Off to Havana...need info

[rgkv]

Leave this weekend, first time, probably last. Have never been to another country twice except the States.
I am staying in Miramar at a resort, hope to be out and about as much as possible.
Question I have is this. Most of the hotels I am lead to believe will have money exchange services. I hope.
Do they give cash advances at these places too using a VISA card?

 

[mrgreek]

You will find it difficult to use your Visa card anywhere in Cuba other than hotels. Exchange rates at hotels are awful for cash transactions. I would be very surprised to see a hotel giving cash advances with a credit card. You're in Miramar ... lots of banks close by that you can go to. But again ... I'm not even sure banks in Cuba give cash advances on Visa. Bring Cdn. dollars ... no problem with that....

Leave this weekend, first time, probably last. Have never been to another country twice except the States.
I am staying in Miramar at a resort, hope to be out and about as much as possible.
Question I have is this. Most of the hotels I am lead to believe will have money exchange services. I hope.
Do they give cash advances at these places too using a VISA card?

 

[rgkv]

You will find it difficult to use your Visa card anywhere in Cuba other than hotels. Exchange rates at hotels are awful for cash transactions. I would be very surprised to see a hotel giving cash advances with a credit card. You're in Miramar ... lots of banks close by that you can go to. But again ... I'm not even sure banks in Cuba give cash advances on Visa. Bring Cdn. dollars ... no problem with that....

I was hoping I wouldn't have to go with a couple of thou cash on me....and if a bank there will not give me a cash advance what's the point of going to a bank?

 

[GPIDEAL]

There are many other threads on this topic.

Pro travellers include Senor Don Draper, Senor 'The Fruity Hare', Hilfiger and moi aussi.

You should change some initial money at the Cadeca money exchange office right at Varadero's airport but there are Cadeca's at CERTAIN hotels (not everyone of them) in Miramar such as the H10 Panorama. A cab driver might take you to a public Cadeca not inside a hotel.

The Copa Cabana Hotel in Miramar used to have a Cadeca but not last year.

The exchange is better than at reception or the front desk of any hotel so don't exchange money there.

The H10 Panorama had bank machines where you could get cash using your credit card but I would rather go to the Cadeca wicket. (Once those ATM machines were out of order).

 

[rgkv]

There are many other threads on this topic.

Pro travellers include Senor Don Draper, Senor 'The Fruity Hare', Hilfiger and moi aussi.

You should change some initial money at the Cadeca money exchange office right at Varadero's airport but there are Cadeca's at CERTAIN hotels (not everyone of them) in Miramar such as the H10 Panorama. A cab driver might take you to a public Cadeca not inside a hotel.

The Copa Cabana Hotel in Miramar used to have a Cadeca but not last year.

The exchange is better than at reception or the front desk of any hotel so don't exchange money there.

The H10 Panorama had bank machines where you could get cash using your credit card but I would rather go to the Cadeca wicket. (Once those ATM machines were out of order).

It's the H10 Panorama that I am staying at so lets hope that works...thanks for the info and I have a question out there to Senor Don asking the same thing. I mean how does a person get cash, I don't want to use my credit card, I put extra money on my card that has a zero balance before I go so I take cash advances paying any interest. The only other way is to take a lot of cash, which I really don't like.

 

[world ruler]

take about 8-900 us for the week. It'll be more than enough. There are lots of scams going on with cash advances (both machines and banks) in Cuba presently. It's been in the news. Also dont rent a car. Staged accidents are frequent and then pay up front with police included. Miramar is safe. Walk to the market during midday and choose someone to pay for their groceries.......

 

[The Fruity Hare]

I am going tomorrow. I have used both bank card and Visa when I run out of cash. I use the bank machines in Havana. If ever you are in an emergency situation where none of them work, your travel company or the Canadian Consulate can help you with some cash.

Whenever you exchange money, whether at the airport cadeca, a bank or hotel, always check your money in front of the cashier, and very firmly ask for the cuenta. Almost every time I exchange money in Varadero at the airport they try to rip me off, from a few CUC to up to over 40CUC. They are not shy to steal your money, do not be shy to confront them if you think they are wrong.

 

[The Fruity Hare]

take about 8-900 us for the week. It'll be more than enough. There are lots of scams going on with cash advances (both machines and banks) in Cuba presently. It's been in the news. Also dont rent a car. Staged accidents are frequent and then pay up front with police included. Miramar is safe. Walk to the market during midday and choose someone to pay for their groceries.......

Could you elaborate on the scams, especially regarding the machines?

Thanks.

 

[Mover001]

Rgky, International sex guide has a lot of info. Here is a link
http://www.internationalsexguide.info/forum/forumdisplay.php?148-Cuba. Mod. If links are not allowed I am sorry.

Leave this weekend, first time, probably last. Have never been to another country twice except the States.
I am staying in Miramar at a resort, hope to be out and about as much as possible.
Question I have is this. Most of the hotels I am lead to believe will have money exchange services. I hope.
Do they give cash advances at these places too using a VISA card?