on flights at the desk) It was $50 USD per person with a valuble warning. DO NOT MESS UP FILLING OUT THE VISA. If you do-boom. Another $50 to get a new visa.
After that you can go check into your flight, this is when you have to answer to the OFAC question of why you are travelling to Cuba. The most common answer will be for Educational and Person to Person contact. It is the same box.
Also, it is highly advisable to keep track of where you have visited and any receipts because you can be investigated up to 5 years after by our State Department. Remember, there is still an embargo in place.
Make sure your boarding pass is stamped that documentation and questioning has been done. You will also receive a health declaration to fill out to make sure you aren't not carrying any communicable diseases.
There has also been debate about travel health insurance. Southwest assured us that health insurance (required by Cuba) is included in the price of the ticket and to keep your boarding pass with you as proof of insurance. No, I'm being serious here.
Here is something else that was advised to us and I will share. CARRY ON LUGGAGE ONLY. It can take up to 3 hours to get your checked luggage once you arrive in Cuba. If it isn't shrink wrapped--the contents of it will also most likely be gone. There is a person by the check in counter that will shrink wrap and label your bags for $15 a pop.
Once we arrived in Cuba it was smooth sailing. We breezed through customs/immigration in record time.
In April we will be sailing to Cuba. At that time I will post the requirement/process for that.
Information is valid as of 12/29/16. Take note that it is changing rapidly and constantly.
By plane:
You must have a valid passport. No wink-wink-nudge-nudge. THEY ARE GOING TO STAMP IT. There seems to still be a lot of opinions still out there about US passports.
You will need a Visa card, there are places that will sell you them online, but it will cost up to and over $100 USD after you add all the processing fees.
We flew Southwest from Florida and they check in the Cuba flights down in the baggage claim area. There are two stops you have to make. First, you must get the Visa. They verify your flight information (you do not have to have your boarding pass, they have the information on flights at the desk) It was $50 USD per person with a valuble warning. DO NOT MESS UP FILLING OUT THE VISA. If you do-boom. Another $50 to get a new visa.
After that you can go check into your flight, this is when you have to answer to the OFAC question of why you are travelling to Cuba. The most common answer will be for Educational and Person to Person contact. It is the same box.
Also, it is highly advisable to keep track of where you have visited and any receipts because you can be investigated up to 5 years after by our State Department. Remember, there is still an embargo in place.
Make sure your boarding pass is stamped that documentation and questioning has been done. You will also receive a health declaration to fill out to make sure you aren't not carrying any communicable diseases.
There has also been debate about travel health insurance. Southwest assured us that health insurance (required by Cuba) is included in the price of the ticket and to keep your boarding pass with you as proof of insurance. No, I'm being serious here.
Here is something else that was advised to us and I will share. CARRY ON LUGGAGE ONLY. It can take up to 3 hours to get your checked luggage once you arrive in Cuba. If it isn't shrink wrapped--the contents of it will also most likely be gone. There is a person by the check in counter that will shrink wrap and label your bags for $15 a pop.
Once we arrived in Cuba it was smooth sailing. We breezed through customs/immigration in record time.
In April we will be sailing to Cuba. At that time I will post the requirement/process for that.
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