A Cuban woman living in the United States took to TikTok to share her experiences of traveling to Cuba, offering practical advice on packing and navigating the island's customs fees. Her video, posted under the handle @atrevetebyrosy, has attracted thousands of views as she outlines the baggage restrictions and costs encountered during her recent trip back to her homeland.
"The carry-on luggage rules depend on the airline you choose to fly with," she began in her TikTok account.
Understanding Airline Regulations
Each airline has its own set of rules regarding the weight and size of cabin baggage. However, the real hurdle seems to be upon arrival in Cuba, where customs officials enforce strict oversight on the weight of the belongings travelers bring with them.
Customs Charges in Cuba
Based on her experience, excess weight in Cuba is charged at a rate of $10 per kilogram, which breaks down to $5 per pound. This fee applies to any luggage exceeding the duty-free weight limit.
"As far as I know, in Cuba, they charge $10 per kilogram, which is $5 per pound," she clarified.
Duty-Free Allowance
The traveler pointed out that visitors are allowed to bring up to 66 pounds duty-free. This allowance includes various personal items such as family gifts, clothing, shoes, and other essentials needed during the stay on the island. However, she warns that surpassing this limit could lead to customs officials eagerly imposing additional charges.
"You have 66 pounds duty-free, which includes the miscellaneous items you bring for your family, plus your clothes, shoes, luggage, everything. If you exceed this and are lucky, they might not charge you, but they're on the lookout," she added.
Travel Tips for Cuba
For those planning a trip to the island, the insights from this Cuban resident in the U.S. can be invaluable in avoiding unexpected customs fees and maximizing their baggage capacity.