-Where?

Any why? just use your credit cards, and cary a little spare cash. I used to get travellers checks all the time, and usually brought them home with me.

-If you're shopping in a market in Jamacia, no. If you're at the Ala Moana in Hawaii, yes.

If you are going in Cuba, you can't use Amex travelers checks or Amex credit card.

Esta
I know you probably highlghted the island when you were posting but this does not show in the general forum. You will need to repost with the island name in the title.

Cuba search brought this post up so I'd assume Cuba.

If you're American you aren't supposed to be there spending money so I'd say cash would be the way to go.

Obviously as there is a trade embargo you have to be very careful about what you take out of the country.

It goes without saying that trying to use a US bank card or credit card in Cuba is incredibly stupid. Not only will it most likely not be accepted, the transaction will clearly show up on your statement proving you have been in Cuba. The financial institution will then be required by law to report this usage.

You also won't be able to use US-issued travellers cheques in Cuba. The only way to go is to either just take cash (Cuba is a very safe country) or open an account overseas with a VISA sign on the card so you can withdraw from ATMs.

You should be able to open an account like this in Canada, the UK or Switzerland with ease.

If you want to bring things back you can transport them to your gateway (i.e. Canada, BVI, Mexico) and arrange postage from there. It is best to have absolutely nothing on your person to suggest (or that could be used as proof) that you have been in Cuba.

You can find out much of the information you want at the following websites (in Canada).

Cuba Tourist Board in Canada:

http://www.gocuba.ca

VISA and MasterCard are accepted in major establishments as long as they are not issued by a US bank. American Express cards are not accepted anywhere, regardless of where they are issued. In Havana and Varadero, ATMs are located at the offices of the Banco Financiero Internacional (BFI), and accept credit cards only (VISA and MasterCard).

To export other items, such as art and antiques, obtain a permit from the National Registry of Cultural Objects. Most legitimate vendors have such permits, and can officially stamp your receipt at the point of purchase.
For further info, email the National Registry of Cultural Objects at:

registro@artsoft.cult.cu

or check out these websites for further information

CUBAN EMBASSY IN CANADA
http://www.embacuba.ca/

CUBAN CUSTOMS
http://www.aduana.islagrande.cu/

Hope this helps you out.

Steve