BootsnAll Travel Community

Anyone know if it's possible to arrive in Cancun in mid December and buy a RT ticket to Havana that same day?

Also, do travelers bring US dollars or Euros into Cuba these days? To get the best exchange rate, what currency should one bring in?

Thanks.

We were there in Feb/March 2005 just before the convertible peso became untied to the US dollar.

At that time, it was definitely much better to bring euro as the dollar exchange rate was poor. I imagine that's still the situation, but maybe someone who's been this year can give you a more recent update.

I'll answer my own post for future information seekers.

Got this from another member, Vic:

About your questions, yes, I think someone could buy a ticket same day they arrive in Cancún...maybe could take one day...all is about how earlie one arrives in Cancún...I mean, at morning or afternoon.
One MUST bring Euros...NO USD.
Look at this:
1 Euro= 1.12 CUC(Cuban Convertible or Peso Convertible Cubano)
1 USD= 0.82 CUC...'cause USD has an 18% tax over here...

I'm going to Cuba in a couple of weeks and everything I'm hearing also says no USD. There's a surcharge on it right now. Euros or CAD are the way to go.

I was in Cuba last summer, bring only Euro, you can in some places exchnage US$- but the rates you get for it aren't worthwhile.
by the way Cuba isn't a cheap place for travellers (even backpackers) ,all the facilities for tourists are pretty expensive.

You're going to lose $$ no matter what you exchange. Double exchanging your $ doesn't help you. Your 'location' indicates that you're in America and unless you happen to have a few hundred euros hanging around, you'll lose on the exchange if you choose to change your USD to Euros.

You can exchange your USD right at Jose Marti airport in Havana. It's right across from the dilapidated baggage claim area.

'Click' with Mexicana is your best bet out of Cancun. They have a daily 8pm flight out of Cancun, but if you waited until that day, you would pay through the roof. If you're looking to avoid buying an advance ticket bc you're an American and you're dodging the law, there are other ways to get around that. You can go through a 3rd party travel agency in Canada or Mexico. Or you can also call the toll free Mexicana number ( 011-52-555-448-0990 ) and reserve your ticket that way.

Thanks. That's what we figured regarding US dollars vs. Euros.
We found several agents who help with plane tix. This agent is actively fighting the embargo and has a lot of info about going into Cuba.

Anyone know what it's like going through customs in Cancun (coming from outside the country)...is it slow? We might have 2:10 between flights. Wondering if that's enough in December during the week...

I flew through Cancun in the spring and the line wasn't bad at all..they were still employing the Red Light/Green Light system...thus on the way in you bad got checked if you pressed the button and the Red Light flashed...otherwise it was smooth and clear through customs.

December could be different, but Cancun is such a hot spot that I'm sure they work quickly...enjoy!!

Out of curiosity, does it make sense to exchange dollars to Mexican pesos upon arrival in Mexico, and then exchange for Cuban Pesos upon arrival in Havana? Seems like that avoids the downward spiral of exchanging dollars for Euros (in the U.S.) and the 18% charge for exchanging dollars in Havana. Just a thought, but I admit I'm pretty clueless about this stuff.

quote:

Originally posted by Bobo:
Out of curiosity, does it make sense to exchange dollars to Mexican pesos upon arrival in Mexico, and then exchange for Cuban Pesos upon arrival in Havana? Seems like that avoids the downward spiral of exchanging dollars for Euros (in the U.S.) and the 18% charge for exchanging dollars in Havana. Just a thought, but I admit I'm pretty clueless about this stuff.

The Cuban surcharge for USD is 12%. You're going to take a hit on the spread, twice, to get from USD to anything to CUC. So it depends how much the charge is on the conversion from USD to pesos. I don't know what it's like it Mexico. But for someone close to Canada, or for example flying out of Toronto to Cuba, the spread on a CAD-USD exchange won't be that much so it's cheaper by far. I should expect that the spread in Cancun between USD and pesos would be fairly tight and if so yes, it would be better. A 12% spread is a sign you're off the beaten track, dealing with someone who is a touch unscrupulous or trading in obscure currencies.

Goldtoes: That agency is owned by Dan Snow, the only American thus far who has spent time in jail for 'Trading with the Enemy'...you're better off with a non-US travel agency.

That's plenty of time in Cancun's airport. It's not slow at all. I've always gotten the 'green light' and never had a problem. They are always way more concerned with how many Cuban cigars you have than anything else.

Hey all,

I've had some emails with Dan Snow recently and mentioned Unspecifiedgender's comments. Thought you'd all find Dan's response interesting and worthwhile when considering your travel plans:

From Dan Snow:
Perhaps you might want to know that I (Dan Snow) am the one responsible for the fact that you might have a way to visit Cuba, today. I am the one who has fought all the court battles (15) regarding the "Freedom to Travel" to Cuba. I am the one who started the trips from Cancun and for years was the only person (with my clients) using them. I also started the trips from Nassau. Organizations like Global Exchange and Pastors for Peace will tell you that if it were not for Dan Snow and his willingness to fight......that they would probably not be in business today.

Dan Snow

I don't really know what the purpose of that last post was. But he did not create travel to Cuba anymore than Gore invented the internet.

If you want to deal with someone who's being watched by the feds, by all means...go with him. It's your life. If not, call the toll free Mexicana number or use a 3rd country travel agency.

I wasn't try to start a debate or anything. Just figured I'd put his comments out there. Sounds like he thinks doing business with him is supporting the anti-embargo cause...Er, something like that.

Anyways, yes, true, there could be more risk working with an American when considering travel to Cuba.

And regardless, we appreciate the information you've been posting Unspecified!