Travel Questions and Advice

[Tank Not Mt]

Hey Man.I can only go by my experience-others you say had a great time in Cardenas-I was there in 2004, 2008 and 2009; to me its a shithole; but one person's gold is another's crap so who knows.

As for Matanza I was there in 2008 and 2009; maybe it changed since I was there but as far as I remember there was little happening unless you went on the weekend which I did not. I'm sure you can find talent anywhere you go in Cuba but if you do not speak the language you will have difficulty, especially Matanza. Havana has the most clubs, chicas and choice by far, but the cost is a little higher. I've been to Cuba over 20 times and seen over 100 chicas-I agree the ones in casa de musica, in Havana, are mostly hard core but there are some others there as well if you have the time to sift thru the garbage. You can't generalizeby saying ' ALL are hard core, experienced and aggressive jineterasas'- I found a couple of jewels there. As far as finding "Girl next door part timer type" in Cardanez or Matanza, in my opinion you're dreaming and misleading the Forum, if you think its easy pickin.

I think there are good options without going all the way to Havana.

Casa de la Musica in Havana has lots of chicks, but they are ALL hard core, experienced and aggressive jineteras.

Matanzas and Cardenas are not only closer to Varadero, but you will also find the "Girl next door part timer type" who fits the original description of jinetera. Read up on the archives and take notes.

[Velasco]

Varadaro is pretty dry; sometimes you can get local talent through the Porters or Pool staff at the Hotels-only action at clubs is in Cardanes on the weekends but its pretty scetchy. Suggest you take a bus into Havana for the night and go to any of the clubs in the evening such a Casa the Musica.

I think there are good options without going all the way to Havana. I have mongered in Matanzas and it was very good. I have been to Cardenas but did not check out the nightlife, but there was someone who posted here a few months ago, and he had a great time in Cardenas. I suggest you read a little bit of the archived material.

Casa de la Musica in Havana has lots of chicks, but they are ALL hard core, experienced and aggressive jineteras.

Matanzas and Cardenas are not only closer to Varadero, but you will also find the "Girl next door part timer type" who fits the original description of jinetera. Read up on the archives and take notes.

[Dekuil2012]

Anyone going to be in Havana this weekend? I'll be in town Friday to Sunday, would love to meet up for drinks and scouting.

[AwesomeSauce]

Hey Tank,

I took your advice and paid for a 1 yr membership, but still haven't figured out how to Private message. As soon as I figure it out I will PM you, and try to find Jackson as well.

Thanks for your response.

[Tank Not Mt]

If you've paid your dues you should be able to send private messages-contact Jackson.

Varadaro is pretty dry; sometimes you can get local talent through the Porters or Pool staff at the Hotels-only action at clubs is in Cardanes on the weekends but its pretty scetchy. Suggest you take a bus into Havana for the night and go to any of the clubs in the evening such a Casa the Musica. If you get a messaging account send me a note and I can give you my contact name and email in Havana. Happy hunting.

Sorry for the infraction, I don't have the private messaging function on my account. Actually registered (and paid) for access at WSA but that forum is totally dead! Don't want to shell out more money for an upgrade to my membership on this site. Although I'm thinking I should paid for this one instead of WSA. Neways, if neone has ne advice or contacts for Varadero that they are comfortable posting here, it would be appreciated.

[AwesomeSauce]

Hey guys,

I am heading to Varadero with the parents from dec 9-16. From my research it seems like this area is pretty dry, but fun can be had if one is resourceful. Also, that it may be worth taking a trip to Matanzas or Cardenas. If someone has been to Varadero recently and had some experience with this, can you please email me? [Email address deleted by Admin]

EDITOR's NOTE: This report was edited to remove email addresses in the text. Please do not post email addresses in the Forum. Instead, please invite other Forum Members to contact you directly via the Forum's Private Messaging system. Thanks!

Sorry for the infraction, I don't have the private messaging function on my account. Actually registered (and paid) for access at WSA but that forum is totally dead! Don't want to shell out more money for an upgrade to my membership on this site. Although I'm thinking I should paid for this one instead of WSA. Neways, if neone has ne advice or contacts for Varadero that they are comfortable posting here, it would be appreciated.

[AwesomeSauce]

Hey guys,

I am heading to Varadero with the parents from dec 9-16. From my research it seems like this area is pretty dry, but fun can be had if one is resourceful. Also, that it may be worth taking a trip to Matanzas or Cardenas. If someone has been to Varadero recently and had some experience with this, can you please email me? [Email address deleted by Admin]

EDITOR's NOTE: This report was edited to remove email addresses in the text. Please do not post email addresses in the Forum. Instead, please invite other Forum Members to contact you directly via the Forum's Private Messaging system. Thanks!

[Mirabito]

No reduction on Euro when I was there, Oct. 14 2011. There is at least a 10% penalty for USD, also it is not quite $1=1 CUC when you sell.

Thanks for the information. I will be bringing Euros on my next trip.

[Zebel]

Recently the Cuban Central Bank has announced a change in the Peso convetible to Dollar exchange rate to 1 to 1. They seem to have kept the 10 percent Gravamen on the dollar. Does any one know if they are also reducing 10 percent from the Euro or Other currencies?

No reduction on Euro when I was there, Oct. 14 2011. There is at least a 10% penalty for USD, also it is not quite $1=1 CUC when you sell.

[Mirabito]

Recently the Cuban Central Bank has announced a change in the Peso convetible to Dollar exchange rate to 1 to 1. They seem to have kept the 10 percent Gravamen on the dollar. Does any one know if they are also reducing 10 percent from the Euro or Other currencies?

[Lusifer69]

Some good suggestions already. I believe soap and toothpaste are no longer in the ration book, so that will be appreciated. Along with the soap, some good quality shampoo and deodorant will be appreciated too. Razors for shaving are good and the gift that people do not think about, but will be appreciated is a nice set of towels (Face, hair and body). You give a Cuban a nice set of towels and they will not forget you.

Bottom line, it would not be a bad idea for you to plan to give away most of the stuff you arrive with, including your clothes and shoes. Just ask the chica if she has a brother who could use your sneakers and even if they are the wrong size, someone will appreciate them

Last time I was there the towels that they gave us at the house we rented might as well might as well have been sandpaper.

[Velasco]

Doing some Cuba research on Trip Advisor and chatting with others who have been to CUba. A lot of people bring gifts for the locals, tolietries, shoes, clothes, etc. These usally end up in the hands of maids and bartenders, two of the most lucrative jobs to have in Cuba. A two part question. 1) Should I bring any gifts for my new female friends? 2) What should I bring that they would really appreciate, yes I know lots of CUC, but items they want, yet are not readily available. Thanks.

Two weeks and counting!

Will share my hands on research upon my return.

Some good suggestions already. I believe soap and toothpaste are no longer in the ration book, so that will be appreciated. Along with the soap, some good quality shampoo and deodorant will be appreciated too. Razors for shaving are good and the gift that people do not think about, but will be appreciated is a nice set of towels (Face, hair and body). You give a Cuban a nice set of towels and they will not forget you.

Bottom line, it would not be a bad idea for you to plan to give away most of the stuff you arrive with, including your clothes and shoes. Just ask the chica if she has a brother who could use your sneakers and even if they are the wrong size, someone will appreciate them

[Adinga]

They have more than you think. Most of its the cheap imitation stuff but it still looks good.

They love chocolate, American potatoe chips and razors for shaving.

When your with them in Cuba its Beer, cigarettes and an occasional meal.

[Kalifornication]

Doing some Cuba research on Trip Advisor and chatting with others who have been to CUba. A lot of people bring gifts for the locals, tolietries, shoes, clothes, etc. These usally end up in the hands of maids and bartenders, two of the most lucrative jobs to have in Cuba. A two part question. 1) Should I bring any gifts for my new female friends? 2) What should I bring that they would really appreciate, yes I know lots of CUC, but items they want, yet are not readily available. Thanks.

Two weeks and counting!

Will share my hands on research upon my return.

Jeans.

Blouses.

Things for the hair, like to hold the hair back (pick something with a bit of style)

Snacks, they love western cookies, cakes and brownies.

Underwear, something with a bit of style.

I am sure you get the jist, nothing too expensive but a daily item that will be appreciated and that is not readily available in Cuba.

[Lusifer69]

I personally don't take anything besides Dollars lots and lots of it they love the color green there LOL. But the things that they usually ask if I have any is Perfumes, makeup, lingerie etc.

I had a girl ones fall in love with my AXE dry deodorant and want it as a gift I didn't give it to her because I still had a few more days in Cuba and the deodorant they sale in the stores there suck.

Doing some Cuba research on Trip Advisor and chatting with others who have been to CUba. A lot of people bring gifts for the locals, tolietries, shoes, clothes, etc. These usally end up in the hands of maids and bartenders, two of the most lucrative jobs to have in Cuba. A two part question. 1) Should I bring any gifts for my new female friends? 2) What should I bring that they would really appreciate, yes I know lots of CUC, but items they want, yet are not readily available. Thanks.

Two weeks and counting!

Will share my hands on research upon my return.