Cuba in a month today! Any tips?...

[whisky77]

VISA

I've been using my VISA and MC all over in Cuba for many years. I always use it at Partagas, even for things like events and I buy all my cigars and bus travel with my card. Any cigar store you would patronize will accept cards.

The only cards that are NOT accepted are ones from US banks and you should check to be sure because even here in Canada, some of our cards are actually on US based banks (CitiBank, some Master Cards).
"American Express"? It goes without saying.

There are also no ATM machines that take "bank" cards (account cards). You can use your credit card to get cash advances from banks and the few ATMs in Havana but certainly NO debit cards are accepted.

.

I did make a point of discussing with my bank whether I would be able to use my VISA card and they categorically said it would not be accepted.

I just made a point of taking plenty of cash with me.

[Robusto]

That's what I'm thinking of doing, Craig.
Loads of notes.

[cohibaIV]

That's what I'm thinking of doing, Craig.
Loads of notes.

You can have some more if you get me some cigars...

[PoohBore]

The key to the credit card is to take one that is not affiliated with an American Bank. I beleive M&S and the Tesco cards are ok. I had no problem IIRC in the hotel paying for trips etc and i think I was Ok out and about.

[cbob]

That's the key thing. No American banks. Even hidden ones like Citibank.

Wait! There are 2 key things- no American banks and letting your CC company know when you are going to be using the card away from home so they don't lock your card after your first box of cigars...

3 KEY THINGS!! that you must remember :
- no American banks
- letting your CC company know
- and pre-paying some money into your credit card account

.

[cj121]

There's a good idea Cbob: getting a prepaid credit card set up. A little homework required to ensure patronage, but safe.

[Robusto]

Our adventure is about to start. Just wanted to say thanks for the pieces of advice and guidance written here. We will keep this in mind and go our own way. Hope to be able to report back with a smile. Best wishes. Bryan

[Deano]

Bon Voyage! Can't wait for the pics and write up!

[PoohBore]

Have a great holiday and I can't wait for the photos and details of your new purchases !

[Nuno Sa]

Have a nice trip Bryan, i?m looking forward to read all about it, since i also want to go to Cuba with th missus in the near future.

[whisky77]

Allthe best.

Enjoy your adventure Bryan.Hope you have a great time.

[moidoid]

I'm very jealous. Have a cracking time.

[Kubano]

Take the Havana tour, and visit the Melia Cohiba were they have a cigar roller, and lots of cigars choose from.

[Robusto]

Back from the flight from Havana today.

So much to write about.

It will take me a few days to write a personal account and do justice to my thoughts and impressions.

The one thing I would say is that Cuba is an extraordinary place, and for any cigar buddie thinking of going, I would say YOU HAVE TO DO IT.

I would also say that if you are a 'precious' type, be aware that Cuba is 'peeling round the edges'. I didn't realise it is to the extent that it is. (I mean no offence to anyone by that). If you can't hack that - or your partner or family couldn't - then it's not the place for you.

I loved it. So did my wife and lads.

I and will try to explain my thoughts more succinctly when my head doesn't feel like a vibrator rolling around under the seat in front of me off the coast of Newfoundland in a rammed 747.

Yes. I did mean that.
Thank God the batteries are about to cark it.

[Deano]

He's baccckkkkkkk