Traveling to Cuba: Some experiences for Americans

1. Do you think it is easier when coming to Cuba from the U.S. ?

Actually, only when that carrier is operating as a charter flight, which usually means joining a group. But the Federal Aviation Administration is reportedly in talks with Cuban aviation authorities to allow American carriers to offer regularly scheduled commercial flights. Now there are multiple daily flights from Miami and more flights being added from destinations such as Tampa, New York and Orlando operated by major carriers including American and JetBlue.

Of course, non-American commercial airlines fly to Cuba from many destinations. Americans who meet Treasury requirements can fly through a third country, such as Mexico, Panama, Grand Cayman or Canada — an option that may even work out to be less expensive than taking charter flights.

2. Where should I stay in place once to Cuba?

Although full diplomatic relations between Cuba  and  the United States were restored, Cuba is still really not ready to receive a huge influx of visitors, particularly from the United States. Cuba has a shortage of high-end hotels, and that will become more acute if the number of American visitors rises significantly. Furthermore, some 80 percent of beach visitors said they stay in hotels. One-third of them rent cars, and 17.9 percent hire government-owned taxis.

There are not enough 4 star hotels, and infrastructure is in terrible shape. U.S. credit cards aren accepted in somewhere in Cuba under the new regulations, but American travelers to Cuba will be able to pay for expenses with an U.S. credit card. In addition, there are few ATMs in Cuba, and many establishments do not have the means to process credit card payments, so cash will be asking for some time. Highly recommend to take euros  and pounds , so that you will get a better exchange rate in Cuba than U.S. dollar. So, You should forget about overseas roaming on your U.S. smart phone.

3. What can American citizens carry on?

Now U.S. citizens can bring back up to $400 worth of souvenirs, including $100 worth of cigars. If you have ever bought good Cuban cigars, though, you’ll know that $100 will not fill your humidor.

You can buy cigars (most likely fakes) for much less from the throng of black market sellers who stake out hotels pestering tourists. But those contraband smokes typically don’t come with receipts.

Regularly, travelers to Cuba say that they have brought back a box or two to the United States without experiencing any issues.

If you want to know more, go to the source: traveling to Cuba