Ask MetaFilter questions tagged with cuba

Traveling to Cuba, via Bahamas

RajahKing — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 04:06:33 -0800

How does one intrepid traveler explain the double stamp to the feds upon return to US soil from a trip that may or may not include Cuba? So, I have a friend (really its not me) and US citizen that is headed to Cuba for a few weeks. She plans to fly from a US city to Nassau, Bahamas, then quickly hop on a plane, fly to Havana. Stay a few weeks, return to Nassau, back to same US city. Presumably, her passport will have two stamps: one on say Christmas entering Bahamas, one on say January 15 entering Bahamas.

I realize there are other AskMes with answers about various odds and ends of travel to Cuba as an American citizen.

Her question is relatively specific:

Why do you say upon re-entry when the US re-entry officials notice you have two stamps of entry to the Bahamas a few weeks apart? The obvious question seems to be "so where were you for those few weeks?"

Do you lie and say you were in a different Carribean country? Do you ask the Bahamanian officials not to stamp twice? Do you cross your fingers and hope they don't?

I would love the answers to come from those who might have insight, not really looking for "she's asking for trouble dude" kind of answers. (Cause she gets that.)

Any advice would be appreciated, thanks.

*Obviously, no general or otherwise liscence has been garnered.

Cuba and human rights.

ebesan — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 16:51:20 -0800

Cuba and human rights. Please ignore this if you think Cuba is a 1. Glorious Worker's Paradise or 2. 3rd largest prison on Earth (after Myammar and N. Korea) I would like to know more about human rights for the average person in Cuba. For instance, if a regular person (NOT a government employee, journalist, or someone w/ connections) could afford it, could they just leave and go to India for 2 weeks on vacation? Buy a computer and get full access to the Web? Visit a relative in Miami? Open a bookstore and import what they want? Start a blog discussing human rights in Cuba? What actually happens if they try sailing a boat to Miami or Mexico?

Best currency to take for exchange in Cuba?

inflatablekiwi — Fri, 12 Jun 2009 06:47:46 -0800

Best currency to take for exchange in Cuba (Euro v Canadian v Sterling)? I'm going with a small group to Cuba tomorrow for a long weekend (yay!). We know to totally avoid taking US dollars, but wanted any opinions on the best alternative currency to take.

When exchanging for Cuban Convertibles we've heard that Canadian Dollars are typically getting a much better rate of exchange over Euros or Sterling, but wanted any guidance from recent visitors. I've seen a number of web sites listing exchange rates, but am guessing that its slightly more arbitrary once you land.

Films that accurately represent life in Cuba around 1998

dziga — Wed, 11 Mar 2009 12:22:59 -0800

Please recommend films that accurately represent life in Cuba around 1998, in terms of general mindset, day-to-day life, culture, language, and music. Looking for films that illustrate various facets of Cuban life in the late 1990s or early 2000s. These can be documentary or fiction, or even "touristy", as long as there's a fair degree of accuracy. Afro-Cuban music and dance would be a plus, and I'd particularly like to hear English spoken by people whose first language is Cuban Spanish.
Finally, bonus points if the film is easy to find at a regular alternative video rental place.
Thank you.

Is it safe to bring a Nikon SLR to Cuba?

SNACKeR — Mon, 23 Feb 2009 09:49:29 -0800

Is it safe to bring my Nikon SLR to Cuba? The depressed economy, and presence of hucksters makes me think not... I will be largely staying at a resort but will be making several day trips to Havana and elsewhere. After reading about the Cuban economy, it seems that carrying an SLR would be like walking around pulling a large wagon-load of gold bricks.

If I keep it in a bag most of the time, and pull it out only for photos, should I expect to be reasonably safe?

Havana (or bust)

bonobothegreat — Tue, 10 Feb 2009 20:08:46 -0800

Mrs. Bonobo and I would like to travel to Cuba soon and were wondering if the March break is as busy there as it is in say, Florida or Mexico. We might only have free time in March, so I would like to know what part of March would likely be busiest (ie. what weeks do most college students have free this year.

Can a US/Canadian dual citizen travel in Cuba without a licence?

Anonymous — Mon, 26 Jan 2009 07:18:36 -0800

Can a US/Canadian dual citizen travel in Cuba without a licence? If someone is a dual Canadian/US citizen, with valid passports from both countries, can they visit Cuba (leaving from Canada)?

The sense I get is that it’s very possible - fly from Canada, on a Canadian passport - all no probem. But the sense I also get is that technically, it might still be a violation of US law, since US citizens (I think) are barred from taking vacations in Cuba, even if they’re also citizens of other countries.

So… let me ask:

- Is my understanding of the law right? Is it illegal under US law for a dual-citizen to travel to Cuba?

- Regardless of the letter of the law, is there any reason to actually worry about the practical consequences of this, if the person in question travels on their Canadian passport?

I gather the embargo is actually about *spending money* in Cuba, not actually about traveling there.

So- would it help matters if the Dual-citizen was traveling with a Canadian, and the Canadian paid for everything?
(a similar question was asked here but this is a little different),

No canto por cantar, canto por no llorar/salud y suerte y que la vida les da mas

Soulbee — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 08:09:01 -0800

I've been digging on the cuban hip hop lately. I've seen the doc East of Havana. I listen to las Orishas, and I have the soundtrack/related album to East of Havana by El Cartel. I do like the artists featured there, but I enjoy las Orishas more because it feels a bit more infused with traditional Cuban music. Any recommendations of what else I can listen to? I'm already all about non-hiphop Cuban music like Buenavista Social Club and most of its individual members who produce(d) independently, Afrocuban Allstars, music from Before Night Falls (movie) etc. I'd be happy to take additional recommendations on other Cuban music but especially interested in hip hop right now. Other spanish language hip hop would also be welcome.

Europe Cuba

Anonymous — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 16:36:01 -0800

What is the cheapest way to get to Cuba from continental Europe? Do I have to go via the US? One more tricky question inside: If I plan to go via Cancun, what is the cheapest way to fly from continental Europe? Is the cheapest way to fly into one of the bigger airports like JFK/Boston? Will Miami/Jacksonville be cheaper? Cheap please! So many questions!

Visa issues with Cuba

Anonymous — Mon, 29 Sep 2008 07:54:07 -0800

Visa issues with Cuba. Hi, I'm an international (non-white) student in the US. I need visas to most country I wish to travel to.

I am thinking of going to Cuba in the holidays. How safe is it for me? Will I need a visa? I mean can I get a visa on arrival like the Americans do? And if the Cuban customs stamps my passport will this interfere with my reentry into the States for school?

Wanted: Getaway Vehicle. And Pilot.

Acari — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 07:58:18 -0800

How does one charter a plane? [and how much would it cost?] If a group of people [say around 20 +/- 18, but I'm not up on plane capacities, so if it's either 5 people or 150 people I'd like to know that, too. the exact number for this question should be 'one planeload'.] were to attempt to go to from edmonton, alberta to [undetermined city], Cuba for a couple of weeks in december, would chartering a plane be a reasonable way to get there?

That was a shambles of a sentence. Sorry.

I read in an earlier thread that sometimes flight schools will offer "flight instruction" but that seems like a long shot when crossing borders. The only charter information I can find right now is of the package vacation / strict schedule / all inclusive variety.

What I guess I'm asking is:
How do I find out how much it costs to rent a plane?
Who do I even ask?
What is the magical number of people that makes chartering a plane definitely cheaper than individual ticketing?

Name that drawing style

twine42 — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 04:35:30 -0800

What's the proper name for the style of painting where pictures are created from large blocks of colour with very few details? It's the style of painting I associate with Cuba and South America and which was used for the artwork in GTA San Andreas.

Cuba Travel From USA - The Latest?

Anonymous — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 14:33:12 -0800

Cuba Travel from USA. What's the latest? The latest Askme questions on this are all before Raul Castro took power. Best way to travel? Through Canada? Mexico? Currency to use on the island? Any and all information and tips are appreciated - especially from those who have recent experience with travel to Cuba. Throwaway email for this question is 2cuba2008@gmail.com . Thanks to all.

Cuban cigars

j1950 — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 08:26:32 -0800

What can a person who brings 2 Cuban cigars into the US and has them seized at US Customs expect? Confiscation? Fines? Interrogation? Arrest?

Used/Cheap Baseball Gloves for Kids in L.A.?

rokusan — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 14:53:25 -0800

Cheap/free used sporting equipment for kids (baseball gloves) in Los Angeles? I'll be in Cuba in a couple weeks and based on what I've seen-done there before, one of the best things I could do would be to bring along some old baseball gloves for the kids there. The last time I did this, I collected them from a community center's member donations, and augmented that with a trip to some used sports stores and pawn shops and such for like $5 and $10 ones... I ended up with about 20 usable gloves and some other gear, and it was the single most appreciated thing of the entire trip.

The problem is that this time I'm going from Los Angeles, not my home base, and I don't know any such places in L.A. There's also not enough time to organize a church or community collection this time, so something more modest will have to do.

So does anyone know any good sources for used kid- or young-adult-size baseball gloves in the L.A. area? (pref Hollywood / Los Feliz / Glendale, but I should have a bit of time to motor if needed) I'll pay a little, but $100 new ones are definitely out of my budget, here. Making ten kids happy is better than spoiling one. Also, as anyone who remembers their childhood will recall, a beat-up used glove is better than a new one, anyway.

(Fine print to maybe prevent derail: I have been to Cuba many times, yes I know the system, yes I am traveling legally (cultural visa), and please keep the politics light okay? They're just kids who love baseball. Bats and balls are made locally and well, but gloves are hard to come by, as the blockade prevents US manufacturers from selling there, so parents have a choice of either very expensive Mizunos from Japan, shoddy handmade ones that make me sad, or gifts from visitors. I have never seen Chinese knockoff, though I don't know why.)

Where should I travel to if I don't want to sightsee?

dobbs — Mon, 25 Feb 2008 09:51:47 -0800

I really want to get away from my house to finish up some screenplays for a May 1 deadline. So where can a not-so-rich person go for the last two weeks of April that will allow much peace and quiet while being both safe and warm enough to wander around in short sleeves night and day. Suppose a cost of around $1500--the cheaper the better--including return airfare to Toronto. Note that I like seclusion but I also don't drive so it needs to be someplace close to the necessities.

Will mail from Cuba get to the USA?

perpetualstroll — Wed, 20 Feb 2008 21:00:19 -0800

Will a postcard from Cuba arrive in the US? I was thinking of sending some postcards to some of my American friends from Cuba, but I just remembered the US embargo... will mail I send out from Cuba even arrive on American soil?

How do I prepare for Cuba and what should I see?

Dasein — Wed, 20 Feb 2008 11:05:40 -0800

I'm going to Cuba for a week at an all-inclusive resort in Varadero, and I'd appreciate practical advice on how to prepare (should I buy pesos or U.S. dollars ahead of time or when I arrive?) and what to see on a day trip to Havana. A few specific questions:

How much money should I take and in what currency? I'm Canadian. Are pesos or U.S. dollars my best bet? Should I bring traveller's cheques or cash with me on the plane? How much? Will it be impossible to access my bank account once I'm in Cuba?

Also, we're planning on a day trip to Havana. Any tips on what to see when we're there?

Any other tips (best cigars to buy, whatever) are appreciated.

Can't we all just get along?

cookie googleman — Wed, 31 Oct 2007 17:18:38 -0800

I've recently been to Cuba and am very curious as to why the embargo continues. The cold war is over. Cuba is not a threat to the U.S. What am I missing?

Why hello, Castro.

otolith — Sun, 21 Oct 2007 08:13:07 -0800

A friend of mine has a sibling who is studying in Cuba. How can said friend get to Havana from NYC for a visit? Or should one not post such intentions on a public site? Anyhow, suggestions appreciated either way.

More info: my friend is a US citizen living in New York City. Sometime in November, they would like to spend about a week in Cuba. What are the best routes to make the trip? Fly to Canada first? Or the Caribbean? Are there any ways to book such a trip from the US, or do you simply have to do it in stages, getting a flight to Havana once you've arrived in a more Cuba-friendly nation?

Cost is somewhat of an issue, so any information about relative expenses for different ways to go would be much appreciated.

We've read some recommendations about how to handle the return into the States, but any additional tips would be also appreciated.

If I'm asking a question too sensitive to be answered publicly, you can e-mail me at maybecuba at yahoo dot cawm.

Many thanks in advance. My friend would really love to be able to visit their sib in such an unusual (for USians) country.

American Bringing Cuban Goods into the U.S.

cookie googleman — Mon, 17 Sep 2007 06:58:33 -0800

I'm an American traveling to Cuba legally (under a general license). What are the restrictions on what I can/cannot bring back into the U.S.?

Vietnam vs. Cuba

rtha — Thu, 23 Aug 2007 12:20:12 -0800

I am an American citizen. If I want to travel to Vietnam, all I need is a valid passport and visa; if I want to travel to Cuba, I either have to sign up for a special tour, be part of some pre-approved humanitarian/scientific/educational group, or be willing to break U.S. law. I know that there are extralegal ways for U.S-ians to travel to Cuba; this is not my main question. The State Department describes Vietnam as a “developing, mainly agrarian country in the process of moving from a centrally planned to a market economy.” Cuba gets “Cuba is a totalitarian police state, which relies on repressive methods to maintain control.” Last time I checked, Vietnam was still Communist, and they beat us badly in a war, which Castro’s Cuba hasn’t.

I don’t know when or why travel by U.S. citizens to these countries began to be treated differently by the U.S. Please help me understand – recommend articles, books, blogs, etc.

Why do Cuban baseball players really defect?

jkafka — Fri, 13 Jul 2007 13:00:38 -0800

Michael Moore's movie had me thinking about why Cubans defect to the the US to play baseball. The sportscasters always told stories about Cuban oppression, from what I can recall. I was wondering if there are different reasons though. I'm thinking money is the biggest reason. Have any journalists or writers covered this in depth?

Which mint should I grow for Mojitos?

twine42 — Mon, 04 Jun 2007 08:14:22 -0800

Which mint should I grow for Mojitos? When we were in Cuba we drank huge quantities of Mojitos and I'm craving them again now the sun has come out. But we can't get the taste right. I'm in the process of tracking down some sugar cane juice but I want to get the mint right too.

According to the barmen in Cuba (and several books I've read since) the mint they use in the Mojito is unique to Cuba, but no-one seems to know what species it's supposed to be.

[ Before we start, lets get this out of the way first - the answer to this question isn't the internet favourite of "spearmint". Spearmint comes (originally) from Europe and the smell makes me want to hurl. ]

What species could it be, and would it be possible to get it in the UK?

My memory is of a type with a bloody red stem, but that may be the result of alcohol and too much sun. :)

Will I get denied entry to the US for having visited a Communist country?

SpacemanRed — Tue, 29 May 2007 05:28:39 -0800

HomelandSecurityFilter: If you have visas/stamps in your passport from Communist or former Communist nations, can this prejudice your entry into the US? I am a UK citizen who normally enters the US on the 90 day Visa Waiver Programme. I'm looking to go travelling globally and, when I next enter the US, I may well have visited Russia, China and Cuba. Is this likely to cause me any problems when I arrive in the US and apply to enter under the Visa Waiver Programme?

I know I should just contact the US Embassy but I want some "real world" input as well as the official line.