Havana

[Mexidan]

Being ready to take another international trip and looking for a new adventure locale, I started researching new places to travel I found a great deal from ORD-HAV for $350 RT on AA with a short layover in Miami. I was so excited to get to Cuba that I stayed at the airport overnight to catch the first flight out. I took the first available flight on standby during both legs, getting me into Havana 6 hours earlier than scheduled. The flight from ORD-MIA was packed. However, taking a Boeing 787 (Dreamliner) for the short flight from MIA-HAV was virtually empty. The flight was very short so no beverage service. At the airline gate in Miami, I used my CC to pay the $100 fee for the Pink Tourist Card to Cuba. This was the last time for this trip that I would be able to use my American CC.

After two smooth flights, I landed in Havana Airport Terminal 3. The airport seemed very basic but functional. First was the health screening. I handed to the screener the pre-completed internet form with QR code (https://www.dviajeros.mitrans.gob.cu/inicio) and was allowed to proceed. Then, I presented my Mexico passport to Immigration and was stamped in with no problems. Next, everyone has to put all their luggage, belts, shoes, etc. , on the screening belt to pass through security. The lines get long and move slowly here. However, here in this part of the airport there is free WIFI (30 minutes) available. I used this time to let my apartment owner know that I arrived to Havana early and would be arriving at the apartment soon. After the security screening, a spot check is done for some passengers at Customs before finally hitting the airport exit.

After walking outside of the airport, I saw the line for money exchange. USD traded for 110 Cuban Pesos /$1 USD. Knowing that I would get a better exchange rate in the city, I changed a $50 USD bill so that I could get myself to my apartment. Next, I walked across the street and through to the 3rd hut where the ETESCA cell service office is located. For 1000 p, I got a permanent Cubacel SIM card good for 330 days. It included 3 G data, phone and text. I also got 300 p worth of credit to use. I hand over my passport to the agent and she takes care of everything. Then, I negotiate with a taxi driver a ride for 2500 p to take me to my apartment from the airport. While there is a bus service that goes from the airport to Vedado and I may try it next time, at this point during my first ever visit to Cuba I just wanted to get to my apartment.

Accommodations. My Airbnb apartment was on the 4th floor (no elevator) but the view of the water from the balcony was gorgeous, and at $17/ nt. I was very happy. I stayed in Miramar near Centro La Puntilla and across the street from the formerly famous Disco "El Yoni"(here in Cuba, it is important to have a landmark to communicate with taxis). It is right on the edge of the Vedado / Miramar tunnel and a short distance from Embassy Row. It was far enough away from the tourist section in Vedado so that I could live among, and communicate with, local people. My area was very walkable, which I love! However, for 500 p ($4), I could get anywhere in the city. My host was easily reachable and provided me so much help with info. She had a contact for everything when I asked. My place does not have WIFI but I had plenty of data to use with my SIM Card. My Aircon worked great as the temperature was about 90 F most days. This area is a mixture of well kept homes amongst some aged Soviet-era apartment buildings (my Airbnb was one of those apartments).

Getting around town. There are plenty of yellow taxis. None have taxi-meters. Always negotiate before entering the cab. Always negotiate because they will rarely give you a good price as the first offer. You should have an idea of what you think is a good rate. Also, you can stand on the side of the road with your arm raised to signal a taxi, and in this manner you summon regular car taxis (non marked) to get you around. Same thing, negotiate before entering. Finally, there is no Uber in Cuba, but they have an Uber-like app called La Nave. They quote you a price for the ride and you pay in cash afterward. If you have an iPhone, you must download the app from the USA but you cannot set it up until you are in Havana. The app also requires a Cuba cell phone number to register. There are also WhatsApp Taxi chat groups that require a local number but helps summon transport to your location; I frequently used these late at night. Also too, it is important to be fair in fare negotiations with taxi driver because petrol cost is very high right now due to availability.

Havana Hardships (indirectly sanction-related). First things first, this is Cuba. WIFI is extremely uncommon here, though most have some level of connection through cell coverage, or for locals, at local parks. At local parks, locals can connect through their pre-registered account (which includes their Cuban Identity Number.) Second, for iPhone users, the app store is unavailable online in Cuba (absent a VPN connection) so you cannot download any apps to your phone while you are in Cuba. Next, electricity blackouts currently happen on a rolling basis throughout the metropolitan area. Cuban electrical grid gets its energy through petroleum. A recent oil depot fire devastated the country as it killed approximately 40 young firemen performing their 2-year national service and resulted in these rolling blackouts (https://apnews.com/article/cuba-fires-c . 60635168 b4). The blackouts occur in different neighborhoods at different times and can last for up to 4 hours in Havana.

Havana Hardships (sanctions-related). Due to US sanctions, life is made more difficult here than elsewhere in Latin America and that affects Locals and US Tourists alike. First, your US credit / debit cards are not accepted anywhere (unless the business uses a VPN for the charge which is hard-to-find). Foreign credit / debit cards are used in many places, so the infrastructure for these transactions do exist (Note to self: open Mexico debit bank account using my dual nationality). In line with this, there are many official shops that only take foreign CC or Cuban debit card (None of these stores accept cash: No USD / Euro / Cuban Peso). These shops sell items that are hard to find, things such as bottled water, liquor, etc. , and without having one of these payment cards, you cannot make a purchase there. Also, all items sold in these official stores are priced in Euros. As a result, it is more difficult and expensive for a US traveler to buy things from these shops (here, having a local friend with the Cuban debit card helps A LOT! That said, a lot of the things I bought for my apartment (Pepsi, Beer, Snacks, etc.) were bought in little neighborhood stores that accepted cash.

Restaurants. When visiting restaurants, its common not to have a menu, and if they do have a menu you still must ask what is available for that day because shortages mean they don't have many of the items available on the menu (for example, if there is no chicken available that day, all the chicken items may be unavailable). TIP: Don't order steak here in Cuba. Its a relatively new item in Cuba and they will most likely have little quality beef available and, where available, they don't have the knowledge to marinade it or they will overcook it. That said, my favorite restaurant was Jota Jota (JJ). Located at Calle 0 entre 3 era why 3 era A in Miramar neighborhood, the food there was great and the staff were beyond helpful! The chef actually classically trained as a chef. He also was the guy who often ordered my La Nave rides The owner is a great guy. He was also my primary contact for money exchange (he gave me 130 p /$1 USD when most street changers were offering $120 p /$1 USD). The wait staff girls were beyond awesome! Two of these girls there were my first two lays in Cuba. They also showed me many bars / clubs that I didn't previously know about. At times, we partied together until 5 am! As for other restaurants, there were plenty but JJ was the most memorable for me.

Drinks. Plenty of Havana Rum and local liquors available but it is very hard to find Cristal Beer (Cuban beer brand) anywhere. If you are a beer person like me, you will be drinking mostly-unknown imported beer brands from Europe or China. Corona Beer, and to a lesser extent Modelo Beer, is also sold here, though I try not to drink those during my travels because I drink those so often in the USA. That said, I loved Cristal Beer and look forward to drinking it again!

Beach. I went to Mar Azul in Playa del Este in front of Hotel Tropicoco. The water is so beautifully blue and warm. I went on a Sunday, the one day of the week when it happens to be packed with families. This beach was PACKED! It was great seeing all these families having fun. At the same time, plenty of working girls on the beach and it usually just takes you striking up a conversation to get numbers. Jineteros (middle men) will also help with this as they expect a tip from both you and the girl, but if you have confidence in talking to women yourself, you don't really need them. For food at the beach, I had warm-water lobster which melted in your mouth! I brought Pepsi, Water, and Beers with me to the beach and bought some drinks after these ran out.

Tourist places I visited. I did a lot of walking through historic Habana Vieja. I tried to visit Museo de la Revolucion, but the interior is closed as it is currently being restored and is expected to reopen June 2023. The neighborhood had so much old architecture that I couldn't seem to stop snapping photos of everything. During my trip, I did take 1000 pictures and videos. I stopped at both Ernest Hemingway spots to have the mandatory drink of the bar: La Bodeguita Del Medio (Mojitos, payable in Cuban Peso) and La Floridita (Daquiris, Foreign Cash / CC only). I also did Havana Club Rum Tour (https://havana-club.com/en/museum/). Booking was done via Facebook messenger (https://www.facebook.com/HCRumMuseum). I did the upgraded tour for 500 p (regular is 350 p) which got me samples of some of the higher end Rum. Another important note: For the organized tours, such as cigar tours or bus tours around town, are only bookable through the hotel tourist desks and they only accept foreign CC (no cash or US CC). The only organized tour that I was able to book and pay myself was the Havana Rum Museum Tour. This is another reason why I need to open my Mexican bank account! Another tourist thing to do is to ride in one of the old 1950's American cars (convertible) around the Malecon. This is something that I did not do but will do once during my next visit.

Safety. I never had any issues. I never saw any issues. At night, I walked alone with no problems. I saw women walking alone without being harassed. During my trip, I saw no beggars and no homeless people. I always felt safe. I heard some stories about low level crime, but I never witnessed anything and was told that even low level crime is rare.

Things to bring from home. On top of the usual travel items I usually take everywhere, here are some things I took with me that helped a lot this trip:

1. Gatorade Bottle, Gatorade Powder, Funnel.

2. Power bank.

3. (2) Old iPhones (iPhone 6 and iPhone SE) and (2) apple watches (Series 1). Very popular gifts that are too old for use in the modern USA. I also gave away several wired earbuds that I never use anymore.

4. Unused essentials. Deodorants, soaps, toothpaste, toothbrushes, perfumes, colognes etc. , that have sat in my closet forever. I even gave away my aspirin and allergy pills.

5. Mosquito Repellant. Dengue Fever is quite common in Cuba. I met several people that were recently very sick with this mosquito-borne illness. Every visitor to my room wanted my bottles of OFF that I brought with me. I gave away my remaining stock on my last day.

6. Next time, I need to take my Camelbak for all the walking I did around town!

7. Electricity is 110 v (American style) so no need for me to bring power converters.

Exit. Prearranged taxi pickup for 2500 p at 7 am. Arrived to the airport in 40 minutes from my apartment. Due to Trump (US) embargo, now Cuban Cigars and Rum of ANY quantity are illegal to bring back with you. Is it possible: yes if you do not declare them. For me, I don't want to risk losing my Global Entry status for some souvenirs so no stop for me at Duty Free. I checked in and cleared immigration with no issues. I walked directly to my gate. One note for HAV airport exit: Bring a snack with you. All shops and restaurants here only accept foreign CC, no cash. There is free WIFI at the airport gate to pass the time until we fly out. Flew into Miami, signed in via the Global Entry Kiosk. The CBP agent asked if I had anything to declare. I said no and he waived me through. From there I connected home.

In my next post, I'll write about my experiences at bars, ladies, prices, etc.

[HarryDubois]

Ask the host. Only way you will know. They can get in trouble if they do not check the ID of gals.

Right so that's the problem. Prior to arriving and meeting him in person, I don't think that anyone will be willing to put it in writing in a text message that they will allow it. I was just hoping that perhaps in the present dire situation, the police have other things to worry about and in general no one is concerned about this silly issue.

[Zeos1]

I plan on renting an Airbnb in Havana the entire apartment with a private entrance. Are there any problems regarding bringing girls in? Or are there so few tourists that the police aren't playing their usual cat and mouse game trying to keep girls away from tourists?

Ask the host. Only way you will know. They can get in trouble if they do not check the ID of gals.

[Chotu]

Flew in to Havana from NYC / Miami. Had no problem with uncomfortable questions. You check the box on line when you buy the ticket. When you check your bag, the lady at the ticket counter asks you again which category you are flying under. After that, no one gives a sh** why you are traveling. No one asked, either leaving or returning. Wondering why they even bother to make you go through the charade.

Good report. Full of information. Thanks.

[HarryDubois]

Sort of, mate. It's great to fuck in a boiling ht apartment,.

I plan on renting an Airbnb in Havana the entire apartment with a private entrance. Are there any problems regarding bringing girls in? Or are there so few tourists that the police aren't playing their usual cat and mouse game trying to keep girls away from tourists?

[HarryDubois]

I,
Facebook might work, but don't know where to start.

Any input?.

You can start with these. I have not yet gone to Cuba so I haven't yet met these women however the profiles look realistic, they are in Havana and active recently.

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100073769800189

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100076340907773

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100074206680050

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100075075859744

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100057677131848

https://www.facebook.com/malena.rodigez

[JoeBlow316]

Drop me a DM if anyone wants to meet for a drink!

Fellow traveler seeking info if you can drop me a DM could not figure it out for some reason. Maybe android issues.

[MjTravelLove]

How were the power outages in Havana? Did they impact you. Without AC it could be miserable in Cuba.

Sort of, mate. It's great to fuck in a boiling ht apartment, sweat it buckets at a time. Finish on your girl. Slam some water or juice, then cotinue with BBBJ or transition to the whatever seems like it's on the table for next.

Estoy moriendo de frio sin estar cintigo, amor.

MJt.

[MjTravelLove]

One of the better reports I have seen in years. Plenty of useful information, and thanks for taking the time to post.

Every place you have mentioned in Havana was a past hunting spot. OBispo, Prada, La Rampa, and the Malecon.

Thanks for he information. Great report, apart from the idea that you were nervous to around mostly lack local in Old Havana.

Cubans are as harmless as they come. Yea, they may ask you yo buy them a drink, but danger, no jack-move on of your $, etc.

Seems like your predisposition and preconceptions led you down a dark road, all while the fellow mongers and hotel workers.owners are far more inclined to jack that A$$,.

[AmorPorFavor]

How were the power outages in Havana? Did they impact you. Without AC it could be miserable in Cuba.

[GrownMan1]

The overall impression of visiting at this point in time was a desperate, defeated people who, nevertheless, are determined to survive. Not having the "party atmosphere" in Havana was a real bummer. Obispo is nothing like it once was. Malecon is a nice walk, but different. A dramatic change is needed to bring back the tourists, which will bring back the dollars and Euros, which will bring back the music, the local beer, and the girls who are looking for fun outside of their rationed existence. To a person, the dozen or so people I spoke with are unhappy with the government and are predicting a major uprising. We'll see.

Very informative and appreciative report. Havana was my go to place A year or two prior to the pandemic. I've been very cautious to return since Covid. Even my friends who are now located in Europe caution me about returning. I hope things get better for the country.

Considering the amount of control and respect the government has over the people; I doubt very much there will be some type of civil unrest.

[Mr Gogo]

One of the better reports I have seen in years. Plenty of useful information, and thanks for taking the time to post.

Every place you have mentioned in Havana was a past hunting spot. OBispo, Prada, La Rampa, and the Malecon.

[Edward Q]

Flew in to Havana from NYC / Miami. Had no problem with uncomfortable questions. You check the box on line when you buy the ticket. When you check your bag, the lady at the ticket counter asks you again which category you are flying under. After that, no one gives a sh** why you are traveling. No one asked, either leaving or returning. Wondering why they even bother to make you go through the charade.

Spent three days in Havana, then three in Camaguey, then four more days in Havana. The culture has drastically changed, due to lack of tourists, lack of imports, and poor economy. Bars along Obispo are mostly closed or close at 5 PM. Difficult to find Cristal beer, and only saw Bucanero one time. Other, random beer imports are available. Beer now 2 to 3 bucks a can (as opposed to 1 dollar pre-pandemic). Real challenge is finding bottled water. Restaurants will have perhaps 25% of what is on the menu. The boutique restaurants like the'Next seem unaffected, although their prices are now on par with US prices (8 to 10 dollars for a standard breakfast with coffee.) Bargains are not what they once were, pre-pandemic.

First 3 days in Havana: stayed in Havana Vieja. Need to change $$ to pesos. Black market money changers on the street are everywhere. (In Havana they prefer Euros. In Camaguey they mostly looked for US dollars.) I was changing at 110 to 1. But be careful. Some money changers will try to short you. The wad of bills you are handed is ridiculous. Head back to your Airbnb to deposit the loot and then head back on the street to look for companionship. This is where the change is really visible. I like to stay in Havana Vieja because my friends are there. So walking around this area, there are very few girls out. Along Obispo I hardly saw any. In the evening, you could find some low quality girls along San Rafael (this is the pedestrian street that begins next to the Hotel Inglaterra). The street is crowded with locals who have money or are looking to make money. Frustrated by the limited options, I took a working girl back to my Airbnb and we had fun and all. She was about a 7 on my scale. Fun but not a real beauty. And that street is packed with locals at night, so a middle aged white guy stands out. Makes me a little uncomfortable.

Another very odd thing was that the Malecon was packed with people but I saw no working girls. Not like the pre-covid times. Also I saw no police. Not one. I walked it every night. The people were there because there was no lights or electricity in their homes, and so they come out to the Malecon to cool off with their partners or children. I also found few people drinking -- they just don't have the money to buy the booze. So, disappointed by any action along the Malecon, I found a few girls along El Prado, the pedestrian walkway connecting Parque Central to the Malecon. Like the Malecon, this area is jammed with people trying to cool down. And few if any police. The middle part is taken over by skateboarders. They are relentless. Mostly older teens and "Hip" youngsters who look and dress like goth teenagers, but are way into skateboarding. Also families and little kids. Found a young lady sitting in a doorway along the side, with a cute smile and playful personality, located closer to the Parque and sessioned twice with her. She was a non-pro, at least on the first night. Paid 4000 pesos plus tip, which is about 40 bucks. On the second night she must have spoken to someone because she raised her price. We negotiated and settled on 4500. (I am not going to quibble when this beautiful girl is willing to share her body with me and let me put my tongue wherever I want.) She looked cute in the babydoll clothes I brought down from the US for her. I say no-pro due to her age and the fact she never mentioned the word "condom". She also did not want to do oral on me, although for a tip she let me finish in her mouth. Hey -- got to have standards. Second night she was wearing the Underoos I brought down and didn't want to take the panties off when we fucked. She pulled them to the side and said, "Haven't you ever done it like this?" Well, so much for being a non-pro. Finished on her tiny tits and I was the happiest man in town.

Camaguey-- putting this here because I see few recent reports in the Camaguey section. Taxi to Camaguey cost 150 US. (Bus travel is complicated these days). I like Camaguey because, to me, the people are real and genuine. But now they are struggling mightily. Camaguey has major power outages. Bars owned by the state have no beer. None. Only rum. I began to drink the Cuba Libre out of despearation. El Cambio -- the signature bar for foreigners in town -- was dead due to no beer and no softdrinks and no power to run the fridge or the overhead fans. But they stayed open until 11 or midnight, even in the dark. Worst of all, no girls walking around. I did not see a single girl on the main street, Republica, or at Parque Agramonte. Did not venture out to the disco. I saw friends and they took me to the independent restaurants where there was much food and Cristal beer. AC when the power is on. Friends told stories of how there is no work, no product in the stores, food shortages. After three days of no girls, I headed back to Havana. Taxi was only 50 bucks on the way back, cheaper as I knew it would be due to sharing a ride.

Havana for the last four days -- Once again went down to the Malecon to find anything. Lots of people. No working girls. Checked out the Rampa. Maybe it was too late in the evening. But saw no girls along the street.

In the taxi back, I noticed they were all hanging around the Hotel Nacional and the Havana Libre. I should have figured that out myself. But did not want to continue walking. If I were to return, I'd be hanging around those "tourist" hotels for sure. Back on the Prado, I enjoyed a beautiful negrita who was so fit and athletic she owned me. A forceful, powerful fuck. She was sitting with friends along the Prado. Had a choice of the three of them and took the one who spoke and smiled the most. Again, no talk of a condom. Non-pro and really into the sex. Couldn't decide where to cum, so, for a change, I came inside her. (My wires are cut, so no worries of pregnancy). Felt great. Also found another girl there, same spot, but don't remember much about her except that, when I offered her some sexy clothing, she insisted on trying to get more from me. Last two nights I spent with the same girl who I found, once again, along the Prado. She was light skinned and had blond streaks in her hair. Very cute and playful and a total GFE. Great shower together where she immediately went down on me. Great BBBJ where she insisted I play with her hair and massage her scalp during oral. Fun girl. Very chatty and quirky. I wanted to cum in her mouth but she said, "No. Do it on my face. " I obliged. As a long term girlfriend, she would be a challenge due to her high engery. But for a couple of nights, she was perfect. I repeated the second night and we went out to dinner before hand at a place that actually had food and an atmosphere that resembled the before times. Each of these girls were negotiated to 4000 per session, plus tip.

The overall impression of visiting at this point in time was a desperate, defeated people who, nevertheless, are determined to survive. Not having the "party atmosphere" in Havana was a real bummer. Obispo is nothing like it once was. Malecon is a nice walk, but different. A dramatic change is needed to bring back the tourists, which will bring back the dollars and Euros, which will bring back the music, the local beer, and the girls who are looking for fun outside of their rationed existence. To a person, the dozen or so people I spoke with are unhappy with the government and are predicting a major uprising. We'll see.

[NeilGeorge]

Thanks for this information about La Rampa.
What can you tell us about the scene right now in Havana. What are some of the best, busiest areas for searching for a lady or two?

Just go walking in front of the Habana Libre hotel and whistle at the girls, they will come to you. Like dogs. Its the Cuban culture. And you have the Gringo money! They are all jinateras!

[MjTravelLove]

I don't deal with hardened Pros or women hustlers. I was cool with the La Rampa and L area where bars and restaurants are. Also the malecon and places across the street up and down the malecon. Also Old Havana and San Lazaro. I tend to get out and find what I'm looking for. I see something I like I approach with confidence and negotiate if that's needed. Sometimes there is no need to negotiate at all.

Thanks, good to know. And it's true; in Cuba the best thing to do you can do is be direct about it.