The airwaves are once again abuzz with everything Havana thanks to the recent takeoff of the first direct charter flight from New York to Cuba—with others flying between New Orleans and Havana and another from Tampa to the Cuban capital. The weekly service via Cuba Travel Services is a significant milestone under any circumstances, but US travelers looking to travel to Cuba still have to adhere to certain rules and regulations.
For starters, Americans still need to travel with an organization that is officially licensed by the US State Department, including Friendly Planet Tours (an authorized sponsor of the people-to-people travel, see below), Classic Journeys (offering family-oriented programs including stops at Hemingway’s old house and salsa dancing lessons), and Cuba Explorer (check out their Arts and Culture Tour), among others. All tours include lodging and meals, are fully escorted and require a mandatory pre-trip orientation in Miami.
And though “Caribbean island” might bring to mind long, lazy days drinking beachside mojitos or checking out the underwater marine life, truth is there are still only 12 approved categories of visits to Cuba—the difference is you no longer need prior permission of the US Office of Foreign Assets Control. Per the White House, you can visit to Cuba for:
- Family visits;
- Official business of the US government, foreign governments, and certain intergovernmental organizations;
- Journalistic activity;
- Professional research and professional meetings;
- Educational activities;
- Religious activities;
- Public performances, clinics, workshops, athletic and other competitions, and exhibitions;
- Support for the Cuban people;
- Humanitarian projects;
- Activities of private foundations or research or educational institutes;
- Exportation, importation, or transmission of information materials; and
- Certain export transactions that may be considered for authorization under existing regulations and guidelines.
Licensed US travelers to Cuba will also be authorized to import $400 worth of goods from Cuba, of which no more than $100 can consist of tobacco products and alcohol combined. Kinda puts a crimp on bringing home the true Hemmingway experience… A bottle of great rum can set you back about $60 and a great cigar anywhere from $20 to $30. Cash is king in this country, though eased banking restrictions now allow Americans traveling to Cuba to pay with US-issued credit and debit cards. However, check with your bank before you leave
Most Americans currently experience the island via people-to-people travel, meaning educational travel that promotes meaningful exchanges with Cuban citizens. Again, rules and regulations still apply, however, these are expected to be relaxed even on these structured trips.
Among the companies that help visitors experience the country through the people-to-people approach, Natural Habitat Adventures, partnering with the World Wildlife Federation, offers a unique take on the people-to-people mode of travel. Not only do they highlight the rich cultural heritage of the island, but it allows visitors to discover virtually unknown national parks, botanical gardens, lush tropical ecosystems and fabulous birdlife.
Whichever of the 12 reasons takes you to travel to Cuba, there are a few things to keep in mind before you go:
What to bring
Because of the scarcity of some of the most basic personal care items, visitors who bring extra floss, toothpaste, toothbrushes, soaps, mouthwash, etc. to leave for their housekeeper, hotel staff, even waiters will find themselves on the receiving end of giant smiles of gratitude.
Electricity
All outlets are of the two-pronged 220V variety. Purchase a plug adapter before you go, but be sure to check the ratings on your devices because some will only take 110/120V and you will fry your appliances even with an adapter (some have a small switch that will allow them to take the 220V).
Currency
There are two kinds of Cuban pesos, the regular Peso and the Cuban Convertible Peso (CUC). The former is for the locals; the latter is strictly for tourists. US dollars must be exchanged for the “convertible” pesos one-for-one (as of print time) but the exchange is subject to a 10% Cuban tax on top of all exchange rates.
Tipping
Just about everyone who offers any sort of service in Cuba works for and expects a tip—you would, too, if your salary was about CUC$10 to CUC$15 a month. Keep in mind that even though state restaurants add in a 10% service charge, the waiter will not see a centavo of that money, so consider tipping an additional 5 to 10% more directly if the service merits the money. Don’t forget to tip your hotel maids and waiters even if you stay at an all-inclusive resort—remember the salaries. Keep a few coins in your pockets at all times—restrooms usually have an attendant (usually dispensing the toilet paper) who will welcome whatever small change you have. Caveat: if you can, carry your own paper with you.
Water
Though generally safe to drink, bottled water is highly recommended, though it’s pricey for tourists like everything else.
Smoking
Even though Fidel gave up his beloved cigars, this island is known for its tobacco products. Many restaurants, however, do have non-smoking areas.
Language
Spanish, hands down, though English is spoken at most tourist hotels, some restaurants and some attractions. Brush up on your high school Spanish before you go—a little can go a long way.
Embassies
There is no US consulate or embassy in Cuba, though there is a United States Interests Section and the Canadian embassy will officially assist.
Insurance
To enter Cuba you are required to have proof of health coverage. However, your stateside policy will more than likely not cover your costs in case of a health emergency, and you will have to pay all costs up front as the authorities will not allow anyone with outstanding medical bills to leave the country. Keep in mind that having a membership with an emergency medical evacuation provider such as SkyMed could mean the difference between getting home to your hospital, care providers and health network or being stuck in a Cuban hospital.
And whatever you do…
Do NOT criticize Fidel, his brother Raúl, or the government in general. This is still a Communist country and Big Brother really is everywhere.
