Traveling independently from Seattle to Cuba. I just did it a couple weeks ago, here's how.

[CalWorth]

Cuba is a place I have always, always, always wanted to go, so thank you for the info!

[homesinseattle]

Oh, forgot to mention, you need to take cash when you go as you can’t use US atm cards there. Never once did I feel like I was in danger with the cash. Things were actually really affordable and it was hard to spend it.

[jabogitlu]

I remember that too. At that time (not sure if still) they had a dual currency, basically the Cuban currency then a second one indexed to the US dollar. I remember tipping $10 and peoples' faces just changing instantly. It was much more money in the Cuban currency.

Also not sure if this is also still true, but you have to pay an exit fee in the Cuban currency, so make sure you reserve some before you leave. It was not a big fee, but it had to be paid.

[homesinseattle]

Originally Posted by jabogitlu

I remember that too. At that time (not sure if still) they had a dual currency, basically the Cuban currency then a second one indexed to the US dollar. I remember tipping $10 and peoples' faces just changing instantly. It was much more money in the Cuban currency.

Also not sure if this is also still true, but you have to pay an exit fee in the Cuban currency, so make sure you reserve some before you leave. It was not a big fee, but it had to be paid.

They’ve done away with the exit fee!

[jabogitlu]

Nice. That was a major sticking point, I saw a few exiting tourists in somewhat of a panic because they'd already given away all their Cuban cash prior to heading to the airport.

[recycled]

Originally Posted by homesinseattle

Oh, forgot to mention, you need to take cash when you go as you can’t use US atm cards there. Never once did I feel like I was in danger with the cash. Things were actually really affordable and it was hard to spend it.

That's no small hurdle these days on a trip that lasts more than a week or so. You wrote a good trip report and it certainly makes me interested in taking a trip to Cuba. I'd like to do a bike riding trip for a month or so if I went. I would bring my German bank ATM card so at least I would not have to carry as much cash. I would do plenty of planning to know where to find ATMs that would be compatible.

Here in Germany I know a few Cubans who have lived here for over 3 decades. Most came here when East Germany was still a communist country, and they came as students and ended up staying. I speak Spanish fluently so we usually speak in Spanish instead of German. They all tell me that if I ever visit Cuba they have some relatives where I would be welcome to stay - that would certainly be a great experience.

[Oldsmobile]

Thank you for sharing. I've been thinking of visiting random parts of the world, and Cuba never even occurred to me.
What negatives did you experience?

[homesinseattle]

Originally Posted by Oldsmobile

Thank you for sharing. I've been thinking of visiting random parts of the world, and Cuba never even occurred to me.
What negatives did you experience?

None really, people were great. Cuba is having tough inflation, supply chain/blockade issues, not much to buy in stores. Also, electricity cuts off (usually during the day) but that's something I've experienced in many parts of the world.

[homesinseattle]

Originally Posted by Oldsmobile

Thank you for sharing. I've been thinking of visiting random parts of the world, and Cuba never even occurred to me.
What negatives did you experience?

Oldsmobile, besides my day job , I have a little travel blog of a number of “off the beaten path” places I’ve traveled in the world. Here’s the link, may inspire you to go to some out of the way spots. I’m actually writing my little Cuba journey story right now so you’ll see the first couple days there. There are about 20 other journeys. https://www.travelblog.org/Bloggers/vinceinseattle/