Gifts taken to Cuba?

by Joanna
(Halifax, NS, Canada)

I will be vacationing in Cuba (from Canada) and would like to take a bike on the plane to give as a gift to a friend living in Cuba. If the bike is boxed what should I expect with customs at the airport? Are Cubans allowed to receive gifts without having to pay any duties or taxes? Such as shoes, clothing? Is there a limit as to what they can receive?


ANSWER by Vic webmaster Havana-guide.com

The normal procedure is to declare the bike at the Cuban customs on arrival in Cuba. Each tourist has the right to import (allowed) goods with a value less than 50 USD. Above this limit you have to pay import taxes.
See
Cuban customs You can check the latest updates on custom duties on the Cuban customs website:
Cuba customs regulations - Aduana Cuba
This is the official procedure. In practice there is more uncertainty how the customs will react, for example the airport of Varadero has a reputation to be more "tourist friendly" than other Cuban airports. In general with smaller gifts (shoes, jeans, clothing, a cellphone, fragnance, soap) in acceptable quantities you will not encounter difficulties. Regarding the bike, some tourists reported that they passed the customs without problems, others had to sign a document whereby they confirm, that they will re-export the bike to their country of origin after their vacation in Cuba. Normally the import of the bike is only temporarily allowed.
Consider this: some travellers report 100-150$ transportation costs for a foldable bike. Purchasing a bike in Havana can be cheaper (100-200$) Check out the big "Traval" shop in Galiano street Central Havana. Only disadvange the quality is less (Chinese make) and bikes are not always in stock.