Cayo Coco Travel Forum

am pretty nervous about taking it in case it gets confiscated because of the brand
we're staying at the melia cayo coco in june, with 3 nights in havana- has anyone else booked/ been on this package thru thomas cook as we're a bit sketchy on the itenerary once we arrive!
also, is it best to take sterling or euros? and will my maestro or mastercards work if they need to in an emergency?
many thanks!

also (just thought of this one) does anyone know the duty free limitations flying to the UK with regards to cigars/rum/etc?

thanks again!

You can check the cuban customs in the internet, to see the latest information. To my knowledge, cameras, computer and ipods/mp3 players for personal use are not prohibited. You will clear customs and immigration at La Habana International Airport. dont expect to breeze through the customs, as the immigration lines move fairly slowly and if there are more than one flight from europe (as they are on most days), you can expect to stay in line for a little.
Whatever currency you bring, the government would charge you 11 per cent to change it into the local convertible currency. If you bring USD, the charge escalates to 21 percent. Visa and Mastercard/Maestro are acceptable and the charges are the same 11 percent.
Mastercard/Visa are acceptable at many of the outlets of the banks and money exchange counters called Cadeca.
Petty theft is common so be careful with your belongings.
All the best

All personals belonging won't have any trouble,it's law. If you need some more info about, just tell me, I would let you know where to find some info about.
Best wishes.

sterling or euro - it doesnt matter. If your english, obviously will make sense for sterling. Hardly any cash machines and many small business will not take credit cards. why will ipod be confiscated ? I took mine ...

sorry if YOU'RE english... tut tut terrible grammar

i was just wondering with it being an american brand (as far as i am aware) if there would be any bans on taking it, but obviously not!
thanks guys!

the whole Cuba hates america thing is a bit of a myth. A few Cubans asked us if we were American and only had good things to say about them. Even the tourist guides who are VERY pro-Castro will point out Cuba only has a problem with the US government, and NOT the American people... equally I think Americans are probably fed stories about dangers that await them in Cuba...

As others have said, dont worry about your ipod- it is just things like DVD and VCR players that are prohibited..
Your Maestro card will not work as it is a debit card, though your Mastercard will be fine aslong as it is not issued by an american bank (ie capital one credit cards, which are offered in the UK are issued by a US bank and so therefore wont work unfortunately)

hope this helps, enjoy your trip

Hi, with regard to card payments. Does anyone know if Visa debit cards are accepted or is it just credit cards. We seem to have had conflicting information from our travel agent with regard to this.

Thanks