Wax Museum - Bayamo

I'm not big on museums/art galleries in Cuba particularly of the permanent variety as their general standard is so low compared to many other parts of the world.
However reading Havana Times today reminded me of one that is really worth a peek if you are going to be in this lovely small city - the Museo de Cera (good word to know if you are prone to blocked ears in whilst in Cuba!) has many famous Cuban figures represented.
Here's a new addition
http://www.havanatimes.org/?p=80421

Cuba experts: how does this look?

This is our schedule when we head east and was wondering what you all thought. Also, if there are any must sees, any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Playa Larga= 3 nights
Cienfuegos= 2nights
Trinidad= 4nights
Holguin (specifically Gibara) 4 nights
Santiago = 3 nights
Santa Clara = 2 nights
Varadero = 3 nights

Am I missing anything that I can't get to on a day trip? Any suggestions?

We are taking the Viazul (and taxis) and was wondering if it is safe to keep our bag (locked) with the Casa owners during the day after we check out when the bus leaves later in the day? Or should we plan on just backpacking for these 3 weeks?

Thank you in advance, everyone!!!

General License

Hello everyone,

I have sent PM to a couple of my fellow posters with respect to the infamous "General License" for those of us who were born in Cuba, and I would like to visit a close family member in Cuba. I got an answer with respect to how the general License and how it works but not on whether I physically have to have a piece of paper when travelling to and from Cuba through Nassau ,Bahamas.

My question to the board is, when clearing U.S customs in Nassau, Bahamas, when returning back to the U.S if asked by the U.S Customs officer, "did you travel to any other country while in the Bahamas", should I say "YES I went to Cuba on a General License to see my Family?" OR?

Thank you all
Juan

Jose Marti airport to Varadero

Hi again,

If my flight from Santiago arrives in jose marti airport at 16.25, I presumably am not going to get into town in time to catch the 17.40 Viazul bus to Varadero, which appears to be the last of the day on that route.

Other than spending 100cuc on a private taxi (on my own), are there any other options to get to Varadero?

I've searched a lot on this forum, but most of the posts on this topic are very dated, so I'm wondering if anybody has any up to date information.

Also, if coming in on an internal flight, can I assume getting through the airport is quicker than from an international flight? Customs/passport check etc?

Thanks again.

Siob.

ps - re my previous posts - I'm gathering as much info as possible so I can make best decision for me! Thanks :)

Cardenas Casa

Can anyone recommend a good casa particular in or close to Cardenas? I would prefer a larger accomodation rather than a single room, an apartment would be great.
Also looking for the same type of casa in or close to Australia? thanks

Currency at ATMs

I have read on other threads that the CIBC Advantage debit card works in ATMs. Can both CUC and CUP be withdrawn from ATMs?

Credit Crad (visa) and Maestro Card - Irish Banks

Hi,

I seem to be getting contradicting advice relating to credit card and bank maestro cards in Cuba. I know ATM machines ca be tempermental and I have decided I wont use any just in case they swallow my card. But can I go into a bank and use my Irish issued Visa credit card with an Irish bank in Cuba to witdraw money? Also Can I use my Irish issued Debit maestro card in a Cuban bank to withdraw money.

Im not keen on the idea of bringing cash for 17 days? and im worried of the cards not working or being accepted,

Thanks for all advice,

David