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You are here: Home / Buzz / Thinking of traveling to Cuba?

Buzz

Thinking of traveling to Cuba?

NOT SO FAST!

Like you, I’m chomping at the bit to go back in history, and while December 17, 2014 was an historic day in opening the doors to this previously forbidden Caribbean island, six months later most of us are still waiting to be able to book our flights.

WHY?

passports

While I know that restrictions will be lifted, as of today you still have to fall into one of 12 categories to be able to visit.

  1. You’ll be visiting family
  2. Official business of the U.S. government, foreign governments, and certain intergovernmental organizations
  3. You are a journalist (it looks like bloggers can also go)
  4. Professional research and professional meetings
  5. Educational purposes
  6. Religious activities
  7. Public performances, clinics, workshops, athletic and other competitions, and exhibitions
  8. To help support the Cuban people
  9. Humanitarian projects
  10. Private foundations or research or educational institute’s activities
  11. Exportation, importation, or transmission of information or information materials
  12. Certain export transactions that may be considered for authorization under existing regulations and guidelines

If you fit into one of the above categories, you still need to adhere to the U.S. Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) regulations.

Flights

As of now there are no commercial airlines flying from the US to Cuba. Arrangements must be made via a charter company. Make sure that your flight includes medical coverage (I know that sounds strange), but charter companies are now providing it bundled with the flights. You’ll need it if you get sick.

Stay

Yes, Cuba was once a resort area and there are still some 8,000 rooms available, but don’t expect four or five star hotel rooms. You’ll be more likely staying with a family via AirBnB or renting just a room in a house or apartment.

Off the grid

Just a 411, as of now you might just leave your cell phone home, as there is no mobile phone service on the island. If you bring your computer, you’ll find very limited internet, and if you DO find a place that has it…expect to PAY A LOT.

Dining

Cuban-Style Rice

You knew there was no fast food or five star restaurants, but did you know that you have only TWO choices when dining out. Your dining will be at either restaurants run by the state or small restaurants that have very recently sprung up in peoples homes.

Shop

No credit cards are allowed as of yet, so you need to bring enough cash with you when you go. There are ATM’s in Cuba, but unfortunately your ATM or credit card will NOT work. Most hotels, etc will exchange American dollars into Cuban. BTW: There are TWO different kinds of currency in Cuba, when shopping you’ll need to know the difference.

**** Yes, you can FINALLY buy that Cuban Cigar and bring it back to the states (up to $100 worth)!****

 

For full details before you go check the governments: 

FACT SHEET: Charting a New Course on Cuba.


4 Comments

About Zipporah Sandler

Zipporah Sandler AKA Zippy is a lifestyle and travel specialist who after living everywhere from Providence to Paris found herself suddenly residing in South Florida (something she swore she’d never do).

Whether it be San Pellegrino water or Louis Roderer Cristal, Zippy suggests that you keep your life sparkling and your glass full.

« Get an Adrianna Papell ring on your finger!
The travel blogger’s slogan: Discover it »

Comments

  1. Completed Essays says

    July 2, 2015 at 10:52 pm

    Its informative i like it. It’s a good article. Its more attractive and effective for people.

  2. Karo says

    July 13, 2015 at 6:40 pm

    I had no idea about the restrictions, very interesting. My cousin who is a lawyer was able to go there but wouldn’t talk about it!

  3. Zipporah Sandler says

    July 15, 2015 at 8:16 pm

    Odd that he wouldn’t talk about it. I wonder why?

  4. Wandering Carol says

    April 25, 2016 at 4:47 pm

    Isn’t going to the beach considered a religious experience? Luckily, as a Canadian, I’ve been able to go twice in the last couple of years (to Cuba, I mean, not to the beach). What a fascinating place.

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