Off to CUBA! any advice?

[erexpill.com]

- Im off to Cuba on Jan 9th for two weeks and believe it or not ive never been there yet . I was wondering if I could get some tips from folks that have been there. Now I've been to several South American countries but dont know a whole lot about Cuba other than the touristy stuff I se on t.v. eg: 'Dont Forget Your Passport', 'Lonely Planet' ect

Some queeries I have are:

1. Language: I know Cubans are some of the most educated on the planet, so do a large % speak english or partial? p.s. I do speak some spanish

2. Currency : obviously they dont take US money, but I was surprised to find they dont have ATM's really to speak of. Ive been advised to take canadian cash (sound right?). Also can you exchange CDN at many places in Havana?

3. Accomadation: Now im paying $498 + $202 tax for return flight from Van - CGY - Vero Dero but not getting any accomadation. As soon as I land im heading to Havana for my entire trip. My question is: Is their alot of Hotels to stay at in Havana?, and how are peoples homes to stay at?, can you bring back dates? p.s. Keep in mind im not a penny pincher so cheapest is not my concern.

4. Food: From what people have told me the Cuban food is the shits. Im rather picky about having decent food to eat while on vacation so are their good restaurants that stand out readily available in Havana?

5. Nightlife: Any places you can suggest?. Ive heard the Tropicana is a good place to see?. Also, what are the hours of most bars/nightspots?

Thats all I can think of right now but please feel free to offer any valuable advice you can pass along

 

[smackyo]

my friends were there a couple of years back and they said all anybody uses is the american dollar. i don't know though cause you hear so many conflicting things but i was told that the u.s. dollar is the main currency there.

i would assume canadian dollars are easy to exchange given our close realationship with cuba. he said that used cuban paeso's the least in their trip.

 

[agentman]

Alot of the tourists there are from Europe. Quite a few from Spain and Italy. If you want 2 chat it up with the other visitors, bring a quite reference language dictionary for some of the main European countries. If you are lookin' 4 cigars, watch out, alot of the street vendors sell knockoffs. If you have time go2 to manufacturing places 2 get the real deal or go2 the hotel gift shops
(a little pricey but guarenteed the originals, still way cheaper than buying it here).

 

[FuZzYknUckLeS]

U.S. dollar was the currency there until late 2004. Not anymore.
Castro banned it to retaliate against the embargo.
They even charge a hefty commission to exchange the Yank bucks.
You're basically stuck using the peso now.

 

[frombe king]

cuba

My gawd Dude you are gonna have a blast. So number one DO NOT DRINK WHITE RUM.... that;s the shitty stuff they will try to give it to you anyway but insist on the dark stuff. Look around your hotel and ask anybody who works there IE: chamber maids , tour guide , etc. etc. for a place to go get a lobster dinner, if a guy says taht he will cook you one at his house do it, we did that and it was the biggest best lobster dinner i ever had for 10 $ US each. So about a half a mile away from the BARCELO SOLYMAR is a night club that is on the beach in a cave, YOU MUST GO DUDE...... it is a favourite of the locals. DON"T swim at night cuz of the lemon sharks, So like i went down with the wife and i can't tell you about any possible pooning. I know ti is around though jsut have to ask. If you like cigars , try a few of the government shops, you can buy one and smoke it in house with a drink of your choice. Also if you can get your hand on USED baseball gloves and balls to take down with you , you will be a gawd, use them to trade for info. Any way if you need to know more or have a question PM me an i'll do my best to answer.

 

[LonelyGhost]

bring Canadian cash but be discrete about paying with it.

gifts for the ladies are always appreciated and golden tender

car parts ... check on line, but they have problems getting parts for thier American classics ... you may go far on sparkplugs and air filters!

 

[JustAGuy]

I have friends that go to Cuba fairly regularly and they make a habit of bringing along bars of soap, toothpaste, shampoo, chocolate bars and other items to give to Cubans with whom they interact. The Cuban people have been hit hard by the embargo and such items, which are inexpensive and don't take up a lot of room in your luggage, are greatly appreciated by the locals.

As Fuzzyknuckles pointed out, the American dollar is no longer accepted there and Cubans can get into big trouble by having any in their possession. Be sure to spend all your Cuban pesos before returning as they are completely worthless outside the country.

 

[smackyo]

good point about the yank dollar. i was not aware of that. makes it more attractive to go to cuba now. things will be cheaper once there now that you don't have to deal with the exchange rate that goes against us.

good idea about the ball gloves and balls too. never though of that.

 

[Herb_The_Perb]

Beisbol, man, besibol!!!
How come no one has talked about that?
If you have any questions about it, call Kit Krieger in Van -- he runs baseball tours to Cuba.

 

[Ray]

You can't use credit cards issued by any bank that has a branch in the US.
No Visa, Mastercard, or obviously, American Express. No travellers cheques.

Canadian dollars is fine.

 

[erexpill.com]

- Thanks for the suggestions gentleman. I will check out the club in the cave for sure (sounds cool), and the idea of taking some used baseball equip. and old Chevy parts is brilliant as well . If Cuba is anything like Colombia women wise then im in for a treat .... cant wait!. I'll give a full report with pics when I get back

ps. Keep the tips coming.

 

[eclecticme]

Habana

There is at least a C level english in Habana in the businesses. There is a 10% discount on US currency and so you will find lots of locals and govt officials trying to sell you theirs as they cannot exchange it without a 10% loss. If you go to the discos in the hotesl like the "Havana Hilton" - their disco is on the rooftop and the roof opens at midnight (when it is not raining) - the women will find you (do not worry) and tell you that there is a possibility to spend time with them but will not be explicit. You will not be allowed to take them in your room but there are "special" apartments nearby (about 1 minute away by cab) where you will be taken. You can let the concierge know and you will be safe.

There is systemic poverty and so leave all your toiletries, aspirin, toothpaste, deodorants, etc. Your chamber maid will appreciate it. You need room for the cigars and rum anyway.

Have a great trip.

p.s. The women are absolutely gorgeous and accommodating!

 

[Cappy1]

cigars - is this nutz or what?

Does anyone know what the cost of good cigars are at the stores? (I assume government.)

Dropped into a local shop in town and they were asking $45 each for a Cohiba. I paid 'em $2 bucks just to open the lid so I could smell one.

 

[make it clap]

ok, I assume you are gonna be in Verradero, the tourist trap. try to get into Havana for a night and try to do more than just go to the Hemmingway Cafe and the standard stuff.

Make sure you check out the Revolutionary Museum (an amazing testament to struggle and war, it sounds crazy but is like a ripleys exhibition).

Take a guided bus tour around the city which stops at the massive open air markets - where you will then buy all the crap you need.

Don't bother with the cigar factory tours, dont bother buying name brand cigars either (so many fakes anyway). there are a few good local manufacturers located in Verradero who can show you the whole process if you are really interested and their product is just as good as anything around (and waaay cheaper). Buy torpedos or churchills as a rule.

Stay away from all prostitutes and the beaches after dark. Drink only cuba libres and german beer. Fresh steamed seafood will be your best bet for food at restaurants.

Lastly, make sure you have at least one photocopy of all your important documents. Pickpockets are a bitch.

 

[InI]

Language you will pick up enough spanish to get around real quick. Most Cubans speak some English. In the tourist places they all do

Currency I heard that they now have special tourist currency which is the only currency you are 'allowed' to use. Check on this BEFORE you go. Take lots of cash, it is an expensive place since you are using an artificially inflated currency. You will not have access to local pricing unless you are with cuban people.

Accomodation Private houses are called 'casa particulares' and cost about US$25/night/person 3 years ago. Illegal in Valadero bur if you ask around you can hook up with one. Hotels are quite variable, make sure you see the room before you agree on one.

food Cuban food is very bland. Makes sure you ask for hot sauce to go with every meal (salsa picante). Be carefull with vegetables that cannot be washed esp. lettuce. Cucumber and tomato are fine.

If you find a hotel with a breakfast buffet then go for it. Incredible value for money - may not need anything else til late evening. The Hotel Miramar has a good breakfast buffet.

Ask for American coffee not cuban - 'cafe americano' I believe. Need to ask for cafe negro if you like it black otherwise the default is with milk.

Best drink IMHO is a mohito - dark rum and lime and soda. The cubans do not measure the shots typically so be careful - in the hot sun it is easy to get hammered quickly.

There are places where entry includes all you can eat or drink all day for less than $20. Not in Havana tho.

For restaurants - eat where the locals do - not the tourists.

Bars

Find the local's bars. Often live music late at night.
Cuban beer is good

Other Most bathrooms are without paper - take your own TP with you and take it everywhere you go.

Carry bottled water with you everywhere. The local water is unreliable and needs treating before drinking. It is often turned off anyway.

Do not take cell phones - customs will confiscate them on your way in and give them back when you leave. May be old info tho.

Talk to the locals, they are great people.

Always carry some local coins for tips at the banos. There is usually an old lady by the door who will 'give' you paper towels or maybe TP for a few centavos.

http://www.cuba-junky.com/havana/havana-city.htm


I'n'I

 

[Ais]

Not sure if this is too late but I have spent some time in Havana. I have stayed at the Melia Havana. Nice hotel and would stay there again although it is further away from downtown and old havana than some others but cabs are cheap. There are also some nice hotels downtown but can not remember there names at the moment.

There was an excellent outdoor club downtown by the water called 18xx (can't remember the last digits) but is is hard to miss if you drive on that main road.

If in doubt just go walking around old havana and you will find many helpful people. People there are great. Some will see you as a bid dollar sign, but be nice and all is good.

Woman are great and they will find you, do not worry. I was told 'everyone is for sale in Cuba' and it is true.

Have fun.

 

[Cock Throppled]

English speaking people are fairly easy to find in Havana and they are very friendly, but appreciate any attempts at Spanish.
Look on line for Casa Particulares - these are regular folks who earn foreign currency by renting out rooms. Some in Old Havana are gorgeous old mansions - run down, but very cozy. Be careful what you put into the toilets - the plumbing regularly breaks down.
Bring condoms - they have none and are very much appreciated. Much lighter to carry than car parts. They appreciate any toiletries like soap, shampoo and medicines like cough syrup, tylenol, antiseptic, etc. It is a very poor country.
The women are gorgeous and everyone manages to be very clean despite the poverty.
Watch for the jintineros - guys on the street that can get you anything. Some are friendly, informative relatively harmless con men ( low grade cigars our specialty), but others are either major crooks or gov't agents. Keeps your spidey senses at full alert. These guys are everywhere. A simple no gracias usuallly fends them off.
There are two currencies - the Cuban Covertible Peso and the local peso worth about one tenth. I quickly learned at the local places to pay with local pesos and save a bundle. They are reluctant to give or accept them though unless you are with locals. Bring Euros or Canadian. There is Bank of Nova Scotia in Old Havana that will convert.
Food is not bad, but can be bland and repetitive. Look for the creole restaurants. Also a few Chinese places in Havana with huge portions.
Jinateras - women street hustlers will find you at any hotel or club. They can be great fun and often speak better english than anyone else.

 

[erexpill.com]

There is Bank of Nova Scotia in Old Havana that will convert.

- Are you 100% sure? -- thats awesome if true cause thats my bank . My buddy told me that their was Scotia Bank in Colombia before we went and their wasnt anything remotely close

 

[Cock Throppled]

Yes, it is a beautiful sandstone coloured building with magnificent columns. Sorry I don't remember the street, but it is on Havana Vieja near a pharmacy (that's how I spotted it while dropping off supplies). Old town isn't that large. You'll find it either just walking around or ask at a tourist place near the Capitol building. Oh yeah - try to get out west, too. The scenery is great. Tourist buses (they are called Viazul) leave regularly from Malecon and near capitol square. Everything can be booked from the hotel in that square. Think it's called Hotel Ingleterra.