No advice to offer...haven't been yet but a request: Share some of your experiences when you get back please.
Have fun! WS.
Have fun! WS.
Going to Cuba in a week... anyone have tips or warnings?
- Thread starter CJ Tylers
- Start date
I'll try to share some good & memorable ones. I'm afraid there will quite likely be no salacious details (not that many could compare to Tant's epic trip anyway) as it's not that kind of trip , but hopefully I'll have some good insights and tips upon my return.
Just quick series of tips, since I can't seem to fit them all into one message for a member whose inquiring about Cuba...
1) When you land, buy a lighter and keep it full. Keeping a bottle of rum on you isn't bad either (but be discreet).
2) Only change money at a Cadecea, a bank, or BFI.
3) If you need an advance, only use BFI or Asistur.
4) Always pull money out 3-4 working days ahead of needing it, as you may not always be able to get it.
5) If there as a holiday coming up, the banks may be closed the day before the holiday.
6) Ensure that your credit card and debit card have perfectly working magnetic strips. (cash advance on CC is the easiest was to go)
7) Arrive in Cuba with enough cash for the first week ($500 on average).
8) If you wish to entertain, for any reason, you need a private casa particular. $15-$30 / night.
9) Be careful of any sexual encounters, keep your head screwed on right. You will be propositioned on a regular basis, by women ranging from horrifically ugly to perhaps the most beautiful woman you've ever seen. You will also be, at some point, likely propositioned by... or offered via a manager... a minor. I shouldn't have to tell you that you want to escape that situation ASAP, since if an officer mistakes you telling them to sod off for haggling to engage their services... you could be looking at jail time. I was very disturbed by it, and it happened more than once. A guy I know had a father offer his under age daughter to him... he left that casa immediately.
10)Pick up a Rough Guide or LP guide book and read it. Know some basic spanish. Understand that people are just doing what they have to, in order to survive... don't be one of those typical resort goers that bitches about the locals and the country, while they spend 6 out of 7 days living in a 5 star resort, feasting at a buffet that would feed a local family for over a week etc.
11) There is no festival. You aren't interested in the salsa party. You should be able to tell the time in spanish. No matter how long you've been there, you've been there for 2 weeks. No, you aren't interested in "fuckie fuckie", cigars, or alcohol... and you aren't going to tip them.
12) Santiago de Cuba is the rum to get... make sure you know all of the export laws when returning to Canada.
13) Cigars sold on the street are either stolen (best case) or fake (most likely). They are always passable, but there is no assurance that they are nice or even safe (you don't know what they really put in them, if fake). Do your research before you go.
14) Always keep a mental track of your bill. If the written bill doesn't add up, ask for the menu... double check the prices. If they are burning you, don't leave a tip. Other than that, you can choose to be generous and leave a 1CUC tip for meals (one woman said she just got up to 0.25CUC, which seemed cheap to me), 1CUC/day for your maid...if she does a good job, and 2CUC/day for a driver and tour guide (provided they are entertaining, are informative, and do a good job... for a 6-8 hour trip).
15) Chocolate, especially Milk chocolate, is a great way to tip or make friends without spending money... especially with women. That said, I was horrified when I tried their chocolate... because it's so damned good, that I felt bad for bringing what I did. I'd say that Lindt chocolate or its equivalent, in the milk chocolate variety, is the best thing to bring (just the bags of assorted squares etc, not whole bars).
If people are interested, I'll try to elaborate on the trip more...
1) When you land, buy a lighter and keep it full. Keeping a bottle of rum on you isn't bad either (but be discreet).
2) Only change money at a Cadecea, a bank, or BFI.
3) If you need an advance, only use BFI or Asistur.
4) Always pull money out 3-4 working days ahead of needing it, as you may not always be able to get it.
5) If there as a holiday coming up, the banks may be closed the day before the holiday.
6) Ensure that your credit card and debit card have perfectly working magnetic strips. (cash advance on CC is the easiest was to go)
7) Arrive in Cuba with enough cash for the first week ($500 on average).
8) If you wish to entertain, for any reason, you need a private casa particular. $15-$30 / night.
9) Be careful of any sexual encounters, keep your head screwed on right. You will be propositioned on a regular basis, by women ranging from horrifically ugly to perhaps the most beautiful woman you've ever seen. You will also be, at some point, likely propositioned by... or offered via a manager... a minor. I shouldn't have to tell you that you want to escape that situation ASAP, since if an officer mistakes you telling them to sod off for haggling to engage their services... you could be looking at jail time. I was very disturbed by it, and it happened more than once. A guy I know had a father offer his under age daughter to him... he left that casa immediately.
10)Pick up a Rough Guide or LP guide book and read it. Know some basic spanish. Understand that people are just doing what they have to, in order to survive... don't be one of those typical resort goers that bitches about the locals and the country, while they spend 6 out of 7 days living in a 5 star resort, feasting at a buffet that would feed a local family for over a week etc.
11) There is no festival. You aren't interested in the salsa party. You should be able to tell the time in spanish. No matter how long you've been there, you've been there for 2 weeks. No, you aren't interested in "fuckie fuckie", cigars, or alcohol... and you aren't going to tip them.
12) Santiago de Cuba is the rum to get... make sure you know all of the export laws when returning to Canada.
13) Cigars sold on the street are either stolen (best case) or fake (most likely). They are always passable, but there is no assurance that they are nice or even safe (you don't know what they really put in them, if fake). Do your research before you go.
14) Always keep a mental track of your bill. If the written bill doesn't add up, ask for the menu... double check the prices. If they are burning you, don't leave a tip. Other than that, you can choose to be generous and leave a 1CUC tip for meals (one woman said she just got up to 0.25CUC, which seemed cheap to me), 1CUC/day for your maid...if she does a good job, and 2CUC/day for a driver and tour guide (provided they are entertaining, are informative, and do a good job... for a 6-8 hour trip).
15) Chocolate, especially Milk chocolate, is a great way to tip or make friends without spending money... especially with women. That said, I was horrified when I tried their chocolate... because it's so damned good, that I felt bad for bringing what I did. I'd say that Lindt chocolate or its equivalent, in the milk chocolate variety, is the best thing to bring (just the bags of assorted squares etc, not whole bars).
If people are interested, I'll try to elaborate on the trip more...
Sounds like you had a successful vacation and managed to stay clear of the traps. I'd love to here more details about your trip.
Although you didn't plan on pooning - it appears that you did get some valuable intel about casas and mongering in general - would love to hear more info on that.
Looking forward to continuing installments!
Although you didn't plan on pooning - it appears that you did get some valuable intel about casas and mongering in general - would love to hear more info on that.
Looking forward to continuing installments!
Hey CJ Tylers , Not sure if anyone mentioned this yet as I only scanned through the thread real fast about your trip to Havana Cuba :high5: . I was just in the process doing some research on a trip that I was planning, and had purchased one of those lonely planet books that gives you tips and such about places . Also you can download for free if you have a cell phone compatible a program called tripadvisor , for which has it tons of input and reviews from thousands of travelers around the world. Will assist with Hotels, Restaurants, Attractions, Flights, etc etc http://www.tripadvisor.ca/apps
I thought all the legit cigars were highly regulated? If you don't have the correct stickers on the boxes you are unable to depart with your purchase?
Sure you can buy and smoke whatever you want while in Cuba but exporting is a totally different situation completely.
http://www.cigaraficionado.com/webfeatures/show/id/16124
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Legit cigars ARE highly regulated... and you are saving a significant amount on the purchase. However, it is still going to cost you... and to ensure that you're getting the right quality, you need to go to the actual government stores or the tobacco houses (former government stores turned private, still have official government recognition). Other than that, you're playing with fire.
I picked up a lot of pooning tips because I was approached ALL THE TIME... even in broad day light, as long as you're in the more touristy areas. Even outside of them, you may get caught off guard by a woman proffering herself (or her friends, or her daughter etc). Now, keep in mind... while many people don't mind this business, there are many people that are disgusted by it... if you are walking around with a prostitute, you're going to get grief...I got guff, and all I was doing was telling a jinetero who was trying to get me to see one of his girls to take a hike... just because they overheard me use the word "Chica".
I only used it to get my point across that I was into women, just so he wouldn't try to then persuade me to hook up with a male friend of his.
I'm afraid there are no Tant like adventures, although the Casa la Musica in Habana almost became one. The big head prevailed against all odds... fyi, it's a bad scene in there. 100% of the female population is prostitutes working the crowd...and 100% of the crowd is men looking for a girl to pay for the night. I was not aware of this when I walked in, and I was taken aback. Now you are forewarned...the girls are, however in a word, breath taking. The woman offered $30 for the casa, $40 for the girl for the night (she obviously thought I was 40) and of course, you need to pay for a cab ride to the casa.
Thank god I didn't bring that kind of cash with me... the warning bells started to go off and I bailed on what would've been an entirely memorable experience. And, probably, a very regrettable one as well, as she actually seemed like a sweet girl (she accidentally showed a little bit of her real personality)... I would have some heart break over that one, had I done it. Looks wise, think a hotter version of Beyonce, when we was younger and just hitting her prime. It took steel nerves NOT to go back the next night with the cash in hand... but once I made it past the second night, the rest got easier.
Honestly, speaking fluent or at least decent spanish is going to stand you in better stead than any wad of cash. Go to areas that aren't tourist centers, and you stand a decent chance of eventually meeting someone that would be down to hook up. Will they ask for some sort of a tip? Probably, but they are just as likely to be sheepish about it as they are brassy. I've heard of some people just asking for toothpaste or shampoo.
I've also heard that bringing down a set of spark plugs for a chev 350 can land you a cab for a week. That said, the car situation is a changing thing... I saw BMW, Audi, FIAT, RENAULT, HYUNDAI and MITSUBUSHI over there in significant numbers (they outweigh the classic car market by quite a bit).
Buying bottled water from the local markets is the cheapest way to go... you probably really don't want to drink the local water, especially if it's rained recently. If you bring probiotics and acidophilus, you can probably get away with drinking the local water for a bit... but are you are tempting fate. Their water is actually pretty decent, but there are parasite problems on occasion, as well as other things here and there.
I picked up a lot of pooning tips because I was approached ALL THE TIME... even in broad day light, as long as you're in the more touristy areas. Even outside of them, you may get caught off guard by a woman proffering herself (or her friends, or her daughter etc). Now, keep in mind... while many people don't mind this business, there are many people that are disgusted by it... if you are walking around with a prostitute, you're going to get grief...I got guff, and all I was doing was telling a jinetero who was trying to get me to see one of his girls to take a hike... just because they overheard me use the word "Chica".
I only used it to get my point across that I was into women, just so he wouldn't try to then persuade me to hook up with a male friend of his.
I'm afraid there are no Tant like adventures, although the Casa la Musica in Habana almost became one. The big head prevailed against all odds... fyi, it's a bad scene in there. 100% of the female population is prostitutes working the crowd...and 100% of the crowd is men looking for a girl to pay for the night. I was not aware of this when I walked in, and I was taken aback. Now you are forewarned...the girls are, however in a word, breath taking. The woman offered $30 for the casa, $40 for the girl for the night (she obviously thought I was 40) and of course, you need to pay for a cab ride to the casa.
Thank god I didn't bring that kind of cash with me... the warning bells started to go off and I bailed on what would've been an entirely memorable experience. And, probably, a very regrettable one as well, as she actually seemed like a sweet girl (she accidentally showed a little bit of her real personality)... I would have some heart break over that one, had I done it. Looks wise, think a hotter version of Beyonce, when we was younger and just hitting her prime. It took steel nerves NOT to go back the next night with the cash in hand... but once I made it past the second night, the rest got easier.
Honestly, speaking fluent or at least decent spanish is going to stand you in better stead than any wad of cash. Go to areas that aren't tourist centers, and you stand a decent chance of eventually meeting someone that would be down to hook up. Will they ask for some sort of a tip? Probably, but they are just as likely to be sheepish about it as they are brassy. I've heard of some people just asking for toothpaste or shampoo.
I've also heard that bringing down a set of spark plugs for a chev 350 can land you a cab for a week. That said, the car situation is a changing thing... I saw BMW, Audi, FIAT, RENAULT, HYUNDAI and MITSUBUSHI over there in significant numbers (they outweigh the classic car market by quite a bit).
Buying bottled water from the local markets is the cheapest way to go... you probably really don't want to drink the local water, especially if it's rained recently. If you bring probiotics and acidophilus, you can probably get away with drinking the local water for a bit... but are you are tempting fate. Their water is actually pretty decent, but there are parasite problems on occasion, as well as other things here and there.
CJ
Which currency are you talking about?
I heard you can exchange $C to the CUC but USD was frowned upon.
Also Cubans like to get paid in CUC to avoid long line ups at the bank to exchange $C to to CUC.
Also the $30 above is that $130 and $140 for the SP?
Which currency are you talking about?
I heard you can exchange $C to the CUC but USD was frowned upon.
Also Cubans like to get paid in CUC to avoid long line ups at the bank to exchange $C to to CUC.
Also the $30 above is that $130 and $140 for the SP?
1) There are 2 currencies... Covertible Peso and National Peso. There are approximately 24 national to 1 covertible.
2) USD is no longer accepted in Cuba, but it can be exchanged in money houses... albeit with a 10% surcharge on top of the conversion rate.
3) Cubans are paid their monthly salaries in CUC, and who doesn't like getting more money? National peso is used for street food, buying local vegetables and fruits and many other things... which is why you'll see something like $15 for a single buger, it's actually around 50 cents CUC. They won't necessarily tell you that, and they may try to pay you back in national peso.
Tourists are able to use both, but the are more or less expected to use the CUC. In many places, the going philosophy is that you are a rich tourist, you can pay more for it.
Often you'll hear how they can't afford stuff...one of the biggest scams is asking you to buy milk for their babies. First, real milk is provided up until age 7, at which point they have to start buying powdered milk (which the rest of the family drinks). Second, there are many places with 1 price for locals, and another for tourists.
Restaurants, artwork and drinks (water, rum, beer, soft drinks in individual containers) are always in CUC.
4) I'm not using any code there... that's thirty bucks for the casa (very high, by the way... for a private one w/o room service) and 40 bucks for the girl. Keep in mind, $40 CUC is the average monthly income for the higher earners in the country. Doctors... do not make $40. Cigar rollers in the factories... earn about $40. Anyone involved in the tourist industry (including the sex trade) far outstrip other sectors in income earned.
It's actually starting to cause trouble, and is also the source of the aggressive pan handlers / jinetero / jinetera.
Given the repressed nature and the conditions of the area, I'll let you make a judgement call regarding pooning over there. Remember, they aren't free... they are basically prisoners on the island.
You'll see many single moms, as the fathers just jump ship and get another gal preggers... rinse and repeat. Raising a baby on your own in Cuba is harder than in Canada, just think about that for a moment. Also, don't assume the girl doesn't have a BF either... it's quite common to have a yuma (you) bf to be a sugar daddy...and a cuban bf that you actually want to be with. Even if they marry you... there is nothing stopping them from actually being married down there, to a cuban.
Next on the agenda, since it's related... you might find love down there. Most people (and this includes woman too) just find a financial drain that breaks their hearts and leaves them high and dry, once their private needs have been met. Maybe it's making enough money, maybe it's bringing a child or husband/wife up (whom they'll tell you is just a sibling)... I've heard too many horror stories. There ARE good ones, probably more to the far north and certainly as you progress to the south... but you really have no way of knowing until you get them up here and see if they are actually really happy to be with you, as well as be here.
If there's 20-30 years age difference, or vastly different body types involved... you're just kidding yourself. Strangely enough, even people with similar body types and much closer age demographics get burned just as much. As far as finding something real, believe it or not, there is NO difference in your chances between regulars and industry people. Either they are the genuine article, or they just see you as a wallet. End of story.
I only met one Cuban who seemed to have a good concept of Canada. His brother is living in Toronto, and apparently he hates it. The hours are long, the pay is poor, it's too cold and all of his money goes on rent, food and keeping his car running. In short, the guy I was talking to had no interest in "someday" going there.
Speaking of that, you'll find that every hustler that approaches you has a friend in your city. This means, usually, a sucker that bought them drinks or otherwise was bilked of some cash by them... not saying they can't be good company, and it might be worth it if you have no cash worries... but there you have it. I also heard stories of uncles, brothers and fathers living in Canada (which of course begs the question WHY haven't the found a way to get up here then...especially if it's a father)... and of those people being executed by the Canadian government. Riiiiiight. Get used to the stories, sob fests and absolute BS that will be flung at you, in order to get you to part with some cash.
Don't get mad with them... they are in a tough situation, but don't reward them either. My rule was they had to actually do something useful or VERY entertaining. Also,never tip more than 1 CUC... and probably, even that is too much. 1 CUC is the absolute MAX that anyone should ask for, regardless of what they do... I saw one fella try to extort an American 5 CUC for walking him 4 blocks. I intervened, and the greedy bugger lost out on 3+ CUC because he demanded it. This American was a drunk, heavy tipper... in short, a nice guy that they should be very friendly to and not pester for cash, since he was handing it out hand over fist.
2) USD is no longer accepted in Cuba, but it can be exchanged in money houses... albeit with a 10% surcharge on top of the conversion rate.
3) Cubans are paid their monthly salaries in CUC, and who doesn't like getting more money? National peso is used for street food, buying local vegetables and fruits and many other things... which is why you'll see something like $15 for a single buger, it's actually around 50 cents CUC. They won't necessarily tell you that, and they may try to pay you back in national peso.
Tourists are able to use both, but the are more or less expected to use the CUC. In many places, the going philosophy is that you are a rich tourist, you can pay more for it.
Often you'll hear how they can't afford stuff...one of the biggest scams is asking you to buy milk for their babies. First, real milk is provided up until age 7, at which point they have to start buying powdered milk (which the rest of the family drinks). Second, there are many places with 1 price for locals, and another for tourists.
Restaurants, artwork and drinks (water, rum, beer, soft drinks in individual containers) are always in CUC.
4) I'm not using any code there... that's thirty bucks for the casa (very high, by the way... for a private one w/o room service) and 40 bucks for the girl. Keep in mind, $40 CUC is the average monthly income for the higher earners in the country. Doctors... do not make $40. Cigar rollers in the factories... earn about $40. Anyone involved in the tourist industry (including the sex trade) far outstrip other sectors in income earned.
It's actually starting to cause trouble, and is also the source of the aggressive pan handlers / jinetero / jinetera.
Given the repressed nature and the conditions of the area, I'll let you make a judgement call regarding pooning over there. Remember, they aren't free... they are basically prisoners on the island.
You'll see many single moms, as the fathers just jump ship and get another gal preggers... rinse and repeat. Raising a baby on your own in Cuba is harder than in Canada, just think about that for a moment. Also, don't assume the girl doesn't have a BF either... it's quite common to have a yuma (you) bf to be a sugar daddy...and a cuban bf that you actually want to be with. Even if they marry you... there is nothing stopping them from actually being married down there, to a cuban.
Next on the agenda, since it's related... you might find love down there. Most people (and this includes woman too) just find a financial drain that breaks their hearts and leaves them high and dry, once their private needs have been met. Maybe it's making enough money, maybe it's bringing a child or husband/wife up (whom they'll tell you is just a sibling)... I've heard too many horror stories. There ARE good ones, probably more to the far north and certainly as you progress to the south... but you really have no way of knowing until you get them up here and see if they are actually really happy to be with you, as well as be here.
If there's 20-30 years age difference, or vastly different body types involved... you're just kidding yourself. Strangely enough, even people with similar body types and much closer age demographics get burned just as much. As far as finding something real, believe it or not, there is NO difference in your chances between regulars and industry people. Either they are the genuine article, or they just see you as a wallet. End of story.
I only met one Cuban who seemed to have a good concept of Canada. His brother is living in Toronto, and apparently he hates it. The hours are long, the pay is poor, it's too cold and all of his money goes on rent, food and keeping his car running. In short, the guy I was talking to had no interest in "someday" going there.
Speaking of that, you'll find that every hustler that approaches you has a friend in your city. This means, usually, a sucker that bought them drinks or otherwise was bilked of some cash by them... not saying they can't be good company, and it might be worth it if you have no cash worries... but there you have it. I also heard stories of uncles, brothers and fathers living in Canada (which of course begs the question WHY haven't the found a way to get up here then...especially if it's a father)... and of those people being executed by the Canadian government. Riiiiiight. Get used to the stories, sob fests and absolute BS that will be flung at you, in order to get you to part with some cash.
Don't get mad with them... they are in a tough situation, but don't reward them either. My rule was they had to actually do something useful or VERY entertaining. Also,never tip more than 1 CUC... and probably, even that is too much. 1 CUC is the absolute MAX that anyone should ask for, regardless of what they do... I saw one fella try to extort an American 5 CUC for walking him 4 blocks. I intervened, and the greedy bugger lost out on 3+ CUC because he demanded it. This American was a drunk, heavy tipper... in short, a nice guy that they should be very friendly to and not pester for cash, since he was handing it out hand over fist.
It's a bad scene for a night club that is supposed to be great musical entertainment and dancing. It's a great scene if you're just looking to hire someone for the night. I was the former, perhaps you'd be the latter.
I do not know if the girls are managed or not, but what do you think the chances are that the club allows them to practice without some sort of kick back? The girl that sat with me kind of acted like a manager for them, although she was working herself... it was weird. I'm both happy and regretful that I didn't hook up with her.
I do not know if the girls are managed or not, but what do you think the chances are that the club allows them to practice without some sort of kick back? The girl that sat with me kind of acted like a manager for them, although she was working herself... it was weird. I'm both happy and regretful that I didn't hook up with her.
If you didn't partake then I guess business trip?
Boy, that is sort of a disappointment when you have to watch your back for scams or prison time. Best to poon local.
Boy, that is sort of a disappointment when you have to watch your back for scams or prison time. Best to poon local.
First time I went to Cuba was in 2009, the gentleman I accompanied had been there before. In addition to the types of gifts already mentioned, he brought a Play Boy magazine. We found a friendly bartender “Jose” at a little outside bar along the main strip in Varadora. My “dare” was to buy cigars (with proper box and s labels), and inquire about a week of personal taxi service. When he was agreeable, I also gave him the Play Boy magazine. He loved that magazine.
I’ve been back 6 times, and Jose always shows me and my guest the town. Local bars, shopping & even cooked for us in his residence. Once he helped me when my traveling partner needed medical attention. I’ve met his wife, children and parents. Of course we tip in his bar and treat him well.
However, I can always find Jose in the same bar, and his wife in the same retail store. They welcome me warmly, and for a few tips, always look after me and my guest.
My experience, is it pays to focus on a local and his family, and in return, he will keep you safe and show you Cuba. If they are just looking for a Sugar Daddy (or Sugar Mommy in my case), move on.
Happy travels everyone!
I’ve been back 6 times, and Jose always shows me and my guest the town. Local bars, shopping & even cooked for us in his residence. Once he helped me when my traveling partner needed medical attention. I’ve met his wife, children and parents. Of course we tip in his bar and treat him well.
However, I can always find Jose in the same bar, and his wife in the same retail store. They welcome me warmly, and for a few tips, always look after me and my guest.
My experience, is it pays to focus on a local and his family, and in return, he will keep you safe and show you Cuba. If they are just looking for a Sugar Daddy (or Sugar Mommy in my case), move on.
Happy travels everyone!
Glad to hear that you've got a good rapport with a local.
A word on the playboy though... pornographic material is highly illegal and can land you in prison.
A word on the playboy though... pornographic material is highly illegal and can land you in prison.
I have never been to Cuba or any exotic tropical place but my best advice is to take Canadian Tire money with you when ever you travel to ANY country where you will routinely encounter beggers.They are happy to take it and it takes them a couple of days to figure out it is not real money.Yes it feels like real money and if you are not Canadian it looks like real money.
SR
SR
I have never been to Cuba or any exotic tropical place but my best advice is to take Canadian Tire money with you when ever you travel to ANY country where you will routinely encounter beggers.They are happy to take it and it takes them a couple of days to figure out it is not real money.Yes it feels like real money and if you are not Canadian it looks like real money.
SR
SR
