Anybody been to Cuba???

Kitchster_uk · 17 Apr 2006 at 11:26

Just a couple of questions, after reading that they won't take anything associated with America, I'm wondering if anyone has used their plastic over in Cuba and also what currency (presume GBP) to take. I can get the exchange rates no problem but as it's a closed currency, I want to be careful and have some plastic backup.

Cheers

megzy · 17 Apr 2006 at 11:38

I've been to Cuba twice, and they will let you use your plastic.
Always make friends with the barmen they will sell you cheap rum! Its good stuff, I think!

Scythe · 17 Apr 2006 at 11:45

I've been Cuba twice. It's very nice and the Cuban currency is the Cuban Peso. Also, as Megzy said, make friends with the barmen and they will sell you rum.

EDIT: You can only use your plastic if its not linked to a American bank (american express , egg, capital 1 etc.)

And get Havana Club rum, 'tis the best

Tis the best!

Kitchster_uk · 17 Apr 2006 at 12:12

The whole issue I think I'm going to have is most everything I have is with HSBC and we have an american connection in that HSBC has branches in the states and owns Household. Will a Mint card be ok???

panthro · 17 Apr 2006 at 12:15

Kitchster_uk said:
The whole issue I think I'm going to have is most everything I have is with HSBC and we have an american connection in that HSBC has branches in the states and owns Household. Will a Mint card be ok???

I think you will be ok with the Hong Kong & Shanghai Banking Corporation. Mint will be fine too as it is RBS.

Kitchster_uk · 17 Apr 2006 at 12:17

panthro said:
I think you will be ok with the Hong Kong & Shanghai Banking Corporation. Mint will be fine too as it is RBS.

Which, although it is a UK company and has been for 11 years, has about 30% of it's interests on the other side of the pond. That's what worries me

wozzizname · 17 Apr 2006 at 12:29

I went last year, for cash take £GB as there's no problem changing that to the convertible pesos tourists need to use there. Didn't have any problems using my Egg card in hotels etc or to get money from cash machines, but there's not much to buy other than rum and cigars (don't get cigars at the airport or the factory as they are cheaper in town at the official shops). Enjoy the Havana Club rum, it's good stuff !

panthro · 17 Apr 2006 at 13:03

Sorry for a slight de-rail but how did you book your holiday and who are you going with? I had a look on last minute, expedia and ebookers but they didnt turn up anything. I am planning on going there some time this year but do want to do a package holiday.

Freefaller · 17 Apr 2006 at 13:06

It's best to take Dollars (US) - you get a better rate. They do now take Euros too. However you will notice that they actually change it to US dollars before changing it to Convertible Pesos (CUC) - don't get fooled into changing to regular Pesos (BCC). They take Credit and debit cards - they also have ATMs.

I have a TON of information of my trip there:

http://forums.overclockers.co.uk/showthread.php?t=17545271&highlight=cuba

panthro · 17 Apr 2006 at 13:16

Freefaller said:
It's best to take Dollars (US) - you get a better rate. They do now take Euros too. However you will notice that they actually change it to US dollars before changing it to Convertible Pesos (CUC) - don't get fooled into changing to regular Pesos (BCC). They take Credit and debit cards - they also have ATMs.

I have a TON of information of my trip there:

http://forums.overclockers.co.uk/showthread.php?t=17545271&highlight=cuba

that was a good read with some useful info. cheers :cool:

wozzizname · 17 Apr 2006 at 13:43

When I went last year they had slapped a whopping surcharge on changing US dollars - 15% I think it was.
It's probably worth checking out the latest info just before you go, as Cuba does seem to change it's policies fairly frequently with regard to money exchange, US banks etc

M0T · 17 Apr 2006 at 13:47

My friend just got back from there. Apparently they no longer accept US Dollars in exchange but they will take Euros and he reckoned it would have been ok to take pounds.

Kitchster_uk · 17 Apr 2006 at 16:50

Cheers for the info - I was sure things had changed recently.

panthro - We booked through Thomas Cook and the holiday was about £1700 for two of us, all inclusive in a 4*+ hotel. The all-in deal also extends to stuff like imported beers and covers 24 hour room service as well. The flight is from Manchester at 11am, getting us to Cuba for around 3pm, meaning no lost day and the flight back is at 7pm, getting us back just after 10am the next day, flying on a Monarch Airlines A332.

Can't wait to go - we fly 7 weeks today!!!

Visage · 17 Apr 2006 at 17:23

When i went back in October we took Euro travellers cheques. Worked a treat, plus you dont need to worry about losing cash....

Freefaller · 17 Apr 2006 at 18:42

M0T said:
My friend just got back from there. Apparently they no longer accept US Dollars in exchange but they will take Euros and he reckoned it would have been ok to take pounds.

When did he get back? I was there a month ago and they still did accept dollars very much so - they make a killing on them.

M0T · 17 Apr 2006 at 18:57

A week and a half ago and thats definatly what he said.