I asked what it costs her for accommodation and she told me she has stayed with the same family for so many winters she gets a rate that we would not be able to get but that generally, places are available in the $300 – $400 per month range (and up). She can eat as many meals per day with the family as she wants and many reasonable restaurants are nearby. The beaches are a short bus ride away. Canadians can stay in Cuba for up to six months per year with no Visa or immigration concerns.
Cuba now insists that visitors have medical insurance for the length of their visit and this is evidently available at the airport for about $1 per day.
I am getting interested! Not for this year but maybe next….
Nice idea...we have thought about an extended trip to Cuba as well. It's really a fairly big island and I'm sure we wouldn't run out of places to explore.
ReplyDeletewww.travelwithkevinandruth.com
We have Mexican friends that have been to Cuba. I know you have - I followed along.
ReplyDeleteI imagine the courtesy extended to Canadians doesn't make is way south of your border ;-(
We're booked for November 6th, 15 days we're taking bikes and an old laptop, I'm thinking 2-3 months in 2012 is in order. We love Cuba. Gotta go cause I have to do my Rosetta Stone Spanish for una hora. Not too many places left in the world with no MacDonalds or Starbucks except Cuba. I'll send you my new email address Croft.
ReplyDeleteKelly
As U.S. citizens we are soooo jealous. If only we could have Cuba as an option. Maybe some day soon we will be allowed to visit there.
ReplyDeleteUS citizens can easily visit Cuba....just book a ticket to Cancun, RT to your hometown and a RT ticket from Cancun to Cuba...no fuss, no muss. Kathe
ReplyDeleteKathe is correct! Cuba does not ban US citizens, it is the USA that does that. They do not even stamp your passport.
ReplyDeleteDo not take US cash though, there is an extra tax when you exchange it for CUC's. US banks and credit cards will not allow you to get cash from them in Cuba so take plenty of cash (Canadian dollars or Euros) and change them as you need them. Hotel rooms have safes.
You do not have to worry about crime in Cuba as long as you practice basic common sense.
Most interesting! I like the medical $1.00/day.
ReplyDelete$1 per day was what my friend told me but she does not buy it, Other reports indicate a higher cost. I am trying to nail it down. I have also heard that our BC Medical is sufficient to satisfy the requirement.
ReplyDeleteCroft:
ReplyDeleteThis is confusing then.
Bill in Nebr.
ENTRY / EXIT REQUIREMENTS, TRAVEL TRANSACTION LIMITATIONS: The Cuban Assets Control Regulations are enforced by the U.S. Department of the Treasury and affect all U.S. citizens and permanent residents wherever they are located, all people and organizations physically located in the United States, and all branches and subsidiaries of U.S. organizations throughout the world. The regulations require that persons subject to U.S. jurisdiction be licensed in order to engage in any travel-related transactions pursuant to travel to, from, and within Cuba. Transactions related to tourist travel are not licensable. This restriction includes tourist travel to Cuba from or through a third country such as Mexico or Canada. U.S. law enforcement authorities enforce these regulations at U.S. airports and pre-clearance facilities in third countries. Travelers who fail to comply with Department of the Treasury regulations could face civil penalties and criminal prosecution upon return to the United States.
I didn't say it was "legal" under US law Bill, in fact I know it is not. All Kathe and I are saying is that it is possible to fly from Mexico and it is very unlikely you could be caught by Uncle Sam. Cuba does not share entry information with the USA and passports are not stamped.
ReplyDeletePeople fly to Cancun, go to a travel agent and pay cash for an all inclusive resort in Cuba and get on the plane.
When we were in Cuba we met a few Americans and I am sure there were many more there pretending to be Canadians.
Just don't use your credit or debit card.
The vision of an American spy hiding behind a flower pot in the Cancun departure lounge looms. I don't think this is very likely because a USA spy accosting people who may not be Americans in Mexico would be frowned upon. Stick a Canadian flag pin in your lapel, carry lots of loonies and say "eh" a lot. You will blend right in.
ReplyDeleteIt is just plain asinine that this country continues to boycott Cuba and prohibit tourist travel to Cuba. They may not be laying in wait at the Cancun airport, but the fact that our government says we are subject to civil penalties and criminal prosecution is absurd.
ReplyDeleteBill in Nebr.
We met a few US Citizens in Cuba, generally a younger crowd who were "adventurous". We'll continue to go until the first Starbucks or MacDonalds goes up then we'll find the next "untapped" place. Really, the Cubans have no idea about Americans and why the hatred is happening. Why can't we all just get along and please dont' blame this embargo on the Cubans they have no idea......and are only pawns in some chess game. It's a beautiful country with beautiful people. If you're looking for fast food and what looks like "home" please don't go, you'll be unhappy and write things that make those of us who find it "refreshing" unhappy. Do as Croft does (and us) and get out to meet the people, speak the language and learn. Oh, and be sure to dance, morning, noon and night! Kelly
ReplyDeleteKelly, send me your email address. mine is croft (dot) randle (at) gmail.com
ReplyDeleteContessa I'm with you, however, I think I would feel like I had to be undercover!
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