Currency exchange

is it possible to exchange dollars for cucs at the Miami airport? Also does Cuba have any cell service at all? Lastly, I read people bring gifts to the Cuban people, any ideas or suggestions? Thank you.

No. You cannot exchange any currency for CUCs outside of Cuba. CUCs are basically Monopoly money and worthless anywhere else.

Cuba does have cell service. Check with your provider to see what the charges would be. I have AT&T and I could have used my phone, but I think they wanted $3/min.

If you take "gifts," the Customs people have been known to sift through them and tell you some things are not allowed, when in reality they will just take them home for themselves.

...Lastly, I read people bring gifts to the Cuban people, any ideas or suggestions? Thank you.

Unfortunately, previous poster is correct that not all of your "gifts" may be allowed. It seems to be hit and miss though and from my (and airline friends') experience, almost everything gets through. Pretty sure there are other lists out there, but here are some items that we have brought and "left behind."

Basic "gifts":

• the number one item seems to be toothbrushes and toothpaste, especially kids' superhero ones
  
• shampoo and conditioner (I bring large bottles and never had them taken away; sometimes travel sizes disappear)
  
• mouthwash
  
• feminine hygiene products
  
• rubber bands, hair bands, scrunchies, combs and picks, etc.
  
• band aids, gauze, polysporin/anti-bacterial cream, medical tape, etc
  

"Gifts" because you know they will be used by a child:

• pencils and sharpeners, erasers, coloring pencils, scissors, construction paper, note paper, notebooks
  
• baseballs, soccer(foot) ball and pump/needle (assuming not inflated)
  
• baseball gloves, particularly left handed (worn on right hand)
  
• baseball caps, if you are going to buy some, check out where current Cuban players are in MLB
  
• have not tried this one yet, but have had many hints for baseball bats
  

Hope this helps!

Cheers!

Roehl