Travel to Cuba 2015 Frequently Asked Questions and Cuba Travel Tips

Transcription

1 Travel to Cuba 2015 Frequently Asked Questions and Cuba Travel Tips Is travel to Cuba legal? Yes. U.S. citizens are allowed to legally travel to Cuba under a license granted by the U.S. Department of the Treasury, Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC). All trip participants receive a letter of authorization in advance of their travels granting permission to travel under the People-to-People itinerary to Cuba. It is important that you keep this with your important travel documents. You are not traveling to Cuba as a tourist, but instead as part of a People-to-People cultural exchange. What is People-to-People travel? People-to-People travel means the trips are educationally based. The trips are not a form of direct tourism or luxury travel. Guests on People-to-People programs will have personal encounters with Cuban locals including artists, teachers, performers, etc. The programs are designed to encourage meaningful interactions between Americans and local Cuban people. Who is OFAC, and what does it do? The Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) of the U.S. Department of the Treasury administers and enforces economic and trade sanctions based on US foreign policy. What if I am a Cuban-born U.S. citizen traveling to Cuba? There are two categories which Cuban-born U.S. citizens fall into: 1. Those who departed Cuba prior to December 31, 1970 are required to carry either a PE-11 Visa (valid for 30 days and expires within 90 days of issue) or a Cuban passport. 2. Those who departed Cuba after January 1, 1971 are required to carry a Cuban passport, which can be requested and takes three to four months to obtain. The cost of this visa is not included in the price of the program. Please contact us with initial reservation if the above applies to you. Can I travel to Cuba if I am a legal U.S. resident but not a U.S. citizen? Yes. You must have a valid passport from your country of citizenship as well as a residency card or alien card ( green card ) establishing your legal U.S. residency upon your return to the U.S. from Cuba. How do we get to Cuba? You will board a direct flight from Miami International Airport. Can I use airline miles to pay for my flight to Cuba? No. Your flights to Cuba will be aboard a charter flight which will not accept airline miles. The roundtrip flight will also not count towards your accrued miles. What time do the flights to Cuba depart the US and arrive back in the US? Your charter flight will depart Miami International Airport at approximately 9:00 a.m. and arrive at Havana Airport at approximately 10:00 a.m. or depart Miami International Airport at 10:30 a.m. and arrive at Havana Airport at approximately 11:30 a.m. If traveling on the Tale of Four Cities program the flights from Miami to Camaguey will depart approximately the same time. Likewise, your charter flight will depart Havana Airport at 12:30 a.m. and arrive at Miami International Airport at approximately 1:30 p.m. (on some programs an earlier or later departure flight from Havana Airport may be used.) If booking your own return flights please keep in mind that you will need to clear customs. We do not recommend booking a flight before 5:00 p.m. We are not responsible for missed connections when booking your own flights. Flights and times are subject to change. How much luggage can we bring? Programs departing from Miami allow one checked bag (there is a $20-$25 charge paid in cash at the airport) and two small carryon pieces of luggage (free of charge). A limit of 44lbs combined weight of checked and carry-on luggage, per person is enforced. Excess baggage will be charged at the rate of $2 per lb. Baggage amounts/fees are subject to change. What about U.S. airport departure tax? The airport departure tax of $58 is included in our travel programs. This is subject to change. What hotels are we staying in on the program? The program includes one night in Miami at the Miami Airport Hilton OR the Miami Airport Sheraton (if listed on the brochure). In Havana you will be staying at the Melia Cohiba Hotel, the Gran Hotel in Camaguey and the Jagua or Union in Cienfuegos on the Tale of Four Cities program, and Melia Cohiba Hotel on the Havana Then and Now program. All hotels are first class rated. Please keep in mind that American travel to Cuba is in high demand and due to limited hotel availability the hotels are subject to change.

2 How do I sign up / deposit on the program? A deposit of $500 per person is due with your Reservation Form to secure a spot in the program. All space is based on a first-come first-serve basis and we highly recommend signing up early due to the high demand for travel to Cuba. Final payment will be due 90 days prior to departure. Credit cards (Visa, MasterCard AMEX & Discover) are accepted forms of payment for deposit and final payments Who are the Cuban Tour Guides? All programs begin in Havana, where guests meet with their professionally trained English speaking Cuban Tour Guide. Your Cuban Tour Guide will work with you to ensure each individual has the most rewarding experience possible. Trained in the history of the island, and known throughout the cities and towns you explore, you will be met with smiles and welcoming arms everywhere. Your Cuban Tour Guide will provide you with direct access to the people, places and cultural visits outlined in your itinerary and will introduce you to the real Cuba, its people and culture. A CH/IDS Tour Manager/Representative will be in Cuba as well to assist with program needs. Who are the Central Holidays Tour Managers? These individuals are experienced tour managers that handle day to day customer service issues while on the program. They are not responsible for guiding or producing in-depth information on Cuba. It is an OFAC requirement that we have U.S representation on the program with you, our valued guests. Do we travel with a group? Our small group sized departures provide our travelers with the opportunity to enjoy interactions with the people who know the country best the local people. Chances are you ll also travel with like-minded individuals who will share in the experiences and culture of Cuba. Do I need a visa to travel to Cuba? Yes, Cuba requires all tourists to have a Cuban Visa (sometimes referred to as tourist card). We book your flights to Cuba and your Cuban Visa will be given to you in Miami either at your hotel or at check-in at the Miami airport. We require a copy of information page of your passport at the time of initial reservation. Do I need a passport to travel to Cuba? Yes, a valid U.S. passport is required to participate. We suggest that your passport be valid for at least six months beyond the travel dates. Please make note of the expiration date and renew your passport if it is nearing expiration. Non U.S. citizens are allowed to travel on our program. We will require a copy of the participant s passport and green card upon initial deposit and reservation. Will my passport be stamped by Cuban immigration? If you are a U.S. citizen, it is the general policy of Cuban immigration will now stamp your passport. How are Americans generally received in Cuba? Americans are often received with open arms. Many Cubans have American cultural references and many even have relatives, who now live in the U.S. Cubans are commonly described by past travelers as being outgoing, friendly, fun, respectful, and above all welcoming to foreign guests. Most Cubans are always up for any conversation whether it's about politics, sports, music, or anything for that matter. Try to return their courtesy by being open-minded and respectful towards their culture and lifestyles, and share in the fun with them during the spontaneous experiences that arise during your visit. They feel a kinship to Americans and are thrilled to have the opportunity to meet you. What time zone is Cuba in? Cuba is the same as Eastern Standard Time in America. Please note that Cuba also follows Daylight Saving Time. What are the opening hours for banks and shops? Information found below varies depending upon the specific establishment. If possible, it is always best to check in advance. Working hours in Cuba are from 8am-5:30pm during the weekdays, while banks operate from 8am-3pm. Is tipping for services necessary in Cuba? Tipping is greatly appreciated for services received that are not included in your program. (cab drivers, wait staff, barmen, etc.) This provides considerable supplementary income for Cubans and is usually expected. How much do I tip Cuban guide, Tour Manager and Driver? Tips for your Cuban guide, driver and Tour Manager/ Representative are not included in the program price. We recommend budgeting a minimum of $115 CUC local currency total per person for these gratuities (approximately $125 U.S.) We highly recommend $55 CUC per person for the Cuban Tour Guide, $30 CUC per person for the driver and $30 CUC per person for the Central Holidays Tour Manager/Representative. Gratuities provide a considerable supplementary income and are appreciated for excellent service. The gratuities are given out by each traveler individually usually the last night of the tour or the morning of last day of the program prior to departing Havana. Do I need to keep a travel log? Yes, each traveler must keep a record of all transactions undertaken during the program, and should be made available for examination upon demand for at least 5 years from the date of the event. In addition OFAC may require the traveler to produce a detailed report of activities undertaken in pursuant with the people to people program/license. Can I use credit or debit cards in Cuba? No, credit cards and debit cards issued by U.S. banks cannot be used in Cuba. However this may change shortly. Due to the official embargo, U.S. issued debit/credit cards are not recognized by Cuba banks. It s necessary to bring a sufficient amount of cash

3 with you to cover the entire duration of time that you'll be in Cuba. Please keep this in mind as you prepare for your program. Be sure to bring a sufficient amount of cash with you as you will not be able to access cash or your funds while in Cuba. Hopefully by the time to depart US credit card payments will be allowed. Can I use traveler s checks in Cuba? It is possible to bring traveler's checks to Cuba. However, they can only be cashed in very specific hotels in Havana. Traveler's checks used in Cuba are not insured, thus losing their primary feature. They are also subject to an additional exchange fee. At this time, we do not advise or recommend that our program participants rely on or bring traveler's checks as a monetary resource to Cuba. What is the currency used in Cuba? The currency for foreigners to use in Cuba is the Cuban Convertible Peso (CUC). The exchange rate is subject to change at any time, and for the most up-to-date information, we encourage you to visit Cuba operates on a dualeconomy, which means that foreigners use one currency (CUC s), while Cubans use Cuban pesos, which are also called Moneda Nacional (CUP). Foreigners are not supposed to change their CUC s into pesos and are expected to use CUC s for their purchases. CUC s come in the following denomina-tions: 1, 3, 5, 10, 20, 50, and 100. Newer/crisp U.S. bills are recommended for exchange to CUC, in rare instances older/worn U.S. bills are not accepted. Travelers can bring US dollars into the country and exchange them into Cuban Convertible Peso. A commission fee of approximately 12-14% is charged for exchanging US dollars within Cuba. Other international currencies are often charged a fee of around 5-7%. Can I buy or sell Cuban Convertible Pesos (CUC) outside of Cuba? No, Cuban currency is not part of the international currency exchange. Therefore, you will be unable to buy or sell it anywhere but in Cuba. Can I exchange money in Cuba? Yes. Once in Cuba, the airport, tourist hotels, banks and official exchange bureaus operated by CADECA can exchange American or Euro currency for you. Banks are usually open from 8am to 3pm, Monday-Friday. Hotels often have more flexible hours. The process of exchanging money is similar to any other country. Proper ID (passport) is required Can I bring cameras or video recorders to Cuba? You are allowed to bring one camera and one (amateur) video recorder to Cuba, which will be X-rayed upon your arrival at the Havana airport. Official permission from the Cuban government is required to bring expensive, professional video graphic equipment that will be used for journalistic purposes. Are there restrictions on what I can photograph in Cuba? You are free to take pictures of just about anything in Cuba. Similar to most countries, you should avoid taking pictures of airports, certain government buildings, military or industrial installations, and officials in uniform. In short, exercise common sense, ask permission, and refrain from photographing a subject if you have any doubts about its legality. Otherwise, Cubans are quite willing to be the subjects of some of your most memorable photos. It is polite in any culture to ask permission before taking someone s photo, and Cuba is no exception. What is the food like in Cuba? Cuban cuisine is a fusion of Spanish, African and Caribbean cuisines. Cuban recipes share spices and techniques with Spanish and African cooking, with some Caribbean influence in spice and flavor. This results in a unique, interesting and flavorful blend of the several different cultural influences. A small, but noteworthy, Chinese influence can also be accounted for, mainly in the Havana area. During colonial times, Cuba was an important port for trade, and many Spaniards who lived there brought their culinary traditions along with them. Another important factor is that Cuba itself is an island, making seafood something that greatly influences Cuban cuisine. Another contributing factor to Cuban cuisine is the fact that Cuba is in a tropical climate. The tropical climate produces fruits and root vegetables that are used in Cuban dishes and meals. Do I need an electrical adapter and converter? The electrical current in Cuba is mostly 110 volts AC (the same as in the U.S.). Many recently built hotels also have 220-volt AC current. For European appliances and plugs, you will need a voltage converter and an electric adapter plug, although some of the upmarket hotels have sockets that accept round-pin Continental-style plugs and three-pin British plugs. As a precaution, we still strongly suggest that you bring a multiadapter and a 110/220 voltage converter to be sure that all of your electrical devices work properly. Is Internet access available in Cuba? Most hotels have a business centers where Internet usage by the minute or hour is available for a fee, internet service may not be reliable or up to the standards you may be accustomed to at home, with spotty wireless service, slow connection speeds etc. How much are international calls from Cuba? On average, calling from a tourist hotel costs about $2.40 per minute. It is advisable that you always check rates before making an international call, as rates can vary depending on where you are calling from. Can I use my cell phone in Cuba? No, American service providers do not have coverage in Cuba. Your cell phone or PDA device will not have a signal/service while in-country. Although, our travelers still tend to bring these devices

4 with them for their other functions, such as cameras, alarmclocks, and music-storage abilities. Alternatively, calling from your hotel phone might be a far easier option. Another option might be to try and replace the SIM card in your phone/device. You may purchase them upon your arrival in Cuba. However, SIM cards can be quite expensive, and the minute usage associated with them often is as well. Please plan on not being able to communicate via your cell phone while on this program. How much money should I plan on bringing to Cuba? Due to the difficulty of using credit cards or traveler s checks, it will be necessary to bring enough cash with you to last you for the duration of your stay in Cuba. As each traveler's spending habits are different, each person on our program usually brings a varying amount that they are comfortable with. However, as a general rule you should plan on bringing at least as much as you d normally spend on any other vacation. Prices are similar to those in the U.S, and it can be very challenging to obtain more money, if you run out. Past participants have reported bringing up to U.S. dollars per each day of their program (to be used for tips, during free time, or in the case that any incidents do arise). Securely carrying your funds in a money belt and leaving excess funds behind in your hotel safe is also a good idea What goods can I buy? Americans have no restrictions on what they may purchase in Cuba. However, there are restrictions on what can be brought back into the U.S. Persons subject to U.S. jurisdiction authorized to travel to Cuba may import into the United States as accompanied baggage merchandise acquired in Cuba with a value not to exceed $400 per person, including no more than $100 in alcohol and tobacco products. Please note that clothing and other souvenirs that normally can be purchased when traveling abroad are not typically found to the same extent in Cuba, nor is haggling common practice. Paintings/artwork may be subject to a 10% tax upon leaving Cuba. Can I discuss politics, societal matters, and daily life with the Cuban people? Yes, feel free to converse with the Cuban people as you would with the people of any other country that you may visit. One misconception about Cuba is that you should always refrain from speaking with Cubans about these matters. In fact, it would be a shame not to. Cubans are often extremely well-informed, and open to discussing the positives and negatives of their country, provided you are willing to do the same with yours. You will discover that Cubans love having conversations concerning just about everything with outside guests. Just be prepared to grab a seat. There may be occasions when someone is reluctant to discuss a certain topic. If this occurs, simply avoid forcing the issue and move to a different subject. Be civil, keep an open-mind, respect their culture, and avoid making statements that would obviously be inflammatory just as you would anywhere else. Otherwise, the only other advice is to talk with as many people as you can and make some new friends! What is the weather like in Cuba? Cuba has a very pleasant semi-subtropical climate, which is generally warm year-round. Regional variations and trade winds do account for fluctuations. Cuba s average mean temperature is approximately 78 F. Compared to most countries, Cuba experiences little seasonal variation, although the months of July and August can be much warmer and humid with an average temperature of 90 F. Is Cuba safe for travelers? Yes. Cuba is very safe, and the average visitor has little reason to worry about personal safety on the streets, in hotels, or any other place a traveler might visit. Cuban cities are relatively free from street dangers, like violence that are encountered in other countries. Cuba has the lowest crime rate of any country in Latin America. Petty crime does exist however. Purse snatching and pick pocketing are not completely unknown, but are rare compared to most other countries and pose little problem for attentive travelers. Be aware in crowded tourist spots, such as Old Havana. Do I need medical/health insurance to travel to Cuba? Since April 2010, the Cuban government requires that all travelers to Cuba must have Cuban health insurance under an approved plan. Your health, standard of care, and safety are of the utmost importance to us. When you enroll in our program to Cuba, you automatically receive Cuban health and medical evacuation insurance. This policy is not supplemental and provides you with full coverage while in Cuba. Your CTS Air Ticket will include an official stamp indicating you are covered for the Cuban Medical Insurance. Should there be a need, your Cuban Tour Guide will bring you to a hospital or medical facility where you will show the air ticket official stamp showing coverage. Your policy information will be included in your documents. What does the Cuban health and medical evacuation insurance cover? This policy is not supplemental and provides you with full coverage while in Cuba. The hospitals and medical care in Havana is excellent. Your included Cuban health insurance covers medical expenses because of Illness and accident of up to $25,000 while in Cuba. Some pre-existing conditions may apply. Additional details of coverage will be included in your final program documents. You may wish to protect your investment with optional travel insurance. Can I bring goods to donate? Donations are a thoughtful gesture when visiting Cuba. While participants shouldn't feel obligated to bring gifts down to Cuba, it's important to keep in mind that anything you may want to bring will be very much appreciated. Goods are scarce in Cuba and while Cubans are incredibly resourceful, things like clothing, toiletries, school supplies, and toys will be gratefully accepted. You can choose to distribute donations at institutions visited during programming or even people you meet on the street. While unlikely, donations can be collected at Customs and redistributed at the government s discretion.

5 What required documents are needed prior to my trip? Travel Affidavit (This form will be sent to you prior to final payment - (must filled out, signed and returned to our office). Cuba Travel Service Reservation Form (This form will be sent to you prior to final payment - (Must filled out, signed and returned to our office). Valid US Passport for US citizens (A clear copy must be sent to our office with the initial reservation). Valid Passport & Green Card for Non-US citizens. (Cuban born passengers require a different Visa process see note earlier in this document). Roundtrip Cuba Travel Service Airline Charter ticket to Cuba. (Given in Miami) Cuban Visa/Tourist Card. (Given in Miami) Copy of our specific license. (Given in Miami) Copy of the letter of authorization allowing you to travel to Cuba on our license. (Given in Miami) Proof of Cuban health insurance. Cuban health insurance is included in the price of the program and stamped on the back of your airline ticket. (Given in Miami) What should I pack for my trip / People to People cultural program to Cuba? Our program to Cuba is casual. Dress for comfort and convenience with a wardrobe that is adaptable and allows for layering. Comfortable, cotton clothing is suggested. High temperatures and humidity in most areas make lightweight clothing practical. Long pants and long sleeves are suggested for sun and mosquito protection. Evenings in hotels are casual with no specific dress code. Casual resort wear is appropriate for dinner. Most importantly, bring comfortable yet sturdy walking shoes that have already been broken-in. Please Note: Medicines, toiletries and other items that are easily obtainable in drugstores and pharmacies in the U.S. are in very short supply in Cuba, and may be expensive and very difficult or impossible to obtain. We recommend that you pack an adequate supply of your prescription medication in its original container to last through your entire journey, together with a copy of your doctor s prescription (or a letter from your health-care provider on office stationery explaining that the medication has been prescribed for you), a list of the generic names of your medication, your travel documents and a change of clothing in your carry-on bag to avoid any inconvenience in the event that your flight or luggage is delayed. We do recommend that you bring everything that you typically use in your daily life, including the following items: Insect repellant Sunglasses, sun hat, and sunscreen all are vital! Do not underestimate the tropical sun A basic first aid kit containing aspirin, antacids, probiotics, antihistamines, antiseptic lotions, fungal cream, and band aids An extra pair of prescription glasses (not just the prescription, as you will not be able to get it filled) Pocket packs of tissues and antibacterial hand gel (many of the public facilities are lacking in/or charge for toilet paper and soap) Small flashlight Light rain jacket Three prong to two prong adapter A copy of your passport Your preference of Tylenol, Aspirin, Bayer, etc. Casual daytime wear shorts, slacks, long and short-sleeved shirt. A light sweater or jacket for a breezy night or an air conditioned restaurant. Camera, lenses, batteries, memory cards and/or plenty of film. Extra pair of prescription glasses and/or reading glasses (which may be difficult to obtain) Lightweight, comfortable, sturdy walking shoes that have already been broken-in. Battery-operated travel alarm clock. Travel packs of tissues. Small, pocket-sized flashlight. Rain poncho and collapsible umbrella. Any sundries and toiletries you may need. Copies of your travel documents that should be secured in the safe in your hotel room while traveling. Central Holidays has been issued a specific license by The Department of the Treasury, Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC), which authorizes registered guests of our programs to visit Cuba legally. There are no applications to complete, and your travel with us is fully authorized. Prior to departure, you will receive a copy of our Specific License and a Letter of Authorization which legalizes your travel to Cuba. This program is operated by Central Holidays, the license holder. The itinerary provides a full time schedule of activities that result in meaningful exchanges through people-to-people contact. U.S. law requires all travelers joining this program adhere to the full time schedule and imposes on Central Holidays the responsibility to ensure such observance. Changes to the program. We will make every effort to operate all programs and itineraries as disclosed in our literature. However, circumstances beyond Central Holidays control may arise which would require an adjustment to the program and its inclusions. We will do all that is possible to avoid such modifications where necessary.