La Habana (Havana), Cuba

There is a lot to say about Havana, Cuba. This is my 4^th trip here, 3^rd this year alone. My frequent travel here is due to a journalistic project that I have started and I am set on completing. Unfortunately, getting things done in Cuba oftentimes does not happen at the speed of light, or the speed of other countries. It’s a place where you quickly learn that you adapt to it, Cuba will not adapt to you! Albeit frustrating at times, there is beauty in it! It forces you to slow down and be a part of life as opposed to trying to manipulate and control every facet of life. I tend to lose sight of that in the U.S. because, well…iykyk

I’ve been asked, is it legal to travel to Cuba as a U.S. Citizen? And is Cuba safe? The answer to both is yes. U.S. Citizens can travel to Cuba under 12 different categories: The 12 categories of authorized travel to Cuba are: family visits; official business of the U.S. government, foreign governments, and certain intergovernmental organizations; journalistic activity; professional research and professional meetings; educational activities; religious activities; public performances, clinics, workshops, athletic and other competitions, and exhibitions; support for the Cuban people; humanitarian projects; activities of private foundations or research or educational institutes; exportation, importation, or transmission of information or informational materials; and certain authorized export transactions. (https://cu.usembassy.gov/u-s-citizen-services/local-resources-of-u-s-citizens/traveling-to-cuba/#:~:text=The%2012%20categories%20of%20authorized,%3B%20religious%20activities%3B%20public%20performances%2C)

My travel is categorized as journalistic activities however most travelers will qualify for Support for the Cuban People category. Activities should be booked through U.S. companies such as tripadvisor.com, airbnb.com and viator.com. Basically, this means that you are paying U.S. taxes. You should keep your receipts just in case. Also, you will have to stay in an Airbnb or in a house for rent (Casa de la renta) because U.S. dollars are not accepted in Cuba or at least in government owned businesses. And no, your U.S. credit card will not work either. I usually take half Euros and half U.S. dollars. I’ll go deeper in a later post to explain the currency exchange process, or you can DM if you need more urgent assistance. Also, get a sim card. You can order it online before heading to Cuba and pick it up at the kiosk outside of baggage claim in their airport. Otherwise, roaming charges will destroy you. I had two bills from AT&T that were ridiculous and not accurate. You can also ask your Airbnb host before arrival if they have a Wi-Fi/sim card. I would recommend just buying one before arrival and picking it up at the airport. The company is called Cubacel. As with any foreign travel you will have to complete an immigration form which can be done online. I primarily fly American Airlines. You can find a link to the immigration form when you book your ticket with them or just do a quick Google search. Oh…I almost forgot. U.S. Citizens do need to buy a visa (https://cubavisaservices.com/product/touristvisa-card/). I usually receive mine in the mail in about 2-3 days after buying online. If worse comes to worse, I believe it can be bought at the airport in Miami.