Visa cards work best in Cuba and are available in almost every Cuban city. With a Mastercard you may have problems at the ATM, but you can definitely use them to withdraw cash at the bank counter (be careful: queues).
At the moment, the import of GPS-enabled devices, including GPS-enabled smartphones, is (actually) prohibited. As I said: “actually”. We have never heard of a case in which Cuban customs officials confiscated a cell phone from someone upon entry. The same applies to GPS trackers.
We keep hearing that GPS-enabled devices don’t work in Cuba. That’s not entirely true. In the Sierra Maestra, we had a GPS tracker with us on our hike and it worked perfectly.
In the meantime, the laws in this area are being relaxed step by step. Nevertheless, GPS navigation systems are still not allowed in Cuba. It is best to get a map in advance or install an offline map. That’s what we do when we travel with Cuba Buddy. One recommendation that we use ourselves is Map of Cuba offline.
If you need more tips, please feel free to ask us. The current apps have the advantage that they contain street directories, maps, points of interest, etc. and you can also enter your accommodation, for example.
We can also recommend Maps.Me, as the app works great offline. Install the apps while you are still in Germany and start them to test them. Often some settings still need to be updated or maps downloaded. So really take a short time in Germany and test all the apps. Try to see it as the start of your Cuba adventure. That way it will be more fun and easier.
It is advisable to take a supply of cash in euros with you. You can also withdraw money from ATMs using credit cards. However, depending on the current availability of cash, this can involve waiting times. It is therefore advisable to carry enough cash with you. With the right credit card, withdrawing money abroad is even free of charge. It is advisable to take several credit cards with you. In general, Visa cards work better at ATMs than Mastercards. If withdrawing money from ATMs does not work, it is possible to withdraw money at the bank counter by presenting your passport. However, this often involves long queues. Credit cards from US credit companies are generally not accepted at ATMs. It is therefore advisable to stock up on enough cash, as you should not rely on the number and functionality of ATMs in Cuba.
Since there is no guarantee that the ATMs will work, you should always carry enough cash with you. The availability of ATMs also leaves a lot to be desired. ATMs are mainly found in Havana and Santiago, and occasionally in smaller towns. As with credit card payments, a 10 percent tax is charged for using the ATM. It is best to withdraw cash from bank ATMs as rarely as possible to avoid unnecessary costs abroad. In isolated cases, unfortunately, a credit card can be held in the ATM during the transaction. You should not despair in this case. If you have problems with your credit card, you can contact the service agency Centro de Tarjetas Fincimex SA in the Hotel Habana Libre (Tel.: 0053 7 554466).
You can find the most detailed description of customs regulations on the website of the Federal Foreign Office . Here are excerpts from the most important topics so that you don’t have to search for long:
Only take things that are for your personal use or that you can do without. Excess quantities may be confiscated because they are considered unauthorized gifts.
“Electrical devices may also only be imported to the extent that they are intended for personal use, not as gifts for Cuban citizens. For gifts (non-commercial imports) with a value of between 50 CUC and 250 CUC, customs duty of 100% is levied. Further information is available from the relevant Cuban diplomatic mission abroad. The import of walkie-talkies, satellite phones and GPS devices is not permitted or requires prior approval from the relevant Cuban authorities. Laptops, cameras and mobile phones with GPS function are not affected by this. The import of fresh food (e.g. fresh sausages, dairy products, vegetables, fruit) is prohibited for health reasons.”
Do not take any objects from Cuba that could be considered Cuban cultural property. This may also apply to older coins. Information on this and export permits are available from: Bienes Culturales, Calle 17 #1009, entre10 y 12, Vedado, Telephone: 839658. The permit only costs a few pesos, but saves you potential trouble when leaving the country.
“Export regulations for tobacco products
Up to twenty (20) loose cigars may be exported without having to provide proof of origin and purchase. Up to fifty (50) cigars may be exported provided that they are in their original, closed, sealed packaging with an official hologram. More than fifty (50) cigars may only be exported upon presentation of an original invoice issued by the officially authorized state stores. This invoice must include the total quantity of tobacco intended for export. In these cases too, it is essential that the cigars are in their original, closed, sealed packaging with an official hologram.
Detailed information on Cuban import and export regulations is available on the Cuban Customs website at www.aduana.co.cu.”
You can obtain further customs information on importing goods from the embassy of your destination country. Only there can legally binding information be given.
You can view the customs regulations for Germany on the German customs website at www.zoll.de or inquire by telephone.
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