Since the embargo with America, the Cuban government has prohibited each and every business from making transactions with any US bank backed credit card- so, when it comes to Cuba and your Amex, you CAN leave home without it, but just this once! The thing to do is bring enough cash to pay for everything from your hotel bill to tips for the chambermaids. You name it- we paid for it in cash. It’s a nuisance- but, remember it is still illegal for Americans to travel to Cuba. So, you’ll have to take the good with the bad. Our recommendation would be to make a comprehensive list of what you think you will be paying for while in Cuba and plan accordingly. Also, there were hardly any ATMs, so be sure to bring enough cash. Below is a checklist of items that we spent our money on.

Expenditures Check List
Hotel
Taxis
Tours
Meals
Museum/Gallery Admission Fees
Tips (18%, but sometimes gratuity is included- be sure to ask.)
Art/Shopping
Cuban departure tax - Keep $20 US dollars, or $25 CUC (Cuban Convertible Pesos), in cash, on-hand, in order to pay the Cuban departure tax at the airport.

The Cuban currency is Convertible Pesos (CUC), and they can only be used in Cuba. Before you leave for the Caribbean nation, be sure to convert your dollars to Euros. WHY? The exchange rate in Cuba tends to screw Americans on the dollar. They take $.20 for every US dollar. However, they only take $.10 for every Euro. So, if you exchange all your dollars to Euros before you leave you won’t squander as much on the exchange. Every Cuban we met was fully aware of the varying exchange rates, so don’t think you can pull a fast one on them. They’re like walking calculators. And they get super-psyched after you unknowingly ask, “Do you take US dollars? “ So, as we said before, come prepared!

First class costs the same as coach for the flight there and back. They randomly assign you a seat, so if you request first, chances are you’ll get it at no extra cost. Fly Safe!

Health insurance: When traveling in Cuba you will not covered by your US health plan. We strongly recommend that you take out travel insurance.

Assistur: This Cuban Company that helps tourists in need of assistance. If you’re in trouble, you can call 24 hours a day in Havana: (7) 33-8527, 33-8339, 33-8920, 57-1314, 57-1315.

Dress casual during the day, but at night, the Cubans are all about fashion, and expect you to get all dolled up to go out dining or dancing. Also, know that neither you nor your man can wear shorts at night in any public places.

Last but not least, gifts. Everyone who travels to Cuba ends up leaving gifts. We know you will too! Cubans are so friendly and are short of so many things. The best advice we can give you is to bring your old clothes and hand them out at the end of your stay. If visiting a school, you’ll want to bring pencils and erasers.