When he tried to go through Cuban Customs, he was asked what hotel he was going to stay at. He replied, “Hotel Inglaterra”, which he had written in the appropriate place on his tourist card. (Of course, his actual plan was to stay at a casa particular for $20 a night). The customs agent demanded to see proof of hotel registration and/or proof of payment. My friend replied that he had checked on both the internet and a commercial computerized reservation system, and both had indicated that rooms were available at the Inglaterra. The customs agent was not impressed and would not let my friend enter Cuba until he had paid a government travel agent at the airport CASH IN ADVANCE for ALL FOUR NIGHTS he was planning to be in Cuba. And the rack rates quoted by the government travel agent were a lot higher than promotional rates available through travel agencies in Mexico. My friend ended up teaming up with an English tourist who had also been stopped, and they split the cost of a double room. Note that several people of all nationalities, including South Americans, had been detained by customs and refused entry until they paid for hotel rooms for their entire trip.

A Cuban friend of mine said to put $10 in the front page of the passport when going through Cuban Customs. Usually, the agent will just take the money and wave you through. But if he asks, say that it is taxi fare, but it could also be used to buy beer. Then, he’ll probably take it and wave you through.

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