Information on how to visit Cuba as a U.S. citizen is not widely publicized, to say the least. Can Americans travel to Cuba? The short answer is yes, but the process can be complicated.
Many people are left wondering how new laws under the Trump administration affected travel, and others know little about this nation beyond a few negative facts about Fidel and the Bay of Pigs.
Last March, I took my boyfriend to Havana, Cuba, and my experience there made me want to put together a guide to show others how to get to this incredible place. The culture is uplifting, the food delicious, and the architecture is beautiful. Here is everything you need to know to see for yourself.
Travel Restrictions
Contrary to popular belief, you do not need to book a clandestine flight through Mexico to go to Cuba. You can no longer take a cruise there, and visiting friends or relatives is not an option now that the “People to People” contact option on the visa has been taken away. What you can do, however, is list the trip as “Support of the Cuban People.”
Supporting the Cuban people is easy. You don’t have to be a missionary or charity worker to do it, you are supporting them economically with your trip. You pay for casas parciales or Airbnb’s instead of government-run hotels so your cash goes into the hands of the people. Same thing with restaurants, tours, and souvenir shopping.
Keep your receipts just in case a border agent gives you a hard time on the way home. But you won’t have any trouble from the Cuban customs officers unless you really go out of your way to act sketchy. (And that’s not even a white privilege thing–Cuba is extremely diverse and inclusive.) As long as you do not bring back anything that is illegal in the U.S. you should be fine reentering the country.
Air Travel
Not all airlines fly directly from the U.S. to Cuba. How can Americans travel to Cuba, then?
Here is a list of the airlines that make the journey:
Cuba is less than an hour’s flight from Miami, FL. Whichever airport you fly out of, make sure you arrive early! You have to spend $45 on a visa, which you can purchase in advance or at the airport. I personally found it easier to do it in person with help from someone who does it a million times a day.
If you choose that second route, you have to be at the gate getting it more than an hour before the plane takes off, or they will not give let you a visa, which means you cannot enter the country. No amount of yelling or asking for the manager will help you. You will just have to pay to switch to a later flight. So arrive extra early to avoid that!
Pro tip: See if your airline offers flights with low CO2 emissions using sustainable aviation fuel to protect the environment.
Currency
If you are going to a foreign country, you will need foreign currency. However, it can be tricky to get CUC, Cuban convertible pesos, in the United States. Pro tip: Once you’re in Cuba, there are two types of currency. The CUC is the kind you should use as a foreigner.
Also, once you are in Cuba, you cannot use American debit or credit cards anywhere. You cannot use them to pay in stores or restaurants, cannot withdraw money from an ATM, and even your bank’s website and mobile app are blocked from use throughout the country. So how can Americans travel to Cuba without use of their banks?
There are two ways to get money while you are in Cuba. You can bring cash for your stay, or have someone wire transfer money to you through Western Union. (If the WU app works in Cuba, you can also use that to wire yourself funds, but I personally have not tried it.)
Most people simply bring whatever cash they need. Can Americans travel to Cuba? Cuba is less expensive than the U.S., but it’s always better to over-budget than under-budget. A good tip is to convert your money into Euros before you leave, because the conversion rate is better than it is with USD.
Souvenirs
Finding great souvenirs for yourself and others is a fun part of vacations. My boyfriend and I make a habit of picking up something from a local artist every time we travel. We got two beautiful watercolors from Cuba.
However, not everything you want to bring back will be accepted when you go through customs. Cuba is pretty strict on illegal drugs and weapons, so you probably won’t have any of that in your suitcase. There is a strict limit on how many cigars you can bring home with you.
A U.S. citizen 21 years or older can bring back up to 50 cigars. They are not allowed to sell these items once they get back to the states. You also have to purchase them from a certified store–while I recommend you get everything else from local places, you must purchase your cigars from the gift shop at the tobacco factory if you want any hope of authenticity.
Not only will purchasing your cigars from the wrong spot leave you vulnerable to potential legal complications bringing them home, but they will be a disappointing product as well. People who work at these factories typically are allowed to take home cigars that do not meet the high standards for the factory.
Some more enterprising individuals, instead of keeping the free cigars, will sell them to tourists. They of course do not tell you about the subpar quality. While you will still be able to smoke them safely, they will not be worth purchasing when you can get a higher quality product for a similar price.
Souvenirs such as art, rum, and candies will follow typical travel rules. Over a certain value, you will have to pay duties upon returning to the U.S.
Internet Access
Internet in Cuba works very differently than it does in other parts of the world. You will not be able to use your cell phone minutes or data, so it is good to know how Cuban internet works in case you need to communicate with anyone.
There are a few limited areas where you can access the internet. Many Airbnb’s have this option, but not all of them do. Universities often have areas with Wi-Fi for students, but if you’re not a student you are out of luck. The final option is internet parks, outdoor parks which offer the ability to connect to the internet.
Once you have found a location which lets you connect, it is not as simple as being there and logging on. You have to purchase an internet card at the store first. You can purchase 1-hour intervals for 1CUC each. Some places bundle multiple hours on one card for the equivalent price.
Your internet card has a scratch-off on the back which has a username and password code that you can use to log in. Enter 1.1.1.1.1 in your browser on your device and enter the information. It will probably be a little slower than what you are used to, but it works.
Transportation
The main way to get around is through Taxis. Cuba does not have Uber or similar rideshare apps, so you will have to hail a taxi from the street. There are both the normal-looking yellow taxis and those iconic classic cars. I personally chose the latter when I could because they are so cool.
In Havana, taking a taxi within city limits should cost you 5 CUC or less unless you take a longer trip (e.g. you make extra stops or request to go out of your way to see something).
Taxi drivers are aware that foreigners are often used to paying higher fares in their home countries, so be aware that they will probably quote you higher initially. Barter to something more reasonable or get out and wait for the next one.
There are some taxis that exclusively drive back and forth in straight lines down the main roads. These should cost 1 CUC per person, and you will have to tell the driver when to stop and let you out. This is a shared ride for as many people as fit in the cab.
The airport is a bit outside of the city, so you can expect to pay 20-30 CUC for that trip depending on the time of day. This is a good opportunity to have a conversation with your driver if you speak Spanish, and they might have some great information to share about their home country.
Language
English is not widely spoken in Cuba beyond tour guides and people in similar professions. Most people know a few words or can hold a short and simple conversation, which is enough for you to order at that restaurant or maybe get directions somewhere.
Of course, there are always exceptions and some people will have a fantastic command of English for reasons of their own. However, it would be advisable to learn a few words in Spanish to help yourself out.
Search online for basic Spanish phrases. YouTube videos are even better because they help you with pronunciation. Definitely download the SpanishDict app on your phone before you leave. This dictionary app works offline, which will be a lifesaver in Cuba.
If you already speak basic Spanish, don’t be concerned if you find yourself having to ask people to slow down and repeat themselves. Cuba’s accent is very distinct, and you probably have not encountered it much unless you live in Miami. Be kind to yourself and embrace the opportunity to learn and grow.
Your trip to Cuba will be incredible. Make sure to follow these tips to make it run a little more smoothly.
Is there anything else to know about how can Americans travel to Cuba? Let me know in the comments!
1 thought on “Can Americans Travel to Cuba?”
Pingback: What You Need to Know Before You Travel to Cuba - Abroad Vegan