Nancysc

There are two kinds of pesos. One is convertible, one is not. Be sure you know one from the other when paying for something and getting change. No US based credit cards are accepted. There are no ATMs for US bank cards. Take plenty of cash and hide it in many different places. Take a lock for your luggage. You can enter Cuba from Mexico or the Bahamas without being in a group, but there are no public flights from the US. You have to be with a US/Cuba sanctioned group to fly from the US. Don't do anything that might offend, esp don't photograph police officers, government buildings, security forces, etc. Travel within Cuba independently is uncomfortable when not actually hazardous. Roads are in bad repair, trains are filthy and slow, and the national airline fleet has not been serviced since the breakup of the USSR. Having said all this, I would still love to go to Cuba and will look for a good group arrangement when travel is permitted.

LXK0930 Loc: Souh Jersey

I was in Cuba last year as part of an organized tour. We visited mid-island and western Cuba. Did not get to the eastern part, which I understand is quite poor. Great trip. No problems at all.

Some useful hints:
(1) Currency Exchange: Cuba imposes a hefty extra charge on converting US currency. Change $$$ to pounds or euros before you go, and change them into Cuban currency.
(2) Types of Currency: Cuba has 2 different currencies, one for locals, the other tourists. Don't even think about using the local currency.
(3) Shopping: Cuba has several types of stores:
- Stores for Tourists with a surprising amount of high quality goods. Very expensive (think Rodeo Drive). Must use Tourist currency there.
- Stores for Locals with very limited variety and stock. Very low prices. Must use Local currency there. Tourists can not shop there.
- Necessity outlets. These are remnents of the strictest Communist days. Items such as rice, sugar, etc. are sold there. Tourists can not shop there, but it is worth going in and observing.
- Street vendors- mostly for trinkets and souvenirs. Tourists can shop there, but must pay in Tourist currency.
(4) Cultural Experiences: Worth going to ballet, concerts, etc. We had the opportunity to visit a classical ballet school, a modern ballet group, a choir (best renedition of Shenandoh I ever heard!). You may have to be part of a cultural program to attend these events.
(5) Other vacation stuff: As part of a cultural exchange program, we were not allowed to visit beaches or other vacation spots. I heard from several Canadians that the beaches and beach resorts were fantastic. I do not know how US citizens can get to them, if that is your thing.
(6) Old cars: Although there are many old American cars, I found that most were body shells with a variety of swapped mechanicals and interiors. A truly restored antique car is a rarity, and worth a fortune, even in Cuba.
(7) Food- Despite rumors to the contrary, food was plentiful and quite good. We ate mostly in hotel dining rooms, except for special meals at sites we were visiting or restaurants in major tourist areas. The days of eating rice and beans in someone's back yard are long gone.

Hope that this helps. If you go, have a great trip.

ronichas Loc: Long Island

Thanks so much for your post. We had a great time in Cuba in January. We had 10 guests, stayed in private homes and travel with a great team in the classic cars. The cost includes just about everything except part of the air fare. Also includes medical care while in Cuba. One of our guests got sick, I am a retired nurse, so I went with her to the tourist clinic. I was so impressed with the quality of care she received.

While in Vinales, we saw medical teams going door to door to provide medical care to the people. There were many female doctors. There is a great medical school there, we also met several students.

When the virus hit, they immediately imposed a lockdown, sent medical personal door to door to check on people. Their numbers are way lower than in the USA.

https://www.reuters.com/article/us-health-coronavirus-cuba-idUSKBN23G024?fbclid=IwAR25AtmfNJxaXGxbV0QGhq0CYVhkcVYvUOeDj6iKhY6SFzTxUJFyr_k3zfM

Cuba has had a lung cancer vaccine for many years. Yet in the USA, if it isn't from a pharmaceutal company that can make millions, it isn't approved.

https://www.huffpost.com/entry/cuba-lung-cancer-vaccine_n_7267518

While there are many on this site that have very negative opinions of Cuba, many are no longer factual.
Someone from UHH did come on my trip, he loved it as did the others in the tour.

I am hoping to do another photo tour in December. PM me if interested.

Here are a few images from the tourist clinic. Being a nurse myself, whites and caps have not been used in the USA for over 50 years. The last image is the doctor. It was great that she allowed me to take her image.

I love Cuba, I love the people, I love the team we use and I feel like I have a family there. We keep in contact on facebook regularly.

I really don't want to hear all the negativity that went on the last time. If you don't have anything positive to say, keep it to yourself.

foggypreacher Loc: Dickinson, Texas

Good information to know.

ronichas Loc: Long Island

The agent I use has a license for tours to Cuba. Her license is *for the people of Cuba* not a *people to people*

Other than the virus restrictions, there are no restrictions under her license.

ronichas Loc: Long Island

In January, most of the Cubans we worked with want American dollars. It is worth more to them than the unstable Cuban money. Our guide was able to change money for us at a much better rate. I did not exchange much, used American dollars for tips to our guides/drivers. I have gone to the same silver jewelry store in Trinidad, Cuba on 3 different trips. This time he wanted American dollars. His jewelry is handmade by him and just beautiful.

The team of drivers that work full time for this agent all have working cars with air conditioning. One of the drivers, lives with his parents just outside of Havana. Behind their house is a working automotive shop, they make all the parts and update the cars. We always stop there to photograph and have a snack with his family.

The homes we stay in provide full breakfasts, the restaurants we go to are all hand picked by the agent and her team. I was invited to my friend/drivers home for dinner. It was amazing to meet his parents, grandparents, wife and son. We had a great meal.

I have photographed the same ballerina for 2 years. We do go to a dance studio, are able to see the students practice and we can photograph them

There is a big difference going on a cultural tour and going on a for the people tour.

FlaGator

Before travelling anywhere overseas, review and heed the country information on the web site of the U.S. Department of State. It is most likely that you will need to travel with an authorized group. There are travel agencies in Miami area that specialize in this so use one of them. A guided tour to start is the way to become oriented to the places, history, and culture. Independent travel in Cuba is possible but you will need to speak Spanish - the second language in Cuba is Russian! Cuba is safe, but petty thievery may occur in the larger cities.
It is a memorable experience in many ways.

Architect1776 Loc: In my mind

Why not spend your money here in the USA.
I would bet there are hundreds of places in just AZ and NM that you have never seen that are absolutely incredible.
Then you will be helping local businesses devastated by being forced to shut down and could really use the business. There is no reason on earth to go to a repressive communist state where civil rights do not exist and the police can arrest you or shoot you for no reason than you looked like you deserved it. To go there you are not helping the locals as that money is confiscated by the government one way or another.
Again the USA businesses have far more to offer and old cars abound here as well. And they can use the business to recover and become vibrant.
It amazes me people wanting to go to places where civil rights do not exist and help those repressive systems maintain power by bringing American dollars to them.

RozS

Went with a Santa Fe Workshop photography group and loved it! Extremely friendly people, unusual photo ops you will find nowhere else on the planet, incredible dancers of all persuasions, amazing graffiti and other spontaneous works of art on the buildings, and some truly outstanding professional Cuban photographers all make this an ideal destination for anyone who knows how to use a camera.

LXK0930 Loc: Souh Jersey

Interesting perspective, especially the part about police arresting/shooting for no reason. Where have I heard that charge recently?

ronichas Loc: Long Island

I totally disagree, you clearly do not know what you are talking about. They have better health care than many in the USA have, they have less hostile police officers and the people of Cuba are friendly, trusting and so much more loving than the people in the USA. Especially at this time in our dark times.

Maybe if you opened your eyes, and were more tolerant you would understand. The dollars that are given to the people in this team have given them much more. They are so appreciative, yes they have taxes. The drivers all pay a heavy tax to the government. But we Americans pay lots to our government that is run by big business and corrupt officials.

Canisdirus

You cite the exception when the poster is talking about a general rule of thumb.

via the lens Loc: Northern California, near Yosemite NP

I went to Cuba in December 2018 with Steve Simon photo workshops. Soon after that, supposedly, Americans were barred from entering Cuba. However, Steve is still running a workshop and I have included that link below. We had absolutely no problem at all, not in an airport and not in Havana, which is the only city we were in. People were very nice and often asked to have their photograph taken. We wandered the streets of Havana daily for a week or so. Great street scenes and good people shots. Lots of beans and rice with everything and the food was very good. I never felt any threat, but having said that I was careful about going out by myself (but as a woman that is always the case). I'd go back just for the coffee! If you are going without the benefit of a group and someone who knows the lay of the land you could find yourself having a problem, but hopefully you know the language. Many people spoke English. I'd recommend you join a photo group heading over as they know the many different sections of the city and generally have guides that live there or are from there. Our guide lived in Florida but was raised in Cuba. Cuba was not at all what I thought it would be and I'm glad I had the benefit of actually visiting it firsthand. I was surprised to learn that people own their own homes, not the government. Yes, the people are poor but the people in most third-world countries are poor and in that regard it was no different than Mexico or Costa Rica. Cuban tourism is frequented by Canadians and other non-American countries and there is also much wealth there. It appeared that the Arab countries are investing in it, putting up mega hotels many stories high.

https://photoeducate.com/collections/all-photography-workshops/products/february-10-16-2020-the-passionate-street-photographer-masterclass-with-steve-simon-juan-carlos-ocana

BobHartung Loc: Bettendorf, IA

Old cars on the outside, bits and pieces of Izuzu under the hood.

I have been there. It was not worth in vis-a-vis other sites I have traveled to.

ronichas Loc: Long Island

The trip I am co-leading in December is about $1000 plus less than the trips mentioned here. The agent is a Cuban American and has amazing contacts in Cuba. There is always a professional Cuban guide along with 2 photo instructors to help with any photo needs.

Here is a bit of what is included.

December 3-13, 2020
Havana, Vinales, Bay of pigs, Trinidad (Cuba)

The price for the above all-inclusive itinerary is USD $4600.00 per person double occupancy
$200.00 for single traveler surcharge

Your Trip Includes:
*11 days & 10 nights
*Photography coaching, tips, tutorials and lessons
*Round trip airfare from Florida to Havana.
*Cuban visa processing and fee (There is an additional fee for Cuban
born travelers).
*Medical insurance while visiting Cuba.
*All airline and airport fees (U.S. & Cuba except baggage & excess
weight fees).
*Ground transportation within Cuba.
*All accommodations while visiting Cuba (Private Bed & Breakfast).
*Entrance fees when applicable.
*All gratuities are included.
*Experienced tour guides (English, Spanish, Portuguese and French
speaking)
*All meals are included (two “mixed” National drinks).

Not Included:
*Lodging in originating city
*Baggage fees for overage
*Activities outside tour itinerary
*Travel insurance, which is highly recommended for all traveler