Hello everyone! I hope you had an enjoyable spring break and were able to maximize those points and miles for a week long getaway. My wife and I just returned from Cuba trip and we had an amazing time! We were a little nervous about going, due to all of the “restrictions” when flying there from the US, but the entire process was very smooth for us.
OUR FLIGHTS TO CUBA
When it was first announced that US flights would be allowed to apply for routes to Cuba, pretty much all US Airlines jumped on board to bid for their routes. Since then, some airlines have pulled out of Cuba due to lower demand than initially expected. There are still a few routes to choose from where you can utilize your points and miles. We booked award flights on United to get to Cuba, then booked award flights on American Airlines to get back home.
When you do book a flight from the US to Cuba, whether it’s a paid flight or an award flight, you will need to pick a reason why you’re going to Cuba. Tourism is not a valid option when booking your flight. If you decide to go to Cuba, please do your own research to see which of these valid reasons best applies to your situation, and what all is needed to support your reason.
GETTING A VISA TO ENTER CUBA
Another thing that is needed to get to Cuba is the purchase of a Visa. This is a bit different than other Visas I have applied for in that I didn’t have to go to a Consulate or submit a passport for my Visa. I purchased my visa through Cuba Travel Services. I had read articles and saw videos where other travelers purchased their visas at the gate awaiting their flight, however there wasn’t a place where I could do so for my flight from Houston. Luckily I had purchased them ahead of time.
LANDING IN CUBA
The visa itself is blank and only asks for your first and last name, date of birth, passport number and nationality. Before boarding our flight to Havana from Houston, the gate agent asked to see our visa along with our passport. After a brief look, we were allowed to board. While on the flight, we were given a few other forms to fill out in order to enter Cuba. When we arrived in Havana, and passed through immigration, the officer asked to see my visa and passport. Then the officer asked for me to look into a camera for a picture. She then stamped my passport and visa and allowed me to pass on to customs.
At customs our luggage passed through an x-ray machine where we picked them up and met with a doctor. The doctor took one of the forms we filled out on the plane and took it and allowed us to pass on through. Next, since we didn’t have any items to declare, we could pass on to exit the airport. Many Cubans were stuck in this line since they were bringing in items from the US.
EXCHANGING MONEY
Once we were outside of the airport, there was a crowd of people, including taxi drivers waiting for passengers. Here’s where you can get a taxi to take you where you need to go. Before we got a taxi though, we went over to the departures area of the airport to exchange money.
I had read a few articles stating to do this and it worked out great. When you land in Havana, you may end up in either the main airport, or a small terminal off to the side. We flew in on United and went through the small terminal. After exiting the terminal, we walked to the other side of the terminal, which was the departures area. This was smart because the line to exchange money on that side of the airport is short or non existent.
Before heading to Cuba, I had done quite a bit of research and something that many travelers suggested was converting your US dollars to Euros prior to going to Cuba. The reason for this was because Cuba adds on a 10% tax for exchanging US dollars to Cuban pesos (CUC). I realize that you’ll lose some when exchanging US dollars to Euros, but if you take Euros and exchange them for CUC, you will come out ahead in the end.
Why are we talking about cash? Well, as you may already know, US credit or debit cards don’t work in Cuba, so all of your purchases need to be made in cash. While it’s a bummer because you can’t earn points while in Cuba, it’s not the end of the world. Exchanging money and getting fair prices was not a big deal at all, especially if you know Spanish!
GETTING AROUND CUBA
Taxis are abundant in Cuba, and they come in various forms. One of the cheaper forms is a “taxi colectivo”. When you hail one down, you ask the driver if they’re headed in the area, or close to the area you’re wanting to go. You’ll be riding with other passengers that are going to the same vicinity. They won’t drop you off on the doorstep of your destination, so be prepared in knowing the area where you’ll be going. Colectivos tend to be older cars and what the locals use.
There are tourist taxis available, that look much like taxis you see in the US. They operate like taxis here as well. They are more expensive, since they cater more to tourists. Many of them have the yellow checkered color scheme so they are quickly spotted. There are other nice classics running around that operate as tourist taxis. They operate like the tourist taxis mentioned above, but you’re riding in a classic!
There are “coco taxis” available also. These are for two adults max. It’s basically a motorcycle modified with a small carriage in the back for two people. These are more tourist focused as well, and it’s a cool experience, especially during the summer nights.
Then there are the classic cars. While many colectivos are classics, they are not in the best condition. The others are more for show. While in Havana, you can ride around in a classic that you choose for about 40 CUC for an hour ride throughout the city. Nice classics were available in Varadero as well, but we didn’t take a ride in one there. These drivers have special licenses that allow them to run their business and purchase replacement parts for their classics.
CONCLUSION
I’m very thankful that we had the opportunity to go to Cuba. We’re not sure what the future holds and if US citizens will have the luxury of traveling there as easily going forward. While I’m content with our Cuba trip, I’d love to go back and visit other parts of the island. We’ll see if we can fit it into our travel plans. I hope this overview of Cuba provides you with some useful information and tips that you can utilize if you’re planning on going to Cuba. Have you visited Cuba?
