What can a tourist bring into Cuba?
 

Can tourists to Cuba bring in

Cameras?
Laptop computers?
Watch with GPS feature?

Thanks

I've only ever taken my camera, but there was no reason to think I couldn't . NO problem .

Absolutely no products with gps, will confiscate, they are paronoid about products with gps.

Laptops are hit and miss depending on which part you are going to, some will permit others will not and as usual you run the risk of confiscation this is cuba afterall and one can't argue too much with their authority, camera,s still, digital video all types permitted.
A note on gps customs was adamamt whether my cell had gps feature.
Happy & safe travels always
Dave

There is absolutely NO PROBLEM taking a laptop computer into Cuba. I take mine all the time. As a matter of fact, it specifically states that laptops are allowed on the Cuban Customs website. (Aduana)

Here's the link...
http://www.aduana.co.cu/turista3.htm

The ONLY thing that MIGHT happen is that you are asked to fill out a registration form for your laptop upon entering the country with it. This seems to be hit or miss and I've never had it happen, but if it does it's really not a problem. It's just a form that you will then show again when you leave the country so they can make sure that you take the laptop back out of Cuba.

The only really prohibited items that a normal tourist might have are GPS or Walkie Talkies. Both are restricted in Cuba. But other than that, all personal electronics are no problem at all.

Thanks Canuck_at_Canada_eh !!
i got startled reading the other post, since i need my mini-laptop after cuba, when continuing to Costa Rica...
aby

pretty sure a Compass, Map to Miami and life-boats are prohibited.

joking aside, the cubans you are allowed to run into in the tourist sections aren't like the slaves on the rest of the island.

http://therealcuba.com check out the page on the "Two Cubas", one of which tourist get to see. Though I have a family member who went on a mission trip and saw the other horrible side.

I was unaware of the gps restrictions in Cuba!

jpniner.... what you wrote is ABSOLUTE NONSENSE. It's an total falsehood to say the "cubans you are ALLOWED to run into".....

As a tourist, other than designated military areas or defined ecologically/archeological sensitive areas (you need a permit), you can wander anywhere on the island and meet/interact with any Cuban you want. Cubans are very friendly towards tourists/travellers from all countries.

I just returned from my 20th+ trip last Sunday night and as usual, had a marvelous time.

As to that farce of a website "therealcuba" well, please, don't make me laugh. Over on the other forums we've talked, disected and shown that much of it is false and photoshopped. For shame on you and the gang down in Miami.

Here, let's let people judge for themselves. A slideshow of images just from my recent trip.
Havana - Dawn to Dusk
http://s3.photobucket.com/albums/y55...view=slideshow

Steve..just came across this thread..absolutely superb night pix!! Brought back so many good memories of visits to Habana...gracias. Your answer to lpniner below is 100% correct in my opinion...the Cubans are among the warmest of people I've met in my world travels!

<i>jpniner.... what you wrote is ABSOLUTE NONSENSE. It's an total falsehood to say the "cubans you are ALLOWED to run into".....</i>

<i>As a tourist, other than designated military areas or defined ecologically/archeological sensitive areas (you need a permit), you can wander anywhere on the island and meet/interact with any Cuban you want. Cubans are very friendly towards tourists/travellers from all countries</i>

stu tower

Steve,

Your photos are magical. They brought back lovely memories.

I suspect jpniner has never visited Cuba. It is a complicated place and does not conform to the simple descriptions put out by those holding on to 50-year-old agendas.

One thing is certain though--as both Stu and Steve mention--the Cuban people are some of the warmest and friendliest people I've ever had the opportunity to meet in my travels.

No trouble with cameras. GPS no way.

I took a laptop as a gift for a Cuban family. Once you have exited passport control they scan your luggage (as if you were going to board a aircraft). I saw a group of Chinese tourists who were dripping with the latest electronic gadgets being asked to open their luggage. Fortunately for me the security staff were having a field day with the Chinese tourists and I just walked through.

The authorities are suspicious of tourists selling laptops on the black market (who can afford them I do not know)and occasionally ask you to register your laptop and check when you leave the country that you are in possession of te equipment.

It really is a hit and miss process depending how bored the customs staff are.

How about a Blackberry? Can I take that? Video cameras are fine?

Regarding the GPS question, I didn't understand what the impact was on whether I can take a cell phone? I'm not actually expecting to use it in cuba (I don't have international coverage) but I'll want it for the trip home.
And as Robessisterinlaw asked, what about a blackberry?

we were not searched or asked about our phones so had no problems with an iPhone

Direct excerpt from Cuban Customs Regulations, found at:
http://www.aduana.co.cu


Under the regime of temporary import, tourists shall import clothes, toiletries and other personal stuff such as:

- personal jewelry
- photographic and movies cameras with a reasonable amount of
films, cassettes and accessories;
- a slide show equipment and its accessories, with the
reasonable amount of slides or films;
- binoculars;
- a portable musical instrument;
- a portable sound reproducing equipment, including tape
recorders, CD and portable discs readers and tape dictating
machine, as well as discs;
- a portable radio;
- a cell or mobile phone;
- a portable TV set;
- a portable typing machine;
- a personal computer and its accessories;
- a portable calculator;
- a baby carriage;
- Toys (under age passengers)
- sports equipment.

Even though some sites say you can bring video camers into the country.....DO NOT TRY AND TAKE A VIDEO CAMERA INTO CUBA. If you bring in a video camera and you get it through be ready to be at the airport very early. They will review all videos in full and more than likely will take all your footage and camera. This just happened to my friends. One had an i phone and they made her delete all video footage. They are very protective to people coming and video taping anything in their country. And hi def cameras are not allowed.

Lazara_Gonzalez, you post of April 23 stating not to take a video camera into Cuba is complete and utter NONSENSE!!!! You can't walk 50 feet in Havana, Varadero, Santa Clara, Trinidad, Vinales, Holguin, Santiago etc and not see a tourist video taping away and capturing memories to take home of their trip. Hell, just go type Varadero Cuba into YouTube and watch the hundreds and hundreds of tourist videos that come up.
But heck.... thanks for the good laugh. You don't happen to live in Miami per chance? LMAO!!!!

Yes, also note that this is "Lazara Gonazalez" first post -- just to slam Cuba. Not a very reliable source IMO although perhaps all this Cold War discourse is just making me unduly suspicious....