6 Tips For Visiting or Travelling to Cuba and Why We Wont Ever Be Going Back!

Good to know. My boyfriend wants to bring an expensive camera to when we go to varadero cuba in January. How are they with go pro?

I hate traveling. I do not know why this is in the suggested video list. The airliners, hotels, rental cars or taxis, the disorientation, food, strangers, I hate it all, especially the strangers.

So you took 4 cameras and an assortment of lens and related equipment...lol., and was parading one inside the airport?
I decided not to take my camera as its not the the 3/4 compact camera and I didnt want to watch it both inside or outside and inside the hotel room.

So you are not going back because you are clueless and dont know what communist culture at a governmental level works? And you had it in your hand at the airport instead of its bag?

I'm a privacy advocate and I was shocked how they take and keep photos of you to be able to enter the country. But you are entering a communist country....they are suspicious of everything.
I wouldn't even attempt to take a photo anything even remotely official or government looking in Cuba...just use common sense.

But flipping around my suitcase with my equipment in it like that would of really upset me since the bottle could of broke the camera

Just wondering when was the last time you entered if you ever entered a major U.S /Canada border crossing with a large population...maybe some place from Ontario?

We are going next week for the first time And comone everything is better then this one minus -45 edmonton alberta Just don't be too much piki

Sorry to hear your feelings were hurt.

Stay in Canada or stick to Europe for your vacations. Both of you are too clueless to travel outside of your comfort zones.

😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂 wow, Canadian ehh. You crack me up!!

I’ve been to Cuba a couple of times myself, but not sure I’d call these tips so much as an anecdotal account.

Thank you for sharing your experience. I am heading to the same resort by myself this week and I was thinking about bring my insta360 camera with me but now i'm hesitant? We do get a lot of questions about the camera when we are out on the bikes with it in general. People still don't know what it is? I think I will leave the cameras at home this time and just enjoy my days in the sun with my sketchbook!
Thanks again for sharing, Bonnie 🇨🇦

Obviously you are prejudiced people. You were not in Paris or London/. There are places which may mot meet your dreams. Or you are just not right person to visit Cuba. I have been there 30 times to see the best and ignore what did not suit me. Just do not go. Cuba would not miss you. In right time there are people from as far as Italy, even your England and Argentina. BEAUTY LIES IN EYES OF BEHOLDER AND HATE in HEART.

Must not travel a lot most of the stuff you’re going through a standard when you’re travelling your august in another country you’re not a citizen I understand. It’s very stressful. I’ve been through it, but I realize something along time ago if I want to travel, I’m going to another country where I am a guest. I am a paying guest, but I am still a guest.

Want this comment to be honest. Having a camera out in an airport in any country is typically a very bad idea. So much more so in a communist country. The unintended consequences of your innocent, “mistake” could have been so much worse and often is for many people. My wife is a photographer so can appreciate your desire to document your travelling experiences. In Cuba, taking photographs of any military, police or other government personnel, “yes including airport and airport staff” will land you in hot water. Glad you got through the experience relatively unscathed. Sorry it put a blemish on your holiday

Typical Canadian sorry for tipping 🤧 I recognize the waitress in your video

Holy Moses! Get to the point people! Your video is pure torture for people who actually want the advertised info.

Anyone traveling to Cuba on vacation is doing nothing more than directly supporting the communist dictatorship

Don t put Cuba all in the same boat if you went to a bad resort don t put Cuba all in one you get what you pay been their 7 times and i love Cuba.

I suggest going to Jamaica instead !
Instead of paying $2000 , you will pay about $6000 , but it will be worth it

In wich resort you where??

Man, what a shock! Thank you for your honest sharing.

You are both idiots. Been to Cuba 16 times,from the first time to the last,I'm that well educated,but still just had the minimalist of common sense to know to always keeping the same protocols to knowing it,is a socialist communist country ,so don't pls don't act stupid ,,well for your sake,hope it s an act

sorry you had this experience but speaking from a security point of view, the rescanning of your equipment is mandatory and is totally protocol each and every time you leave the sterile area whether it be with an officer or on your own you are subject to additional screening , yes each time ..doesnt matter if you just went through it or not, if you touched your belongings it is subjected to additional screening procedures. now because they did it so often Im thinking that their x-ray machine is not the best image quality and they needed to be certain of what they saw...also the shaking of your bag leads me to believe that too many things grouped together and the image was not clear enough to see items inside properly. they needed to shake things up in order to release the way things were packed to see all items clearly. and yes if someone seen you taking pictures at the airport(outside or in) then that is cause to pull you over into secondary for questioning. those are the rules. travelling with camera gear is iffy at best because of the x-ray image they are super dense and x-ray have troubling seeing through it so to be honest Im surprised they didnt tear apart all your luggage to see all the equipment that you had packed. Hopefully this gives you a few answers as to why you were singled out . Dont blame Cuba they are just following the security rules they are imposed at each and every airport , some follow and are more strict than others.

We have been to Cuba 10 times from Holguin to Havana and never at the same resort, the last time was from Mar 25th to April 2 2023. We have never had any issues arriving or leaving Cuba and I travel with a Canon camera in a pouch attached to my belt. As usual I remove all item including belt and camera and send it through the X-Ray machines with no problems what so ever. One year we even took walkie talkies which a big no no but didn't read the fine print until we returned home but did declare them upon arrival on the documents supplied. We could have been in trouble but noting came of it. We really like Cuba and will be going again next year.

JJJ ,CUBAN GOVERNMENT CAN BUY ANY FOOD AND MEDICIN FROM USA ,BUT THEY NEED TO PAY CASH.... NOBODY TRUST CUBAN ..1.THEY NEVER PAY ,ANYWAY CUBAN GOVERNMENT IMPORT MORE CHIKEN FROM USA THAN FROM ANY ANOTHER COUNTRY STILL THEY HAVE A PERFECT RELATIONSHIP WITH CANADA ,MEXICO AND THE REST OF THE WORLD BUT THEY DONT PAY

I visited Cuba just 2 weeks ago and I had a wonderful time. You hear all these things about Cuba...you should do this, or you shouldn't do this. If you want to know what Cuba is like, then...go! Yes, there are very poor parts but there are also well-to-do parts. You will see old structures being refurbished; they are rebuilding Cuba. Yes, some neighborhoods have lines for the mercados and rations and some don't. The U.S dollar is very well received and much preferred, you will even see some places with prices in U.S. dollars. The CUC...convertible is no longer used or in circulation, it was decommissioned for 8 months now. Yes, they prefer nice crisp foreign currency because when they deposit it the banks, the banks will not accept if in worn condition. Also, go on free walking tours that are offered every day, you will learn an in-depth history of Cuba. (When you first arrive in Cuba, customs will take a picture of you, ask the address of place of stay and will enter in your phone a stay of entry form...I told them my phone didn't work, so they wrote down my info instead. Also, I have my pink tourist card as a souvenir as Cuban customs didn't even care for it but still get one in case.) JUSTGOTOCUBA

You guys seem like inexperienced and uninformed travelers, the resort had no beach, but it did have a beach when you looked? Cuba's food shortage is worse because it gets it's food from Russia? in 2022 Cuba imported $309M from the US, and Canada $225M, and Russia only $1.2M. Cuba gets over 80% of it's food from the US. And as far as the security issue, I've had the same experience in the US and Mexico, most searches are random, and you were "picked". Why would you pack a bottle of rum next to camera equipment?
🤣

We have been to Cuba numerous times, both pre-CUC and post-CUC. A little research before returning each time should prepare you. Our first trip back post CUC we easily obtained an MLC credit card at the airport for purchases in stores. They are good for two years so if you don't use the amount you convert, you can save the card for a future visit. Also, not sure where you got info on Cuba not being able to get goods from the U.S., but that's not true. Basic research from our earliest visits tells anyone that the Cuban government is highly suspicious and one should NEVER film Cuban officials, police, military, etc. Even the appearance of possibly trying to take pictures at the airport might not have been a good move.

I stop counting how many times I've been in Varadero! NEVER experienced something simillar like that. My two friends are professionals in photography, never had any issues with authorities there. No.1: respect them. They have enough of western countries (especially USAs) "love" for last 60-70 years. They live in the jail all their lives. Never eat decant meal. Never ending story. But they are proud and do not like disrespect.

I have to say that I listened to the end of your video mostly because I too am a photographer and travel a lot including many trips to various parts of Cuba. Not only do I carry a small camera bag but typically, I take a rolling camera bag including two camera bodies, at least 3 lenses, flash, and many accessories including, usually, a tripod. Also, lately I have taken a Go pro as well. Without prejudice at all, and in all fairness, this was your fault. When you approach any customs office or officer with a small video camera, (even in Canada) you will garner attention and, you will be investigated. There are many reasons for this, but surely you can see where this can be a problem. I have never, had an issue in over 16 visits. Yes, occasionally, they will check my camera bag and maybe do a swab but that happens in the European countries I have travelled to and in the U.S. as well. It's fair. They have a job to do. It's always been polite and it's them doing important work. In Germany, they took me into a back room because I had a 70-200 lens that a Jr. inspector, for some reason, had an issue with. His superior scolded him and apologized to me for the inconvenience. He was just inexperienced. No big deal. Customs people in general are great people doing an important job. They have rights too and video taken (or perceived to be taken) while going through customs (even with a cell phone) is not acceptable - anywhere.

The resorts as you say, generally, are awesome as are the wonderful people who work there. Yes, there are a few shortages but as you said, 'no one went hungry'. And, remember, you likely paid 1/3 rd (or less) of what you might have paid in other locations. Often, when you calculate the flights etc. it's hard to comprehend how they can offer these rates. Bug..sand flies (no-see ums) are common in all tropical areas. The worse time I ever had with them was in Sanibel Island Florida. It's seasonal to some extent and not just in Cuba. So, I do appreciate all of the comments, concerns except at the end. I honestly believe you would have experienced this anywhere. It's your prerogative of course but, in my opinion, not fair. Try the same thing in ANY future destination and let's see if the results are any different - you may find even worse.

your attitude is showing. Cuba is for the adventurous . We loved it . Fascinating. The music was wonderful.

We are going to Cuba in two weeks. This is the first time we are going there and I am doing all kind of research to be prepared. This video is really helpful. I am sorry for your experience. I hope your next trip is more enjoyable.

So you really never went to Cuba you went to a resort. have been so many times going back in a few months because I can't get enough I stay with families in Casa particular

I don’t blame you. I don’t know how much I could take before I’d snap and probably end up in Cuban jail. So I better go somewhere a little more tourist friendly, thanks for the heads up I thought they treated Canadians better than that.

I wasted 5 FKNG minutes , to watch this SHT !!? U guys r lowest tourists ... jc don't leave america PLSSSS ...

It seems like an “All inclusive Resort” and Cuba are oxymoronic. This is really a cultural experience over relaxation type of location. Vacationers should stay away, and travelers should make sure they do their research. Good video

It had nothing to do with your camera gear.

Cuba has so much potential, but the backward authoritarian regime is holding it back.

Thanks for your experience as Americans. I went twice this year for my fiance there and the second time the air bnb wasn't like it said it was. First time havana and really enjoyed it. Second time was in another city to meet family

We are heading to cuba for our second trip. I'm American (with permanent resident status in Canada) and wife is Canadian. I had to go into a separate room for questioning while entering Cuba. It was pretty quick and they let me continue. I'm bringing my camera with two lenses but the lap top will stay at home. I can edit when I get back. I will make sure to have extra SD cards. They will all be blank when I go and only tourist pictures when I leave. And I've already been told, don't even think about bringing the drone. Maybe I'll make a comment on this video after we get back and let you know how I made out.

I have been to Cuba 55 times...And listening to people like you around all the resorts, granted there are very few of you, when I met them I changed table. This video is so ignorant, not knowing anything about Cuba and its issues with the US war on the island. I had a lot more issues crossing the US border, once put against a wall, shoes off, pockets emptied and they ransacked my car, but I am still going to the US. So before you put out such nonsense, educate yourself on the subject. Thumbs down to your video.

next time I go to Cuba I make sure to take a few mayo ang ketchup packets !

😂😂😂 You guys are idiots……!!!!! 😂😂😂

Im sure they wont miss you either !!!!! you want to see abusive officials ? go thru US customs / inmigration officials !!!!

Your doing it wrong. Its not Cuba.. its you. do your research before hand and dont bitch when you mess up

My husband is Native (Mohawk in Ontario) and he gets hauled over and accused of being Cuban after a haircut and a week in the sun when it's time to leave , finally let him through when we were boarding the plane ....has happened in Mexico too . We got married in Santiago de Cuba and after more than 30+ trips just to Cuba (it used to be 325.00 A/I for a week so was going 3-4 times every winter ) they would see me in the line and call me by name to the VIP wicket. Stopped going 5 years ago when we noticed the shortages were getting worse . It is hard to enjoy my time knowing they have nothing and are hungry .

I really want to go, but Im doing lots of research, Im thinking cayo coco sounds great, the reviews and everything Ive found is excellent. Cuba is definitely a place you want to be prepared for. Don't go unprepared, bring lots of stuff you need, bug spray, sunscreen, multiple forms of payment (Canadian cash, Canadian credit card, Debit and exchange a small amount for tips or souvenir vendors that might not accept anything else) Just be very prepared, do research well in advance and pack accordingly. Bring snacks, bring your own toiletries, bring appropriate clothing. If you pack well and smartly you can easily pack all the necessary things without a problem. Be careful bringing valuable items, sentimental items and expensive items. I feel that if you lose something of value or it gets stolen it'll ruin your entire trip. I don't see the point in bringing a laptop to a country that doesn't really have the greatest internet connections. I think think the only things I'll be bringing is my phone and a disposable camera. not losing expensive technology is more important than high quality pictures.