Is the Caribbean Transfer card still a thing?

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erricker
erricker

Hi all!

I'll be heading to Cuba for 4 weeks this summer. I'll be going with Jakera, so my accommodation and 2 meals a day will already be provided for me. They recommended budgeting $40-60 per day for my other meals and any other activities I may want to do.
The way my money situation is looking, I'll be able to bring about 60% of that with me, but then I'll get paid partway through and would like to be able to withdraw from my end of June paycheck. I'm an american, so I can't do that directly from my bank. But I have family that would be able to transfer it to a card for me - such as the caribbean transfer card.
I've searched on the forums for info on this card, but all the posts about it are from over 3 years ago (that I can see).
TL;DR - Here are my questions:
1) Keeping in mind my accommodation is already paid for and 2 meals a day (breakfast and lunch) are provided, is $40-60 per day too little/too much/just right for 1 meal and an extra 2-3 activities per week?
2) Is the caribbean transfer card still recommended for american travelers to use? If not, is there an alternative if I'm unable to bring 100% of the cash I would need up front (due to paycheck schedule)?

Sorry for another 'american in cuba money' post, but all the other posts weren't quite answering my questions.
Thanks!

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Gemma13579
Gemma13579

Perhaps apply for a Stonegate credit card and use it to get a cash advance:
https://www.lonelyplanet.com/thorntree/forums/americas-cuba/cuba/here-are-costs-for-cash-advances-using-stonegate-mastercard

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erricker
erricker
In response to #1

I've considered this, but I'm wary about applying for a credit card. My current credit isn't the greatest, and I don't want to take a hard hit with an application.

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YanquiBoy
YanquiBoy

You can send money through Western Union for a fee, I think they'll hold it for pick up in the recipients name for 30 or 90 days,not sure exactly.

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greslogo
greslogo

If you insist on a card, AIS. The one you mentioned is no more.

Why smoke good cigars when there are great cigars.
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erricker
erricker
In response to #4

On their website it looks like only cubans can get an AIS card? "The application of a AIS card can be done by any Cuban resident".

It doesn't have to be a card, but I would like to be able to get money part way through my stay in Cuba.

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YanquiBoy
YanquiBoy

The Western Union money transfer is done in literally minutes and you can pick up the money anywhere on the island.

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erricker
erricker
In response to #6

Have you used WU to receive money? Are US Citizens allowed to be the receiver? If so, this would be great!

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YanquiBoy
YanquiBoy

I have sent money and yes WU sends money to US citizens, call them, the process can be done over the phone,online or at any of their agent offices in like 5 minutes from registration to transfer. They'll even list the locations in Cuba where you can pick up the money.

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erricker
erricker
In response to #8

Have you successfully picked up money in Cuba from a WU transfer? I'm more worried about the receiving end, not the sending end.

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