Cuba
For Americans it is very difficult to travel to Cuba. It's not impossible, just very difficult. In short the embargo says you cannot spend any American or money earned through efforts in or with American companies. So if you could find a Cuban sponsor that would pay your entire way, I believe it is possible to legaly travelto Cuba. However, do not take my word, go to the State Department's web site and do your own research. Also, I am not condoning travel or trade with Cuba in any way. I personally wish the U.S. would lift the embargo, but that is a different story.
My friend said there is a 10 percent commission on exchanging American dollars in Cuba. Plus, the exchabge rate is not very favorable. The end result when changing $100.00 U.S. is $80.00 CUC. (Convertable Pesos). So the exchange rate stinks. The 10 percent commission applies to U.S. dollars only, so you are better off bringing Euros or Canadian Dollars. Also, all banks and money exchange places offer the same rate, so it does no good to shop around. It sounds like Castro is making a lot of money this way, because a lot of travellers bring American Dollars to the island not knowing they are going to be fleeced!
The Cuban Nationals don't use the Convertable Peso, they use a different national peso. They also shop for food and other goods at different stores using this money, and foreigners cannot shop at these places. Of course, people involved in the tourist trade receive tips in ConvertablePesos, so they are able to shop at the better stores. My friend said it is Socialism meets Capitalism. The Cuban people are very proud. They are all educatedand make to best with what they have. They seem to take pride in themselves--you will see owners buffing their old patched-up 1956Chevys, and sweeping the floors of their crumbling abodes,my friend said. He said it is anyones guess how they really feel about the "revolution."
Well, my friend smoked plenty of cigars while in Cuba, and he got the skinny on all the cigar shops in Havana, so look for that information to come!!
My friend said there is a 10 percent commission on exchanging American dollars in Cuba. Plus, the exchabge rate is not very favorable. The end result when changing $100.00 U.S. is $80.00 CUC. (Convertable Pesos). So the exchange rate stinks. The 10 percent commission applies to U.S. dollars only, so you are better off bringing Euros or Canadian Dollars. Also, all banks and money exchange places offer the same rate, so it does no good to shop around. It sounds like Castro is making a lot of money this way, because a lot of travellers bring American Dollars to the island not knowing they are going to be fleeced!
The Cuban Nationals don't use the Convertable Peso, they use a different national peso. They also shop for food and other goods at different stores using this money, and foreigners cannot shop at these places. Of course, people involved in the tourist trade receive tips in ConvertablePesos, so they are able to shop at the better stores. My friend said it is Socialism meets Capitalism. The Cuban people are very proud. They are all educatedand make to best with what they have. They seem to take pride in themselves--you will see owners buffing their old patched-up 1956Chevys, and sweeping the floors of their crumbling abodes,my friend said. He said it is anyones guess how they really feel about the "revolution."
Well, my friend smoked plenty of cigars while in Cuba, and he got the skinny on all the cigar shops in Havana, so look for that information to come!!
posted by Paul at 11:25 AM
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