July 13, 1999
Web posted at: 10:15 p.m. EDT (0215 GMT)

From Havana Bureau Chief Lucia Newman

HAVANA (CNN) -- The characteristic yellow and black sign of Western Union is back in Cuba.

The American money transfer company opened about 30 branches on the communist island last week after a long absence. The company closed its Cuban branches after the 1962 Cuban missile crisis, when the United States declared an economic embargo against Cuba.

Since then, Cubans living in the United States have had to rely on informal methods to send money to relatives back home. Often the money would be lost or stolen.

But now it's again possible to electronically transfer money between the U.S. and Cuba. And many customers are ready for the convenience.

Maria Magdalena Montes waited outside one of the department stores where Western Union has set up an outlet.

VIDEO
CNN's Lucia Newman looks at the significance of Western Union's return to Cuba. (July 13)
Windows Media	28K	80K

"This is great," she said. "It's not the same for someone to take money to your house or for you to have to find someone to bring it to you from your relatives in the States."

Western Union had been trying for years to get a special U.S. government license to operate in Cuba. The company got the green light a few weeks ago; now, anyone in the United States will be allowed to transfer up to $300 to the same Cuban household every three months.

Note: Pages will open in a new browser window

External sites are not endorsed by CNN Interactive.