"Has anyone from the US travelled to Cuba as a tourist? If so, any
hassles?"
For Americans, the easiest way to get to Cuba is via Jamaica. Remember
your American credit card will not work in Cuba and you get a poor
exchange rate on US dollars in Cuba (change to Euros or Canadian
Dollars before you go).
Alternatively, you can go via Canada (especially Montreal and Toronto).
All inclusives are quite popular and can be easily booked at
http://www.airtransat.ca/. Remember that this is illegal for Americans
or Canadians residing in the USA. Airtransat has cheap trips (but not
as cheap) to Cancun and the Dominican Republic. So it is justifiable
(assuming you live somewhat close to the Canadian border). Get rid of
any identifiable paperwork or souvenirs before entering the USA.
The Jamaican route (Montego Bay) is safer as you wont raise suspicions,
no mater where you live in the USA. Although get rid of any
identifiable paperwork or souvenirs. That Cuban post card could cost
you more than the bag of ganja they were looking for.
Thousands of Americans travel to Cuba. It is no big deal. Just be
careful upon your return (and consider democratic, less risky
alternatives). The Dominican Rebublic and Cancun are often just as
cheap and in Jamaica most people speak English.
Sam
>From Canadian Foreing Affairs:
http://www.voyage.gc.ca/dest/report-en.asp?country=3D69000
There continues to be an increase in the number of Canadians who are
victims of pickpocketing, theft and assault, especially in Old Havana,
Centro Havana and the Malec=F3n, in various parts of Vedado, and on the
beaches of Varadero and Playas del Este. The autumn months of 2005 have
seen an increase in violent crime, including the stabbing death of a
tourist. Exercise caution at all times, especially in tourist areas.
Ensure personal belongings, passports and other travel documents are
secure at all times. Avoid wearing jewellery or showing signs of
affluence. Incidents should be reported to local police, even though
they will often just provide a slip of paper indicating that they took
a statement on a certain date. Police officers may only speak Spanish.
In cases where a Canadian has been robbed of all identification and
money, it is advisable to contact the Canadian Embassy before
contacting the police in order to avoid being held in jail until your
identity is confirmed and your solvency restored.
Driving in Cuba is dangerous. Traffic accidents are the most frequent
cause of the detention and trial of Canadians in Cuba, whether you are
responsible for the accident or not. Accidents that result in death or
injury are treated like crimes, and the onus is on the driver to prove
innocence. Prison sentences can range from one to 10 years. Regardless
of the nature of the crime or accident, it can take five months to a
year for the case to go to trial. In most cases, you will not be
allowed to leave Cuba until the trial has taken place.
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