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Forsaken_Exercise_67 t1_j9jccxu wrote

It could be because “Cuba” is a flagged term on Venmo- they don’t want to be in violation of US economic sanctions.

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pizzatongs t1_j9jqsfx wrote

Precisely this. We had friends Venmo us a wedding gift for a honeymoon to Cuba and they made the mistake of mentioning "Cuba" in the memo. Funds were captured for a couple of months until after an investigation.

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goodsam2 t1_j9kayey wrote

I've heard that the embargo is purely an American thing and that you go to Jamaica and accidentally find yourself on a boat to Cuba is the easiest way to do it.

Canadians and Europeans travel to Cuba somewhat frequently from what I hear.

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pizzatongs t1_j9kcx9x wrote

Not sure how rules changed in the prior administration, but we were able to fly direct from the US into Cuba, but had to have an approved reason with the State Dept. We went for "educational" purposes, and were told there had not been a check on any of those declarations in 20+ years. And tons of Canadians there!

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goodsam2 t1_j9kduix wrote

Yeah I think under Obama you didn't have to be under educational pretenses. Then Trump said you had to and now I think it's like educational groups again only.

Or go to a second country then Cuba as long as you aren't trying to keep a top clearance for government work you are good.

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rabit_stroker t1_j9kzsjb wrote

My ex sailed from the keys to Cuba on a 25ft boat with absolutely no issue

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Colt1911-45 t1_j9ki866 wrote

I would hesitate to visit a country that my home country has no diplomatic ties to. If you were to end up in legal trouble for any reason you will not be able to rely on your embassy to negotiate on your behalf or offer any kind of advise or assistance. I would love to visit Cuba and I think it is dumb that we still have such a frigid relationship with our close neighbor, but I'm not gonna put my ass on the line to go on a vacation.

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351WindsorMotor t1_j9koibp wrote

There is a US Embassy in Cuba. The US has a diplomatic relationship with Cuba. The embargo limits US citizens and businesses from trading with Cuba.

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Colt1911-45 t1_j9lxwjq wrote

I did not know this. Thank you for correcting me.

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351WindsorMotor t1_j9miawv wrote

I agree with your sentiment. I would not willingly travel to country where the US does not have an embassy.

That said, Cuba is a interesting place to visit. The people I met were very friendly, and I almost always felt safe. I encourage others to visit and see a different way of life.

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Colt1911-45 t1_j9mj3op wrote

I just watched a video about visiting Havana the other day. I love the architecture and seeing all those old American cars still driving. The commentator said a lot of Canadians visit. He was mostly walking down regular streets showing where the average resident shops and lives, not the touristy areas.

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351WindsorMotor t1_j9mmftm wrote

In Havana, we stayed in a house with regular folks near the Colon Cemetery in Vedado. We had fantastic meal in a neighbors garage/restaurant. We did have the chance to ride in an old Chevy, and an 80s Lada. Most of our trips were in more recent Chinese-made car.

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madmoneymcgee t1_j9jyvbc wrote

A friend has an embarrassing story about sending someone his stake for that year's fantasy football league but putting a message in there about "money for isis recruiting" or something like that and it locked out their paypal account and became a whole thing for a while.

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fluufhead t1_j9k7uj7 wrote

Thanking god my freedom is being protected in this manner rn

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