Travel Questions and Advice

[TwoTimeTed]

And I don't mean in terms of life experience. And I don't mean smiles from gifts. I mean business.

When I visited India in 1980 the son of the guesthouse operator wanted to buy my Nikes right off my feet. In Burma lately there are opportunities exporting small amounts of very small items (if you know what you're doing).

So, my question is what is small and in demand that can be sold at a healthy profit once inside Cuba and vice versa? I mean besides the obvious one of cigars, which in Canada is no big deal (because not 15 minutes away by bus I can buy Cuban cigars).

Curious also to hear how foreigners are making money by offering some product or service legitimately (paying the man license and tax fees). I expect it is nearly impossible to run a business in Cuba as even locals are highly restricted -- every pizza stall had to sell at the same retail price, not exactly a hotbed of competition!

When I visited the Cuba, I met up with two Canadians that had a medical supplies business (bandages and such). They told me they wanted to trade with the various hospitals, medical clinics. But they just couldn't get past ALL the red tape they encountered. Very frustrated and a month long stay was coming to an end and zero progress on their quest. The only foreigners making money are the Venezuelans and the Mexicans who trade with Cuba.

Yes the businesses are highly regulated, the average Cuban makes a pay of about $30 USD a month, so the highly sought after jobs are related to the tourism industry where Cubans can make way more money.

Foreigners cannot make money in Cuba, not yet anyways.

[PatoMan12]

And I don't mean in terms of life experience. And I don't mean smiles from gifts. I mean business.

When I visited India in 1980 the son of the guesthouse operator wanted to buy my Nikes right off my feet. In Burma lately there are opportunities exporting small amounts of very small items (if you know what you're doing).

So, my question is what is small and in demand that can be sold at a healthy profit once inside Cuba and vice versa? I mean besides the obvious one of cigars, which in Canada is no big deal (because not 15 minutes away by bus I can buy Cuban cigars).

Curious also to hear how foreigners are making money by offering some product or service legitimately (paying the man license and tax fees). I expect it is nearly impossible to run a business in Cuba as even locals are highly restricted -- every pizza stall had to sell at the same retail price, not exactly a hotbed of competition!

If you want to do business you have to get cheap Chinese USB pen drives, or microsd memory for generic (cheap) smarthphones, maybe some cases or even super cheap unlocked smartphones, but I'm not sure any local business would buy it from you (because of the regulations), since they are now having e-mail on their phones it would be a good idea.

I agree with the previous reports the average of the girls are fitted, good looking and extremely hot all over the island!

Unfortunately all the girls are American / tourist influentiate, even in the most anywhere lost town, but maybe the best way to met some local nonjinetera love is to start the trip on south and going up.

Some touristic places I've enjoyed are Holguin, Camaguey, Santa Lucia, Cienfuegos, Playa larga, but where I really enjoyed the local hospitality (hot-spitality) are Ciego de avila, Jaguey el grande and Cardenas (on the road to Varadero).

So JoaquinnMe there are a few options.

[Muzungufotsy]

Hehe no worries mate.

I understand your point of view but I'm pretty sure young pinoys now have less moral values than the ones you fought alongside years ago.

Internet mobile phones and fb polluted their minds.

I definitely agree with your last statement.

Cheers

[Mr Gogo]

You could trust a pinay? Are you serious?

Philippines is American friendly? They speak English?

OMG!

First Asians (thus pinoys) are more hypocrite than any other people on the planet specially compared to Africans and South Americans.

Second pinoys are friendly to foreigners when they know they can get money from you else they don't give a shit about you my friend!

Third they speak English. Well if you can call it English (when I hear Pacquiao who is a living god there speaking English I'm laughing) but their main language is Tagalog and you would be surprised what they can say in your back in Tagalog after they have been talking sweet to you in English.

Fourth in Cuba the language is Spanish only thus if you speak Spanish you can talk with everybody and understand everybody which isn't the case in the Philippines if you speak English only..

Take it easy brother, it's not that serious. I stand with my statement that; if I had to settle down and pick a wife it would be a Filipina.

You make great points and maybe my decision is based on working and fighting alongside Filipinos while in the USA Navy years ago. I know of many long term marriages / relationships. Our cultures are intertwined.

I also love the Cuban culture and women. I love them enough to not bad mouth my favorite Caribbean destination and [CodeWord140] Raul off.

Personally, I don't trust any female outside of my family.

[Muzungufotsy]

For as long as you have been traveling, and with so many countries that you have visited; If you have not figured it out by now you probably never will. There is no perfect place anymore, the Internet killed that. Great spots will get exposed.

For me the Phillipines is the best spot. The are American friendly and speak English. The are sweet and compared to other spots I've been, more loyal. Beautiful and make pretty babies if that's what you want. Also there are a few hidden spots there that haven't been spoiled yet. They aren't so loyal to their culture that it will out-weigh their future and happiness.

Cuban girls are excellent lovers and hot out of bed also. The culture is so strong that Cuban men will always have her heart. Cuban women are intelligent and opinionated, they are only submissive to Cuban men. In other words the Cuban culture is everything to them.

I could never trust as a future lifetime companion Cubanas, Dominicanas or Colombianas, but I could trust a Philippina.

You could trust a pinay? Are you serious?

Philippines is American friendly? They speak English?

OMG!

First Asians (thus pinoys) are more hypocrite than any other people on the planet specially compared to Africans and South Americans.

Second pinoys are friendly to foreigners when they know they can get money from you else they don't give a shit about you my friend!

Third they speak English. Well if you can call it English (when I hear Pacquiao who is a living god there speaking English I'm laughing) but their main language is Tagalog and you would be surprised what they can say in your back in Tagalog after they have been talking sweet to you in English.

Fourth in Cuba the language is Spanish only thus if you speak Spanish you can talk with everybody and understand everybody which isn't the case in the Philippines if you speak English only.

Fifth in Cuba everybody has been to school and you talk to educated people unlike in the Philippines you talk to complete idiots everywhere you go.

Sixth I don't do politics but as a tourist I feel safer in Cuba than in the P. I. PNP is awfully corrupted and as a foreigner if you P S off the wrong person you can end up in jail even if you are innocent.

In Cuba as a tourist you have more rights than the local people: big difference.

Seventh the average pinay is small and chubby the average Cuban girl has a healthy and sexy body because she has been doing a lot of sport.

And so on.

[Mr Gogo]

Why? Well, I have been monger travelling since 1989. The party is over in Asia even Burma. Too much wealth, too much regulation, too much safety, too much US and other Anglo influence, and especially: too many Korean tourists! I remember Phnom Penh's K11 talk about service! Ah, diving under our beds when we heard a fire fight between factions. The lineups (of talent, not customers) at the bordellos of Chiang Rai in 1989. Santhip rum and cyclo rides. Saigon in the mid-1990's. Bus rides and late night restaurants. Let's not forget the *stories* from early 1980's Angeles and Bangkok. Excuse me, while I wipe the tears.

I need an isolated, poor and loosey-goosey place, somewhere where the churches and NGOS and Uncle (or is that Auntie) Sam don't have any influence. Where the gals aren't waiting for a better offer on their cell phones. Where they are *hungry* for a fat old man like. OK, I am neither, but you get the point.

Is Cuba going to be any better than Cambodia, Thailand and the Philippines? This post is directed to the mature mongers who have been in both places. They needn't have mongered in over 2 dozen countries as I have.

For as long as you have been traveling, and with so many countries that you have visited; If you have not figured it out by now you probably never will. There is no perfect place anymore, the Internet killed that. Great spots will get exposed.

For me the Phillipines is the best spot. The are American friendly and speak English. The are sweet and compared to other spots I've been, more loyal. Beautiful and make pretty babies if that's what you want. Also there are a few hidden spots there that haven't been spoiled yet. They aren't so loyal to their culture that it will out-weigh their future and happiness.

Cuban girls are excellent lovers and hot out of bed also. The culture is so strong that Cuban men will always have her heart. Cuban women are intelligent and opinionated, they are only submissive to Cuban men. In other words the Cuban culture is everything to them.

I could never trust as a future lifetime companion Cubanas, Dominicanas or Colombianas, but I could trust a Philippina.

[Muzungufotsy]

Why? Well, I have been monger travelling since 1989. The party is over in Asia even Burma. Too much wealth, too much regulation, too much safety, too much US and other Anglo influence, and especially: too many Korean tourists! I remember Phnom Penh's K11 talk about service! Ah, diving under our beds when we heard a fire fight between factions. The lineups (of talent, not customers) at the bordellos of Chiang Rai in 1989. Santhip rum and cyclo rides. Saigon in the mid-1990's. Bus rides and late night restaurants. Let's not forget the *stories* from early 1980's Angeles and Bangkok. Excuse me, while I wipe the tears.

I need an isolated, poor and loosey-goosey place, somewhere where the churches and NGOS and Uncle (or is that Auntie) Sam don't have any influence. Where the gals aren't waiting for a better offer on their cell phones. Where they are *hungry* for a fat old man like. OK, I am neither, but you get the point.

Is Cuba going to be any better than Cambodia, Thailand and the Philippines? This post is directed to the mature mongers who have been in both places. They needn't have mongered in over 2 dozen countries as I have.

Couldn't agree more with your statement.

Two things to put into perspective if you are planning to go to Cuba: language and budget. It s more expensive than any destination in SEA and you have to speak Spanish to enjoy your stay unless you want to pay even more.

Probably good idea to go to Cuba now before it becomes another Dominican republic.

[JoaquinnMe]

Why? Well, I have been monger travelling since 1989. The party is over in Asia – even Burma. Too much wealth, too much regulation, too much safety, too much US and other Anglo influence, and especially: too many Korean tourists! I remember Phnom Penh's K11 – talk about service! Ah, diving under our beds when we heard a fire fight between factions. The line–ups (of talent, not customers) at the bordellos of Chiang Rai in 1989. Santhip rum and cyclo rides. Saigon in the mid-1990's. Bus rides and late night restaurants. Let's not forget the *stories* from early 1980's Angeles and Bangkok. Excuse me, while I wipe the tears.

I need an isolated, poor and loosey-goosey place, somewhere where the churches and NGOS and Uncle (or is that Auntie) Sam don't have any influence. Where the gals aren't waiting for a better offer on their cell phones. Where they are *hungry* for a fat old man like. OK, I am neither, but you get the point.

Is Cuba going to be any better than Cambodia, Thailand and the Philippines? This post is directed to the mature mongers who have been in both places. They needn't have mongered in over 2 dozen countries as I have.

[JoaquinnMe]

In my 25 years of travelling experience my observation is that the best value is not in the capital city but also not in places that see no tourists. It's in secondary and tertiary cities (for everything -- getting laid, fed, cheap accommodation *and* slower pace) I live in Cambodia, so I am used to a very slow pace. But I also like to get laid.

I have 2 weeks. I think 'settling' in one small city might be best.

[Bart1]

And I don't mean in terms of life experience. And I don't mean smiles from gifts. I mean business.

When I visited India in 1980 the son of the guesthouse operator wanted to buy my Nikes right off my feet. In Burma lately there are opportunities exporting small amounts of very small items (if you know what you're doing).

So, my question is what is small and in demand that can be sold at a healthy profit once inside Cuba and vice versa? I mean besides the obvious one of cigars, which in Canada is no big deal (because not 15 minutes away by bus I can buy Cuban cigars).

Curious also to hear how foreigners are making money by offering some product or service legitimately (paying the man license and tax fees). I expect it is nearly impossible to run a business in Cuba as even locals are highly restricted -- every pizza stall had to sell at the same retail price, not exactly a hotbed of competition!

Suggest a new thread be opened. Call it "I want to make a buck, not interested in chicas or travel'.

[JoaquinnMe]

And I don't mean in terms of life experience. And I don't mean smiles from gifts. I mean business.

When I visited India in 1980 the son of the guesthouse operator wanted to buy my Nikes right off my feet. In Burma lately there are opportunities exporting small amounts of very small items (if you know what you're doing).

So, my question is what is small and in demand that can be sold at a healthy profit once inside Cuba and vice versa? I mean besides the obvious one of cigars, which in Canada is no big deal (because not 15 minutes away by bus I can buy Cuban cigars).

Curious also to hear how foreigners are making money by offering some product or service legitimately (paying the man license and tax fees). I expect it is nearly impossible to run a business in Cuba as even locals are highly restricted -- every pizza stall had to sell at the same retail price, not exactly a hotbed of competition!

[JoaquinnMe]

I collect bullion bars and coins, mostly Ag (silver). I find several of the 19th century Cuban coins quite attractive. Also, some 20th see. Ones. I presume buying silver coins in Cuba is fraught with difficulties and fakes abound (made in China? Wouldn't surprise me if the best collections are in Miami!

Anyone have experience buying Cuban coins in Cuba? And I don't mean aluminum and brass.

[Dougdc]

Hi guys,

Will be in Havana April 23 to 27 and wondering if anyone has a contact for guest friendly independent apartment Casa with its own separate entrance in Vedado. Need 2 bedrooms as there are 2 of us. Would like to be near the area of or walking distance to Avenida 23 and Calle L. Appreciate any assistance provided. You can PM me with any details.

Also read recent report that there is a great deal police presence in Havana in the last few weeks and Salon Rojo was closed down. Is this correct? Any recommendations of where to go would also be appreciated.

Thanks

[Mr Gogo]

Since its your first trip, I recommend the Vedado area. Don't stay on Old Habana. Old Habana is a cluster-fuck of old building and cramped quarters. I read somewhere that one building a month comes crashing down because of the old structure and lack of maintenance. Vedado fells better and not clustered. There's always Miramar area, but I would stay somewhere near the US Interests Section (US Embassy) is.

Not really, but you make good points. Vedado is freaky and has some alternative shit going on that I don't indulge in so be careful. I always stay in Old Havana and have a great time. Everything is close plus you have history everywhere, which you can't get in Vedado. I have walked many times from Old Havana to Vedado to party and it is a 35 minute walk along the malecon which is very scenic. Plus while walking back to Old Havana you can bar hop and pull chicas. He is correct that the buildings in Old Havana are old and unstable, but that's one of the risks when you stay in a historic area. Miramar is more upscale and cool, but I chose to keep it away from the upscale areas where prices increase.

Damn JV you are there, how is you trip?

[TwoTimeTed]

Hi guys,

I am planning my first trip to Cuba. I am wondering if you can give me advice on what area to stay in Habana. I am looking to rent an apartment. I saw very few offers in the 'old Habana' area and much more availability on the Vedado area. What area do you recommend for someone that is looking to do both mongering and tourist activities.

Thanks!

Since its your first trip, I recommend the Vedado area. Don't stay on Old Habana. Old Habana is a cluster-fuck of old building and cramped quarters. I read somewhere that one building a month comes crashing down because of the old structure and lack of maintenance. Vedado fells better and not clustered. There's always Miramar area, but I would stay somewhere near the US Interests Section (US Embassy) is.