Any Americans been to Cuba?
 

I'm a Canadian considering a trip to Cuba. My travel companion is American & says she's heard that the locals are hostile to American tourists. Is this true? Or is it safe for us to go?

Also, other than flying thru Canada, are there any other challenges to her entering & exiting Cuba?

Just be mindful visiting Cuba wasn't a big deal until Bush came into office and the consequences were tightened if you are caught in Cuba illegally. I am a US citizen who has been to Cuba (legally, under the guise of education). Quite honestly, no one would know if I was an American or a Canadian unless I walked around displaying my passport everywhere. Even people I met who knew I was an American really didn't care. So no, I don't think she will encounter any hostility based on her nationality.

Being that it sounds like she is going the illegal route, she will have to ask that they don't stamp her passport. I would be very careful due to the legal consequences were she to get caught.

I agree with Mazey. When we were in Havana, the locals frequently asked where we were from. When we said the US, the usual response was a bit of surprise, followed by a statement that they have relatives in the states.

No hassles at all for us, coming or going, but we were on a legal 'cultural exchange' as well.

Even bypassed customs in Miami, they must have figured we wouldn't be smuggling anything back from Cuba. (It was legal to bring back rum and cigars.)

The majority of Cubans don't really care where you are from as long as you don't come across with an arrogant attitude or disrespect for their Country. There is absolutely NO HOSTILITY towards Americans or any other nationality. Cubans are wonderful friendly people. What they don't agree with is the US Government's policy towards Cuba. But if you stay away from talking about politics no problemo.

They do NOT stamp passports upon entry into Cuba. What they do stamp is a "Tourist Card" that you use to enter Cuba with. Simply not a problem, Americans or not.

I went on a Scuba diving trip with a whole group of Americans who all travelled through Toronto and everybody had a great time and nobody had any hassles at all.

When re-entering the USA, just don't wear your Che T-shirt or have a box of Cuban cigars in your bag.

Had a very similar experience to JeanH.

Spent three weeks there for a cultural exchange and was constantly asked:
"Are you Spanish? French? Russian? Argentinian? Canadian?" Locals would go through a list of countries and never mention the US. When I finally would reveal that I was American, everyone found that fascinating and would mention their relatives in the States. People were warm and friendly everywhere, though I would advise not discussing politics.

Flew through Mexico City with no hassles at all.

With so many destinations within 3-5 hours from points on the US mainland still good for diving below 50 ft. why go to a country that outwardly does not support our basic human rights.
This is not a political ansswer response and I do NOT want to start a political blog, please.
Their are other countries like Haiti that in my opinion fall in the same category. Until these governments relative that their people are suffering income deprevation with almost no tourists or US investments why not support PR, Dominican Republic, St. Croix,etc. where there are still large pockets of poverty and the governments are "somewhat" more interested in the welfare of their people and make it attractive for visitors to know that there is a good deal more personal freedom.
Please can we leave it at that.
I would guess the locals would be friendly because they are nice people and need an infusion of tourist dollars and industry.

"With so many destinations within 3-5 hours from points on the US mainland still good for diving below 50 ft. why go to a country that outwardly does not support our basic human rights."

Having just gotten back from Cuba in answer to your question:
1. Friendly, honest people - we regularly left our beach bag containing a camera on the beach - it was perfectly safe - try doing that in the DR or Puerto Rico or St Croix (all of which I have been to btw.)
2. Beautiful, almost untouched and uncrowded beaches
3. Bargain prices
4. The more Cubans see of the advantages of capitalism, the more likely they are to disavow Communism when Fidel is gone - therefore it seems like not a bad idea to support capitalistic enterprises through tourism rather than support an economic boycott that causes harm to ordinary Cubans. The biggest problem Cubans face in their DAILY lives is a lack of consumer goods (including some pretty basic stuff like over-the-counter meds etc). Those who work at resorts have access to some of the fruits of capitalism (i.e. consumer goods) and believe me they like them and want more. In the end making a capitalistic lifestyle appealing will bring change to Cuba - not economic boycotts.
I feel perfectly comfortable spending tourist dollars in Cuba as long as some of my dollars are benefitting ordinary Cubans.

Hey Canuck,
How is the diving there say compare to Bahamas or Jamica. A couple of us guys have been kickin it around about going but being americans haven't figured out how to get in and out, any sugestions?

Semi a recent article I read indicated that the prices in the tourist resorts are getting very expensive, not costing more than some of the other islands. The article was very Cuba friendly but did indicate that they may be pricing their product out of the market. It was also very clear that there are strict rules about Cubans dealing with visitors.

I suspect when Bush is gone and Fidel kicks the bucket things will change pretty quickly.

that shoud have read "now costing more" not "not costing more"

sorry fat fingers today

"Semi a recent article I read indicated that the prices in the tourist resorts are getting very expensive, not costing more than some of the other islands. The article was very Cuba friendly but did indicate that they may be pricing their product out of the market. It was also very clear that there are strict rules about Cubans dealing with visitors.

I suspect when Bush is gone and Fidel kicks the bucket things will change pretty quickly."

Prices have definitely gone up since I first went to Cuba about 15 years ago.
HOWEVER resorts are now much nicer than when I first went and to compare:
I stayed at a 5 star resort in Cuba. The same type of resort run by the same company would have cost me nearly double in Mexico - so while Cuba is no longer the 'cheapest' place to vacation - it is still a bargain in comparison to other islands or countries in the Caribbean. When I was researching for my vacation, the only other place that could offer me the same type of vacation for a similar (but still more expensive price) was the DR. The only thing I felt was "over-priced" was the CUC (convertible peso) - ridiculously so - Cuba arbitrarily decides on a rate and if you want to spend ANY money in Cuba - you have to use CUCs. I think this is counter-productive and likely does discourage some people from spending more.
As for rules about Cubans dealing with foreigners I can only say that 2 people at our resort went out on their own on rented scooters and interacted quite freely with ordinary Cubans. I assume there are restrictions but I don't know exactly what they are. Personally I was surprised at how resort staff felt quite comfortable discussing what changes they thought would happen in Cuba when Fidel is gone. I assumed they would be more inhibited. Judging from what they had to say I think some changes will come very quickly.

I am an American.
I have been to Cuba. The Cuban people are warm and friendly and they are delighted when Americans come to visit.

With everything going down at Guantanamo Bay, I find Stankase's comment about 'why go to a country
that doesn't support our human rights
policies' beyond laughable. Bout time
you started watching BBC News rather than Fox.

Cubans are friendly people, especially to Americans with USD. It seemed to me that the official "unofficial" money was USD, which was taken with gusto. We felt quite safe walking in the Central area of Havana. ((*))

Cubans are very friendly towards Americans. Fly from another country-Canada or the Bahmamas Don't take US cash-the exchange rate rate is disadvantageous. Take Canadian dollars or Euros. Our favorite beaches. Plan to do a driving tour of Cuba over the next eighteen months. They have some good cycling tours as well.

Do you have a link to any of the cycling tours? I would love to do a long bike ride in Cuba. Last year, I rode around the island of Puerto Rico (330 miles) and it was a blast.

<i>why go to a country that outwardly does not support our basic human rights. </i>

((?))
I guess Americans should be boycotting ...well...America as well. :?

ushana, You &amp; your friend will enjoy Cuba. Have fun and I hope you will post a Trip Report when you get back!

www.bicyclingcuba.com
http://www.transitionsabroad.com/pub...backdoor.shtml

just from google searches

We are Canadians from Vancouver that went to Cuba last year. We went with my sister who is a US citizen and it wasnt a problem you simply have to fly from Canada. Cuba itself is a bit rough but the resorts are fine- I highly recommend an all-inclusive. It is very safe to explore outside of the resort but I wouldnt reccomend advertising that you were american ie ditch the flag on the backpack. The food isnt wonderful anywere on the island so if ur going for a culinary experience dont go. Besides that it was a sunny nice vication. Have fun!!!

I would like to go one day too but as an American I just don't feel comfortablew doing so even though it can be done w/o consquence. And Stan what are you thinking??? If you don't want a political discussion then don't bring one up then act like you want yours to be the last word on the subject! Duh.