Secure License From U.S. Treasury and Update Passport at State Department

• Homes and land in Cuba are most often passed down to other Cuban families (called "permuta")
  
  Because of strained United States-Cuba relations, Americans who aren't who just want to get into Cuba and who are not politicians or journalists must apply for a license from the U.S. Treasury Department Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC). Visit the link in the Resources section to view the forms that apply to you and that must be filled out. Different forms exist for families and single travelers.
  
  In addition to securing a license, updating your passport is key. Visit the link to the U.S. State Department in the Resources section for steps pertaining to your situation.
  
  Only Cuban nationals can own property in Cuba. If you are a foreign national, you must rent. You can view extensive rental property listings at www.cuba-houses.com, www.cubaccommodation.com and www.havana-rentals.com.
  
  It is a common myth that the Trade Embargo Act has an effect on how individuals spend money on Cuba. In actuality, the Act was set up to limit how much business large corporations and companies based in the United States can do with Cuba.
  
  

Throw Away Your Credit Card and Learn Some Spanish

• Despite the fact that it is so close to the United States, English is rarely spoken on the island of Cuba
  
  While all major traveler's checks are accepted, American-issued credit cards are not accepted in Cuba, because U.S. banks won't pay the Cuban merchants. Before you move, pay off those balances and cut up the cards.
  
  While Cuba is in very close proximity to the United States, outside of hotels and embassies, little to no English is spoken. Study up on some Spanish to get by for the first few months while you're adjusting to your new surroundings.
  
  Put aside some money for calling cards. Making calls to the United States, which most Cuban phones are set up to do, costs about $2.00 per minute.