Travel Questions and Advice

[Mr Gogo]

I had to go back to check my sources and the 10 percent fee for American dollars was supposed to be lifted in April after Cuba did two international transactions. Maybe there were problems with the international transactions so Cuba didn't proceed, I really don't know.

As far as lifting the embargo I don't see it happening. Obama was their best shot and he couldn't get it done. Neither Trump or Hillary are Cuba friendly. Any embargo ending will have to clear congress, which won't happen. I agree with you that international transactions will depend on the embargo ending. The Cuba old guard is stubborn and still entrenched in its leadership. The next US president will try to act tough and not cater to these old school revolutionaries. I think now might be as good as it gets as far as Cuba and US relations. Get ready for a crazy ride as the roller coaster has reached its peak and drops and turns now await. Just my opinion.

[Mondo707]

Also the cops aren't really cracking down now because they are getting ready to do away with the 10 percent fee. Raul is just milking it as America isn't paying attention with the US election now dominating. Raul is smart because he knows the next president will not be as tolerant as Obama was so they might have to use the 10 percent fee to negotiate with the incoming president or maybe not. If they but heads the 10 percent fee will stand and they will say fuck America which will lead to maybe another lock down.

Hey Mr Gogo.

Have to disagree with you here (preceding paragraph).

As everyone probly knows the only currency in Cuba that gets this gravamen is the USD, that's why it's recommended you take Loonies or Euros whenever possible.

Cuba will be more than happy to do away with the gravamen if / when the whole embargo gets lifted. If this happens they be able to make a whole lot more $$$ than what they're bringing now in with the gravamen. A lot of travelers from the States choose a different destination cause of the added 10%.

Reason for this, it cost them (Cuba) quite a bit more to navigate around the embargo's rules & regs.

You can check out the link below.

http://www.treasury.gov/resource-cen...ages/cuba.aspx

Try, even to this day, to do any transaction with Cuba from any Western country and soon enough you'll find out what I mean.

You see any bank that handles ANY business transaction involving Cuba has been prosecuted / fine BIG $$$ ever since the mid nineties when the Helms / Burton law was passed during the Clinton years.

Granted things are changing slowly but Cuba CAN NOT use USD with any Western country so it follows their cost to obtain anything on the international marketplace raises their cost by using USD and so the 10% gravamen.

Mondo.

[Mr Gogo]

Don't get it twisted, the American dollar is king. I have two spots to exchange; one is in Havana and I get 96 per US dollar and there are always three or four guys in this spot waiting (no sorry can't put the spot here). Another is a cabbie I have that takes me to this big mansion near the airport and depending on how much I have the rate is 98-100 per US dollar.

I inquired about this and the people in the mansion are world travelers and the CUC is not accepted anywhere else so USD is what they want. Always have crisp one hundred dollar bills over 20's. It makes sense, if the wife wants to go to Miami on a shopping spree for the weekend she doesn't want to worry about the exchange, she wants her money before hand.

Also the cops aren't really cracking down now because they are getting ready to do away with the 10 percent fee. Raul is just milking it as America isn't paying attention with the US election now dominating. Raul is smart because he knows the next president will not be as tolerant as Obama was so they might have to use the 10 percent fee to negotiate with the incoming president or maybe not. If they but heads the 10 percent fee will stand and they will say fuck America which will lead to maybe another lock down.

[Mondo707]

Mondo,

Were you exchanging with a local or where exactly did you get that 96 CUC rate?

Thanks,

Taco

Hey Taco,

I know a well connected person in la Habana that knows someone at a Cadeca and that's how I was able to dodge some of the 10% gravamen imposed on USD.

1st time I exchanged $1000 USD and got 940 CUC after giving him some CUC for his services.

2nd time I exchanged $500 USD and ended up with $475 CUC giving him some CUC for his services again.

I supposed we are all familiar with the exchange fees when you exchange money into a foreign currency at a bank or exchange house, this applies anywhere. In my case I tried to exchange some USD for Canadian Loonies in the US and the commission charged was not worth the hassle to me.

Another point on the exchange in Cuba, if you get lucky and find someone in need of USD I've heard sometimes you can get one to one, in other words 100 USD for 100 CUC. I didn't push my luck since one needs to be careful doing this transaction which it's probly illegal.

Mondo.

[BeersTerry]

That rate has to be a street rate.

There have been no announcements nor changes in official currency policy that I have been informed of.

The street rate is all over the place depending on the hustler you encounter. It can go to the regular $87 to where they may pay you a little extra.

Just be aware that there are counterfeits around and know how to check.

Look at the Banco Metropolitano site (sorry no link, too lazy to post).

[Tacoma101]

Mondo,

Were you exchanging with a local or where exactly did you get that 96 CUC rate?

Thanks,

Taco

Hey Bart,

Just a FYI, while on my last trip to la Habana I was able to exchange US $ for CUC at the rate of 96 CUC to $100 USD.

As you probly know with US $ the usual exchange rate you get is 87 CUC per 100 USD.

As you also probly know there will be sooner or later (nobody knows when) a reversal to a one currency system. What this implies is hard to tell at the moment.

Just a heads up on my part of the currency issue.

Mondo.

[Mondo707]

What currency are you carrying to Havana to from Brasil? If other than euros or Canadian $ you had better do some enquiring. Just a heads up from a Canuck Cuba vet.

Hey Bart,

Just a FYI, while on my last trip to la Habana I was able to exchange US $ for CUC at the rate of 96 CUC to $100 USD.

As you probly know with US $ the usual exchange rate you get is 87 CUC per 100 USD.

As you also probly know there will be sooner or later (nobody knows when) a reversal to a one currency system. What this implies is hard to tell at the moment.

Just a heads up on my part of the currency issue.

Mondo.

[Bart1]

Hello friends,

I am from Brazil and I will be arriving Havana on July 04th, I am in doubt regarding Place to stay, in Casa Particular can we bring girls? Or its better trying to rent a full apt? And regarding money how to proceed, save in the place or to carry with us all the time?

Thanks in advance.

Rock

What currency are you carrying to Havana to from Brasil? If other than euros or Canadian $ you had better do some enquiring. Just a heads up from a Canuck Cuba vet.

[CloseTPerv]

Hey gents,

Going to Havana for the first time to check out sights and vacation for a week, possibly monger because of all the cute petite pics of Cubans I see. Get there Jun 10th and wondering if there's another monger who can give me a few tips, either in person there or via pm. Unable to PM right now, but will get it if someone is willing to chat and give me the scoop.

[Mondo707]

Hey Mondo,

Many thanks it was very clear. Do you have some indication for the full one bedroom apt? I appreciate because there is a lot of options I confess I am very confused. I am doing a good research for the hobby but place to stay still missing for me.

Thanks in advance.

Hey RR,

Don't get what you mean by not understanding. A one bedroom apartment is a self contained unit with one bedroom, both a living room and a kitchen plus a bathroom.

In most cases it's independent and has an entrance also independent from any other apartment or units.

Hope this helps.

Also, if you google Casa Particular you'll be able to find numerous websites which lists both rooms and apartments.

Mondo.

[Rock Roll]

Hey RR500,

As far as bringing chicas to your place it varies but most Casa Particulares allow it although I'd say you need to be discreet about it.

As far as the money goes my rule of thumb is; take whatever money you plan on spending for the day and not more. Most Casas have a safe deposit box where I leave the rest of the dough and passports or other important documents.

Also, make sure to make copies of your important documents and take this copy with you except if you need to exchange your Reales for CUC then you'll probly need to have your passport with you. Remember Cuba is the safest country in the Americas (that's both north & south) IMHO.

I always rent a full one bedroom independent apartment since renting a room I'd have to deal with the owner which can be both good and bad.

Let me know if you need additional info before your trip.

Mondo.

Hey Mondo,

Many thanks it was very clear. Do you have some indication for the full one bedroom apt? I appreciate because there is a lot of options I confess I am very confused. I am doing a good research for the hobby but place to stay still missing for me.

Thanks in advance.

[Mondo707]

Hello friends,

I am from Brazil and I will be arriving Havana on July 04th, I am in doubt regarding Place to stay, in Casa Particular can we bring girls? Or its better trying to rent a full apt? And regarding money how to proceed, save in the place or to carry with us all the time?

Thanks in advance.

Rock

Hey RR500,

As far as bringing chicas to your place it varies but most Casa Particulares allow it although I'd say you need to be discreet about it.

As far as the money goes my rule of thumb is; take whatever money you plan on spending for the day and not more. Most Casas have a safe deposit box where I leave the rest of the dough and passports or other important documents.

Also, make sure to make copies of your important documents and take this copy with you except if you need to exchange your Reales for CUC then you'll probly need to have your passport with you. Remember Cuba is the safest country in the Americas (that's both north & south) IMHO.

I always rent a full one bedroom independent apartment since renting a room I'd have to deal with the owner which can be both good and bad.

Let me know if you need additional info before your trip.

Mondo.

[RockRoll500]

Hello friends,

I am from Brazil and I will be arriving Havana on July 04th, I am in doubt regarding Place to stay, in Casa Particular can we bring girls? Or its better trying to rent a full apt? And regarding money how to proceed, save in the place or to carry with us all the time?

Thanks in advance.

Rock

[Kalifornication]

Hey Kali,

How long before the MP action proliferates like they do here in the states?

I think prolly soon, just IMHO. I think once some "cuentapropista" find out all the CUC they could bring in we'll see a lot of these places around la Habana.

Also, in my opinion this is a no brainer since if someone does this right it will bring an added level of safety (for us mongers and the chicas) since the gals won't have to be out in the streets.

Just my 02.

Mondo.

I do not disagree with your analysis. Clearly, this is will this venture will go for the majority of places. But there will be some ligit joints. I for one prefer a straight massage. But everyone has their cup-of-tea.

[Mondo707]

I treid this place twice. Professional massage. Very good for Cuba. Just be certain to tell them strong medium or otherwise. I did not attempt too seek any extra services. The girls are attractive. $25 for the hour.

Hey Kali,

How long before the MP action proliferates like they do here in the states?

I think prolly soon, just IMHO. I think once some "cuentapropista" find out all the CUC they could bring in we'll see a lot of these places around la Habana.

Also, in my opinion this is a no brainer since if someone does this right it will bring an added level of safety (for us mongers and the chicas) since the gals won't have to be out in the streets.

Just my 02.

Mondo.