US Cards in Cuba

[SadieN]

Just had an interesting issue pop up and haven’t seen it discussed.

 

When calling in Travel Info to your bank do not tell them you’re going to Cuba.

 

DD is traveling to Cuba on a sanctioned 5 day trip and also stopping in Panama for another 5 days. She will be bringing enough US cash and not using her card in Cuba

Called our bank and they were going to stop her card for the whole trip (not just the Cuba part). Couldnt get it reinstated until she got back to the US. Would have been fine if the card was going to be put on hold for the days she will be in Cuba, but for the whole trip?! Outrageous.

[pbenjamin]

With one exception (Gateway Bank) US cards can't be used in Cuba. There's no reason to tell your bank you are going there.