Originally Posted by
Timfid
I've heard this before, but I don't understand it. Does this mean that if, for instance, a U.S. citizen flies to Toronto, exchanges a bunch of US $ for Canadian and then uses those Canadian $ to fly to Cuba and spends them there, they are not breaking US law?
No!!! Any US citizen is breaking the law regardless what currency s/he is using. You are spending your money which is the primary point of economic embargo. Like I said, it's not against the law to travel to Cuba, but it is to spend any money while there unless you are given an exemption. Majority of the people that get the exemption are athletes, medical professionals, educators, scientists, musicians/theatrical performers on a cultural exchange, news reporters, some students working on a specific projects, etc.... Cubans that have families in Cuba may go and spend money every 2 years (I think?) correct me if I'm wrong on the Cuban exemption.
The ONLY legal way to travel to Cuba for US citizen is to get an exemption from US Dept. of Treasury.
Any other way is taking a chance. It's possible and done every day but if caught you may face financial penalties. Also if you don't have an exemption then you can't fly US-Cuba non-stop.