Originally Posted by
LaydeeSarah
Oh I hadn't noticed that before, thanks for the tip. We do have that level of cover, fortunately, however it is through American Express. I am not sure if that would pose an issue?
Are AmEx cards accepted in Cuba in places like hotels or it is mainly Visa/MC?
I would check with AMEX about its coverage - and any countries/services it might exclude. And I would get it in writing. Preferably in English and Spanish. Because if you arrive in Cuba without the necessary health coverage - you have the choice of buying it at the airport (suspect it is kind of a rip-off there) - or going home. I doubt there are a whole lot of people at the Havana Airport who can read English.
I don't think you quite understand the way the Cuban economy works. It works in dollars (perhaps some Euros today - but I suspect still mostly dollars - since the US - especially Miami - is the closest place where most Cubans have family). Unless you're going through a group tour or the like - it is pretty much a cash economy.
We lived in Miami for a long time. And our Cuban friends who have family in Cuba bring stuff to their families in Cuba - and get paid for the stuff in cash (if they can't afford to pay for the stuff as gifts). Some pretty primitive stuff - like Tampax. Also take cash - US dollars - from family members and put it in US banks when they get home.
Overall - although I've not been there - I'd say Cuba is pretty much a second world country with no evidence of luxury tourism. Unlike a country like - for example - Costa Rica - which is also pretty much second world but with some luxury properties these days (although not when we were there).
If I can ever travel to Cuba legally - it might be fun (perhaps more funky than fun) - but only because it's close - and apparently the home of most of the 1957 Chevrolets in the world - ask just about any 66 year old guy like my husband what his favorite car is - and it's the 1957 Chevy
. Probably like Costa Rica 25 years ago - but with more pollution - and more vintage cars
. I am not sure why anyone from Europe would choose to go there - because it's a long trip. If you want a Cuban flavor with a splash of luxury - go to Miami. If you want second world Central America kind of stuff - again with a splash of luxury - try Costa Rica.
And just FWIW - Cuban food is kind of bland and mediocre in general. Not one of the world's great cuisines. Robyn