General Info

[PincheCabron]

How was the oriente santiago, camaguey?


Yeah, Cuba es Cuba. I think the time has come for me to broaden my horizons and look for an alternative destination. If there was a bit less crime in Colombia, I know where I would look for my new Cuba.

It's sad. Like Beersterry said, Cuba is fast becoming a shithole.

[El Rey De Pollo]

how was the oriente santiago, camaguey?

i've never been crazy about santiago, but gave it another go. as ususal i left with a feeling of having wasted my time. girls were scared, weather bad and food horrible.

in camagüey the food was decent, but the weather was even worse for my two days there, so hardly any people (and girls) on the streets and in the clubs. i actually met a regular girl there who i took to my casa (registered and all), but next morning i couldn't get rid of her and i had a hangover the size of hurricane ike, that i had to carry with me on the road to trinidad, so all in all not a good night either.

yeah, i know, i'm a regular partypooper, but cuba just basically sucked (at least girls-wize) this time around.

[Spiroshouse]

Dear friends

I am married with a cubana ex-athlete but I don't think so that marriages beetween cubans and foreigners last a lot/what you are believe about this?

[Jerry Sweitzer]

Previous posts are accurate. Looking for a chica is a full time job, whether in Havana or else where.

The only guaranteed spots are the clubs (Casa de la Musica, Salon Rojo, etc). Hot girls, but $$$.

If you're prepared to operate at night 11PM-4AM and don't mind paying at least 70 per girl, can't go wrong.

The "usual" places, malecon, the bars, etc. Are bone dry. BUT it all depends on chance. If you're prepared to put in the time and effort, you could probably score 1 per day, maybe two.

But it is work. Easier with a car, as I saw MANY cute chicks waiting for rides, but that's not a guarantee they will go home with you, you might get a phone number, you might get a date, maybe they might fuck you. But it's work.

If you decide to go this route, I really wouldn't call it a vacation.

First night I was there scored an HB8 on the malecon next to the US office, around 9PM Wed.

But other times, nothing, day or night. Saturday night lots of people on the malecon, didn't see 1 girl who wasn't there with her family or boyfriend.

At La Rampita scored a cute chick one day (semi-pro), didn't see similar quality any other time.

And it goes on.

It all depends on the luck of the draw, time of year, time of day, skill, game etc.

I am a young, fit guy, but "regular" cuban girls would NOT talk to me, maybe because I look cuban, maybe not. Some girls RAN away from me when I said Hello, on the street even.

If you think a girl might be a semi-pro, maybe she is, maybe she isn't.

Then again, when I did find something, never paid more than 40 for ST.

Though some OBVIOUS signs of a semi-pro: tight pants, high-heels, and especially tattoos, and usually a cell-phone.

I'll write something more in-depth later on.

EDITOR'S NOTE: I would suggest that the author or another Forum Member consider posting a link to this report in the Reports of Distinction thread. Please Click Here (http://www.internationalsexguide.info/forum/announcement-reportsofdistinction.php?) for more information.

[Kalifornication]

Previous posts are accurate. Looking for a chica is a full time job, whether in Havana or else where.

The only guaranteed spots are the clubs (Casa de la Musica, Salon Rojo, etc). Hot girls, but $$$.

If you're prepared to operate at night 11PM-4AM and don't mind paying at least 70 per girl, can't go wrong.

The "usual" places, malecon, the bars, etc. Are bone dry. BUT it all depends on chance. If you're prepared to put in the time and effort, you could probably score 1 per day, maybe two.

But it is work. Easier with a car, as I saw MANY cute chicks waiting for rides, but that's not a guarantee they will go home with you, you might get a phone number, you might get a date, maybe they might fuck you. But it's work.

If you decide to go this route, I really wouldn't call it a vacation.

First night I was there scored an HB8 on the malecon next to the US office, around 9PM Wed.

But other times, nothing, day or night. Saturday night lots of people on the malecon, didn't see 1 girl who wasn't there with her family or boyfriend.

At La Rampita scored a cute chick one day (semi-pro), didn't see similar quality any other time.

And it goes on.

It all depends on the luck of the draw, time of year, time of day, skill, game etc.

I am a young, fit guy, but "regular" cuban girls would NOT talk to me, maybe because I look cuban, maybe not. Some girls RAN away from me when I said Hello, on the street even.

If you think a girl might be a semi-pro, maybe she is, maybe she isn't.

Then again, when I did find something, never paid more than 40 for ST.

Though some OBVIOUS signs of a semi-pro: tight pants, high-heels, and especially tattoos, and usually a cell-phone.

I'll write something more in-depth later on.

EDITOR'S NOTE: I would suggest that the author or another Forum Member consider posting a link to this report in the Reports of Distinction thread. Please Click Here (http://www.internationalsexguide.info/forum/announcement-reportsofdistinction.php?) for more information.

It really is not that difficult at all. Havana, however, may not be the destination of choice. Consider other locations.

[La Isla]

CUBA: Paraiso Perdido (CUBA: Paradise Lost)

Well for the guys who got the chance to experience the Cuba of old (anytime before 2002 was great), try to keep those memories alive. Cuba is DEAD as far as mongering goes.
Are there girls available in Havana? Sure, Johnny's Rio Club, Salon Rojo and the other regular clubs are full of girls but they are all stone cold "jack hammer" hard ass prostitutes. Gone are the sweet country girls who were plentiful coming into Habana a couple of times a month for some extra money.

The countryside? Forget it.... I was in Santa Clara, Cienfuegos and Sancti Spiritus and the roads were empty. Anyone remember Cienfuegos in its heyday? Holy shit, it was so good that you couldn't even tell anyone about it who hadn't been there because they thought you were either a liar or crazy.
I remember walking into a huge disco in Las Tunas in 2000 (El Sueno) with a friend and being the only 2 foreigners among 100 guajiras . Forget it now.

The poster below is right. Cuba is work. I called on my old girls to come in every day and have a very secluded and "safe" casa so I was OK. I hooked up with a couple of university girls but even that was a hassle. We had to go way out of town to meet and when they left the place that night, they got pulled over in their cab by the police. Thankfully, they got out of it an hour later as they had no record.

Cuba is also EXPENSIVE. My casa is $35CUC ($42US)a night. For a little more money (about $52 a night) I get a GREAT real hotel room in Santo Domingo in a great part of town with breakfast included. Cars are about $80US a day for a small 4 door. Etc, etc, etc. Its not worth it for having to play cat and mouse all day and night.

Anyway, I could go into a million reasons of why but instead will offer this as a frequent traveler to the island over more than 10 years.
1. If you are headed there based on stories from the old days, don't go. Paradise is lost. Go somewhere else.
2. If you are going there to find "love" or a girlfriend, go somewhere else. The chances of you meeting a good girl are slim to none.
3. If you have no really good friends or contacts in Cuba, don't go.

However:
1. If you are OK with hard core, but beautiful, putas then you'll be fine. There are plenty to go around.

I suggest everyone go to Cuba once to see the place before the change comes. The people are great, the buildings, the music, etc. But to go for mongering? Nah, don't believe it.

[Americano573]

i fully endorse what la isla is saying in regards to cuba being a lost paradise i had the pleasure of experiencing cuba in 2001 during its heyday just before the sweeping changes. long gone are the fish in a barrel /turkey shoot mongering style that we were so accustomed to having on the island as the say goes nothing lasts forever and cuba was and is no exception i must admit however that it came to a premature end because too many mongers were abusing and taking liberties that they would not even dare think about in their own country cienfuegos was the *****house of cuba, back then the worst kept mongering secret. cienfuegos back then was overrun with mongers and a certain type of gentelmen that specialized in **** girls often time engaging in orgies with them!! the authorities were bound to clamp down soon as it was so bad!! even now we feel the after affects of 2002 cienfuegos clamp down because presently imho cienfuegos is the worst town or province in cuba to monger the casa owners, girls and chicas are so parranoid its ridiculous! i have yet to find any casa that will let you to register more than one girl lest have a girl enter unregistered it is just not going to happen. these days cienfuegos is just a place that i pass through on my way to trinidad. i remember the first time i went to cuba i was being hit on by a returning cubanita who was now residing in dominica i thought that was just a one off incident until i got to the airport and the customs and immigration chicas were all fair game i ended up getting a number and had many a wonderful night with my customs girls i am very tempted to post the fotos of her in uniform giving that heyday gfe!! i will search my archives for those pics. with that all being said you can still have a blast in cuba i still do!!! been there almost 40 times and i have not had a bad time yet! i have my ways how i go about doing things prfecting a style that it is almost as if i was still in heyday cuba! for a newbie if you are going to cuba for the first time you are going to need an experienced spanish speakning wingman because if not you will be sleeping alone or breakng the bank to pay these pros my advice is this if you want to go and get the maxium from your trip try to hook up with travelling gring,beersterry,la isla,cubanito and a few more well experienced mongers here on this site you will have a blast it wont be hey day cuba but it is still a magical place

[Kalifornication]

CUBA: Paraiso Perdido (CUBA: Paradise Lost)

Well for the guys who got the chance to experience the Cuba of old (anytime before 2002 was great), try to keep those memories alive. Cuba is DEAD as far as mongering goes.
Are there girls available in Havana? Sure, Johnny's Rio Club, Salon Rojo and the other regular clubs are full of girls but they are all stone cold "jack hammer" hard ass prostitutes. Gone are the sweet country girls who were plentiful coming into Habana a couple of times a month for some extra money.

The countryside? Forget it.... I was in Santa Clara, Cienfuegos and Sancti Spiritus and the roads were empty. Anyone remember Cienfuegos in its heyday? Holy shit, it was so good that you couldn't even tell anyone about it who hadn't been there because they thought you were either a liar or crazy.
I remember walking into a huge disco in Las Tunas in 2000 (El Sueno) with a friend and being the only 2 foreigners among 100 guajiras . Forget it now.

The poster below is right. Cuba is work. I called on my old girls to come in every day and have a very secluded and "safe" casa so I was OK. I hooked up with a couple of university girls but even that was a hassle. We had to go way out of town to meet and when they left the place that night, they got pulled over in their cab by the police. Thankfully, they got out of it an hour later as they had no record.

Cuba is also EXPENSIVE. My casa is $35CUC ($42US)a night. For a little more money (about $52 a night) I get a GREAT real hotel room in Santo Domingo in a great part of town with breakfast included. Cars are about $80US a day for a small 4 door. Etc, etc, etc. Its not worth it for having to play cat and mouse all day and night.

Anyway, I could go into a million reasons of why but instead will offer this as a frequent traveler to the island over more than 10 years.
1. If you are headed there based on stories from the old days, don't go. Paradise is lost. Go somewhere else.
2. If you are going there to find "love" or a girlfriend, go somewhere else. The chances of you meeting a good girl are slim to none.
3. If you have no really good friends or contacts in Cuba, don't go.

However:
1. If you are OK with hard core, but beautiful, putas then you'll be fine. There are plenty to go around.

I suggest everyone go to Cuba once to see the place before the change comes. The people are great, the buildings, the music, etc. But to go for mongering? Nah, don't believe it.

Yes, it is tough to find a good girl. But, this is not to say you can't. I am certain I found one. And I will say this again, Havana should not be your destination of choice, unless you are looking for the pros. I simply go to Cuba to see my one and only. But I did witness my wingmen in action and they did very very well paying no more than $15-$18 for non-pro & semi-pro chicas. I was amazed at how simple it was. Simply "do you job", find the right location, and the rewards can still be had.

[El Rey De Pollo]

I totally agree with the 3 posts below. Being lucky enough (or unlucky enough you could argue, since menories are haunting me) to have seen Cuba in the 90's, this country has become a shithole of ugly putas and disrespectful mongers.

Sure, as Darenesque says, there are nice girls to be had. But a few years ago they came running to you, you could have 10 nice girls daily if your dick had the stamina. Now you gotta spend days or weeks searching for one single nice girl. Without previous contacts on the island, you are fucked. Who wants to go to the same 2-3 crappy clubs every night to talk to the same crowd of 20 hardcore *****s? Not me.

Like Americano said, it's a game you have to perfect. He has been 40 times and is still working to perfect. This is spot on. I have been fewer times than that but more than a year in total, and am still working to improve my game.

Anyway, I added my two centavos to the current shit-situation in Cuba not too long ago, so won't add much here. Just to concur that Cuba is still a fascinating place for culture, musica, ron and good times. But for mongering and finding good girls it's tough. Too much police, too much hazzle, too many pros. Just sad man.

[BeersTerry]

The ***** about Cuba is that when you have a novia, all the girls want you and temp you. When you don't, it can be hard to find a regular chica.

[El Chico]

The ***** about Cuba is that when you have a novia, all the girls want you and temp you. When you don't, it can be hard to find a regular chica.The same goes for driving down 5th Ave. Whenever you are alone, there isn't a single good looking girl to be found. As soon as you have a girlfriend or someone else in the car, there are 3 or 4 on every corner.

[El Rey De Pollo]

Difference is, it used to be in Cuba, you could drive down 5 avenida with 3-4 GIRLFRIENDS in your car :-)


The same goes for driving down 5th Ave. Whenever you are alone, there isn't a single good looking girl to be found. As soon as you have a girlfriend or someone else in the car, there are 3 or 4 on every corner.

[La Isla]

They're still there (well, one or two at least). Except now, they're chicks with PINGAS!!!!


Difference is, it used to be in Cuba, you could drive down 5 avenida with 3-4 GIRLFRIENDS in your car :-)

[Vpofkuba]

Short Cuba report,

I have spent over a year in Cuba from 1998-2002 but tried for another 2 weeks in 05 and just came back from another 2 weeks. I am not going to write a long report because I honestly want to forget I even went at all.

Here is what you need to know,

1. NEW customs declaration form! Usual stuff + How many previous trips to Cuba + your last visit date. Plus Value amount of gifts plus a itemized list of "household electrical appliances and others" then sign "The information in the declaration is accurate and I assume full responsibility and legal obligations that could result if they are false"

2. Via Auto had a Hyundai Atos for $56 CUC with insurance high season rate. Car rental guy said to "tip" the police $5 if I was pulled over. Max fine is $35 CUC.

3. Havana streets were dead but it was cold and windy. Did not hit the clubs had a GF with me.

4. Cienfuegos was DEAD but a couple of strays around El Rapido/Servi. All asked $30 went for $20 BUT all 6's and under in looks. Wanted to do the deed and run.

5. In Cienfuegos 2 Ditu's + San Carlos all did not have any Chicken.

6. Most import of all. The Exchange rate would make John Gotti blush! Here are the rates when I was leaving Varadero March 1- you. S 89. 9xx + 10% fee Canadian $1. 44xx Euro $1. 14xx. Are they nuts?

I spent two weeks saying to myself "I could be in Thailand". Sorry No Pics because the GF could have seen the evidence.

EDITOR'S NOTE: I would suggest that the author or another Forum Member consider posting a link to this report in the Reports of Distinction thread. Please Click Here (http://www.internationalsexguide.info/forum/announcement-reportsofdistinction.php?) for more information.

[El Rey De Pollo]

Oh yeah, why hasn't anyone mentioned what a paradise Havana has become for guys looking for trannies. Jesus christ there are so many pumped up maricones in Havana nowadays. Even had one or two in my car by mistake in february. Seems every time I'm there, the crowd around malecon y 23 has expanded by a hundred fags. Almost wish I was into that stuff. Could be fucking my brains out every day with a new '*****'. Or HAVE my brains fucked out. That's a disgusting thought, I'm out.


They're still there (well, one or two at least). Except now, they're chicks with PINGAS!!!!

[El Chico]

Even had one or two in my car by mistake in february. The same has happened to me. All the TVs seem to hang out on 5th between the tunnel and 10th. One night I saw what I thought was a girl with huge tits at the corner of 10, so when she asked for a ride to 42nd, I had my tit googles on and said sure. The minute she sat down I could tell it was a guy. Being a little shocked and with a green light I drove at about 120 km/h to 42. When we got there he said "turn here" and I said no - adios, and he got out.

Since then I try not to focus so much on the tits before I let a girl into the car!

[El Rey De Pollo]

Thats just rude, man. If you were a gentleman you would have had the courtesy to follow the unwritten rules: You pick up a chica, you fuck it :-)

Saw to hot girls walking along Paseo. Both in black dresses. Tanned legs and long black hair. Did a roundabout and came back. They got in, asked for cigarettes with deep voices, and I gave them two and said adios amigos. They got totally pissed, said they were not leaving. I said like hell you are, get the fuck out. They refused, I said fine, I'll drive until I see the first policeman and stop next to him and ask how you get rid of chico putas in this city. So they got out, left both back doors open, one of them took out something from 'her' purse and fuckin scratched the car. They walk away, I start up the car, right when I'm behind them I see theres a huge pool of water/filth in a pothole next to them, so I go right into it and totally splash them up, I am talking hair as wet as if they just got out of the shower. Black dresses soaking. Make up running down their faces. Was so funny watching them scream at me with their deep voices in the rearview mirror.

From then on, I don't pick up girls that fast in the dark. But hey, with the crap situation for hot girls (who were born female) I guess we are sometimes forced to take chances we would not have taken a few years ago.

But be careful guys. Seen a few trannys around who you would really have to study up close to be able to tell was a guy. Seen some tourists who did not look like fags sneaking into cabs with them. Lesson 1 for any first-timer out there: Do not let yourself be picked up by any tall girl on the corner of Malecon and 23.


The same has happened to me. All the TVs seem to hang out on 5th between the tunnel and 10th. One night I saw what I thought was a girl with huge tits at the corner of 10, so when she asked for a ride to 42nd, I had my tit googles on and said sure. The minute she sat down I could tell it was a guy. Being a little shocked and with a green light I drove at about 120 km/h to 42. When we got there he said "turn here" and I said no - adios, and he got out.

Since then I try not to focus so much on the tits before I let a girl into the car!

[Tos123]

Police try to stop contact with tourists

HAVANA, Cuba, February 2 (Héctor Julio Cedeño / www.cubanet.org) – The police have increased the number of cruisers whose occupants are on the lookout for Cubans speaking to tourists, an action that can lead to arrest and a warning.

"The number of cruisers has multiplied and there are police everywhere," said one Cuban crossing Central park.

One of the crimes they're supposedly trying to stop is the "harassment of tourists" which can result in the person doing the harassment, often a young Cuba, being taken to the police station and warned to stop. He or she is told to keep away from tourists.

Repeat offenders can be charged as a danger to society and imprisoned for up to four years.

[El Chico]

Police try to stop contact with tourists

HAVANA, Cuba, February 2 (Héctor Julio Cedeño / www.cubanet.org) – The police have increased the number of cruisers whose occupants are on the lookout for Cubans speaking to tourists, an action that can lead to arrest and a warning.Although I'm not saying that the story is not technically correct, you have to take anything you read from Cubanet with a grain of salt as they are extremely anti-revolutionary.

That being said, there has been a recent increase in non-violent crime (house robberies, etc.) and the state has been putting a lot more police on the ground, primarily in old Havana/Central. There are also 3,000 new recruits coming through the system. You often see them in training as they are the ones in the green uniforms with a regular cop. There has also been an increase in on the spot searches where they'll look in bags of pedestrians in an attempt to reduce the black market.

In regards to the article, as you know there are a lot of street hustlers that spend their time looking for foreigners and Cuba doesn't want the tourists to be hassled. So in this respect it is true, but I don't think it should be considered that there is a new policy to keep Cubans away from foreigners.

[La Isla]

... but I don't think it should be considered that there is a new policy to keep Cubans away from foreigners.

This IS the policy of the govt. Its nothing new.

[Petrolero]

1. NEW customs declaration form! Usual stuff + How many previous trips to Cuba + your last visit date. Plus Value amount of gifts plus a itemized list of "household electrical appliances and others" then sign "The information in the declaration is accurate and I assume full responsibility and legal obligations that could result if they are false"


The Customs form isn't new, and the remedy is to fold it up and put it in your pocket.

Brought a DVD a few years ago, Aduanera asked for the white Customs slip, pulled it out of my pocket, she wrote 50(cuc) on it, folded it and put it into my pocket. Wasn't asked for it again.

Nothing to get excited or worked up over.

[El Chico]

HAVANA, Cuba, March 17 (Iván Sañudo, Agencia Libre Asociada / www.cubanet.org) - Yomara Rodríguez, 23, was sentenced last week to four years in prison for “harassing tourists” and prostitution.

She was arrested by two police agents last month in the lobby of Capri Hotel in Vedado after being summoned from the hotel’s night club.

Her arrest and sentencing was the latest in a government campaign against prostitution in Cuba. Rodríguez confessed to prostitution after being questioned at a police station. She will serve sentence at the Red Flag prison camp in Havana province.

If the above story is true, this would seem to me as a new development. I know the cops sometimes hang out in front of a club and ask for ID, but the above story suggests they saw this girl "inside" the club talking to foreigners and yanked her out. If they start doing this, the clubs will probably dry up fast. Although I'm not honestly a fan of the type of hard-core pros you typically meet in them anyways.

[El Rey De Pollo]

Sounds unlikely to me I must say. Just back recently and cops were hanging around outside (The club in question Salon Rojo and others) when clubs closed, so all looked normal.

The sentence of 4 years also sounds pretty crazy. She must have already done time then. The sentence is usually one year in prison for prostitution.


HAVANA, Cuba, March 17 (Iván Sañudo, Agencia Libre Asociada / www.cubanet.org) - Yomara Rodríguez, 23, was sentenced last week to four years in prison for “harassing tourists” and prostitution.

She was arrested by two police agents last month in the lobby of Capri Hotel in Vedado after being summoned from the hotel’s night club.

Her arrest and sentencing was the latest in a government campaign against prostitution in Cuba. Rodríguez confessed to prostitution after being questioned at a police station. She will serve sentence at the Red Flag prison camp in Havana province.

If the above story is true, this would seem to me as a new development. I know the cops sometimes hang out in front of a club and ask for ID, but the above story suggests they saw this girl "inside" the club talking to foreigners and yanked her out. If they start doing this, the clubs will probably dry up fast. Although I'm not honestly a fan of the type of hard-core pros you typically meet in them anyways.

[JohnMajor23]

Yeah maybe I don't care. When I was in Cuba for my first time, I fuck 3 non pros girls and it was FREE!

One I met in the malecon, the other was a maitress in a restaurant and the last was a friend of a friend of mine! I just say to her that I want to fuck her now and that's it, no need to pay!

I speak a fluent spanish so it helps! When I picked up this girls, I wasnt stupid I did that when there weren't any policeman!

The best bet is the club, that's right you had hardcore putas but on the 7 pros I fucked, one was just cold with me because she has a chulo!

And last thing: all receive my load on her face!

Viva Cuba


I am sorry, John, but you are giving wrong information.

There are many, many girls who won't register, and not because she will rob you once in your room. Naturally lots of pros and semi-pros will not register, because they will either have a strike or two allready or just be afraid of getting the first strike. Many regular girls will not register - for the same reason.

No casa owners send in copies of their books to the government, that much is right, but government inspections happens frequently and they always look in the book and may very well take note of names in it to compare with names in books from other casas.

To sum up: If a girl does not want to go to your casa because she will have to register, it is NOT a given that this is because she plans to rob you. I have had plenty of girls in my casas who did not rob me, but who would never had been there if they had been asked to register.

[Pacificblues35]

I have read many many reports and thank everyone for the advice. I love cigars, women, music, people, culture and a drinks, so I'm very excited. I really want to get to know the people of Cuba and I love nightlife and parties. I can also just sit back and listen to music and hava a drink with anyone, My goal is to respect people and the culture

I am planning to go from Cancun buying the ticket in Cancun.

Questions:

A) I normally don't book a room when I travel, but figure it out when I get there. Is that ok the first week of August in Havana? Any Casas that you would recommend that allow guests and who I can maybe make friends with?

B) What part of Havana do you think I should stay in, to enjoy the city and sites yet meet locals?

C) I have 6 days so I was thinking of staying in Havana the whole time but would love to go somewhere else. Any recomendations of places that won't take to long to travel to and have girls?

D) How do I do a cigar tour of factories?

E) I am bringing a lot of cash because credit cards don't work etc. How do I keep it safe?

F) If anyone is going to be there the first week of August let me know, and we can have a drink together,

G) I am concerned that my desire to meet regular girls may be limited based on many posts but I am hoping that my nice attitude and decent looks help some. If anyone has more to offer please let me know. LOL

Can't say enough thanks in advance for your advice!

[GoldMember33]

I have read many many reports and thank everyone for the advice. I love cigars, women, music, people, culture and a drinks, so I'm very excited. I really want to get to know the people of Cuba and I love nightlife and parties. I can also just sit back and listen to music and hava a drink with anyone, My goal is to respect people and the culture

I am planning to go from Cancun buying the ticket in Cancun.

Questions:

A) I normally don't book a room when I travel, but figure it out when I get there. Is that ok the first week of August in Havana? Any Casas that you would recommend that allow guests and who I can maybe make friends with?

B) What part of Havana do you think I should stay in, to enjoy the city and sites yet meet locals?

C) I have 6 days so I was thinking of staying in Havana the whole time but would love to go somewhere else. Any recomendations of places that won't take to long to travel to and have girls?

D) How do I do a cigar tour of factories?

E) I am bringing a lot of cash because credit cards don't work etc. How do I keep it safe?

F) If anyone is going to be there the first week of August let me know, and we can have a drink together,

G) I am concerned that my desire to meet regular girls may be limited based on many posts but I am hoping that my nice attitude and decent looks help some. If anyone has more to offer please let me know. LOL

Can't say enough thanks in advance for your advice!Hey Pacific Blues. I will be in Havana the entire first week of August. give me a contact email address and we could have a Cristal or mojito or two. I have been to Cuba several times and know a little about Havana.

[El Rey De Pollo]

I have read many many reports and thank everyone for the advice. I love cigars, women, music, people, culture and a drinks, so I'm very excited. I really want to get to know the people of Cuba and I love nightlife and parties. I can also just sit back and listen to music and hava a drink with anyone, My goal is to respect people and the culture

Sounds great. You have the right attitude, I am sure you will enjoy yourself. You want lack anything in the ways of cigars, music, people, culture and drinks.


A) I normally don't book a room when I travel, but figure it out when I get there. Is that ok the first week of August in Havana? Any Casas that you would recommend that allow guests and who I can maybe make friends with?

There are an endless number of casas in Havana. If you turn up at one, they'll call around and find you one. That said, if you want one of the best, do lots of homework and research. I for one am done giving my casa to strangers, sorry. That ended when an American asked me, got my casa info, then went there and fucked two hookers on the balcony with the lights on giving my casa-owner (and good friend) shitloads of problems.


B) What part of Havana do you think I should stay in, to enjoy the city and sites yet meet locals?

You can't really have both. All the regular sites are in Habana Vieja. This is also the most beautiful part of town. And it is where all the tourists are. If you really want to go local I know a casa in Altahabana, but I don't think you wanna be there. My recommendation would be Habana Vieja.


C) I have 6 days so I was thinking of staying in Havana the whole time but would love to go somewhere else. Any recomendations of places that won't take to long to travel to and have girls?

Viñales is beautiful. Trinidad another option. Lots of girls, but tough to pick up and few to no casas that are lenient when it comes to unregistered girls. And few girls will register. I would definately try and see something else than Havana.


D) How do I do a cigar tour of factories??

Check out Partagas behind Capitolio. They have tours all the time. Just turn up and wait for one or ask around.


E) I am bringing a lot of cash because credit cards don't work etc. How do I keep it safe???

Get a casa with a safe, if not lock it in your suitcase every time you leave the casa.


G) I am concerned that my desire to meet regular girls may be limited based on many posts but I am hoping that my nice attitude and decent looks help some. If anyone has more to offer please let me know. LOL?

Nice attitude and decent looks will unfortunately not help. The girls are scared of the police, family, neighbors etc. A girl seen with you will be labeled as a hooker. Do you speak Spanish? If you do and you really apply yourself, you may get lucky with hard, hard work in the heat. If you don't, I am sorry to tell you that you won't be hooking up with any regular girls.

Cuba and Havana is more divided than ever. There are more and more hookers at the discos and fewer and fewer good looking girls on the streets. And those that are there, tend to avoid foreigners.

Don't mean to put you down, just giving it to you straight. You will be in a country where a girl will face the risk of spending a year or two in prison just for talking to you, so that is some obstacle. But go for the drinks and cigars and music, and you will have a blast.

[Pacificblues35]

Sounds great. You have the right attitude, I am sure you will enjoy yourself. You want lack anything in the ways of cigars, music, people, culture and drinks.

There are an endless number of casas in Havana. If you turn up at one, they'll call around and find you one. That said, if you want one of the best, do lots of homework and research. I for one am done giving my casa to strangers, sorry. That ended when an American asked me, got my casa info, then went there and fucked two hookers on the balcony with the lights on giving my casa-owner (and good friend) shitloads of problems.

You can't really have both. All the regular sites are in Habana Vieja. This is also the most beautiful part of town. And it is where all the tourists are. If you really want to go local I know a casa in Altahabana, but I don't think you wanna be there. My recommendation would be Habana Vieja.

Viñales is beautiful. Trinidad another option. Lots of girls, but tough to pick up and few to no casas that are lenient when it comes to unregistered girls. And few girls will register. I would definately try and see something else than Havana

Check out Partagas behind Capitolio. They have tours all the time. Just turn up and wait for one or ask around.

Get a casa with a safe, if not lock it in your suitcase every time you leave the casa.

Nice attitude and decent looks will unfortunately not help. The girls are scared of the police, family, neighbors etc. A girl seen with you will be labeled as a hooker. Do you speak Spanish? If you do and you really apply yourself, you may get lucky with hard, hard work in the heat. If you don't, I am sorry to tell you that you won't be hooking up with any regular girls.

Cuba and Havana is more divided than ever. There are more and more hookers at the discos and fewer and fewer good looking girls on the streets. And those that are there, tend to avoid foreigners.

Don't mean to put you down, just giving it to you straight. You will be in a country where a girl will face the risk of spending a year or two in prison just for talking to you, so that is some obstacle. But go for the drinks and cigars and music, and you will have a blast.Thank for the great info! I'm excited to see Cuba and meet the wonderful people before it all opens up and we have a McDonalds on ever corner.

I have done some research. Now I know what area and will look for a safe. Are there Casas with private entrances?

I do speak some spanish. Can hold a conversation but just enough to travel well. I like your straight answers thanks.

I have another question: I want to learn salsa. Should I take a class or will I be able to find cool people to teach me while in a club. Maybe a pro?

Next question: I would love to meet regular people, maybe go to a party etc. Are there local bars? Whats the best place to meet the locals? Its August so is that going to be the beach?

Cigars Music and Culture. I can't wait.

[Wbpt12]

Answered a lot of my questions also, thanks.


Sounds great. You have the right attitude, I am sure you will enjoy yourself. You want lack anything in the ways of cigars, music, people, culture and drinks.

There are an endless number of casas in Havana. If you turn up at one, they'll call around and find you one. That said, if you want one of the best, do lots of homework and research. I for one am done giving my casa to strangers, sorry. That ended when an American asked me, got my casa info, then went there and fucked two hookers on the balcony with the lights on giving my casa-owner (and good friend) shitloads of problems.

You can't really have both. All the regular sites are in Habana Vieja. This is also the most beautiful part of town. And it is where all the tourists are. If you really want to go local I know a casa in Altahabana, but I don't think you wanna be there. My recommendation would be Habana Vieja.

Viñales is beautiful. Trinidad another option. Lots of girls, but tough to pick up and few to no casas that are lenient when it comes to unregistered girls. And few girls will register. I would definately try and see something else than Havana.

Check out Partagas behind Capitolio. They have tours all the time. Just turn up and wait for one or ask around.

Get a casa with a safe, if not lock it in your suitcase every time you leave the casa.

Nice attitude and decent looks will unfortunately not help. The girls are scared of the police, family, neighbors etc. A girl seen with you will be labeled as a hooker. Do you speak Spanish? If you do and you really apply yourself, you may get lucky with hard, hard work in the heat. If you don't, I am sorry to tell you that you won't be hooking up with any regular girls.

Cuba and Havana is more divided than ever. There are more and more hookers at the discos and fewer and fewer good looking girls on the streets. And those that are there, tend to avoid foreigners.

Don't mean to put you down, just giving it to you straight. You will be in a country where a girl will face the risk of spending a year or two in prison just for talking to you, so that is some obstacle. But go for the drinks and cigars and music, and you will have a blast.

[El Rey De Pollo]

Thank for the great info! I'm excited to see Cuba and meet the wonderful people before it all opens up and we have a McDonalds on ever corner.
We all fear that day!


I have done some research. Now I know what area and will look for a safe. Are there Casas with private entrances?
Yes, there are, but that is not the key to real privacy in terms og girls. The key is finding a casa that won't register them, and frankly, that is very, very tough. There are very few, those who know them will unfortunately not pass the info because they either

1) Want it for themselves/won't risk that it is booked when they come
or
2) Fear that someone they don't know will make trouble for the casa owner (which is my situation)

With a private entrance, sure you can enter without saying hello to the owner, but 99% of them will be listening to your every move to make sure you don't have guests. They will litterally sit up all night until you get back at 7 AM just to make sure you are alone. If you are not, they will come in and ask for the girls carnet, and the girl will be gone before you can say 'puta'.

Having a casa and letting tourists have visitors unregistered is a very delicate thing. Often times a casa owner will only accept this if he knows the tourist and trust him from previous visits. This is my case, so it would probably not even help you if I gave you the name of it - because I am pretty sure he would not grant you the same privacy. The thing is, if a casa gets caught not registering visitors, they face a fine worth years of wages plus the casa will likely be shut down or even taken away from the owner.


I have another question: I want to learn salsa. Should I take a class or will I be able to find cool people to teach me while in a club. Maybe a pro?

Every single able bodied Cuban man between 15 and 95 would be thrilled to be your instructor... Try stopping some random Cuban in Centro Habana and ask if he knows a salsa-teacher... For a pro, I don't know any, try on one of the manstream travel forums like Tripadvisor or lonelyplanet


Next question: I would love to meet regular people, maybe go to a party etc. Are there local bars? Whats the best place to meet the locals? Its August so is that going to be the beach?

It ain't happening the way you picture it, sorry. There is little to no culture of 'going out' in Cuba, really. And its tough for a first time visitor to mingle with Cubans, because the vast majority of 'friendly' Cubans you meet, will only be interested in scamming you out of money.

Sure, there are loads of local bars, but these are pretty much all rat-infested, dirty, stinky places frequented only by drunks and hustlers and crooks. The nearest thing to a decent local bar in Habana Vieja (if that is where you'll be at) is Bilbao on O'reilly.

Beach: Will be crowded. But with police also. Impossible to meet girls on the beach, your best bet will be the road to the beach. Also, on beaches like Santa Maria and Guanabo outside Havana about 80% of the people there in August will be tourists (thousands of old Italians!)


Cigars Music and Culture. I can't wait.
Have a blast!

[El Rey De Pollo]

I do speak some spanish. Can hold a conversation but just enough to travel well.

Just a note on this issue. When people in here stress the importance of speaking Spanish for mongering in Cuba it is not because no girl will be interested in you if you can't converse meaningfully.

It is for two reasons:

1) You need Spanish because if you meet a girl on the street who perhaps gives you an inviting look, you will have seconds at most to exploit that chance. You need to talk fast, move out of sight with her, and in essence, make a date in seconds. Because this is the time she has before a cop is standing beside her asking for her ID or hauling her into the car to go to the station.

So reasonable conversational skills, you know the type of Spanish where you sit there and search for the words, use your hands a bit to explain, that kinda Spanish, is nice for having a loooong slow talk with some old guy smoking a cigar on a bench, but useless for picking up chicas.

Mongering there is strange. You basically walk for hours and hours in the heat, move around very slowly, check out a hundred girls for an inviting smile, and then, when the moment is there, you gotta move like the smoothest MF and get everything arranged in seconds.

This is why lots of people in here will talk about 'having game' when in Cuba. That is game. Without it, forget it.

All that said, there are plenty of hardcore hookers at the big clubs. You don't need any game or any Spanish skills there. Just five fingers to arrange the amount and a lot of money...

2) For a regular girl, if she is interested in you despite the danger that presents to her freedom and reputation, her next thought will be this* 'Does this guy speak good enough Spanish that a policeman will believe we can talk smoothly and that he is my boyfriend?'. If her conclusion is no, she is off. Every single time I have been stopped by a police with a cubana (and that must be at least 20 times), the police didin't give the girl trouble because I spoke Spanish and showed that I know Cuba from many visits. These are things the police respect. A foreigner not speaking reasonable Spanish will be totally ignored by a policeman questionning your girl.

[El Chico]

I know a girl who says she has a couple of friends that have gotten in to trouble because videos that they made with foreigners have appeared on the web.

Besides this site, is anyone aware of a site that posts videos/pics specifically of Cubanas on the island. (as opposed to your typical "latina" porn pay site)

[La Isla]

I know a girl who says she has a couple of friends that have gotten in to trouble because videos that they made with foreigners have appeared on the web.

Besides this site, is anyone aware of a site that posts videos/pics specifically of Cubanas on the island. (as opposed to your typical "latina" porn pay site)

I bet there are hundreds of free sites where people post their videos such as tube8 and ****** . It could be ANYWHERE....

[Jerry Sweitzer]

Sorry for posting this so late, but I've been really busy since I got back, but here it is:
_________________________________________________

Wed. Feb 11

From the start I am asked by a doctor at the airport, who is there to make sure sick passengers aren’t entering the country, I guess, for a “regalito”—a gift.

The airport is really dilapidated; the ceiling is unfinished with many tiles missing. They had small dogs searching the luggage for drugs, apparently.

Nobody searches my luggage, and I walk right through.

Next I go to change some money. The exchange rate is displayed right there on an LCD screen in front of the teller. They even break down the amount by the size of the bills, and count it out in front of you. I also counted the money, just in case. (I guess they’re trying to cut down on cheating by the tellers.)

Anyway, now I go get a taxi. The official taxi said 30, then I was like no, he went down to 25. I found another guy with a “taxi particular” who was going to Havana for 15. But I had to ride up front, and if asked by the police say we were friends.

As we’re passing the CUJEA he asks if I’d like to give a ride to a college girl. There were a lot of cute girls, but he stops for one that wasn’t that attractive, along with her friend. She doesn’t say much. When I ask her for her phone number, she says she doesn’t have one. Strike one.

When I get to the Casa I’m supposed to stay at, there’s no one there. I stand outside for like 20min waiting for someone, but she doesn’t show up. I go down the block to look for a phone, but they don’t take coins, and no one near sells phone cards.

I now have to take a taxi to the Melia Cohiba, to buy a phone card, so that I can call the casa owner.

Once the casa owner makes it to the apartment, 2 hours later, she says that she and her brother will have to stay in the apartment also. The apartment is relatively small and their room was right across from mine. The total opposite of what I had in mind for a casa, the place would have been fine otherwise. This isn’t what I signed up for, but it’s too late in the day to start looking for another place.

Around 9PM I go out, and head for the malecon.

I walk from the Galeria Paseo to the US interests section, about a 20 minute walk, don’t see anything. As I approach the plaza in front of it, I spot two obvious jineteras waiting for a ride.

I decide to make my move as this could be my only chance for the night.

Claudia/Janet is a cute skinny 19yo, green eyes, brown skin, hot. She is there with her older black friend. I try making small talk, like: what’s going on. She says her name is Claudia. Right away she’s all defensive, what do you want she says. I ask how much for TLN, she says 50. I think this is too high, plus TLN would be a bit awkward with the casa owner and her brother in the next room. So I say how long for 30. We agree to ST for 30.

When we get to the Casa, the owner insists on holding the carnet of the chica. It says Janet on the carnet. I ask her about this and she swears up and down that she has two names. Bullshit.

Sex was pretty standard but it was full GFE, as she’s putting her clothes back on, she changes her shoes, from high heels to tennis shoes, and says she’s going home, and that she was only on the malecon to get a ride. I don’t believe her at first, but as the days pass, I figure she was telling the truth. I forget to get her number.

Thurs. Feb 12

I wake up around 7AM. Almost as soon as I’m up I start looking for another place. Not only did the casa owner renege on the type of accommodation, her brother snored very loudly all night long, and there was a loud humming sound coming from an air conditioner. I didn’t sleep very well.

Luckily I had brought a list of other casas, so I start dialing.

Around 12PM I go check a place out. The bedroom is in another part of the house from where the owner is, and has its own key. I take it. By 2PM, I’m there. Another day wasted.

That night I go out along the malecon near the Cohiba, but see nothing. By this point I’m very tired and 11PM is too late for me, since I’d been up since 7AM, so I don’t go to a club. I will not go to one, in fact until a few days before I leave. Suffice it to say I don’t see anything.

A block away from the casa was a bar called “Imagenes.” The cover is 5, but includes a drink. I decide to pop-in but see only regular Cubans, mostly older.
The previous day I had seen a semi-pro waiting outside, but nothing the day I went in.

Fri. Feb 13

I go to the Viazul bus station to see if I can get tickets for Sunday. The guy says they only sell the tickets an hour before the bus leaves. I’ll be going to Camaguey and from there to Santa Lucia. The buses leave 4x a day for Santiago M-F. The cost is 33 to Camaguey.

12PM. From the station, I take a cab to Prado.

I get off in front of the Hotel Inglaterra, truly only tourists there, though you might see one with his Cuban “girlfriend”. I walk up and down St. Martin. It’s very crowded, even on weekdays, though I see no obvious semi-pros. But at night there is some action.

I walk along the Malecon, but again nothing. Only families with kids, and girls with their boyfriends. I walk to Havana University, but don’t see any girls sitting by themselves, though some cute chicks.

After walking for hours, I make it to La Rampita, in front of Copelia, where I see this cute girl with yellow jeans, a dead giveaway. She’s really quiet and says she just ordered a hamburger. I order a beer. She says her name is Yeny (Jenny) and that she’s a medical student at the university. The Jeans, high heels and cellphone make me doubt her, but she speaks very well and enunciates well in Spanish, so it could be true. She says she’s from Ciego de Avila.

She starts busting my chops almost as soon as I sit down, asking why I sat at her table. I suggest we go elsewhere and she’s like do I look like a beer you can just pick up. When I ask why she isn’t smiling, she says no one said anything funny. I decide I’ve made a mistake, and as I get up to leave she’s like how much. I say 30. She says she knows a house around there that charges 25. I knew it! I agree to go.

She asks for the money upfront, won’t kiss me and won’t let me go down on her. It’s not fun.

I get her number, but when I call her about a week later, she’s not home I get asked what country I’m from, when I call her cellphone some guy (her pimp?) answers and says she’s not there either.

4PM I head back to the casa and listen to some music.

In the evening I head out for the Malecon yet again. This time there’s a lot of people out, especially in front of the Hotel Nacional. I see two girls walking along. I walk slightly ahead of them. I say hi, they say hi, but I don’t like either one, so I move along.

8PM I see these three girls hanging out on the malecon, I say hi, they say hi, and we start talking. I notice this cute girl right away, with green eyes, says her name is Lady. I try to get her to come hang out with me, but they say it’s too late at night. I get her phone number, and she insists that I call her that night. I don’t get a chance, and when I try the next day she’s no longer at that number. Lesson Learned, you have to act fast.

Sat. Feb 14.

I do pretty much what I had done the previous days and again find nothing. I decide that I’ll go out to the clubs that night.

Around 10PM I go out to Casa de la Musica Galiano, but it doesn’t open ‘til 11. I walk around St Martin, until I get to Cabaret Nacional across from the Hotel Inglaterra. There was a crowd of people waiting outside. I see a couple of pros, but mostly girls with their boyfriends on account of being Valentine ’s Day. (One thing I noticed is that there are a lot of Cubans at the CUC discos, girls w/ their bf’s, etc, How they get the money, I don’t know).

Anyway, I walk back down the street and as I’m walking I make eye contact with this cute black girl, she motions me over. 20 for ST and 10 for a room. It was on one of the back streets near the Hotel Inglaterra. I also noticed a few more streetwalkers in that area at night.

FYI, I recently read about a tourist getting mugged in this area, so watch out, especially at night.

I figure that I’ve had my fun for the night, so I decide to save some money and go back to the casa by myself.

Sun. Feb 15

I take the Viazul bus to Camaguey. Left at 9AM got there by 5PM. I decide that on my return journey I’ll take the plane, but would have been better off taking the bus.
Anyway, after I get to the Camaguey bus station I find this taxi driver, takes me to a nice casa, but the beds were terrible, really hard. The pillows felt like they were stuffed with cotton balls. But I was only there for the night, and decided to save some money by not staying at a hotel.

Mon. Feb 16

After securing my return flight, I went to a travel agent to try to get a booking at one of the hotels at Santa Lucia. All the resort hotels were booked, but I manage to get a room at the Hotel Costa Blanca, which is about 1 mile down the road from the resort hotels on Santa Lucia.

However, even though I only had that afternoon to operate in Camaguey, I managed to score with a semi-pro, Doris, 19, who was sitting outside of the patio restaurant on Agramonte. 40 for ST.

I see her sitting there with the telltale purse and cellphone, sit down next to her and strike up a conversation and we head back to the Casa.

I leave Camaguey at 2:30PM and get to Santa Lucia at 5:00PM.

The place is a ghost town, which is kind of what I was looking for as I was on vacation, and didn’t expect to be mongering every day.

Wed. Feb 18

Around 11AM I drive out to Coco Beach, some 15 km west from the resort area. There are a couple of bars there right on the beach. I sat there on the beach. There were a few girls there from Nuevitas in town for the Carnival that past weekend. One of them comes over to me and makes small talk. We end up in a relative’s stabin-cabin. 20 for ST GFE and DFK. I ended up taking her and her friend back to Nuevitas, usually a 30 mile ride, but because “es Cuba” ended up being a 6 hour ride with an unscheduled stop in Camaguey.

As we approached the control point leaving Santa Lucia, we get stopped by the cops. One of the girls tells him I’m headed to Camaguey. Wouldn’t you know it, there’s a cop there headed that way too. He even had his bag ready, and his friend flags him over, and he gets in the car. What was I supposed to do at that point.

Sat. Feb 21

I’m at St. Lucia until Saturday, which is the date for which I bought the plane ticket from Camaguey to Havana. The Saturday flight leaves at 11 PM and gets into Havana at 1 AM. I leave St Lucia around noon. And spend the day in Camaguey at the Gran Hotel. I got to the house in Havana at around 2 AM, luckily someone was there to open the door.

Sun. Feb 22

For the first time since I arrived in Cuba, I head for a nightclub. I go to the Café Cantante. I’m mulling outside for a few minutes before it opens. I see a couple of girls getting out of a Taxi, I say hi, and they say hi. I keep pacing about. There is a group of hardcore black girls waiting to get in. One of them comes up to me, a skinny black girl with a squeaky voice, and starts to chit-chat I make something up about waiting for some friends. I can see the $$s in her eyes, Not tonight, hon. I’m deciding whether to head someplace else, when I see this gorgeous Cuban girl waiting to get in. She looked like a Cuban Megan Fox. She’s with some friends, and they wave her into the club—she must know somebody in there. I don’t immediately assume she’s a semi pro, but I decide to find out. I see “Shannon” and “Paloma” again, talking to each other. I don’t assume that they’re semi-pros either, but I notice Paloma’s tight little body and green eyes, and decide I’ll stick around, Shannon’s a little taller, and really cute, with a big ass. They tell me they have a friend that works there, the black girl keeps harassing me so I keep talking to Shannon and her friend. We decide to go in, but the bouncer said their friend was off that night. I decide to pay for them to go in, if only to get away from the black girl, who was trying to get me to take her in, saying it was her birthday. Ha-ha.

We get inside and find a table, they almost immediately start hitting me up for drinks—sprite, coca cola, French fries, etc. About half an hour later, I see the hard-core pro’s walk in. They showed all the signs--Tattoos, tight pants/dresses, cigarettes, and plucked eye-brows. The couple of Italians at the club started slobbering all over them. Shannon and her friend are starting to [CodeWord140] (http://isgprohibitedwords.info?CodeWord=CodeWord140) me off, it just looks like they’re regular Cuban girls there for the music, Paloma has some friends from work performing there that night. Megan Fox is apparently there for a friend’s birthday, I try making eye-contact, but she will not look at me. I expect that from a girl in an NYC club, not in Havana, whatever. I try talking to one of the hoes but she’s not interested, makes no effort to chat-me up, maybe she thinks I’m Cuban, or a cop. Whatever. I do some dirty dancing with Shannon, who’s really shaking it to the reggaeton, I try with Paloma, but she’s not having it. At about 2AM I tell Shannon I’m leaving and she’s like don’t leave and gives me her number. We make a date for the next night. I try to get her to go back to the casa, but she says she’s going home. She’ll only let me give her a peck on the cheek.

Mon. Feb 23

I go to meet Shannon and Paloma at the Cine Yara. They see me as soon as I get out of the Taxi, we say hi and decide to go to Casa de La Musica in Miramar, even though the one in Galliano was closer. They said there were too many hoods at that one. Of course I pay their door fee. Thus far I have no reason to believe that either are even semi-pros.

Me and Shannon dance a little bit and she and Paloma dance. Of course there are hoes there too, but I don’t want to look like a jerk in front of Shannon by openly going up to them and negotiating, and club hoes are too $$$.

Once the show’s over, we leave. Again I ask her if she wants to come back with me but she declines, and I give Shannon and her friend cabfare, all I get is a peck on the lips.

Tues. Feb 24

In the afternoon I go out to buy something at the Galeria Paseo, as I’m approaching the entrance I notice this fine young thing standing by the telephones outside the Melia Cohiba. She had blond hair, blue eyed girl. I decide to investigate further. Sure enough she’s hookin’. I approach her and decide not to be too upfront so I use an opener and ask if the phones are working and pretend I’m about to use one. She comes over to me and asks me where I’m from. She has a Russian name, I find out she’s from Moron, and she came to see her sister who was arrested. I ask her what she’s up to and if she would like to come over to my casa. She says yes and follows me there. We agree on 40 for ST. No BJ, however she says “yo no mamo pinga”—I don’t suck dick.

Later, I meet Shannon and Paloma again outside the Yara, and we head to the Salon Rojo a couple of blocks away. This time, besides dancing with Shannon, I make out with her a couple of times. This is the last night I’m there. When the show’s over, we head back to the Casa, ostensibly so that I may give Shannon a bottle of shampoo. When we’re in my room, I tell her I want to make love to her, but she says she’s having her period, so we just make out some more, and do some foreplay, and we say goodnight. I call her the next morning, she was supposed to go to school, but she said she was going in the afternoon, ‘cause she didn’t sleep too much. She invites me over and I meet her mom and bring over some coffee and toothbrushes that I had. Anyway, we make out some more and I say goodbye. My flight’s in 3 three hours.

Anyway we’ve been talking on the phone these past few months and sending emails and stuff. I’m headed back in July and Shannon is going to me staying with me. I’ll see what happens.

EDITOR'S NOTE: I would suggest that the author or another Forum Member consider posting a link to this report in the Reports of Distinction thread. Please Click Here (http://www.internationalsexguide.info/forum/announcement-reportsofdistinction.php?) for more information.

[El Rey De Pollo]

Jerry, thanks for the report, after Havana lost it's mongering charm, these reports have become few and far between, so thanks for the read.

Since there was no conclusion at the end, I have had to make my own, and it sounds to me like you didn't have a great trip - at least not mongeringwize.

I would personally never ever work Havana the same way, but to each hos own. Apart from my first visit there, many years ago, I would never walk up to a girl and ask how much or even mention one work about price before AFTER sex.

Then again, I am done paying directly for sex in Cuba. I know exactly the type of girls you hooked up with, they are all pro's to me and not semi-pros. A semi-pro is a sweet girl who doesn't streetwalk, but who is thrilled to be treated with gifts and a dinner AFTER sex.

Also sounds to me like you wasted plenty of time there, well, thats Cuba in a nutshell. Wasting time. Some of those girls sound like they had no plans to ever give anything up, but were just taking you for a ride to squeeze money, taxis and drinks out of you.

The problem with Cuba nowadays is that all the girls that are easily picked up are worn-out pros with pimps and bad attitudes who won't do BJ or even kiss. What the f...? This is why Cuba is a place where you need so much time if you are looking for great sex with hot girls. You gotta search and search and you gotta spend time with each girl, do some dating etc.

But to leave off where I started: Thanks for the report. With all due respect, I am not sure why this is a report of distinction, it is well-written, absolutely, but I don't see it as a report that people should learn from. But I guess all reports become reports of distinction for some reason in here...

Just to be sure: This was your first time in Cuba, right?

[El Grande]

Hey Jerry, don't let her exploit you and do NOT send her any money!
Many mothers in Cuba do have pretty daughthers, so no need to fall for one that takes you in!

Cheers El

[Member #4167]

Wow, TG - Makes sense. That particular reason for needing good spanish never occurred to me. thanks for explaining that.


1) You need Spanish because if you meet a girl on the street who perhaps gives you an inviting look, you will have seconds at most to exploit that chance. You need to talk fast, move out of sight with her, and in essence, make a date in seconds. Because this is the time she has before a cop is standing beside her asking for her ID or hauling her into the car to go to the station.Exactly, dude!

there is also a practical reason to speak good spanish. because outside the cubans who work for the government in tourism, their are hardly any cubans who speak english. and trust me, you ain't gonna get nookie from some chica who has a lucrative tourist job.


Mongering there is strange. You basically walk for hours and hours in the heat, move around very slowly, check out a hundred girls for an inviting smile, and then, when the moment is there, you gotta move like the smoothest MF and get everything arranged in seconds.Agreed! I noticed that when I was making the pickup I was STRESSED out because I knew I had to move quickly and say the right things, or else I was going to strike out.

Have you ever noticed that you were stressed out? That the pick up just wasn't any fun?


This is why lots of people in here will talk about 'having game' when in Cuba. That is game. Without it, forget it.TG - I agree you need to be able to strike quickly, isolate your chica quickly, and clear all her objections to sleeping with you very quickly. Objections like "the neighbors will see us, we have no casa, I can't be seen walking with you, I don't want to register, I have to be home by XXX, I don't want to lose my job." It is like picking up a girl in the states - you have to handle her objections, usually over several weeks of dating. The only problem is: in cuba you have to do it in a few minutes. Let's not call this "game" but rather you need to be good at "resolver" (dealing with the convoluted system - handling obstacles)

As much as I generally agree with you, I am not sure if I quite agree fully with your last point. Wouldn't you say that in addition to being good at "resolver" - you also need the classic definition of game as well ? Game = ability to romance - flirt, seduce. Don't you think you need that kind of game as well?

[Member #4167]

Hi Jerry - thanks for the superb report. In general your report mirrors my own experiences of mongering in cuba. Here are some comments:


From the start I am asked by a doctor at the airport, who is there to make sure sick passengers aren’t entering the country, I guess, for a “regalito”—a gift.This type of thing never happened to me.


As we’re passing the CUJEA he asks if I’d like to give a ride to a college girl. There were a lot of cute girls, but he stops for one that wasn’t that attractive, along with her friend. She doesn’t say much. When I ask her for her phone number, she says she doesn’t have one. Strike one.very typical to give someone a ride.

As for you striking out with the girl - this happened to me many many times. When they dont have a phone - you ask them "Dame su direccion" (Give me your address) - They also act like they don't have one of those, either.


Once the casa owner makes it to the apartment, 2 hours later, she says that she and her brother will have to stay in the apartment also.
This shoddy service is typical in cuba. You pay and they underdeliver


Claudia/Janet is a cute skinny 19yo, green eyes, brown skin, hot. So I say how long for 30. We agree to ST for 30.I am glad you scored


Around 12PM I go check a place out. The bedroom is in another part of the house from where the owner is, and has its own key. I take it. By 2PM, I’m there. Another day wasted.typical of Cuba.


That night I go out along the malecon near the Cohiba, but see nothing.

typical of Cuba.


I get off in front of the Hotel Inglaterra, truly only tourists there, though you might see one with his Cuban “girlfriend”. I walk up and down St. Martin. It’s very crowded, even on weekdays, though I see no obvious semi-pros. But at night there is some action.

I walk along the Malecon, but again nothing. Only families with kids, and girls with their boyfriends. I walk to Havana University, but don’t see any girls sitting by themselves, though some cute chicks.Actually, you will hardly ever see jiniteras solo. You need to approach the ones in group


After walking for hours, I make it to La Rampita, in front of Copelia, where I see this cute girl with yellow jeans, a dead giveaway. She starts busting my chops almost as soon as I sit down, asking why I sat at her table. I have had this type of b1tchiness from a prospective jinitera, this is the exception rather than the rule.

I never consummated the deal - I always dropped the bish and moved on.

[Member #4167]

Again Jerry - thanks for the report. You went to the time and trouble to post a detailed report - so here are some detailed responses. (continued)

Sounds like you had a typical cuban experience and you had a little better luck than I did.

QUESTION: Will you go back to cuba?


Fri. Feb 13

In the evening I head out for the Malecon yet again. This time there’s a lot of people out, especially in front of the Hotel Nacional. I see two girls walking along. I walk slightly ahead of them. I say hi, they say hi, but I don’t like either one, so I move along.

8PM I see these three girls hanging out on the malecon, I say hi, they say hi, and we start talking. I notice this cute girl right away, with green eyes, says her name is Lady. I try to get her to come hang out with me, but they say it’s too late at night. I get her phone number, and she insists that I call her that night. I don’t get a chance, and when I try the next day she’s no longer at that number. Lesson Learned, you have to act fast.


yep! See TG's recent post on the subject of "game"




Mon. Feb 16

However, even though I only had that afternoon to operate in Camaguey, I managed to score with a semi-pro, Doris, 19, who was sitting outside of the patio restaurant on Agramonte. 40 for ST.Looks? Appearance? Blanca? Negra? Fat or thin? Pretty or plain?

Will you go back to cuba?

[El Rey De Pollo]

Amigos,

Thinking of adding some new cubanas to my 'portfolio' there :-) And with the increasing dificulties when it comes to meeting new girls in the street, I was thinking of checking out some of those dating sites.

I know of Badoo. Any other FREE dating sites out there to check out?

[MrSoulo]

Some of the information posted on this site is right but a lot of your prices are wrong! First of all, don't fuck it up for the next guy. By this I mean, keep the prices low, the girls are gonna fuck you anyway because they REALLY need the money! I've been with gorgeous Chicas between the ages of 18-22 for as little $16.50 CUC (that's right $16.50 on Saturday March 7th) and as much as $30 CUC (CUC is the Cuban convertible Peso). NEVER have I paid more. The trick is to first negotiate price and be willing to walk away if she doesn't comply. I walked away from 3 beautiful girls at Casa de la Musica when they told me and my friend $100 CUC each. I got up from my table told them I wouldn't pay more than $50 and walked away, sure enough after some minutes they came after me and agreed. But by then I was already talking to another cutie and she agreed to $30 CUC. Remember guys, if she doesn't go with you there are hundreds of other hotties that will. The Chicas will ALWAYS ask for $30-$100 but only a SUCKER will pay over $30! The girls in Havana itself are more tricky, expensive, and have way too much "mileage". It's best you go on the outskirts of Havana like Playas del Este, Santa Maria del Mar, which is about 15-20 minutes from downtown Havana. There are about 10 beach front tourist hotels in this area and the "Casa Particulars" are only $20-$25 CUC for 24 hrs. When it comes to the Chicas i'm ALWAYS super nice to them and I usually start off with an offer of $20 CUC, if they say yes we're good. If they make a counter offer I usually say to them "if you're REALLY good and stay the whole night i'll give you $30 CUC". 8 out of 10 times this works, the other 2 times I just walk away to the next girl. Couple of things to remember:

1. EVERYTHING in Cuba is negotiable! Girls, Casas, Souvenirs, Food, Taxis, etc.

2. Negotiate price with the girls, don't be shy, ask them before you leave the club or street and be NICE to them! If your a dick your not gettin' shit!

3. NEVER give them "Taxi" money! They will ask but don't give them cause they will just keep it and take the bus for 5 cents instead. You pay the taxi for them to go to the "casa" but you DO NOT pay for them to go home.

4. It doesn't cost you anything to be nice to these girls and if you do you will GET BETTER SERVICE from them!

5. ALWAYS use a Condom! Even though Cuban girls are extremely clean and Cubans have one of the LOWEST HIV rates in the world it's still better safe than sorry.

6. Ask the Taxi drivers for price upfront as most of them will hustle you for an over inflated price.

7. Try your best to always have a "wingman"/buddy with you as it's less likely anyone will "try something" on you if you're 2 or more guys.

8. NEVER EVER pay the girls upfront, ALWAYS pay them after! This way if the service is shitty or she wants to leave right away or she only lets you cum once, you can give her less. A buddy of mine paid $30 CUC upfront and all she did was let him play with her tits! LOL. That was the joke of the trip!

9. Don't let the Casa owners trick you by telling you it's only for 1 or 2 hours. That's BULLSHIT! $20-$25 CUC is for overnight! So you can fuck all night if you want.

10. You DON'T have to take the first Chica that approaches you. These type of girls are usually "Pros" and are way too aggressive for my liking. Take your time and look around, chances are you'll find something better. Good luck and good hunting!

Mrsoulo

About me: In the last year i've been to Cuba 3 times. I spent the entire month of May 2008 there and I came back from an 8 night trip on March 10th 2009. ALL my information is CURRENT and up to date! The Police are currently cracking down on the girls and things are not as easy as last year but it's still very doable. They usually do this every 4 years. All this means is that it's easier in a crowded nightclub as opposed to the street or a restaurant where the cops are always watching.

EDITOR'S NOTE: I would suggest that the author or another Forum Member consider posting a link to this report in the Reports of Distinction thread. Please Click Here (http://www.internationalsexguide.info/forum/announcement-reportsofdistinction.php?) for more information.

[Member #4167]

Some of the information posted on this site is right but a lot of your prices are wrong! First of all, don't fuck it up for the next guy. By this I mean, keep the prices low, the girls are gonna fuck you anyway because they REALLY need the money! I've been with gorgeous Chicas between the ages of 18-22 for as little $16.50 CUC (that's right $16.50 on Saturday March 7th) and as much as $30 CUC (CUC is the Cuban convertible Peso). NEVER have I paid more. The trick is to first negotiate price and be willing to walk away if she doesn't comply. I walked away from 3 beautiful girls at Casa de la Musica when they told me and my friend $100 CUC each. I got up from my table told them I wouldn't pay more than $50 and walked away, sure enough after some minutes they came after me and agreed. But by then I was already talking to another cutie and she agreed to $30 CUC. Remember guys, if she doesn't go with you there are hundreds of other hotties that will. The Chicas will ALWAYS ask for $30-$100 but only a SUCKER will pay over $30! The girls in Havana itself are more tricky, expensive, and have way too much "mileage". It's best you go on the outskirts of Havana like Playas del Este, Santa Maria del Mar, which is about 15-20 minutes from downtown Havana. There are about 10 beach front tourist hotels in this area and the "Casa Particulars" are only $20-$25 CUC for 24 hrs. When it comes to the Chicas i'm ALWAYS super nice to them and I usually start off with an offer of $20 CUC, if they say yes we're good. If they make a counter offer I usually say to them "if you're REALLY good and stay the whole night i'll give you $30 CUC". 8 out of 10 times this works, the other 2 times I just walk away to the next girl. Couple of things to remember:

1. EVERYTHING in Cuba is negotiable! Girls, Casas, Souvenirs, Food, Taxis, etc.

2. Negotiate price with the girls, don't be shy, ask them before you leave the club or street and be NICE to them! If your a dick your not gettin' shit!

3. NEVER give them "Taxi" money! They will ask but don't give them cause they will just keep it and take the bus for 5 cents instead. You pay the taxi for them to go to the "casa" but you DO NOT pay for them to go home.

4. It doesn't cost you anything to be nice to these girls and if you do you will GET BETTER SERVICE from them!

5. ALWAYS use a Condom! Even though Cuban girls are extremely clean and Cubans have one of the LOWEST HIV rates in the world it's still better safe than sorry.

6. Ask the Taxi drivers for price upfront as most of them will hustle you for an over inflated price.

7. Try your best to always have a "wingman"/buddy with you as it's less likely anyone will "try something" on you if you're 2 or more guys.

8. NEVER EVER pay the girls upfront, ALWAYS pay them after! This way if the service is shitty or she wants to leave right away or she only lets you cum once, you can give her less. A buddy of mine paid $30 CUC upfront and all she did was let him play with her tits! LOL. That was the joke of the trip!

9. Don't let the Casa owners trick you by telling you it's only for 1 or 2 hours. That's BULLSHIT! $20-$25 CUC is for overnight! So you can fuck all night if you want.

10. You DON'T have to take the first Chica that approaches you. These type of girls are usually "Pros" and are way too aggressive for my liking. Take your time and look around, chances are you'll find something better. Good luck and good hunting!

Mrsoulo

About me: In the last year i've been to Cuba 3 times. I spent the entire month of May 2008 there and I came back from an 8 night trip on March 10th 2009. ALL my information is CURRENT and up to date! The Police are currently cracking down on the girls and things are not as easy as last year but it's still very doable. They usually do this every 4 years. All this means is that it's easier in a crowded nightclub as opposed to the street or a restaurant where the cops are always watching.

EDITOR'S NOTE: I would suggest that the author or another Forum Member consider posting a link to this report in the Reports of Distinction thread. Please Click Here (http://www.internationalsexguide.info/forum/announcement-reportsofdistinction.php?) for more information.Thank you Mr Soulo,

The prices I got quoted (these are my best final price that I could negotiate down to - not the original asking price )

Cienfuegos
VARIOUS PRICES FULL SEX
$30CUC + $10 for room = $40CUC (yng and attractive)
$40CUC + $10 for room = $50CUC (attractive and yng)
$20CUC + $10 for room = $30CUC (unattractive provider)
$25CUC + $05 for room = $30CUC (attractive yngr provider)
$25CUC + $05 for room = $30CUC (FAT provider)
$20CUC + $10 for room = $30CUC (30 year old provider)

Habana (using my own Casa Particular)
$100 CUC
$70 CUC (beautiful girl - would not budge from 70 CUC)
$50 CUC
$40 CUC

All girls were attractive and in their early 20's

Otra Provincias
$40 CUC
$15 CUC (quickie car fvck)

I enjoy your post, you get better prices than I. You said "walk away, cuase there is always another girl" maybe I am picky, but there is usually no more than 2-3 fvckable girls in any venue (I like blanquita or multatta y flaquita). I like them very skinny. If you are talking about plenty of girls, do you mean negritas?

I never found "plenty of girls" no matter where I went on the island. The girls were running scared and afraid to talk to foreginers.

I think you have better luck than I, because:

you are an old cuban hand - you know the country.

you are of cuban ancestry and can pass for a local, that way the jevas are not scared to be seen with you.

you speak spanish fluently or semi-fluently

Am I correct?

I afraid that the older, blond haired blue eyed types such as myself will not be able to repeat your success, because they stick out as obvious extranjeros and the girls do not want to be seen with them

[MrSoulo]

Water boy,

To answer some of your questions and assumptions please read the following:

A) "I think you have better luck than I, because: you are an old cuban hand. You know the country".

*a) nope. I've only been to Cuba 3 times and I do not know the country. I did research on the net and my 1st trip there was with an older white "veteran" who "schooled" me on the "ways" of cuban chicas. Sites like this helps tremendously!

B) "you are of cuban ancestry and can pass for a local, that way the jevas are not scared to be seen with you".

*b) wrong again. I'm not cuban and neither are any of my family. My friends and I stuck out like sore thumbs, the way we dressed and carried ourselves was a dead give-away. They all knew we were tourists.

C) "you speak spanish fluently or semi-fluently"

*c) wrong yet again "grasshopper". I don't speak the language, except for "hello", "goodbye", "thank you", "how much", "beer", and some numbers. LOL. I bought an electronic pocket translator from radio shack and that helped me out incredibly.

1. I, like you, prefer mulatta, blanquita, flaquita, but I also like morena. I absolutely love petite women and I'm definitely not partial to negritas, not that there is anything wrong with that. It's just not my "cup of tea". And I absolutely refuse to fuck fat chicks! LOL. All the girls I went with were 18-20, never older, and were super fit. My philosophy on this is quite simple, older chicas have more "mileage" and the thought of having sex with a girl that banged over 1000 tourists is very unappealing. The way I see it, the 18 yr old chicas have had considerably less dick than a 25 yr old. For the most part that is. LOL.

2. I really don't know where you stayed or where you decided to hang out, but my dear friend there are plenty of gorgeous girls where I was. In cienfuegos I went to a nightclub called el benny, it's on a pedestrian only street called the boulevard or el boulevard. Dude, there were tons of hot chicas there at that club. There were also lots of pretty girls walking around in the daytime on that street. Matter of fact, I picked up a beautiful chica blanca in the daytime on that very street. Her name was yuri, I invited her and her cousin to come party with me and my 2 friends later that night. We arranged a time and she was prompt. We partied till closing, 1 of my friends was not feeling well so he went back to the casa to rest. My other friend and I took yuri and her cousin to a "private" casa and did the "deed" all night. They stayed with us till we were ready to move on to the next city. The girls didn't ask for any money, they just asked for a ride home. This was easy as we had rented a car. Anyway, when we dropped them home yuri insisted that we meet her mom, surprise surprise. LOL. My friend and I gave them each a small make-up kit as a gift and $20 cuc when we were leaving. The girls said "no no no" to the money but we "insisted" and they took it. Of course they had to act like they didn't want the money because they didn't wanna come across like "putas", but we all know the "game".

(before going to Cuba I always go to the "dollar store" and stock up on a bunch of inexpensive stuff aka "gifts", the chicas love this and it only costs me $1 per item)

3) cuban girls love older white guys. They much prefer them over men of color. Matter of fact I was trying to get "friendly" with a gorgeous chica who looked like a runway model, but she wasn't even trying to hear me. She just ignored me until about 45 minutes later when her older white tourist showed up. Usually when the chica is waiting on her "date", she will give you her # or arrange to meet you at another time cause they don't want to "miss out" on another "pay day". But not this girl! She stuck to her"old white man" like glue. LOL. Funny enough they don't seem to like black guys very much. I'm neither black nor white, I'm a man of color (multi-ethnic) so I tend to fit right in the middle. One of my friends on this trip was black and the other was white, so my statements are based on actual observation and my personal experience.

Hope this helps clarify some of your questions and assumptions. Maybe we'll run into each other one day in Cuba and we can party together.

Mrsoulo

[Member #4167]

2. I really don't know where you stayed or where you decided to hang out, but my dear friend there are plenty of gorgeous girls where I was. In cienfuegos I went to a nightclub called el benny, it's on a pedestrian only street called the boulevard or el boulevard. Dude, there were tons of hot chicas there at that club. There were also lots of pretty girls walking around in the daytime on that street. Matter of fact, I picked up a beautiful chica blanca in the daytime on that very street. Her name was yuri, I invited her and her cousin to come party with me and my 2 friends later that night. We arranged a time and she was prompt. We partied till closing, 1 of my friends was not feeling well so he went back to the casa to rest. My other friend and I took yuri and her cousin to a "private" casa and did the "deed" all night. They stayed with us till we were ready to move on to the next city. The girls didn't ask for any money, they just asked for a ride home. This was easy as we had rented a car. Anyway, when we dropped them home yuri insisted that we meet her mom, surprise surprise. LOL. My friend and I gave them each a small make-up kit as a gift and $20 cuc when we were leaving. The girls said "no no no" to the money but we "insisted" and they took it. Of course they had to act like they didn't want the money because they didn't wanna come across like "putas", but we all know the "game".Mr Soulo,

Thanks for clearing up my misconceptions. I totally bombed in CFGOS - Apparantly you were at the right place at the right time.

[Kalifornication]

Can anyone tel me is cubacel covers all of Cuba? For example, I assume there coverage is broad, but, are there dead zones?

[Bonker04]

Can anyone tel me is cubacel covers all of Cuba? For example, I assume there coverage is broad, but, are there dead zones?


Generally coverage is quite good, certainly all the major towns, cities and resort areas.

There are some blind spots in towns where you may have to change position inside a casa for example to get a good signal but apart from that you should be OK.

More rural areas have coverage problems, as well as parts of the main auto-pistsa between Pinar del Rio, Havana and Taguasco (Taguasco is the termination of the autopista between Santa Clara and Ciego de Avila) but mostly it has a good to reasonable signal.


You should also be able to use your own networks 'roaming' facility without too much of a problem (not sure about U.S. based networks though).

B04

[MrSoulo]

Can anyone tel me is cubacel covers all of Cuba? For example, I assume there coverage is broad, but, are there dead zones?Canadian cell phones from Rogers and Fido work quite well all over Cuba. However, Telus phones does not work there at all...even if u have a "world edition" cell phone from Telus it still will not work. Reason being, Telus does not have an "agreement" with the Cuban cell phone providers. Not sure about Bell cell phones, but since this company uses CDMA technology i very much doubt that it will work there as Cuba uses GSM technology. Hope this info helps someone.

mrsoulo

[Tattle]

I am in need of help for my Amiga; she needs quality diagnostics for some increasing health concerns; does anyone know of where to go in Havana, that will accept a Cuban! : I am willing to pay in US or Canadian dollars (or CUC).

Any help from the members will be appreciated: I was wondering if anyone knows of Dr's that will work for $ on the sly.

Thanks for this urgent help needed.

[Bonker04]

You could try one of the international clinics. They certainly have them in the resorts like Varadero. Don't know about Havana but I am certain that there would be at least one. They will look at locals but MAY charge in CUC's. Have used them in the past for amiga's.

B04

[El Cubanito]

I am in need of help for my Amiga; she needs quality diagnostics for some increasing health concerns; does anyone know of where to go in Havana, that will accept a Cuban! : I am willing to pay in US or Canadian dollars (or CUC).

Any help from the members will be appreciated: I was wondering if anyone knows of Dr's that will work for $ on the sly.

Thanks for this urgent help needed.

Look at your PM.

[El Chico]

I am in need of help for my Amiga; she needs quality diagnostics for some increasing health concerns; does anyone know of where to go in Havana, that will accept a Cuban! : I am willing to pay in US or Canadian dollars (or CUC).
Any help from the members will be appreciated: I was wondering if anyone knows of Dr's that will work for $ on the sly.
Thanks for this urgent help needed.

Your Amiga's request appears very suspicious to me. I have lived in Cuba for 8 years and lived with a Cubana for 5 and I know from experiences with her and her family that Cuban's already receive FREE quality health care. Whenever she had stomach issues they would do a Ultrasound that day and a barrage of other tests, so I don't believe she is not getting proper "diagnostics". That being said, the best medications are not always available in the peso pharmacy, but you will find just about anything in the Dollar pharmacies.

I don't know how well you know this girl, but Cubans are well known for taking advantage of foreigners that come visit and then keep in contact. Could be a clever deception to get some cash.

[La Isla]

I was wondering if anyone knows of Dr's that will work for $ on the sly.


Every single one of them......
What diagnostics does she need...exactly? El Chico is right that almost all diagnostics are available to them for free. I am sure you are saying "mine is different" but I would be very wary of what she is telling you.

[BeersTerry]

A heart surgeon makes about $35 per month. How much do you think an appointment with a specialist would cost ? Make sure you get the Cuban rate and not the Gringo rate.

[Misinformation]

Travelling to Cuba soon. I am coming from NYC. Last time I was there (2002) they used USD. I am aware of the changes in that respect. Nowadays is it better to bring Euros or USD?

I can buy Euros in NYC within 1% of the rate posted in the newspaper.

From what I know the 10% only applies to USD==>CUC. This would imply with $3000 spending money I can gain $250 or so if I do USD==>EUR here and EUR==>CUC in Havana.

Worth the hassle? Any CURRENT exchange info in Havana would be appreciated from myself and other fellow mongerers in the land of the free.

[Vedado Fun]

Worth the hassle? Any CURRENT exchange info in Havana would be appreciated from myself and other fellow mongerers in the land of the free.
I would change to Euros or Cdn dollars. Change a little bit of money at the airport when you arrive. Then when you need more money use a bank to do the exchange. The hotels never give the best rate. Always count your money when you do the exchange.
Current exchange rates in Cuba are usually posted here: http://www.bc.gov.cu/English/exchange_rate.asp

[Deep Dive]

If you can change it to another currency other than the dollar for a small fee, then it makes sense to bring down euros or canadian dollars. You will get hit with a 19% fee when converting form dollars and I believe it's 12% with the euro. Lately I've found guys, people working in the rental car booths, to convert the dollar into cuc's for 15% or less. I've heard this business is becoming more and more popular. It's off course illegal.

[Misinformation]

Still confused. These retard governments like Mugabe, Chavez and Castro messing with currency confuses things. Anyone with current rates from Hotel Inglaterra or even the Havana Airport something

1 EUR = xx CUC
1CDN = xx CUC
1 USD = xx CUC

I am confused. Is the 10% penalty ONLY when changing from USD to CUC?

Thanks!



If you can change it to another currency other than the dollar for a small fee, then it makes sense to bring down euros or canadian dollars. You will get hit with a 19% fee when converting form dollars and I believe it's 12% with the euro. Lately I've found guys, people working in the rental car booths, to convert the dollar into cuc's for 15% or less. I've heard this business is becoming more and more popular. It's off course illegal.

[Steven Smith]

I am confused. Is the 10% penalty ONLY when changing from USD to CUC?Yes. This is because the U.S. (under Bush) threatened to legally go after banks (even overseas) which accepted U.S. dollars from Cuba.

[Jonesie]

Yes. This is because the U.S. (under Bush) threatened to legally go after banks (even overseas) which accepted U.S. dollars from Cuba.But now that things are more polite between the US and Cuba, they'll be keeping that 10%, thank you.

Cuba sticks it to everybody. You just accept it going in knowing you'll be sticking it to their female population.

[Pepe17]

I have been in Cuba last month (August), and I had no problems at all going with a cuban girl to the hotel. The only thing is that she has to register at the counter and you can stay with her without any problem, but you cannot change the girl while you are on that hotel. I did myself in Havana, Varadero, Guadalavaca, Holguin city and santiago de Cuba. I think Cuba has changed a lot now, before you as a foreigner you are not allowed to go to the hotel with a cuban girl.

[El Rey De Pollo]

I have been in Cuba last month (August), and I had no problems at all going with a cuban girl to the hotel. The only thing is that she has to register at the counter and you can stay with her without any problem, but you cannot change the girl while you are on that hotel. I did myself in Havana, Varadero, Guadalavaca, Holguin city and santiago de Cuba. I think Cuba has changed a lot now, before you as a foreigner you are not allowed to go to the hotel with a cuban girl.

Sure, they changed the law in May 2008. But it doesn't change a lot in reality. Jineteras will seldom go because if they have registered three times with different foreigners, they are likely looking at prison time for being prostitutes. And regular girls usually won't register out of fear of being in the books.

You were lucky to meet so many who had no problems registering. Where those girls pros or regulars or somewhere in between? And were they totally fearless of going to a hotel with you and registering? Interesting...

[Member #4167]

Sure, they changed the law in May 2008. But it doesn't change a lot in reality. Jineteras will seldom go because if they have registered three times with different foreigners, they are likely looking at prison time for being prostitutes. And regular girls usually won't register out of fear of being in the books.

You were lucky to meet so many who had no problems registering. Where those girls pros or regulars or somewhere in between? And were they totally fearless of going to a hotel with you and registering? Interesting...Regular girls will and do register. I had many register with me. No problem. In fact they had no concern about registering (I had more concern than they did). There are two types of registering: "visitors" and "overnite guests". It was only the jiniteras that have a problem registering.

The problem is the limit of 3.compare a poor girl in Colombia with one in Cuba. The Colombiana can screw any guy she wishes without fear of harrassment or imprisonment. The Cubana can only pick three. Therefore the Cubana will be much choosier. The Cubana will make sure that you are the "real deal" and you are not there just to sport-fvck her. That you are serious about marriage and taking her off the island. Therefore, she will wait until the right Yuma comes along.

[El Rey De Pollo]

Regular girls will and do register. I had many register with me. No problem (...) The Cubana will make sure that you are the "real deal" and you are not there just to sport-fvck her. That you are serious about marriage and taking her off the island. Therefore, she will wait until the right Yuma comes along.

Yes, she is not (likely) going to register with the first not too bad foreigner she meets, so I would say it is still unlikely for most visitors to have no problems with that. So I think stating that 'she will' and 'no problem' is correct only if we are talking about a girl you have spend time with and who knows you. I don't think it applies for a regular girl you just met down on the square and chatted with for an hour. Of course, this is Cuba so there are always exceptions. I did a few times have a regular girl I just met go home with me and register, but only in the province (because in Havana it's a moot point, since there are casas to be found that don't register guests). But if youre in a Havana casa that goes by the books, or in a hotel for that matter, I think the Havana girls are way more hesitant to register. Perhaps because the campesino-girls are just living in a place where they dont expect to meet that many interesting foreigners, and so unlike a Havanera they don't have to be really picky about which two foreigners to spend their total of two registrations on.

But if your statements holds true, that would lead us to the inevitable question: How many of those girls did you take off the island and marry? :-)

[Member #4167]

Yes, she is not (likely) going to register with the first not too bad foreigner she meets, so I would say it is still unlikely for most visitors to have no problems with that. So I think stating that 'she will' and 'no problem' is correct only if we are talking about a girl you have spend time with and who knows you. I don't think it applies for a regular girl you just met down on the square and chatted with for an hour. Of course, this is Cuba so there are always exceptions. I did a few times have a regular girl I just met go home with me and register, but only in the province (because in Havana it's a moot point, since there are casas to be found that don't register guests). But if youre in a Havana casa that goes by the books, or in a hotel for that matter, I think the Havana girls are way more hesitant to register. Perhaps because the campesino-girls are just living in a place where they dont expect to meet that many interesting foreigners, and so unlike a Havanera they don't have to be really picky about which two foreigners to spend their total of two registrations on.

But if your statements holds true, that would lead us to the inevitable question: How many of those girls did you take off the island and marry? :-)Whenever possible, I snuck in a girl without registering her.

I purposely chose casas with private entrances in order to do this.

One girl I met on online dating site - she had no problem registering - and she DID NOT want to sleep with me right away. Actually, first date she didn't even want to give me a kiss. I dumped her.

Other girls had no problem registering - unless they were hard core jiniteras.

As for marrying the girls - as a substitute for that, what I had was "short term marriages" in which we met, we had sex and sometimes went on a honeymoon to another town.

[Bonker04]

Whenever possible, I snuck in a girl without registering her.

I purposely chose casas with private entrances in order to do this.



I know the temptation is there to sneak in girls, but the consequences for the casa owner can be devastating!

A friend of mine who ran one of the best casa's I'd come across in just about every respect was closed down, given a multa of 1400 CUC's AND FIVE YEARS IN PRISON when some guy snuck a girl in during the night. Nothing happened to the tourist of course, and I don't know what happened to the chica, but it would not surprise me to learn she was given a prison sentence as well.

His life, and that of his family have been ruined as a result!

And he was completely unaware that the girl was in the house!

The ironic thing is, like my friend would do, some casa owners will take the chicas details and keep them on a piece of paper. Then if the cops come calling he can quickly fill in the chica section of the registration book. Otherwise they get 'binned'! But he was never given that chance!

[Misinformation]

What is internet like in Cuba now? Last time I was in Cuba it was 2004. Then you go to Fancy hotel, spend $10 per hour for dial up. Even back then you could email casa particular owners. They have internet. There is internet in Cuba.

How do you get it? I'm reading other boards and people talk about magicjack.. Thats fucking nonsense on a 56k dialup.

Anyone in the field. Tell us about internet in Cuba

[Member #4167]

The ironic thing is, like my friend would do, some casa owners will take the chicas details and keep them on a piece of paper. Then if the cops come calling he can quickly fill in the chica section of the registration book. Otherwise they get 'binned'! But he was never given that chance!I agree this is the best option. This is the first thing I suggest to the casa owner. Sometimes they are not so compliant with this request.

I agree that the casa owner faces a large fine. However, I have never heard of prison for such an offense. I dont believe it.

If the girl registers too many times, she is sure to get questioned and if too many times - she is sure to go to prison. I would rather protect the girl.

[Member #4167]

What is internet like in Cuba now? Last time I was in Cuba it was 2004. Then you go to Fancy hotel, spend $10 per hour for dial up. Even back then you could email casa particular owners. They have internet. There is internet in Cuba.

How do you get it? I'm reading other boards and people talk about magicjack.. Thats fucking nonsense on a 56k dialup.

Anyone in the field. Tell us about internet in CubaInternet is expensive. $9/hour. Everywhere you go it is about the same. It is a government monopoly. You can't get around it with magicjack. It is a fact of life - just pay the price.

[El Cubanito]

I agree this is the best option. This is the first thing I suggest to the casa owner. Sometimes they are not so compliant with this request.

I agree that the casa owner faces a large fine. However, I have never heard of prison for such an offense. I dont believe it.

If the girl registers too many times, she is sure to get questioned and if too many times - she is sure to go to prison. I would rather protect the girl.

let you bring in a chica, but with the understanding she has to be out by no later than 7:30 AM. I know that getting a chica up this early is inconvience, but it an alternative than getting the info in the books.

[Bonker04]

[QUOTE=Water Boy]

I agree that the casa owner faces a large fine. However, I have never heard of prison for such an offense. I dont believe it.
[/QUOTE

I know it sounds incredibly harsh, but I can assure you it's true. I used to take his family to visit him, and take a few home comforts for him. He actually only served about 8 months inside before being released.

He was actually allowed out on weekend home visits about every six weeks or so.

That's Cuba for you!

[Bowline]

On recent trip to Havana, stayed at my regular Casa. I was introduced to a local lady who is a friend of the family who operates the Casa. When it came time to go to my room with my lady friend the Casa operator took the ID information and entered it in the registration book. I was surprised about this and was told that every one who stays in a Casa must register and have the registration information delivered to the authorities the next day, no exceptions.

The fine and penalties are very severe.

This is Cuba.

[Salsafan]

I'll be in Habana the next two weeks. Where do the non-sex-pros go dancing salsa ? 1830 and Chevere a good, other suggestions?

[Jonesie]

I'll be in Habana the next two weeks. Where do the non-sex-pros go dancing salsa ? 1830 and Chevere a good, other suggestions?Chevere closed over a year ago. Replaced in style by La Cecelia in Miramar. 1830 always looks dead when I go by.

Hit me up, I'll try to meet up with you this next weekend.

Jonesie

[Salsafan]

Hi Jonesie

Sorry, but I think you have wrong information. 1830 has every Sunday evening an excellent salsa-party, I was there in February. I myself wasn't in Chevere, but I heard today from locals, that every Wednesday its good.

Well, the next two weeks I'll be testing the spots.

[Jonesie]

Hi Jonesie

Sorry, but I think you have wrong information. 1830 has every Sunday evening an excellent salsa-party, I was there in February. I myself wasn't in Chevere, but I heard today from locals, that every Wednesday its good.

Well, the next two weeks I'll be testing the spots.Bet you a box of Cohibas Chevere is closed... I don't have every piece of info ever on 1830, I was was commenting on my many times driving by and looking over to see 20 people milling around the courtyard there. It could in fact have 1,000 people there, who have a lookout for my taxi, and when they give the signal, everyone rushes inside to avoid being seen by me.

[Deep Dive]

Yes chevre has been closed for over a year. As far as salsa dancing, most of the tourist clubs will have your local pros working, clubs like casa de la musica or diablo tuntun. Best advise is to see a salsa band live at a small venue, or even see van van somewhere. But many of the girls there are probably out to have fun and not looking to hook up.

[Salsafan]

Just got back from two weeks in Habana. 1830 is still the best place to dance, 3 CUC,many nice nonpro-girls,good band, but open only on Sundays from 19:00 til 23:00, and the restaurant is also good. Chevere is open on wednesdays til 23:00, but the people are only from the local dance-schools with there yuma-students.One place with very good cuban authentic atmosphere is Tropical (not Tropicana), when there's a good band, but all my cuban friends were saying I'm grazy going there, because its dangerous. Well, nothing happend, but could have...I think I was the only yuma there, with 600 cubans. Entrance also 3 CUC and a glas ron 10 MN.

Casa de la Musicas are more for listening music, but this time I wasn't there in the early matinees, which a more for dancing. I like more Cafe Cantante, but also there the girls are naturally only pros.

[Rebel Monger]

Just got back from two weeks in Habana. 1830 is still the best place to dance, 3 CUC,many nice nonpro-girls...
By non-pro, do you mean that you can talk your way into her panties and not paying for it?

[BeersTerry]

Haha..........must be a different Club 1830 than the one we all know.

[Salsafan]

For me a non-pro = a girl who has her normal, daily job, and is not every day seeking for yumas.

In Cuba you always pay, in one or another way :-)

[Rebel Monger]

For me a non-pro = a girl who has her normal, daily job, and is not every day seeking for yumas.

In Cuba you always pay, in one or another way :-)
Once there's an exchange of sex for anything of value, she's a pro. If a woman just have sex because she likes the guy (yuma or not), then she's just a regular, horny girl.

Of course I know you always pay in Cuba (I'm Cuban myself), but there's difference between "how much you want to go with me to my room?" and just taking the gal out and paying for drinks and diner. If a woman hangs around yumas, 101% of the time, she's a pro.

[El Cubanito]

Awaiting your response as I have returned.I reach out for you over a week ago and you told me you were not ready to meet. I will call you today.

[Kalifornication]

I reach out for you over a week ago and you told me you were not ready to meet. I will call you today.Ray, I told you I was going to be out of town (CUBA), my note prior was just letting you know that I am back. I will see you Friday as promised.

[Hotman9999]

I would wish to visit La Habana.

How is the nightlife in a street called La Rampa?

There are lots of girls in this place?

Thank you

[Adinga]

I would wish to visit La Habana.

How is the nightlife in a street called La Rampa?

There are lots of girls in this place?

Thank youUnfortunatley theres not much street action anymore on LaRampa because of the increased police presence. You may want to try Coppelia which is around the corner from the Movie theater. Lots of faggots at the bottom of the hill.

There are lots of proffessional girls at Salon Rojo and the Havana Libre both of which are located few blocks away. Many of these girls will ask for 60 to 100 cuc. But never pay that. Always negotiate price.

[Sammytheman]

On recent trip to Havana, stayed at my regular Casa. I was introduced to a local lady who is a friend of the family who operates the Casa. When it came time to go to my room with my lady friend the Casa operator took the ID information and entered it in the registration book. I was surprised about this and was told that every one who stays in a Casa must register and have the registration information delivered to the authorities the next day, no exceptions.

The fine and penalties are very severe.

This is Cuba.Is it possible that the authorities would charge you as a sex tourist?

[Bonker04]

Is it possible that the authorities would charge you as a sex tourist?

You have nothing to fear on that score, unless the chica's are under 18!
The girls maybe, if they are seen to be staying with a number of tourists. The authorities are not really interested in you! Except for the the income of course!

[BeersTerry]

Whatever you do, do not get involved with drugs.

It is Cuba, nobody can afford drugs. That means you can assume two things, the drugs are fake/shitty or you are being entrapped.

If you get caught, you are royally fucked.

[La Isla]

....was told that every one who stays in a Casa must register and have the registration information delivered to the authorities the next day, no exceptions.


True, severe penalties if they get caught. But there are several legal casas where they don't register girls.

[La Isla]

Whatever you do, do not get involved with drugs.

It is Cuba, nobody can afford drugs. That means you can assume two things, the drugs are fake/shitty or you are being entrapped.

If you get caught, you are royally fucked.

He meant to say you will get fucked IN the ass while you rot in a Cuban jail for the next 20 years.
Why is Cuba very, very strict on drugs? Drugs=$$...$$=power. The biggest threat to the regime is people with power they can't control.

[BeersTerry]

Legal casa where they don't register the girls means that the owner is up all night waiting for the girl to leave or that the owner has an understanding with the inspector/police.

[Sammytheman]

He meant to say you will get fucked IN the ass while you rot in a Cuban jail for the next 20 years.wow!!! 20 years!!!!!!!!!! How much drug one must carry to get that much??? I was on a beach in Varadero and these 2 guys was offering me anything from marijuana to cocaine to which I obviously refused. I am now wondering how the heck did they get them?

[BeersTerry]

The coke is probably drano.

As for Marijuana, they can grow a little out in the oriente. I also used to hear stories that bales of the stuff would float ashore........someone being chased and dumping the evidence before being boarded.

[Adinga]

Cocaine and marijuana are both available. I have personally witnessed use at a party in Miramar -Cubanas love to smoke weed.

Any tourist using illegal drugs in Cuba is asking for BIG trouble. It should be avoided at all costs.

[Rebel Monger]

wow!!! 20 years!!!!!!!!!! How much drug one must carry to get that much???
...will get you in trouble big time. When I lived there it was 15 years for smoking weed. In my 25 years in Cuba, I never saw any drug there.

[Misinformation]

There is a place, A&S Currency Exchange on 148 W. 32nd St. in NYC between 6th and 7th. Amazing rates. I have been to Cuba 3-4 times in the past year and buy Euro here and change to Euro in CUC. It is a bulletproof glass cage in the middle of a computer store. Google it for the address. Just planning a trip to Cuba and was on the phone with a girlfriend to check todays exchange rates and it comes out like this.

A&S
$1 = 0.787 euro

Banco Metropolitano
1 euro = 1.137CUC

Do the math and $1 = 0.891CUC.

This means if you were bringing $3000 you can change officially and get 2400CUC or if you do this you get about 2670CUC. 270CUC bonus. that is your plane ticket from Cancun to Havana.

Hope this post helps. If anything is out of line please correct. If anyone has better info please share.

[Misinformation]

I like drugs. I don't smoke marijuana although I did 20 years ago and it is safe and should be illegal. I have children and certainly would prefer them smoking weed then smoking cigarettes.

But you must be fucking nuts to do this in Cuba. This is no joke. Do not do drugs in Cuba. Of course it is available. Weed grows everywhere. Cocaine washes up on the beach, fishermen find it and it gets into the market. Do you know who you are dealing with? Do they know who they are dealing with? Sure you can find but risk vs. reward doesn't work. I like dancing and drinking 10 beers and having a blast in the bathroom. Bad idea.

If you want cocaine go to nyc or mexico or colombia or stay home. Cuba, Costa Rica, Peru you gringo will get real jail time for this. If you like these risks go to South America try to smuggle 5kg or so back home. If you make it you have $100,000. If you get caught it will be less jail time and much better conditions then if you get caught with a 20cuc bag in Cuba.

See it just doesn't make sense.

If you really want it, put it in a condom and swallow it and shit it out when you get there.

Sorry for the rant. I only wanted to emphasize what a bad idea it would be to procure drugs in Cuba.

[Misinformation]

Question for the experts out there.

I have been travelling to Cuba regularly. 5 times in the past year. I am American. I don't smoke cigars.

Lots of offers for Cigars. Box of Cohiba Espendidos for 30CUC. I have been to Cuba many times and have contacts I can trust. I know someone who works for the government, they rent a few illegal casas, really they probably have more money than me. They assure me the Cigars are legit. I met people from all over the world who buy cigars in Cuba and sell in their country (buy for 30CUC and sell for $400). They do this for years and swear it is legit.

Tell me. Is it legit? Is it possible to buy a box of Cohiba Esplendidos for 30CUC?

I am not stupid. I know there are a million people selling garbage. There are a dozen websites with tips on how to spot a fake.

My childhood best friends father in law owns a major tobacco importing company. Is it possible to fool him?

[Steve 99]

There is a place, A&S Currency Exchange on 148 W. 32nd St. in NYC between 6th and 7th. Amazing rates. I have been to Cuba 3-4 times in the past year and buy Euro here and change to Euro in CUC. It is a bulletproof glass cage in the middle of a computer store. Google it for the address. Just planning a trip to Cuba and was on the phone with a girlfriend to check todays exchange rates and it comes out like this.

A&S
$1 = 0.787 euro

Banco Metropolitano
1 euro = 1.137CUC

Do the math and $1 = 0.891CUC.

This means if you were bringing $3000 you can change officially and get 2400CUC or if you do this you get about 2670CUC. 270CUC bonus. that is your plane ticket from Cancun to Havana.

Hope this post helps. If anything is out of line please correct. If anyone has better info please share.On this subject:

Can you tell me where you recommend converting in Havana?

I will be arriving on a Friday at 11 pm. So might have to do a little converting at airport. Now I have heard the banks are closed on Saturday. Where do you go on a Saturday for good rates on Euro to CUC?

I live in CT and I found a converting house in Stamford as I don't want to go into the city to get my euros or loonie. I'll have to compare their rates to a&s.

[Noodles526]

Question for the experts out there.

I have been travelling to Cuba regularly. 5 times in the past year. I am American. I don't smoke cigars.

Lots of offers for Cigars. Box of Cohiba Espendidos for 30CUC. I have been to Cuba many times and have contacts I can trust. I know someone who works for the government, they rent a few illegal casas, really they probably have more money than me. They assure me the Cigars are legit. I met people from all over the world who buy cigars in Cuba and sell in their country (buy for 30CUC and sell for $400). They do this for years and swear it is legit.

Tell me. Is it legit? Is it possible to buy a box of Cohiba Esplendidos for 30CUC?

I am not stupid. I know there are a million people selling garbage. There are a dozen websites with tips on how to spot a fake.

My childhood best friends father in law owns a major tobacco importing company. Is it possible to fool him?No, No, No and just in case you did not here me NO!

The shop-keeper of the Partagas Cigar (behind the Capitalio) company told me a joke once "where are the second best cigars in the world? The streets of Havana."

The cigar rollers in the factories do not even know for which company the cigars they are rolling are for, as the tobacco leaves arrives in numbered bales, wrapped (rolled) and sent back to a different warehouse for the banding before being boxed.

This not only prevents the rollers for asking for (a little more money, but also from theft) as they do not know if it's for Cohiba or the mass poplulace.

Since you are an American, a little history. The last person to buy legal cigars from Cuba was former president J.F. Kennedy on the eve of his famous embargo, (he reportledy bought 1,800) for his own personal use.

If you are caught at border with the cigars, do yourself a favor, and destroy them before handing it over, (it is after all still your property, unless they have all ready arrested you (evidence) that way you won't see a picture of border guards in Cigar Afficianado smoking your cigars at a poker table.

The best way to bring in cigars (in to the U.S.) is to remove the bands, and put them in a different (Non-Cuban) cigar box available at any cigar store.
This only works as long as you don't come in directly from Cuba.

And again, if you buy cigars on the streets or from "a friend" in Cuba and they do turn out to be the real thing, do yourself a favor and buy a Lotto ticket because you have better luck with these.

[BeersTerry]

street cigars are street cigars. you cannot leave cuba with more than 1 box of these cigars without a legitimate receipt ........if caught, they can and will check if the receipt is legit and confirep001e all cigars above 1 box (actually, 1 box less 1 cigar).

stories of cousins who work in the factory are just stories. the shopkeeper of the partagas factory can sell his monthly allotment of cigars in shop for full value and keep the money. he has no need to sell it on the street.

by the way, everyone in cuba works for the government, that is the definition of communism.

[BeersTerry]

When converting money at the airport exchange, make sure you count your money in front of the teller.

It is guaranteed that he/she will attempt to shortchange you. If the money is not correct push it all back. They will treat you like an idiot that doesn't know how to count in front of everyone and quietly slip the money back when counting it out to you.

Banco Metropolitano generally has some of the better rates.

[Habana Lover]

If you arrive at 11pm, you have to convert some money at the airport.

The rest you can do at a cadeca, there are several in the city, they are open on Saturday as well. The rates of banks and cadeca's are (almost) the same and at a cadeca you dont need to show your passport. In general it is quicker.

[Simple Simon]

Some interesting developments to this effect have been happening in the last couple weeks or so. Here are links to the news.

http://www.govtrack.us/congress/bill.xpd?bill=h111-4645

http://www.washingtonwatch.com/bills/show/111_HR_4645.html

http://www.lawg.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=744&Itemid=64

[Misinformation]

Like the previous poster said, fast and easy to change money in the airport. Don't just count your money here, always count your money. Not just in Cuba but everywhere.

[Bonker04]

Like the previous poster said, fast and easy to change money in the airport. Don't just count your money here, always count your money. Not just in Cuba but everywhere.

The airport exchange gives pretty much as good an exchange rate as any!

One scam that they may well try, especially if you are changing quite a lot of money and wanting it in 20's or 10's (50's are a pain because when you want to use it you will usually be asked for your passport and fill out a cash control form) is as follows:

The teller will point to the electronic money counting machine which, if you look carefully will in all probability be on 1 (it should of course be on zero!). They then load the machine with your notes (minus one for their pocket!) press the button and it magically counts out the 'correct' amount of notes. They then hand the bundle of notes to you, and you walk off content that its all correct.

They use that trick a lot at Jose Marti airport in Havana, and especially if you've just been flying for 10 hours you might not be sufficiently awake enough to pick it up!

And of course if you do notice and challenge them, they will blame it on the machine!

[BeersTerry]

...........and don't be a fucking retard like those guys who try to a way better rate on the street and end up getting moneda nacional.

[Victorn]

Here is the story of a young Canadian guy , 19 yr old.

C.L. rented a car in Cuba and at a street corner a Cuban garbage truck
ran into his car.

Cuba prevented him, C.L. the Canadian, from leaving Cuba ( now 3 months ) until a Cuban judge can hear the case and make a decision.

Canadian consul in Cuba failed so far to get the Cuban court to decide the case.

So, guys, think TWICE before renting a car in Cuba as you may have to stay there longer than you wanted to.

[Victorn]

Cuba prevented him, C.L. the Canadian, from leaving Cuba ( now 3 months ) until a Cuban judge can hear the case and make a decision.

Canadian consul in Cuba failed so far to get the Cuban court to decide the case.

.

Cuba did the right thing and Today the Cuban police in Camaguey had him pay 80 U.S. dollars as a caution to promise to return to Cuba in front of the court if called for.

That car accident cost him and his mother 30 000 dollars for their 3-month stay in Camaguey plus lawyer's fees.

Apparently, in Cuba, a person has to be 21 yr old at least in order to rent a car , plus the fact he got involved in an accident where people got hurt.

[BeersTerry]

I say it again, the gringo is always guilty.

I have been in an accident in Cuba and I know other people that have been also. The witnesses all rally around the Cuban.

[Golds]

That is what I hate about these people, after 15 years going to Cuba, how good you are for them it doesn't matter, they are always backing there cuban brother or sister. It has to do with honesty and those people don't have it... and dont tell me they are poor and it is normal, and, and, .......

[BeersTerry]

Generally speaking, I think old values can be found in the older Cubans but the young are disillusioned and looking out for #1.

Though, here is a story .
A young Cuban got caught doing a snatch and dash, the woman robbed was a well dressed Cuban who was shrieking like there was no tommorrow. A friend of mine tackled the guy. He was asked why he robbed that (Cuban)woman. The crook answered that he thought she was a tourist.

[Lugano]

Hi guys,

I need an info about police situation in Cuba. I've been several times in Cuba, speak a fluent Cuban language, better than English, LOL, but only know Habana and Cienfuegos.

Habana as only a few problems for ladies with police, Cienfuegos in an hell, it seems a kafkian novel. I'd like to know the situation in Camaguey, Moron, Ciego and Matanzas.

Thanks for your kindness

[Shinsen]

That is what I hate about these people, after 15 years going to Cuba, how good you are for them it doesn't matter, they are always backing there cuban brother or sister. It has to do with honesty and those people don't have it... and dont tell me they are poor and it is normal, and, and, .......Word to the wise, go to Cuba an treat it for what it is.

A dump of a place always trying to rip off tourists.

When you in rome do as the romans do, when you in Cuba, do as the cubans do.

Any twinge of sympathy, do your good deeds next door in haiti (they need your money much much more).

[Adinga]

Never give a Cuban the opportunity to dissappoint you because they always will.

[Member #3438]

Can anyone help me in finding a website to meet cuban women online. I will be heading there in about a month and would love to set up a few dates while there.

Thanks in advance.

[Kalifornication]

www.badoo.com


Can anyone help me in finding a website to meet cuban women online. I will be heading there in about a month and would love to set up a few dates while there.

Thanks in advance.

[Methos]

www.badoo.com

Yes, but very few people in Cuba have unrestricted internet access. Typically what you will find there are women at UCI in Havana even though they might list their home city on their profile. There are exceptions, but that seems to be the norm.

[Kalifornication]

Yes, but very few people in Cuba have unrestricted internet access. Typically what you will find there are women at UCI in Havana even though they might list their home city on their profile. There are exceptions, but that seems to be the norm.And what is wrong with a well educated attractive mamita from UCI?

[Berthold]

Can anyone help me in finding a website to meet cuban women online. I will be heading there in about a month and would love to set up a few dates while there.

Thanks in advance. For cuban girls I would give www.cybercupido.com A try.

Have a good trip

[El Chico]

For cuban girls I would give.

www.cybercupido.com

A try.

Have a good tripI've tried many sites and by far Badoo. Com is the best (and it's free). You will have to know Spanish as many of the girls are at school, work or using a friend'see connection at home. There are literally hundreds of girls and most of them are non-pro.

Don`t let people tell you it`s just a small number of girls that go to UCI and have internet. More Cubans have access than people know and its the full spectrum of girls.

[Fistmaster]

Oir this one: http://www.caribbeancupid.com/

[Maxx]

http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20101230/wl_nm/us_cuba_reform_soap_2

If you are planning to head to Cuba you must read this article. You're going to want to bring some extra soap and toothpaste for the girls if you're planning a trip. The good thing is you'll be able to easily tell who the providers are. The only chiks who don't stink! (just a joke)

In all seriousness, this is more bad news for Cubans. With all the Wikileaks info regarding the fact that the US ignores Saudi Arabia funding terrorists and Pakistan and Afganistan selling tons of illegal drugs, you would think we'd squash this thing with Cuba and move forward.

[Huevonn]

I have a question: I will be arriving in Havana next Tuesday for a 2 week holiday. Will spend a few days in the city then tour around the island a bit. If I am having too much fun I will extend my trip wherever I happen to be.

I am aware of the challenges in Cuba but feel like I have to experience it for myself.

I speak Spanish fluently and without gringo accent and have treavelled and lived extensively in Mexico and C AMerica.

Does anyone know the best way to get a cell phone, ie bring mine and change the card or buy / rent a new one? I have tried to find the info on the forum but have had no luck. With all the cat and mouse games I am hearing about it would seem like a cell would be the easiest way to circumvent all that.

[El Chico]

Does anyone know the best way to get a cell phone, ie bring mine and change the card or buy / rent a new one? I have tried to find the info on the forum but have had no luck. With all the cat and mouse games I am hearing about it would seem like a cell would be the easiest way to circumvent all that.If you are not from the US, there is a good chance your cell phone will work, but the roaming charges will kill you. If your phone is an unlocked GSM phone that takes a sim card, then you can get a Cubacel prepaid line for $40. There are offices in the Airport typically.

If your phone is locked (dedicated to your carrier) then Cubcel has cheap low-end phones you can buy in the $50 range.

[Furysys]

"Leticia Albert is a nurse at a Havana geriatrics center, pulling in just enough to keep her family afloat and worrying what the future will hold if her job will be next on the chopping block.

"What's coming isn't going to be easy. Where will I go? Besides the concern, I see a lot of uncertainty," the 40-year-old told AFP as the first of half a million government job cuts got underway this week.

Although she complains about her low salary. 20 dollars per month. Leticia worries her job is on the line at the Old Havana Geriatrics Center that hired her only four years ago, thinking the government layoff policy is based on job seniority.

Five colleagues were let go a few months ago when the facility first started downsizing. And while management has yet to announce more layoffs, everybody knows "the second round will be bigger," she said.

"They've got to announce it at a meeting with the workers, and that hasn't happened yet. But we know they're going to get rid of a lot of staff."

Like thousands of other Cubans, Leticia's worries began in October when President Raul Castro announced a series of economic reforms to bring the communist regime up to date.

Pivotal to the changes is cutting more than a million government jobs, or 20 percent of Cuba's entire work force, over the next three years. Including 22, 000 jobs in the health sector. Castro said 500, 000 jobs would have to go by March 31 of this year." (finish quote here)

So, does anyone think this will make P4P easier in Cuba, I. E. The authorities will turn a blind eye?

Full disclosure. I have never been to Cuba, and have never really had any previous desire to go, always believed the evil eye would be on myself or the chica

[Misinformation]

What you need is an unlocked GSM phone. If you are in the US that means a T-Mobile or AT&T phone. Sprint / Verizon won't work. You need to get the phone unlocked. Best way to do this is ebay. You buy a code for $1 and it unlocks it. Then when you get to Cuba go to Cubacel and buy a SIM card. Should cost $40. Plug it in and it will work.

If you want to be nice buy a cheap GSM camera phone on ebay. You can find for $20 easy. Get it unlocked or buy it unlocked and leave as a very welcome gift.


If you are not from the US, there is a good chance your cell phone will work, but the roaming charges will kill you. If your phone is an unlocked GSM phone that takes a sim card, then you can get a Cubacel prepaid line for $40. There are offices in the Airport typically.

If your phone is locked (dedicated to your carrier) then Cubcel has cheap low-end phones you can buy in the $50 range.

[Digital Curry]

I want to be able to text and receive texts from my girlfriend. I am from the US and live in California. What is the best and cheapest way? Do I bring her a GSM phone? And buy a Cubacel card? How much is setup? How much are texts? Or is the some other strategy? For instance, a Canadian cell phone carrier?

[Golds]

Just let me know the message you would like to send her, I will tell it her myself when I fuck her tomorrow night.

[Kalifornication]

Just let me know the message you would like to send her, I will tell it her myself when I fuck her tomorrow night.Ok Digital Curry, we will excuse Golds -and his 28 posts- for this response only for the fact that he does not know you at all (nor is he remotely aware of the time you have spent in Cuba for months at a time). Nor does he know that you never pay anywhere near what the rest of these folks pay for high quality trim. As for your girl, it was a pleasure to meet her and she is a fine example of the fact that not all the girls are in the game, notwithstanding general perceptions.

I'll talk with you soon.

[Digital Curry]

Gold, sincerely, I thank you for your advice. It is good advice. Although, with the tone that he speak it, is difficult to know if you mean it as a kindness or only as ridicule. California fornication is correct though. My first trip to Cuba was in 2000. In the year 2003, in that year alone, I spent six months in Cuba. . Altogether I have spent 18 months on the ground in Cuba, and there are very few tourists more expert in the country that I. Most my trips have been for one or two months at a time. I'm not the jealous type, and I have given my girlfriend permission to fornicate with other men. She really is not the type. But I don't expect you to believe that. But I will tell you that numerous tourists and Cubans, strangers, have approached me and said,"I can't say for sure, but I think your girl is different." Or,"you should see yourselves together, that girl really loves you." Sophisticated tourists, and sophisticated streetwise Cubans. . For tourists and Cubans saying my girl is different.THIS IS EQUIVALENT TO GRAVITY REVERSING-. Finally, for the first several years of knowing her, I gave her less money than a Cuban boyfriend would've. If I was her Yuma, she would be the stupidest woman in Cuba. She's not the prettiest girl in Cuba, but we laugh our heads off. She and I laughed more in one month then most people laugh in a lifetime. But gold is correct: do not take the Cubana seriously unless you've battle tested her. Gold, if this is humor, thank you. If it is ridiculed,"take a step back, AND FUCK YOUR OWN FACE!" anyway, gold, you get the benefit of the doubt, and I tell you sincerely thank you.


Just let me know the message you would like to send her, I will tell it her myself when I fuck her tomorrow night.

[Digital Curry]

advice please! (without the ridicule.)

does anyone here have first-hand experience bringing a cubana to the united states? i need to know the best method. what is quickest? what is cheapest? what is easiest? most importantly, what are the pitfalls?

i have known her eight years. i spent 18 months living in cuba. the girl has no "hermanos, primos ni tios." she stays at home, is punctual and tells the truth even when it's a sacrifice. i have tested her many times, and i always show up unannounced.

fiancée visa:?

marriage visa:?

tourist visa: impossible?

illegal speedboat: dangerous?

a fiancée visa is easier and faster to get than a marriage visa? yes or no? a marriage visa is more difficult to obtain than a fiancée visa and more expensive. correct?

[Digital Curry]

Golds,

I usually pay $5 or $10. Occasionally $2. If you know your way around, you don't need to pay more.

Digitalcurry.

[Kalifornication]

dc, i can get you all the info you need on this through a very close contact i have in your state. write me.


advice please! (without the ridicule.)

does anyone here have first-hand experience bringing a cubana to the united states? i need to know the best method. what is quickest? what is cheapest? what is easiest? most importantly, what are the pitfalls?

i have known her eight years. i spent 18 months living in cuba. the girl has no "hermanos, primos ni tios." she stays at home, is punctual and tells the truth even when it's a sacrifice. i have tested her many times, and i always show up unannounced.

fiancée visa:?

marriage visa:?

tourist visa: impossible?

illegal speedboat: dangerous?

a fiancée visa is easier and faster to get than a marriage visa? yes or no? a marriage visa is more difficult to obtain than a fiancée visa and more expensive. correct?

[Adinga]

Almost brought a girl over.

Best bet is to have a pre arranged wedding where you pay an American citizen to marry her. There are many poor Spanish american citizens who would marry her for $10, 000 or less.

Great hedge in case she is playing games with you. Cubanas are very slick.

[BeersTerry]

Would it not be cheaper to buy a seat on a fast boat?

Once she sets foot on American soil, you are good to go......and so is she...jaja

[El Chico]

Would it not be cheaper to buy a seat on a fast boat?

Once she sets foot on American soil, you are good to go. And so is she. JajaMuch too risky. Many people have died from those boats flipping over trying to get away from the Coast Guard. Other times people get dropped off on some deserted key because the driver is afraid of getting caught.

I think the amount of people leaving that way has dropped way off. I wouldn't want to deal with the mafia types that run those things either.

[Blk Big Bootyluv]

Hey, I have to admit I'm mustering up my confidence to do Cuba. I've done Brazil, Asia, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru just fine. I love DR and I'm there 3 time a year for a month or more.

Now my Spanish is not flawless but I'm far from beginner if I had to quantify my Spanish level, I would say advanced but not native. I have Mexican accent when speaking Spanish but have begun developing a Dominican one.

So my question is, how to I handle the immigration / passport / customs thing in Cuba when I arrive? So my plan is to go to DR and stay for a week or so then take one of the many flights from Santo Domingo to Havana, I think they have 1, 3 times a week.

I know I will have to show my passport when I get to Cuba but how is that situation handled? Or what should I expect when landing and going through the immigration process?

Thanks

[Sabalo]

much too risky. many people have died from those boats flipping over trying to get away from the coast guard. other times people get dropped off on some deserted key because the driver is afraid of getting caught.

i think the amount of people leaving that way has dropped way off. i wouldn't want to deal with the mafia types that run those things either. here's what i know "from locals"about getting out-but like everything in cuba i'm not sure what the tourist mark up is on these rates. like most guys who spend a lot of time in cuba. i'm been pressured by a little princess that wants the chance at a better life. the price for seat on a boat going to mexico is around $8000. 00-$10, 000. 00 this includes access through the border into the us. a ride direct to florida is around $15, 000. 00. as mentioned by others. the biggest crooks in mexico and florida run these operations-and most are cubans. some successes i know personally and some brutal stories, i can honestly say-this is a huge gamble and not worth it. i actually fish in an area where a few of these speed boats pick up people and there are cops and marine boats everywhere. an arranged marriage to a cuban american is 8-10 grand, this includes a few flights to cuba so the marriage can be legitimized. still no gaurantee but way higher success rate. whatever you do"don't talk to anyone about in cuba", cubans are famous for been envious and turningeach other into the police. one other way to get out, protest against the castro government, spend 10 years in jail then make application to the us embassy. amazingly, the us actually brings cubans and there families to the us and pays for everything (flights etc) if you can prove pain and suffering and that you have worked against the regime. of course theres a line up of people every day competing for the same opportunity. thats cuba. and guys fill me in if i'm off base on any of this

[El Chico]

here's what I know "from locals"about getting out-but like everything in Cuba I'm not sure what the tourist mark up is on these rates. Like most guys who spend a lot of time in Cuba. I'm been pressured by a little princess that wants the chance at a better life. The price for seat on a boat going to Mexico is around $8000. 00-$10, 000. 00 This includes access through the border into the US.A boat to Mexico is even worse. About 500 Cubans were kidnapped by Mexican cartels last year that came in that way. They are then ransomed to their families and I have seen stories in the press where they have been tortured and some never seen again. That would definitely be a HUGE mistake! Especially for a young girl who could find herself sold into prostitution.

[Misinformation]

i am an american who has been to cuba 30+ times. my advice?

she wants to get out of cuba? arrange (and pay) for her to get an invitation to ecuador. letter of invitation will cost about $500-700 (she will find). then it is easy. she goes to ecuador. should you choose to pursue the relationship, do it from ecuador. at least from there you can conduct business. also she can get phony ecuador papers and travel back and forth importing and selling clothes, electronics, etc.

for usa visa, fiancee / marriage visa is no problem but it is fucking stupid imho. maybe cuba is different. when you sponsor someone on k1, you agree to marry within 90 days or she goes home. if she dashes, you are responsible for welfare, etc. for 10 years. i realize she is a good friend and you trust her and that's great, i just advise vigilance. however because she is cuban maybe there is some wet foot / dry foot deal? k1 fiancee visa is a sure thing and not soooo expensive ($3000 tops) but you must see a good lawyer and discuss the potential consequences.

boat, etc. forget this method. i guess it is $5, 000-$10, 000, they go to cancun. we read lots of stories of people being killed and extorted in mexico. it isn't a safe place. however this is mostly people from central america in the deserts near the us border. if she can get safely to mexico, maybe you just rent a car and drive to the us and at the border she requests asylum? again, you need advice from someone who knows what they are talking about (not me)

in my opinion, if you want to help her, help her get to ecuador. life in cuba is intolerable because of the absolute lack of opportunity. if you have $500 / mo coming in it is great place to live. many, many cubans now going back and forth to ecuador and importing clothes, electronics, etc....

if you prefer the fiancee / marriage visa route, talk to a good lawyer who knows this area. pay him for an hour of his time and find out what may be the consequences.

pm me. i'm in nyc and i have much experience in cuba.



advice please! (without the ridicule.)

does anyone here have first-hand experience bringing a cubana to the united states? i need to know the best method. what is quickest? what is cheapest? what is easiest? most importantly, what are the pitfalls?

i have known her eight years. i spent 18 months living in cuba. the girl has no "hermanos, primos ni tios." she stays at home, is punctual and tells the truth even when it's a sacrifice. i have tested her many times, and i always show up unannounced.

fiancée visa:?

marriage visa:?

tourist visa: impossible?

illegal speedboat: dangerous?

a fiancée visa is easier and faster to get than a marriage visa? yes or no? a marriage visa is more difficult to obtain than a fiancée visa and more expensive. correct?

[Adinga]

Misinformation.

Excellent information.

Your advice is spot on. I've been to Cuba 10 times within last 8 years and things are changing quickly.

Personally I'm done with Cuba as far as pussy is concerned. Tooo many hassles. The arrival of Americans will destroy the country we both once knew and loved.

Saludos

[Digital Curry]

Adinga,

You are right. I couldn't agree more. I have spent a year and a half in Cuba since 2001. The party is over. It's been going downhill for a long time. There are brief pockets where good time can be found. But Cuba sucks now. The women have become snooty, and they ignore you in the street and they shoot you down with a look. I can get that in Los Angeles. It's like taking vacation at the DMV, except there's more police. Fuck it.


Misinformation.

Excellent information.

Your advice is spot on. I've been to Cuba 10 times within last 8 years and things are changing quickly.

Personally I'm done with Cuba as far as pussy is concerned. Tooo many hassles. The arrival of Americans will destroy the country we both once knew and loved.

[Kngdf5]

You realize that she just needs to touch USA soil, and she gets a green card? Once she's in Mexico, it can't be too hard to touch USA soil.

[QUOTE=Digital Curry; 1133163]Advice Please! (without the ridicule.)

Does anyone here have first-hand experience bringing a Cubana to the United States? I need to know the best method. What is quickest? What is cheapest? What is easiest? Most importantly, what are the pitfalls?

[Sabalo]

You realize that she just needs to touch USA soil, and she gets a green card? Once she's in Mexico, it can't be too hard to touch USA soil.

[QUOTE=Digital Curry; 1133163]Advice Please! (without the ridicule.)

Does anyone here have first-hand experience bringing a Cubana to the United States? I need to know the best method. What is quickest? What is cheapest? What is easiest? Most importantly, what are the pitfalls? First question-do you want to marry the Cubana or just bring her to the US. If you don't want to marry her, assuming you have 8-10 grand to spend, the best way is to have an American even better a Cuban American marry them. The Cuban officials are cracking down on fake marriages (Especially in Ecuador-check the internet) so you or they will need to spend 6 months to a year in a relationship-emails, photos, trips documented and pane tickets etc. You will need to verify the relationship Then after your married you make application and it usually takes 4-6 months to get the visa. A friend of mine married a Cuban and it was completely legit so I am only familiar with that situation. The other option obviously carries some risk.

[Digital Curry]

What happens if you bring her over to marry on a fiancée visa and then you do not marry? I am pretty sure she could stay because of the bizarre immigration laws that govern Cubans. Assuming she she remains in the USA legally, and does not return to Cuba, would you still be financially responsible (I. E. She applies for welfare, food stamps, section 8, etc.).

Does the financial responsibility end after five years? 10 years? When does financial responsibility end?

Under these circumstances, would the US government come after you to pay the bill? Please qualify your answer. Are you 100% sure- 98- 85% sure? Are you a lawyer? Are you married to a Cubana? Or is this just opinion? (are you speaking out of your buttocks?)

[Rebel Monger]

Misinformation.

The arrival of Americans will destroy the country we both once knew and loved. Wasn't the arrival of the FOREIGNERS (not just the Americans) who destroyed the island anyway? When I lived there (until 1980) , non-authorized Cubans couldn't socialize with the few tourists who visited the island and Cuba was so safe that there wasn't a place were you couldn't go at any time. Not matter what tourists say, Cuba today is not safe. There are plenty of non-solved crimes in Cuba today, that wasn't the case before.

Always the beginning is better, then it goes down. That happens everywhere. Stupid peoples (of all nationalities) arrive and mess the place for everybody, specially the natives. Women and men who mix with foreigners tend to acquire bad habits of the many seedy people going there. So, don't feel so bad about yourself for the better Cuba that you're missing, at least you can go somewhere else and start all over, the Cubans can't.

Americans won't destroy Cuba, fidel did that already.

[Kalifornication]

Rings of a typical Cuban American canned response, . Blame it on fidel!

1. Crime exists everywhere, some places have more, some places have less.

2. Americans certainly did allot of damage post Spanish American War, . (e. G, Platt Amendment) , some folks who look at issues below the surface (systemic analysis) might argue that what you see today (if it is deemed negative) is the result of American actions and policies. Hey, but who cares about looking at issues in detail, takes far too much time and we are a lazy people right? The fast and dirty answer is so much easier to digest.

3. Compare Cuba to like countries. Cuba is an ISLAND! (a large island, but an island nonetheless). It is not a continent and should not be compared to the USA or other wealthy prosperous nations. Let's compare it to Haiti, Dominican Republic and the like. With all that is bad in Cuba (and I admit to its faults, as all our nations have their faults) , it does not take the mentally gifted to observe that the average Cuban is far far better off than the average Hatian or Dominican.

4. Cuba's infant mortality rate is lower than the USA. Cuba's life expectancy is longer than the USA. Hmmm?

5. Just my observation, in terms of equality of education and quality of education, Cuba's educational system is better than the USA.

6. I can hear the retort, . But they cannot travel, . They have that education but cannot use it for proft. I concede, there is a price they pay for their socialism. That price is that in exchange for their safety net and entitlements, they forego wages and any potential freedom that may bring.

Oh well. .


Wasn't the arrival of the FOREIGNERS (not just the Americans) who destroyed the island anyway? When I lived there (until 1980) , non-authorized Cubans couldn't socialize with the few tourists who visited the island and Cuba was so safe that there wasn't a place were you couldn't go at any time. Not matter what tourists say, Cuba today is not safe. There are plenty of non-solved crimes in Cuba today, that wasn't the case before.

Always the beginning is better, then it goes down. That happens everywhere. Stupid peoples (of all nationalities) arrive and mess the place for everybody, specially the natives. Women and men who mix with foreigners tend to acquire bad habits of the many seedy people going there. So, don't feel so bad about yourself for the better Cuba that you're missing, at least you can go somewhere else and start all over, the Cubans can't.

Americans won't destroy Cuba, fidel did that already.

[Rebel Monger]

Rings of a typical Cuban American canned response, . Blame it on fidel!...Methinks you should read before responding.

"A wise man speaks because he has something to say; a fool because he has to say something."

[Kalifornication]

Now that was enlightening, . So let me guess, your quote is a reflection of some universal truth you have discovered?


Methinks you should read before responding.

"A wise man speaks because he has something to say; a fool because he has to say something."

[Rebel Monger]

Now that was enlightening, . So let me guess, your quote is a reflection of some universal truth you have discovered?Nope, it just came to mind after I read your BS. You don't seem to notice that your were the one using "canned stuff" of the socialist type. Nowhere in my post I was blaming fidel as you assumed, but you saw a Cuban posting and you had to use your "pink" line. YCFUBT pinko!

[BeersTerry]

To bring some civility back into the topic. Cuba has gone to shit because that is what economically unviable places do. It is suffering from economic exhaustion and a bored rebellious youth with no opportunity. Tourists may have exacerbated the situation but it was going to happen unless the powers that be change the system

[Kalifornication]

My god, thank you for the compliment, I am flattered.

Yes, you are correct, I am a "pinko", but tell me, what does the use of the term mean to you? Is being a pinko -ipso facto- somehow akin to being a bad bad person, . The boogie man? Do pinkos frighten you or make you uncomfortable? I think your use of this term is juvenile. And I am smiling.


Nope, it just came to mind after I read your BS. You don't seem to notice that your were the one using "canned stuff" of the socialist type. Nowhere in my post I was blaming fidel as you assumed, but you saw a Cuban posting and you had to use your "pink" line. YCFUBT pinko!

[Kalifornication]

Cuba does have its economic difficulties, do doubt greatly impacted by the blocade that has existed for many years now.

This blocade benefits two groups, the Miami Cubans and the existing "power elite" within Cuba. We know those cubans in S. Florida, don't want to give-up all that $$$$$$ they get from every american tax payer for "democratic" efforts in Cuba. They are pigs.

And the blocade give the power elite in Cuba a convienient excuse too. They are pigs too, but to a lesser extent in my "pinko" opinion.

Yea, the youth are bored. This is true. But, no less bored than poor folk from any country you may choose from around the world dreaming of Amerika. The difference is, the Cuban government has decided to educate them so they are more keenly aware of their circumstance. I know this is difficult for them. Ignorance is indeed bliss (e. G, the general American population. "educated, but can't't think below the surface. Like robots, this scares the shit out of me!)


To bring some civility back into the topic. Cuba has gone to shit because that is what economically unviable places do. It is suffering from economic exhaustion and a bored rebellious youth with no opportunity. Tourists may have exacerbated the situation but it was going to happen unless the powers that be change the system

[La Isla]

Its been almost a year and a half since I've been to Cuba. I'll be there soon and knowing how things change like the wind, I need some help. I have enough permanent contacts to keep myself busy, but I'll have some newbies with me who like the clubs, etc. I warned them that they are full of hardened pros, but they don't care (youth does that).

- Clubs: Are the old haunts like Johnny's, La Cecilia, Salon Rojo, Casa de La Musica, etc still open?

- Any new clubs in town worth visiting?

- Are places like La Rampa, the Malecon, Calle 23, Calle Obispo etc still heavily patrolled by police?

- Anybody had any success with the social networking sites? Badoo, Cybercupido, etc?

I would appreciate any advice from you guys who have been there in the last few months.

[The Dirty Pirate]

Police are around, but like usual if you know what you're doing you shouldn't have a problem. Just educate your newbies and those clubs are still going. There is an Italian site on this forum you can find where they have all the current parties and what not.


Its been almost a year and a half since I've been to Cuba. I'll be there soon and knowing how things change like the wind, I need some help. I have enough permanent contacts to keep myself busy, but I'll have some newbies with me who like the clubs, etc. I warned them that they are full of hardened pros, but they don't care (youth does that).

- Clubs: Are the old haunts like Johnny's, La Cecilia, Salon Rojo, Casa de La Musica, etc still open?

- Any new clubs in town worth visiting?

- Are places like La Rampa, the Malecon, Calle 23, Calle Obispo etc still heavily patrolled by police?

- Anybody had any success with the social networking sites? Badoo, Cybercupido, etc?

I would appreciate any advice from you guys who have been there in the last few months.

[Tibu1969]

I was there in April. 2011.

- Clubs: Are the old haunts like Johnny's, La Cecilia, Salon Rojo, Casa de La Musica, etc still open?

All mentioned clubs are still open. However, hardened pros only.

- Any new clubs in town worth visiting?

Check this site for uncommon locations:

http://www.invasor.cu/foros/viewtopic.php?f=34&t=5144&sid=e00588f30fdde9b1165c072c879e235d&start=90

- Are places like La Rampa, the Malecon, Calle 23, Calle Obispo etc still heavily patrolled by police?

Yes, of course. And there are cameras in all of these places.

- Anybody had any success with the social networking sites? Badoo, Cybercupido, etc?

Sorry, no experience with that.

I would appreciate any advice from you guys who have been there in the last few months. [/QUOTE]

[La Isla]

There is an Italian site on this forum you can find where they have all the current parties and what not.Really? Where?

[Sammytheman]

Here's a question that might be a bit controversial, but nevertheless relevant IMO.

Lots of talk of STD's. Some claim Cuba is full of it. Some claim it's almost dicease-free.

So my question is this (now that we're all fairly anonomous anyway) : Anybody caught anything nasty or half-way nasty in Cuba?

Let me start out by saying 'no'. Then again, I never go bare all the way (non-pros included) , but do like the BBBJ. My buddy got Chlamydia. When we got back in February. All I can think of was that one night he used a Cuban condom (not a good idea) and it broke.

He says it was the worst pain in his life, especially when the doc shoved a chopstick in his urethra. He was pissing hot sauce for the next few days. Me personally don't get hard at 4AM after heavy drinking and smoking, so I prefer BBBJ and so far so good, knock on wood.

[Sabalo]

My buddy got Chlamydia. When we got back in February. All I can think of was that one night he used a Cuban condom (not a good idea) and it broke.

He says it was the worst pain in his life, especially when the doc shoved a chopstick in his urethra. He was pissing hot sauce for the next few days. Me personally don't get hard at 4AM after heavy drinking and smoking, so I prefer BBBJ and so far so good, knock on wood. I've been to Cuba many times solo and with lots of friends and so far so good. Probably 1000 bbbjs and never a problem. I know of a few Cuban guys that have got an STD but that's because of not using condoms. If you ever do have a problem there's great international hospital very close to Casa de la Musica in Miramar, open 24 7 and it's cheap. I've had to use it a few times for other reasons-basically dumb ass accidents after too much Havana Club. My advice, don't ever use the condoms the chicas provide, they are usually cheap and old and often dried out, they will also try to charge you for them on occasion. They often hand these condoms out at night clubs etc and promote safe sex to prevent the spread of aids. If by chance you forget your rubber, go to the pharmacy it's across from the hospital I mentioned, they sell good quality stuff. You can also go to the clinic downstairs at the Habana Melia, they always have a doctor on call. Have Fun

[Digital Curry]

some claim cuba is full of std's. some claim it's almost disease-free. so my question is this: anybody caught anything nasty or half-way nasty in cuba?
my buddy got chlamydia. when we got back in february. all i can think of was that one night he used a cuban condom (not a good idea) and it broke. he says it was the worst pain in his life, especially when the doc shoved a chopstick in his urethra. he was pissing hot sauce for the next few days. me personally don't get hard at 4am after heavy drinking and smoking, so i prefer bbbj and so far so good, knock on wood.there is plenty of aids, chlamydia and scabies in cuba. my ex-girlfriend (the mexicana doctor) worked in cuban hospitals and studied medicine for 8 years in cuba. she insists there are many, many, many, many cases of aids in the cuban hospitals. we'd be wise to believe her.

though i always use condoms, i had chlamydia three or four times. that's because i would wet my dick rubbing the front of their wet pussy before putting on the condom. chlamydia is not at all painful. it is detected with a [CodeWord109] (http://isgprohibitedwords.info?CodeWord=CodeWord109) test and cured with a single dose of antibiotic. it can make women sterile if not treated. otherwise it is nothing. (unless your wife finds out.) having a chopstick shoved up your urethra is a test for gonorrhea and is extremely painful. this test is no longer done (thank fucking god.) it has been replaced by a [CodeWord109] (http://isgprohibitedwords.info?CodeWord=CodeWord109) test. when sammytheman's "friend" got chlamydia, they tested him for gonorrhea and everything else.

i also had scabies 3-4 times. this is a miserable and hellish disease, though not dangerous. scabies is a variety of lice that live on your body and not in your hair. technically it is not a sexually transmitted disease. it is a disease of hygiene. most people with scabies are children. ask a doctor. scabies is rampant in cuba, though less so than before. there were a couple of years it was really out of control. scabies love the hot wet climate.

in conclusion, be careful. either don't go to cuba or stay in clean and meticulous houses, wear condoms and seek women who are not prostitutes. ps: cuba, while very healthy for a third world country, it is very easy to get ameobas or giardia. diarrhea and common colds are frequent.

[Questner]

there is plenty of aids, chlamydia and scabies in cuba. my ex-girlfriend (the mexicana doctor) worked in cuban hospitals and studied medicine for 8 years in cuba. she insists there are many, many, many, many cases of aids in the cuban hospitals. we'd be wise to believe her.

though i always use condoms, i had chlamydia three or four times. that's because i would wet my dick rubbing the front of their wet pussy before putting on the condom. chlamydia is not at all painful. it is detected with a [CodeWord109] (http://isgprohibitedwords.info?CodeWord=CodeWord109) test and cured with a single dose of antibiotic. it can make women sterile if not treated. otherwise it is nothing. (unless your wife finds out.) having a chopstick shoved up your urethra is a test for gonorrhea and is extremely painful. this test is no longer done (thank fucking god.) it has been replaced by a [CodeWord109] (http://isgprohibitedwords.info?CodeWord=CodeWord109) test. when sammytheman's "friend" got chlamydia, they tested him for gonorrhea and everything else.

i also had scabies 3-4 times. this is a miserable and hellish disease, though not dangerous. scabies is a variety of lice that live on your body and not in your hair. technically it is not a sexually transmitted disease. it is a disease of hygiene. most people with scabies are children. ask a doctor. scabies is rampant in cuba, though less so than before. there were a couple of years it was really out of control. scabies love the hot wet climate.

in conclusion, be careful. either don't go to cuba or stay in clean and meticulous houses, wear condoms and seek women who are not prostitutes. ps: cuba, while very healthy for a third world country, it is very easy to get ameobas or giardia. diarrhea and common colds are frequent.last trip to cuba: amoebic infection (2 different types).5 months to diagnose and $60 to treat, influenza. immediate and $50 to treat, fungal infection. 2 months do diagnose and $30 to treat, and intestinal parasites. 1 month incubation and $25 to treat.

not fun at all

[The Dirty Pirate]

I picked up Giardia once, I think in Costa Rica, holy crap what a miserable six weeks of life!

[FoxesHunter]

Hi, I'd like to knows if in Cuba there is "mercado nigro" for euros. Is there a good change rate?

Thanks, Fox

[Velasco]

I also had scabies 3-4 times. This is a miserable and hellish disease, though not dangerous. Scabies is a variety of lice that live on your body and not in your hair. Technically it is NOT a sexually transmitted disease. It is a disease of hygiene. Most people with scabies are children. Ask a doctor. Scabies is rampant in Cuba, though less so than before. There were a couple of years it was really out of control. Scabies love the hot wet climate.

In conclusion, be careful. Either don't go to Cuba or stay in clean and meticulous houses, wear condoms and seek women who are not prostitutes. PS: Cuba, while very healthy for a Third World country, it is very easy to get ameobas or giardia. Diarrhea and common colds are frequent.Scabies is spread by prolonged skin to skin contact, or contact with the bedding or towels of someone that has scabies. You can NOT pick it up with a handshake or a hug. You can also get it at a swimming pool. Unfortunately, in a third world country like Cuba with its water shortages, it is possible for scabies to spread. People end up carrying and storing water in containers / buckets that might be subjected to multiple use. For example, you might use a bucket to wash your clothes, then use the same bucket to wash your 10 year old kid, then use the same bucket to take a shower yourself.

[Questner]

Scabies is spread by prolonged skin to skin contact, or contact with the bedding or towels of someone that has scabies. You can NOT pick it up with a handshake or a hug. You can also get it at a swimming pool. Unfortunately, in a third world country like Cuba with its water shortages, it is possible for scabies to spread. People end up carrying and storing water in containers / buckets that might be subjected to multiple use. For example, you might use a bucket to wash your clothes, then use the same bucket to wash your 10 year old kid, then use the same bucket to take a shower yourself.What have you been drinking? (Le compré a un tipo una botella de un aguardiente hecho con metralla. Me di unos tragos why el tipo se me acercó de nuevo).

K-gardens and army barracks are full with scabies. Nothing to do with swimming pools. As your chances to get is on a trip are around 10%, just use 5% permetrin lotion and keep spare clean set of clothing.

[Velasco]

What have you been drinking? (Le compré a un tipo una botella de un aguardiente hecho con metralla. Me di unos tragos why el tipo se me acercó de nuevo).

K-gardens and army barracks are full with scabies. Nothing to do with swimming pools. As your chances to get is on a trip are around 10, just use 5% permetrin lotion and keep spare clean set of clothing.Check the Centers for Disease Control website, I believe that is where I got the swimming pool info.

[The Dirty Pirate]

Hi, I'd like to knows if in Cuba there is "mercado nigro" for euros. Is there a good change rate?

Thanks, FoxYou don't need to mess around with black market anything in Cuba, unless you are a fool. Just use the money exchange like anyone else, if saving 20. 50 bucks is that big of a concern you might not want to go to Cuba at all.

[Blk Big Bootyluv]

Greetings,

Well I just made it back to home-base from spending 3. 5 months in the Dominican Republic. I was studying Spanish in the Santo Domingo. I successfully portrayed the role of naive student to my teaching staff but not my landlord (jajaja). Anyway, I wanted to make it to Cuba from DR which I found out was fairly easy to do as Havana airlines has "4" weekly flights from Santo Domingo; but, sadly I was not able to do it. However, on the positive side my Spanish has been greatly improved and my level of confidence is through the roof.

Now, I've been reading through some of the posts regarding meeting chicas, logistics, money, safety, etc. And have begun developing a plan. But with my limited knowledge of Cuba or persons to talk to with experience of the Island, it has been proving a little difficult to build a good plan. I can use my experience from my other mongering frolics but that is just what they are, other islands and countries, I know that and respect new environments.

Luckily, a friend of a friend was able to give me a limited trip report as he was with his girlfriend and unable to monger. He said avoid taking American Dollars, using a credit card or ones ATM card. But could not attest to how paypal cards / accounts would work or be tracked by the US government? Oh yeah by the way we are Americans. I saw a documentary on Cuba and learned about the dual monetary system in Cuba and how CUC has more value than the pesos? But I am confused as to which fund to use as my main source of funds during my trip? The friend of a friend recommended I take travelers checks, however I don't live far from the Mexican border, I thought what about changing my USA $ to Mexican pesos then changing my MP to Cuban CUC or pesos?

My dates would more than likely be the end of the year or the first of the year, so like 4 or 6 months plenty of time for intel gathering.

Thank you in advance for your help and comments.

Peace BBL

[Sammytheman]

Greetings,

Well I just made it back to home-base from spending 3. 5 months in the Dominican Republic. I was studying Spanish in the Santo Domingo. I successfully portrayed the role of naive student to my teaching staff but not my landlord (jajaja). Anyway, I wanted to make it to Cuba from DR which I found out was fairly easy to do as Havana airlines has "4" weekly flights from Santo Domingo; but, sadly I was not able to do it. However, on the positive side my Spanish has been greatly improved and my level of confidence is through the roof.

Now, I've been reading through some of the posts regarding meeting chicas, logistics, money, safety, etc. And have begun developing a plan. But with my limited knowledge of Cuba or persons to talk to with experience of the Island, it has been proving a little difficult to build a good plan. I can use my experience from my other mongering frolics but that is just what they are, other islands and countries, I know that and respect new environments.

Luckily, a friend of a friend was able to give me a limited trip report as he was with his girlfriend and unable to monger. He said avoid taking American Dollars, using a credit card or ones ATM card. But could not attest to how paypal cards / accounts would work or be tracked by the US government? Oh yeah by the way we are Americans. I saw a documentary on Cuba and learned about the dual monetary system in Cuba and how CUC has more value than the pesos? But I am confused as to which fund to use as my main source of funds during my trip? The friend of a friend recommended I take travelers checks, however I don't live far from the Mexican border, I thought what about changing my USA $ to Mexican pesos then changing my MP to Cuban CUC or pesos?

My dates would more than likely be the end of the year or the first of the year, so like 4 or 6 months plenty of time for intel gathering.

Thank you in advance for your help and comments.

Peace BBLIf you have US dollars, change them to Canadian. You will not go far with Moneda Nacional. Those are meant for Cubans but regardless. 99% of places use CUCs so why bother with pesos? I have only used Moneda Nacional at some market to buy garlic, mangoes and some other products. Clubs, bars, hotels, casas, paladars, and oh yeah CHICAS all take CUCs.

[Digital Curry]

Nothing to do with swimming pools. As your chances to get is on a trip are around 10%, just use 5% permetrin lotion and keep spare clean set of clothing.Correct. Just use 5% permetrin lotion and boil everything once. (Or you can put contaminated clothing in a plastic bag for three weeks)

Correct. Chances are about 10%. Except during certain periods of time when there have been large outbreaks. During those periods your chances had been 25%.50. But that's not the way it was the last time I was there. Cuba goes through cycles.

Correct. Nothing to do with swimming pools. Fogedaboudit.

Army barracks. I know nothing about it.

[Digital Curry]

Oh I forgot. You need 5% lotion. But for some obscenely ridiculous reason, they do not have 5% lotion in Cuba. They have 1. It is useless for foreigners, because it does not work in one shot. 5% takes one evening. Ya. 1% means screwing around with lotion for seven days. And if the Casa doesn't boil your clothes you are screwed. One time they lied and did not boil my clothes. I was screwed up for weeks. Finally, the scabies was resistant. Then I needed to use a cream with mercury in it. It is bad for your health.

[Digital Curry]

You don't need to mess around with black market anything in Cuba, unless you are a fool. Just use the money exchange like anyone else, if saving 20. 50 bucks is that big of a concern you might not want to go to Cuba at all.Is not dangerous for a foreigner. But it is useless, because you will get the same rate in the black market as you would in the bank. If you negotiate, you can squeeze one half peso per CUC. (24. 5 instead of 24.) Now I prefer to go to the bank (except for the line, which often they let you cut in front). I preferred the bank because I can get small denomination notes. Five pesos. 10 pesos. I like small notes. Better for tipping. Better for shopping, because nobody ever has change. Especially when you are a tourist.

PS: I am going to Cuba in the second half of October

[El Chico]

Thank you in advance for your help and comments.

Peace BBLIf you are American, ONLY bring cash. Chances are none of your cards or traveler checks will work in Cuba. Nothing issued by a US bank is valid in Cuba. As mentioned you should bring Canadian Dollars or Euros as there is a 10% extra charge for converting USD due to the embargo.

You will have no reason to see regular cuban pesos. You will only need Convertible pesos (CUC). I haven't heard too many stories about people being given the wrong type, but for reference, CUCs say Peso Convertible right on the front and are orangey in color.

[Blk Big Bootyluv]

Sam why Chico thank you gentlemen. I am eagerly attempting to construct a plan. I imagine that I will have no more that 2 weeks to tour the land, monger, generate contacts for future visits, recon for friends and learn the culture. I've read much about leaving the hustle and bustle of Havanna and hit the countryside. The sound of this is very attractive and speaks to previous experiences in DR, Cuba is not DR and I respect that I am in a unfamiliar environment and need to learn de nuevo.

I like the Idea of the Canadian Dollar but, don't like the fact that I will be loosing money on the conversion although that is the nature of the beast. I imagine there are always methods or stratagem to lessen the damage to ones wallet.

Thanks,

BBL


If you have US dollars, change them to Canadian. You will not go far with Moneda Nacional. Those are meant for Cubans but regardless. 99% of places use CUCs so why bother with pesos? I have only used Moneda Nacional at some market to buy garlic, mangoes and some other products. Clubs, bars, hotels, casas, paladars, and oh yeah CHICAS all take CUCs.

[Velasco]

Greetings,

Well I just made it back to home-base from spending 3. 5 months in the Dominican Republic. I was studying Spanish in the Santo Domingo. I successfully portrayed the role of naive student to my teaching staff but not my landlord (jajaja). Anyway, I wanted to make it to Cuba from DR which I found out was fairly easy to do as Havana airlines has "4" weekly flights from Santo Domingo; but, sadly I was not able to do it. However, on the positive side my Spanish has been greatly improved and my level of confidence is through the roof.

Now, I've been reading through some of the posts regarding meeting chicas, logistics, money, safety, etc. And have begun developing a plan. But with my limited knowledge of Cuba or persons to talk to with experience of the Island, it has been proving a little difficult to build a good plan. I can use my experience from my other mongering frolics but that is just what they are, other islands and countries, I know that and respect new environments.

Luckily, a friend of a friend was able to give me a limited trip report as he was with his girlfriend and unable to monger. He said avoid taking American Dollars, using a credit card or ones ATM card. But could not attest to how paypal cards / accounts would work or be tracked by the US government? Oh yeah by the way we are Americans. I saw a documentary on Cuba and learned about the dual monetary system in Cuba and how CUC has more value than the pesos? But I am confused as to which fund to use as my main source of funds during my trip? The friend of a friend recommended I take travelers checks, however I don't live far from the Mexican border, I thought what about changing my USA $ to Mexican pesos then changing my MP to Cuban CUC or pesos?

My dates would more than likely be the end of the year or the first of the year, so like 4 or 6 months plenty of time for intel gathering.

Thank you in advance for your help and comments.

Peace BBLNice of you to begin planning in advance, I think Cuba requires more advance planning than most places, especially if you are living in the US. Listen, a lot of your questions are very generic (especially currency) can be answered at other travel forums that are not chica geared. So feel free to search beyond this site go get your basic travel info.

Investing in a travel book (Frommer's, Lonely Planet, Moon books etc) will not hurt either. Good luck!

[Av8r]

I just read through many pages of threads here on the Cuba area, and it has me a little depressed. I'm going there next month with an very experienced Cuba monger, and I was pretty excited until reading up on all the info here. I'm a well traveled monger myself. I've been to Thailand 20 time, Medellin and Cartagena, Colombia 10 times, Rio, Costa Rica, Tijuana, Cambodia, and more. Is it really as bad as I'm reading here. My friend has been around also; in fact we met in Medellin, Colombia. I can't believe he would drag me all the way there for the terrible time I've been reading about. I actually don't mind pros as long as they are fairly sweet, and do their job with enthusiasm. I tend to stay away from non pros because of the expectations that often come with it. I don't like hurting some nice girls feelings just to get laid; I'd rather pay and not feel like I jerked someone over.

Here are some photos of some of my international friends.

[BeersTerry]

Unless your friend has a book of telephone numbers, you will have to put up with that attitude.

You should also be prepared for comparatively low food quality. I. E. I was surprised at the high quality of food preparation and cleanliness in Colombia. Unless you are in a hotel or get lucky, your bed / mattress will be a little bumpy. Cuba has all the trappings of a communist country.

[Av8r]

He certainly has lots of numbers, so I suppose that will help, and I wasn't expecting it to be as clean and comfortable as Medellin. As you mentioned; Medellin is a surprisingly clean and modern city. Very good food and modern hotels with great internet, beds and AC. I'll be there for Thanksgiving so I imagine it will be a nice contrast from Cuba. I can put up with a little discomfort for a new adventure, but from what you guys have been saying, I doubt I'll go more than once. I'll post some good pics when I get back.

[Deepblue1]

If anybody here wants to connect while I'm in Havana this weekend please PM me. I'll be staying in Mirimar. I have a driver and I deal with non-pros strictly. Let me know.

DB1

[BeersTerry]

Haha. And a return to the third world days. Unless you are in a hotel, the toilet paper cannot flush down the toilet but goes into the waste basket next to the toilet.


Cuba can be fun though.

[Adinga]

Deep Blue.

Non Pros are always the best way to go.Just returned from Havana last week after 12 day vacation.

It was a good time to be in Havana because there were so few tourists but the place was dead.

The new trend in Havana now is that many girls are spiking drinks with sedatives then robbing the tourist.

Keep your eyes open. Enjoy.

[Primusduvel]

Deep Blue.

Non Pros are always the best way to go. Just returned from Havana last week after 12 day vacation.

It was a good time to be in Havana because there were so few tourists but the place was dead.

The new trend in Havana now is that many girls are spiking drinks with sedatives then robbing the tourist.

Keep your eyes open. Enjoy.Great one Adinga, we will be careful I am native spanish speaker so ladies consider twice what they do when you actually understand them!

Cheers!

[Behark]

I'm looking for an area of Cuba where I can stay in an All-inclusive on the beach and also monger. I would like to get a casa as well. Varadero is out as I can't get a casa there. What other areas can I explore? Beach is a must. I love Havana but I'm not a fan of the lava rock beach. Even if I could get an all inclusive at a nice beach outside of Havana and get a casa in vedado that would be good. Does anybody know of any resorts / beaches like that?

Many thanks,

Behark

[Sammytheman]

I'm looking for an area of Cuba where I can stay in an All-inclusive on the beach and also monger. I would like to get a casa as well. Varadero is out as I can't get a casa there. What other areas can I explore? Beach is a must. I love Havana but I'm not a fan of the lava rock beach. Even if I could get an all inclusive at a nice beach outside of Havana and get a casa in vedado that would be good. Does anybody know of any resorts / beaches like that?

Many thanks,

BeharkYou can go to Atlantico resort east of Havana but food is SH*T and it is only 2*

Or go to Holguin resort (Playa Costa Verde) and then cab it to Holguin city which 35 mins away.

[Questner]

I'm looking for an area of Cuba where I can stay in an All-inclusive on the beach and also monger. I would like to get a casa as well. Varadero is out as I can't get a casa there. What other areas can I explore? Beach is a must. I love Havana but I'm not a fan of the lava rock beach. Even if I could get an all inclusive at a nice beach outside of Havana and get a casa in vedado that would be good. Does anybody know of any resorts / beaches like that?

Many thanks,

BeharkHotel Tropicoco + casa in Vedado. Days at the beach (breakfast to dinner) and nights in Havana (you come back to your hotel in the morning). Price wise it might work for a week. For longer stays I don't know yet how to book it to make it $ sense.

[BeersTerry]

Unless he can figure out the bus system it will cost $40 CUC round trip for a taxi each day.

[Behark]

Unless he can figure out the bus system it will cost $40 CUC round trip for a taxi each day.Thanks a lot. I don't mind if the food is bad as I can eat in the city. I will check both.

[Questner]

Unless he can figure out the bus system it will cost $40 CUC round trip for a taxi each day.Tropicoco to Central Havana and back. Free hotel bus shuttle twice a day or 3 CUC tourist bus. Central Havana to Vedado and back- 40 centavos CUP local bus or 3 to 5 CUC taxi, or you can take a walk from time to time or learn to use taxi for Cubans if you stay longer. Taxi to Tropicoco 12 CUC to Central Havana (Parque Central). But you will not need to use it if you follow the path of hotel during days and casa at night.

[BeersTerry]

I have used all, but I believe the tourist bus only runs during the busy tourist season.

[Behark]

I have used all, but I believe the tourist bus only runs during the busy tourist season.This sounds good. I will however, need to find a better casa if I'm to spend the night. Any reccomendations of a decent / safe / private casa that is chica friendly?

Thanks again for all your help.

Behark

[LionPitch]

article of figaro. fr: *prostitution: cuba is inspired by sweden.


cuba intends to take example on sweden to fight against the prostitution by punishing the customer rather than the sexual workers, indicated today the cuban sex therapist mariela castro, the girl of president raul castro and director of the national center of sex education (cenesex).

" sweden realized an impressive work and in cuba, in cenesex, in the federation of the cuban women (fmc) and within the other institutions, we are to be inspired by the swedish experience ", explained mariela castro in an interview broadcasted on youtube at the conclusion of a visit in the netherlands during which she visited in particular the red district of amsterdam.

according to her," the dutch experience is not practicable " in cuba, whereas " the swedish practice, which since 1999 penalizes the customer and decriminalizes the sexual worker, can be applied ". mariela castro. 49 years, indicates besides that the 6th cuban congress of education, orientation and sexual therapy, which will be held from 23 till 26 january in cuba, will approach this subject, quite as the agreement of the communist party of cuba (pcc) which will meet later." it will be a very good opportunity to resume the debate on the prostitution ", asserted the girl of the cuban president.

according to the official figures, there were about 100. 000 prostitutes in cuba before the succession in 1959 of the cuban revolution. severely fought by the castro regime, the prostitution is reappeared with the severe economic crisis which struck cuba after the fall of the soviet camp at the beginning of 1990s. the cuban legislation does not repress the prostitution itself, but attempts to sanction.

[Golds]

All these bullshit, to defend the women rights, when a man wants sex and pay for it, what is the problem! Worlwide they put the man in camps to have sex, like the red light district in holland or the sex camps in Pattaya. I love the adventure to have sex with somebody and I hate the controlled areas like the fkk's in Germany etc.

[LionPitch]

All these bullshit, to defend the women rights, when a man wants sex and pay for it, what is the problem! Worlwide they put the man in camps to have sex, like the red light district in holland or the sex camps in Pattaya. I love the adventure to have sex with somebody and I hate the controlled areas like the fkk's in Germany etc.The problem:

If this law passes, it's us who are going to Fidel's prisons and either the girls. Besides, the cubanas can blackmail"if you don't give me enough money, I am going to denounce you to the police" etc.

If this law pass I am afraid that we are all obliged to change destination and that's going to be a big loss of income for the Cuban economy, because we do have money and we spend it in Cuba.

Lionpitch

[Golds]

One solution is to marry a cubana, I think this will give you some more credit. The problem would be indeed the blackmail by the girls and the police. This law will be presented by the daughter of Raoul Castro on a congress at the end of January 2012. I doubt it it will pass however without any state controlled working girl houses.


The problem:

If this law passes, it's us who are going to Fidel's prisons and either the girls. Besides, the cubanas can blackmail"if you don't give me enough money, I am going to denounce you to the police" etc.

If this law pass I am afraid that we are all obliged to change destination and that's going to be a big loss of income for the Cuban economy, because we do have money and we spend it in Cuba.

Lionpitch

[LionPitch]

One solution is to marry a cubana, I think this will give you some more credit. The problem would be indeed the blackmail by the girls and the police. This law will be presented by the daughter of Raoul Castro on a congress at the end of January 2012. I doubt it it will pass however without any state controlled working girl houses.Will be in la Havana in February 2012. Will see how it turns. Cheers!

Lionpitch

[Questner]

The problem:

If this law passes, it's us who are going to Fidel's prisons and either the girls. Besides, the cubanas can blackmail"if you don't give me enough money, I am going to denounce you to the police" etc.

If this law pass I am afraid that we are all obliged to change destination and that's going to be a big loss of income for the Cuban economy, because we do have money and we spend it in Cuba.

LionpitchIn all totalitarian states the severity of law is mitigated by non compliance.

[BeersTerry]

Talk is cheap. You forget this is latin america.

[Jay Streets]

What is the best and most inexpensive way to get into Cuba from the us. I am looking to travel for the first time?

[Velasco]

What is the best and most inexpensive way to get into Cuba from the us. I am looking to travel for the first time?It depends on where you live. If you live in the Northeast, Toronto may be the best. Southeast, Nassau Bahamas, West Coast Cancun. You may also have frequent flyer miles that may make trips to the gateway cities easier. Just get on the web and do some research (There are plenty of sites and travel agencies in Canada, Bahamas and Mexico that can help) , perhaps browse a travel book at a bookstore or check it out at your local public library. There are plenty of sources. Good luck!

[CubanBorn87]

It depends on where you live. If you live in the Northeast, Toronto may be the best. Southeast, Nassau Bahamas, West Coast Cancun. You may also have frequent flyer miles that may make trips to the gateway cities easier. Just get on the web and do some research (There are plenty of sites and travel agencies in Canada, Bahamas and Mexico that can help) , perhaps browse a travel book at a bookstore or check it out at your local public library. There are plenty of sources. Good luck!My friend is going to Cuba with me in April, the option we were exploring was Cancun, but we do live on the southeast. Is it more risky to go through bahamas to Cuba? I know that the mexican authorities won't tell the USA where we took off from mexico but I am not sure if bahamas is the same type of deal.

[Velasco]

My friend is going to Cuba with me in April, the option we were exploring was Cancun, but we do live on the southeast. Is it more risky to go through bahamas to Cuba? I know that the mexican authorities won't tell the USA where we took off from mexico but I am not sure if bahamas is the same type of deal.I think the risk of getting caught by US customs has diminished significantly since Obama came to office, so you have little to fear. Bush was more interested in appeasing the republican leaning Cubans in Florida. This is an issue that has been discussed at length on other sites, so be sure to research it more. I don't think the risk is higher. I have been through the Bahamas many times and there were lots of Latinos (I presume they were all Cubanos) on the same flights.

[Adinga]

IF the Customers official wants to bust your ass he will.

Remember you have 2 entry stamps on your passport with different dates.

One stating the date of arrival into the gateway country and another entry stamp stating the arrival date into the gateway country when you depart from Havana.

Where were you between these 2 dates Sir?

Its not rocket science. Be careful and respectful.

If you are a proffessional or have a goverment job I would NOT risk travel to Cuba.

[Kalifornication]

United States Government has never prosecuted a USA Citizen for mere travel to Cuba. Now if you intend to engage in business / trade with Cuba, . Think twice.


IF the Customers official wants to bust your ass he will.

Remember you have 2 entry stamps on your passport with different dates.

One stating the date of arrival into the gateway country and another entry stamp stating the arrival date into the gateway country when you depart from Havana.

Where were you between these 2 dates Sir?

Its not rocket science. Be careful and respectful.

If you are a proffessional or have a goverment job I would NOT risk travel to Cuba.

[Questner]

IF the Customers official wants to bust your ass he will.

Remember you have 2 entry stamps on your passport with different dates.

One stating the date of arrival into the gateway country and another entry stamp stating the arrival date into the gateway country when you depart from Havana.

Where were you between these 2 dates Sir?

Its not rocket science. Be careful and respectful.

If you are a proffessional or have a goverment job I would NOT risk travel to Cuba.The answer should be 'None of your business' Period. Moreover, if one left for the third country, Cuba was only one option of many.

[Adinga]

I agree with you but you have to kiss Customs ass.

It is what it is .you have to play the game by their rules not yours.

Don't be stubborn. I know from experience.

Since you clear US Customs in the Bahamas odds are against you even more.

[Kalifornication]

My experience has been that customs knows very little about OLFAC (Office of Foreign Assets Control). Most of the time I have to educate them about USA law. They always ask me for a copy of the "General License". I tell them, the General License is a self certification that travel is legal as opposed to the "Specific License", . They then ask again for a copy of this general license, its absurd!

You are right about this, right or wrong, they, in their ignorance can make your life difficult. But, they cannot do much more than delay your processing because, in the end, unless you are transacting business with Cuba, you are clear.


I agree with you but you have to kiss Customs ass.

It is what it is. You have to play the game by their rules not yours.

Don't be stubborn. I know from experience.

Since you clear US Customs in the Bahamas odds are against you even more.

[Primusduvel]

What is the best and most inexpensive way to get into Cuba from the us. I am looking to travel for the first time?The best way and hassle free way is going through Mexico, either Mexico city or Cancun, there are a couple of options either Aeromexico. Com or Interjet. Com check it out. Cheers.

[Summon]

Anyone have any success selling cuban cigars? From what I read some people suggest getting them appraised and taking offer at a local Casa Del Habano. Being a shop I suppose the profit margin is far less, anyone in-the-know on the subject? I'm from Canada, PM if you prefer.

Thanks

[IrishLad81]

Hi Folks,

I have heard conflicting reports on the age of consent in Cuba.

Can someone tell me the legal age. I'm hearing either 18, 17 or 16.

[Summon]

Hi Folks,

I have heard conflicting reports on the age of consent in Cuba.

Can someone tell me the legal age. I'm hearing either 18, 17 or 16.18 for tourists. 16 amongst Cubans.

[Sammytheman]

Like the title says, I can't seem to call my amigas in Holguin (

I dial 011 53 and then the number they gave me but it does not work. I tried both home and mobile numbers. The mobile numbers has 10 digits and land line has 6. I would greatly appreciate it if someone can help out. Thanks.

[BeersTerry]

You are missing a number in the land line number. A few years ago, a digit was added to the beginning of the 6 digit phone number to make it a 7 digit phone number. Sorry but I don't remember what that digit was for Holguin.

[Kalifornication]

Look here: http://www.howtocallabroad.com/cuba/


Like the title says, I can't seem to call my amigas in Holguin (

I dial 011 53 and then the number they gave me but it does not work. I tried both home and mobile numbers. The mobile numbers has 10 digits and land line has 6. I would greatly appreciate it if someone can help out. Thanks.

[Mirabito]

I emailed one of the casas I usually stay in Vedado about current Dollar Exchange a the Cadeca. She Quoted me. 87 CUC per dollar. About 13% of the top even though the published Offical Rate is 1 to 1. I am pretty sure is correct, Does anyone know if bringing Euros is a better idea, or the other currencies also get hit the same? Appreciate your input.

[Strike 69]

Guys can anyone please confirm if it is possible to find blonde Cuban women in the island particularly in the provinces? I was talking to some guys and they said some clueless Russians and Americans had illegitimate kids in Cuba who are now the few blonde chicks now in the island. Cuba used to be (and still is) one of the favorite vacations spots for Russians and being as promiscuous as they are I doubt some of them did not leaved some few Russian female kids over there.

[The Dirty Pirate]

Guys can anyone please confirm if it is possible to find blonde Cuban women in the island particularly in the provinces? I was talking to some guys and they said some clueless Russians and Americans had illegitimate kids in Cuba who are now the few blonde chicks now in the island. Cuba used to be (and still is) one of the favorite vacations spots for Russians and being as promiscuous as they are I doubt some of them did not leaved some few Russian female kids over there.Plenty of machas running around in la Habana.

[BeersTerry]

http://www.cubacurrency.com/banco_metropolitano_s_a.html

[Kalifornication]

http://www.cubacurrency.com/banco_metropolitano_s_a.htmlThere are plenty of cubans willing to echange for say 91-92 for 100 american. Ask your casa owner to hook you up, or justlook near the cardeca and you will find plenty of folks giving a better rate than the cardeca. Just make certain you are getting cuc and not moneda national, unless you are seeking moneda national (rate 25 to 1 USA) to engage the local economy. Can save allot of money this way, but la habana is not the place for this, go east.

[BeersTerry]

There are counterfeit bills out there. To risk $100 in order to make an extra $2 does not justify the reward. While a few people may know what they are doing, the majority do not.

[BrasilSoccer0]

Guys I used "Cybercupido" dating site very successfully for past trips but now it is really dwindling. What are the more active sites ya'll using now? I speak excellent Spanish!

[Chaman]

Does anyone knows if there is a problem from entering multiple times to Cuba. I mean like once every month?

Last time I went just for three day and when leaving the officer asked why stayed very few days? But it sound a little inquisitive.

[The Dirty Pirate]

Does anyone knows if there is a problem from entering multiple times to Cuba. I mean like once every month?

Last time I went just for three day and when leaving the officer asked why stayed very few days? But it sound a little inquisitive.Just play along with their little questions and they'll send you on your way soon enough. You're not breaking and laws and they are just trying to do their jobs.

[MrSoulo]

I emailed one of the casas I usually stay in Vedado about current Dollar Exchange a the Cadeca. She Quoted me. 87 CUC per dollar. About 13% of the top even though the published Offical Rate is 1 to 1. I am pretty sure is correct, Does anyone know if bringing Euros is a better idea, or the other currencies also get hit the same? Appreciate your input.If you go to a bank the exchange for Canadian is $98 CUC for $100 Canadian. I just left Cuba yesterday.

[Velasco]

The NY Times had 2 amazing, very informative stories the history of HIV and AIDS in Cuba. The good, the bad and efforts that the revolution has made to stop it. We all know that Cuba is one of the countries with the lowest infection rate in the western hemisphere etc, but these 2 news stories are still very good, and I recommend that everybody here read them. I have attached the titles of the stories and links, hopefully the links will work. Happy readings.

Cuba's AIDS Sanitariums. Fortresses Against a Viral Foe.

http://www.nytimes.com/2012/05/08/health/cubas-aids-sanitariums-fortresses-against-a-viral-foe.html?_r=1&gwh=5F240B89453D44CB6C9CACD3F71FBC71

A Regime's Tight Grip. Lessons From Cuba in AIDS Control.

http://www.nytimes.com/2012/05/08/health/a-regimes-tight-grip-lessons-from-cuba-in-aids-control.html?pagewanted=all&gwh=677BAF4B96C2AD916223832C767E723A

[Frankfurter]

I've been to Habana many times but never stayed at the beach. I thought I should try it out at least. So I will come to Cuba in three weeks (and for three weeks) and still haven't decided what I should do: Book the Tropicoco for a week and a casa in Habana Vieja, or a casa in Habana for the entire time?

Also: Can somebody recommend a girl-friendly casa for my sole use in Habana Vieja which features a window? Man, I truly hate these 'barbacoas' which have no view! Anyway, in case you are in the know your help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

[Sammytheman]

Like the title says, the CUC price went higher than May. It was. 96 to 1 CDN when I was there last month. Now it is hotter and I would think less tourists but it went to. 94/1 CDN.

Why is that? Oh by the way this site shows that 1CDN is. 97 CUCs:

http://www.xe.com/ucc/convert/?Amount=1&From=CAD&To=CUC

Last July when I was there the CDN was stronger than CUC. I hope it happens again this July

[Questner]

Like the title says, the CUC price went higher than May. It was. 96 to 1 CDN when I was there last month. Now it is hotter and I would think less tourists but it went to. 94/1 CDN.

Why is that? Oh by the way this site shows that 1CDN is. 97 CUCs:

http://www.xe.com/ucc/convert/?Amount=1&From=CAD&To=CUC

Last July when I was there the CDN was stronger than CUC. I hope it happens again this JulyBasically the exchange is pegged to USD. Take a look at charts at XE for CAD / USD and CAD / CUC and see them being identical. Nothing to do with tourists. CUC falls with Spain's bailout and will get stronger to June 17 Greek elections. If you want to protect yourself against strengthening of CUC and you travel a lot to Cuba then make savings in USD and find an economical way to save on conversions CAD to USD to CAD to CUC.

[Billy8630]

I have a Cuban contact that I want to share as the guy is very reliable and I hope to help him find more work. He is a competent driver and can find anything you are looking for. He has constantly saved me money and helped me to find some very interesting adventures. He is completely trustworthy and I have seen him retrieve items that are lost when he could have taken them. You must be clear on what you need and want. It is also a requirement that you make sure an employer / employee relationship is created with payment and expectations clearly laid out.

He can be contacted at:

Luis Iznaga: 53-52914827.

Email: Against the rules to post.

Rumbo Jaimanitas, Cuidad de La Habana, Cuba.

He only speaks Spanish but I have a really good app on my Galaxy Nexus phone that allowed me to communicate everything I need so I did not have any problems with my limited Spanish. Please feel free to contact me for further references and questions.

[BrasilSoccer0]

Billy,

Where does "Luis" operate? What cities, campos, beaches. Etc? Also, what did you pay him for his time and what services he did for you?

I had a great bici-taxi guy in Camaguey. I usually paid him around 5-9cuc per half a day. And paid for his lunch. He would take me on hunting cruises for chicas and will bring me women he knew personally.

BS


I have a Cuban contact that I want to share as the guy is very reliable and I hope to help him find more work. He is a competent driver and can find anything you are looking for. He has constantly saved me money and helped me to find some very interesting adventures. He is completely trustworthy and I have seen him retrieve items that are lost when he could have taken them. You must be clear on what you need and want. It is also a requirement that you make sure an employer / employee relationship is created with payment and expectations clearly laid out.

He can be contacted at:

Luis Iznaga: 53-52914827.

Email: Against the rules to post.

Rumbo Jaimanitas, Cuidad de La Habana, Cuba.

He only speaks Spanish but I have a really good app on my Galaxy Nexus phone that allowed me to communicate everything I need so I did not have any problems with my limited Spanish. Please feel free to contact me for further references and questions.

[Sabalo]

I have a Cuban contact that I want to share as the guy is very reliable and I hope to help him find more work. He is a competent driver and can find anything you are looking for. He has constantly saved me money and helped me to find some very interesting adventures. He is completely trustworthy and I have seen him retrieve items that are lost when he could have taken them. You must be clear on what you need and want. It is also a requirement that you make sure an employer / employee relationship is created with payment and expectations clearly laid out.

He can be contacted at:

Luis Iznaga: 53-52914827.

Email: Against the rules to post.

Rumbo Jaimanitas, Cuidad de La Habana, Cuba.

He only speaks Spanish but I have a really good app on my Galaxy Nexus phone that allowed me to communicate everything I need so I did not have any problems with my limited Spanish. Please feel free to contact me for further references and questions.Amigo. I realize that your trying to help your friend and its very kind of you, but please be aware that posting his name and number could wind him up in jail for a very long time. Remember that this is a sex forum and what he is doing is illegal in Cuba. This info should be only shared through PM messages. You should call him and give him a "heads up" on what you have done. I'm not sure if this posting can be removed but please do so if possible. Chalk it up to a rookie mistake but this guy is now a "sitting duck".

[Billy8630]

I paid him $20 per day and his expenses if we left Havana. That is for 12 hours of work including driving, getting things, making arrangements, running around while I relaxed, saving me money, finding me somewhere to stay, meeting people, etc. He can find you anything you want and he is good at it. He made my trips (2) stellar leaving me with memories that would make most people look away in shame. Figure out what you want or want to do and he will make it happen.

The guy is very sharp and innovative and will work quite hard for you. I made sure he understood our agreement, the rate and I made payment at the end of every day to ensure we were always square. I made sure everything was clear and there were no special expectations.

For 20 CUC for one day you cannot go wrong. If you cannot speak Spanish you are screwed unless you have a dictionary or the Jibbigo app. When I arrived I did not speak anything but the app helped me learn and allowed me to communicate almost fluently. You have to be patient while translating in this fashion. There are no obligations. Pay for one day and if it is not going to work out cut him loose. If he does work out please post your success for all to hear as he deserves the work and his rolodex will be a little fatter for when I return. I met him through a regular to Cuba who has utilized his services more than 15 times.

When I arrive in Cuba he meets me in the airport and he is constantly with me until I check-in my luggage on my way out. Try one day and you will see. Be fair with him and he will be more than fair with you.

All info was posted with consent.


Billy,

Where does "Luis" operate? What cities, campos, beaches. Etc? Also, what did you pay him for his time and what services he did for you?

I had a great bici-taxi guy in Camaguey. I usually paid him around 5-9cuc per half a day. And paid for his lunch. He would take me on hunting cruises for chicas and will bring me women he knew personally.

BS

[Kalifornication]

1. $20 dollars a day.assuming a 30 day month- is $600 per month, that's far more than the average Cuban makes per month, . Let's assume they make $20 per month, and that is generous.

2. It does not matter if your Spanish is good or bad, you can still get what you want in Cuba without a full command of the language, it does not matter if you are in La Habana or elsewhere.

3. I love Cubans, I love the Culture and their politics and their socialism, but,.in general- they will always get more out of you when they can. I rented a luxury casa a few weeks ago, had a great time and it was lovely. I am going back soon and sent an email for a booking but wanted a less expensive casa, especially given the low season. Now when I rented this casa a few weeks ago, the agency said then, . It was low season. Now, when I say I want a good price, given the fact that it is still low season, the response I get is this: They first say it is high season (October 27. Nov 1). Then when I challenge them, they say, . Well, . Yes its low season for the hotels, but no for private casas. Bullshit. Low season is low season, right?

Point is this, their business skills suck. They would rather insult and make up facts and lose a client than to preserve a good relationship and future business. Short-sighted approach. They think we are all rich and can pay whatever price they throw at us.

I have the money to rent the place at the higher cost, but will not.

You do not need a guide in Cuba.


I paid him $20 per day and his expenses if we left Havana. That is for 12 hours of work including driving, getting things, making arrangements, running around while I relaxed, saving me money, finding me somewhere to stay, meeting people, etc. He can find you anything you want and he is good at it. He made my trips (2) stellar leaving me with memories that would make most people look away in shame. Figure out what you want or want to do and he will make it happen.

The guy is very sharp and innovative and will work quite hard for you. I made sure he understood our agreement, the rate and I made payment at the end of every day to ensure we were always square. I made sure everything was clear and there were no special expectations.

For 20 CUC for one day you cannot go wrong. If you cannot speak Spanish you are screwed unless you have a dictionary or the Jibbigo app. When I arrived I did not speak anything but the app helped me learn and allowed me to communicate almost fluently. You have to be patient while translating in this fashion. There are no obligations. Pay for one day and if it is not going to work out cut him loose. If he does work out please post your success for all to hear as he deserves the work and his rolodex will be a little fatter for when I return. I met him through a regular to Cuba who has utilized his services more than 15 times.

When I arrive in Cuba he meets me in the airport and he is constantly with me until I check-in my luggage on my way out. Try one day and you will see. Be fair with him and he will be more than fair with you.

All info was posted with consent.

[Billy8630]

I disagree with most of your statements. I have gone it alone and I have had other guides and drivers to compare Luis to. The $20 I pay him I easily save everyday in cost alone not to mention things are getting done to complete my comfort while I am on the veranda with a good stogie, a drink and a lady. With Luis things happen faster, for less and with a more exceptional outcome.

I do not know anything about you but if you are anything like me a guide is a necessity to make the most of your Cuban vacation when you roll like I do.


1. $20 dollars a day. Assuming a 30 day month- is $600 per month, that's far more than the average Cuban makes per month, . Let's assume they make $20 per month, and that is generous.

2. It does not matter if your Spanish is good or bad, you can still get what you want in Cuba without a full command of the language, it does not matter if you are in La Habana or elsewhere.

3. I love Cubans, I love the Culture and their politics and their socialism, but. In general- they will always get more out of you when they can. I rented a luxury casa a few weeks ago, had a great time and it was lovely. I am going back soon and sent an email for a booking but wanted a less expensive casa, especially given the low season. Now when I rented this casa a few weeks ago, the agency said then, . It was low season. Now, when I say I want a good price, given the fact that it is still low season, the response I get is this: They first say it is high season (October 27. Nov 1). Then when I challenge them, they say, . Well, . Yes its low season for the hotels, but no for private casas. Bullshit. Low season is low season, right?

Point is this, their business skills suck. They would rather insult and make up facts and lose a client than to preserve a good relationship and future business. Short-sighted approach. They think we are all rich and can pay whatever price they throw at us.

I have the money to rent the place at the higher cost, but will not.

You do not need a guide in Cuba.

[Rock Harders]

1. $20 dollars a day. Assuming a 30 day month- is $600 per month, that's far more than the average Cuban makes per month, . Let's assume they make $20 per month, and that is generous.

2. It does not matter if your Spanish is good or bad, you can still get what you want in Cuba without a full command of the language, it does not matter if you are in La Habana or elsewhere.It is true, the "average" salary for a Cuban employed by the state in an occupation dealing only with Cubans with no other sources of income is $15-$20 CUC. However, as you very well must know, anyone and everyone working in any occupation connected to tourism makes far, far more than $15-$20 CUC per month. These occupations include bartenders, waiters, parking attendants, hotel front desk / concierge / security staff, chambermaids, tour guides, staff at private houses rented to tourists (gardeners, security guards, cooks, cleaning personnel) , chauffeurs, taxi drivers, beach attendants, cooks in private restaurants, cigar hustlers, and of course prostitutes. I would estimate that these tourism related occupations earn anywhere from $100 CUC on the low end up to $1000 CUC or more on the high end.

I totally disagree with your assessment of the need to speak usable Spanish. One's experience in Cuba will be FAR more interesting, informative, rewarding, and fulfilling if you can properly communicate with the Cubans (male and female) in their native tongue. Yes, you will get laid with little or no Spanish but you will have trouble sweet talking your way into specific things you prefer (BBFS, BBBJ, etc) and you will get a more personal and less expensive experience if you are able to communicate.

[Kalifornication]

My point,

You do not need a guide, . Period. Agreed, if you can communicate with a chica in their native language and "you've-got-game" you most certainly will get much further and more affection, no doubt. However, I hope you are not suggesting that having some Cuban native guide speak to a chica on one's behalf is going to bring you to that same paradise. I think not. We are all Yuma, however, having some Cuban fella (who, by-the-way, hates that some Yuma is fucking Cuban women) speak to your potential chica for the night / day / week is the wrong approach. Those jockeys will ride you all night, all day and all week so long as you let them. You are essentially handing over the reigns to them. This is my point.

Remember this too, take notes, ... Cuban women love and respect MEN. It does not matter that you are Yuma, just behave like a MAN damn it! (smile). Never let another man -especially a Cuban Man that hates you- tell the woman you want this, "... mami, you see that Yuma over there, ... he would really like to know you ..." [I'll leave out their other conversation about how they will ride you]. You communicate yourself, even if its in your fucked up broken Spanish. And stop being such a gentleman (western standard). Don't ask for shit, take it. The first month I was with my Cuban girl she told me this, ... "stop asking me for things, ... take what you want." That is what the Cuban women respect. If you approach them differently, they will think you a pussy. Having them think you a pussy = less love/passion. You/we don't want that right?

As for the average Cuban, . Well, the average Cuban does not work in the hotels. They do not have access to the CUC you speak of. The average Cuban does make between $12-$15 CUC per month. The average Cuban either has family abroad that assists or they do not. The average Cuban does "invent" to get by in some form or another. Perhaps they engage in the black market or they date Yuma. But I suppose the average Yuma seeking chicas in Cuba places himself in locations where he is not confronted with the average Cuban, to wit, hotels, Solon Rojo, Prado, Daiablo Tun Tun, Dos Gardianas, bla bla bla.

Point: The non-average Yuma seeking chicas goes where he can find the average Cuban, and the millage he gains in this respect is limitless.

I love this board!


It is true, the "average" salary for a Cuban employed by the state in an occupation dealing only with Cubans with no other sources of income is $15-$20 CUC. However, as you very well must know, anyone and everyone working in any occupation connected to tourism makes far, far more than $15-$20 CUC per month. These occupations include bartenders, waiters, parking attendants, hotel front desk / concierge / security staff, chambermaids, tour guides, staff at private houses rented to tourists (gardeners, security guards, cooks, cleaning personnel) , chauffeurs, taxi drivers, beach attendants, cooks in private restaurants, cigar hustlers, and of course prostitutes. I would estimate that these tourism related occupations earn anywhere from $100 CUC on the low end up to $1000 CUC or more on the high end.

I totally disagree with your assessment of the need to speak usable Spanish. One's experience in Cuba will be FAR more interesting, informative, rewarding, and fulfilling if you can properly communicate with the Cubans (male and female) in their native tongue. Yes, you will get laid with little or no Spanish but you will have trouble sweet talking your way into specific things you prefer (BBFS, BBBJ, etc) and you will get a more personal and less expensive experience if you are able to communicate.

[Exoticspirit]

I wonder if the lifted travel restrictions on Cuban citizens to travel abroad will have an increase on 'mail-order' brides? Might get messy out there!

[MrSoulo]

Here's a bit of information that might be of interest to some of you guys. I personally find it very interesting as I would really like to get my own place there.

In June 2010, the Cuban government introduced new regulations changing the real state policy and opening this market to foreign investment. The project foresees the construction of 16 new golf resorts spread all over the island and the long term leasing to foreigners of apartments (up to 99 years) in these facilities. The four initial projects approved by the Cuban government in April 2011 total more than $USD1. 5 billion and it was reported that foreign investors from Canada, UK and Spain will take part in them. The Cuban business partner for these negotiations is Grupo Empresial Extrahotelero Palmares of the Ministry of Tourism.

[Freckly]

1. $20 dollars a day. Assuming a 30 day month- is $600 per month, that's far more than the average Cuban makes per month, . Let's assume they make $20 per month, and that is generous.

2. It does not matter if your Spanish is good or bad, you can still get what you want in Cuba without a full command of the language, it does not matter if you are in La Habana or elsewhere.

3. I love Cubans, I love the Culture and their politics and their socialism, but. In general- they will always get more out of you when they can. I rented a luxury casa a few weeks ago, had a great time and it was lovely. I am going back soon and sent an email for a booking but wanted a less expensive casa, especially given the low season. Now when I rented this casa a few weeks ago, the agency said then, . It was low season. Now, when I say I want a good price, given the fact that it is still low season, the response I get is this: They first say it is high season (October 27. Nov 1). Then when I challenge them, they say, . Well, . Yes its low season for the hotels, but no for private casas. Bullshit. Low season is low season, right?

Point is this, their business skills suck. They would rather insult and make up facts and lose a client than to preserve a good relationship and future business. Short-sighted approach. They think we are all rich and can pay whatever price they throw at us.

I have the money to rent the place at the higher cost, but will not.

You do not need a guide in Cuba.I totally agree with Kalifornication. $20 CUC is not a huge number but a lot of money in Cuba. I have seen guys travelling to Cuba for 35 years. Not a single spanish word but stilll doing fine.

[BrasilSoccer0]

Cubans no longer need Exit visa. I. E: letter of invitation!

That would be great if you want to take one back to your country to marry. But seriously, which countries especially in this global economic recession would eagerly give work visas to Cubans! Can anyone think of any country handing out visas to Cubans?

http://youtu.be/e3kDZpzyUOU

BS.

[Catbird]

I used to visit Cuba semi regularly back in the late 1990's. The girls were off the hook and I always had a great time. I have followed the news over the years, and a bit more closely since Raul started to try to change a few things. I'd always thought if things changed enough maybe I could retire there (even though I'm a citizen of the USA). Well, I'm retired now, but my guess is that despite all the talk things haven't changed all that much. Particularly from the perspective of living there. Somebody tell me if I'm wrong. I'd love to hear that I'm mistaken. But, still shitty infrastructure, internet access is extremely poor and all the rest. Still tough, as I understand it, for an American to wrangle a way to live there legally.

Thanks for any info!

[Velasco]

I used to visit Cuba semi regularly back in the late 1990's. Somebody tell me if I'm wrong. I'd love to hear that I'm mistaken. But, still shitty infrastructure, internet access is extremely poor and all the rest. Still tough, as I understand it, for an American to wrangle a way to live there legally.No, things are still moving at a slow pace, and Cuba still in the so called "Special Period", although Fidel declared that the special period was officially over around 2004. I also visited Cuba for the first time in the late 1990s, and although things have changed some, the pace of change is glacial. I have frequently pointed out to some of my Fidelista friends that if the pace of change is still shuffling along when we get to the year 2020, then the special period will have taken 50% of the revolution.

I. E. 1959- 1990 were 31 normal years of the revolution. 1990- 2020 will have been 30 years of the special period.

Basically, short of marrying a Cubana that wants to stay on the island, there is no other way.

[Kalifornication]

Hugo Chavez's country. At least for the time being. Otherwise I agree with you. The result of the change is simply this, it will expose the fact that the USA never wanted Cubans unless they risk their lives at sea so that the USA can then argue how bad it is for these Cubans that they take to the sea to escape Fidel and Communism. Big lie now exposed. Why? Because you are correct, the USA is NOT handing out Visas to Cubans for vacations or for any other reason. Good move Raul. Now its the USA move. They may decide to issue visas to all that apply, but I doubt it.


Cubans no longer need Exit visa. I. E: letter of invitation!

That would be great if you want to take one back to your country to marry. But seriously, which countries especially in this global economic recession would eagerly give work visas to Cubans! Can anyone think of any country handing out visas to Cubans?

http://youtu.be/e3kDZpzyUOU

BS.

[BrasilSoccer0]

I definitely see lots of Cuban engineers heading out to Venezuela to build its infrastructure and the oil business. If true, then also Cuban doctors will head out there and maybe to the US!

I am hypothesizing this new change could have a positive impact on our supply. Maybe more men leave to work and more cubanitas feel hungry for some TLC.

Who knows, it all depends on the fine print of this new emigration change. But trust me, lifting the embargo will have a direct negative effect on our supply and costs. We'll have better business service and better restaurant food and cleaner toilets with seats!

BS.

[Kalifornication]

Now that was some funny shit! God bless you man. I am also tired of the no-seat shitter. I actually brought my own soft-seat (bought from Home Depot) to Cuba so that I could actually enjoy a good shit.


I definitely see lots of Cuban engineers heading out to Venezuela to build its infrastructure and the oil business. If true, then also Cuban doctors will head out there and maybe to the US!

I am hypothesizing this new change could have a positive impact on our supply. Maybe more men leave to work and more cubanitas feel hungry for some TLC.

Who knows, it all depends on the fine print of this new emigration change. But trust me, lifting the embargo will have a direct negative effect on our supply and costs. We'll have better business service and better restaurant food and cleaner toilets with seats!

BS.

[Adinga]

A BEAUTIFULLY ORCHESTRATED POLITICAL MOVE BY FIDEL (not Raul)

I'm ASSUMING 90% WILL NEVER RETURN TO CUBA ONCE IN US

===========================================

EDITOR's NOTE: This report was originally written in ALL CAPITAL LETTERING and thus was edited to normal case text. Writing in ALL CAPITAL LETTERING in the internet equivalent of shouting and is thus is prohibited on this forum.

In the future, please do not write reports in ALL CAPITAL LETTERING. Thanks!

[Sammytheman]

Not only do toilets don't have a seat but I have been to many restaurants that also had no running water, soap and toilet paper. One time I really had to use the can and when I was done, I noticed there was no toilet paper. Oh oh. I yelled out to the waiter and she came back with a book. WTF? Only in Cuba!

[Kalifornication]

Unless your inside information is superior to mine, this was all Raul. As for 90% never returning, impossible. What does your 90% represent? The 2% that can afford to leave? Or the other small percent that cannot afford to leave, but, get invited to leave by marriage? Or the % of doctors and techs that have been leaving and returning in greater numbers than those that "defect" for several years now? I am confused. Most Cubans, especially the newly immigrated Cubans to the USA could give a shit about Cuban or Miami Cuban politics. They are simply seeking economic opportunity, not unlike the poor of other nations. They love the "motherland" notwithstanding its flaws. In fact, Miami politics has changed significantly because of these new Cubans such that most Cuban-Americans now support normalized relations with Cuba. Ja.


A BEAUTIFULLY ORCHESTRATED POLITICAL MOVE BY FIDEL (not Raul)

I'm ASSUMING 90% WILL NEVER RETURN TO CUBA ONCE IN US.

===========================================

EDITOR's NOTE: This report was originally written in ALL CAPITAL LETTERING And thus was edited to normal case text. Writing in ALL CAPITAL LETTERING In the internet equivalent of shouting and is thus is prohibited on this forum.

In the future, please do not write reports in ALL CAPITAL LETTERING. Thanks!

[MrSoulo]

Now that was some funny shit! God bless you man. I am also tired of the no-seat shitter. I actually brought my own soft-seat (bought from Home Depot) to Cuba so that I could actually enjoy a good shit.LMAO. Funniest I've read on here. You bringing your own toilet seat. Hahahaha.

[Kalifornication]

Hey, don't laugh, I take my shit quite seriously. .


LMAO. Funniest I've read on here. You bringing your own toilet seat. Hahahaha.