Havana

[Mondo707]

This is a copy / paste from my airline ticket (United) for my upcoming trip.

This is what you need to have on your phone if / when you need medical care in Cuba.

Notice the fees and one in particular for $25 which is "Cuba Government Health Insurance Charge: 2500).

Below a list of all the fees charged on a ticket purchase to Cuba.

This should clear up all questions relating to this subject matter.

Mondo.

p.s. The copy below is for your info, you should have a copy of the entire ticket on your phone and saved as a screenshot.



Method of payment: Visa ending in 5101.

Date of purchase: Fri, Jun 09,2023.

Airfare: 142.00.

USA Transportation Tax: 42.20.

September 11th Security Fee: 11.20.

Cuba Government Health Insurance Charge: 25.00.

Cuba Sanitary Tax: 30.00.

Cuba Passenger Services Airport Tax: 26.00.

USA Immigration User Fee: 7. 00.

USA Customs User Fee: 6. 52.

USA APHIS User Fee: 3. 83.

USA Passenger Facility Charge: 13.50.

Total Per Passenger: 307.25 USD.

Total:

[Zeos1]

You may or may not be correct, depending upon the country of origin. You need to look into the laws of the country from which you enter Cuba to make an entirely correct statement. You could also contact Cuban authorities to determine how to purchase the insurance one gets when purchasing an American ticket into Cuba. Or you could fly through the US into Cuba.

Certainly flying into Cuba from a USA location, your ticket has everything do do with proof of insurance. From other countries will be based upon that country of origin and the arrangement with the Cuban government.

The following information is from the US State Department here: https://cu.usembassy.gov/u-s-citizen...izens/doctors/.

It indicates foreign visitors seeing medical care are generally referred to the Clinica Central Cira Garcia Hospital, (which provides medical services for foreign residents in Cuba) and indicates one can purchase the Cuban Health Insurance upon arrival in Cuba:

https://cu.usembassy.gov/u-s-citizen...izens/doctors/

Cuba requires visitors to have non-USA Medical insurance, which is usually included in airline ticket prices on flights originating in the United States or CAN BE PURCHASED AT THE AIRPORT UPON ARRIVAL TO CUBA. Ensure you have the necessary insurance coverage prior to arrival and keep your boarding pass. You will need it to obtain medical care.

Travelers to the Havana area should be aware that USA And other foreign visitors seeking medical care are generally referred to the Clinica Central Cira Garcia Hospital, which provides medical services for foreign residents in Havana. The hospital is in the Miramar neighborhood of Havana. Medical consultations and treatment at Cuban hospitals generally require payment by a Visa or Mastercard credit card.

The site in Canada is here and also states you purchase the insurance UPON ARRIVAL:

https://travel.gc.ca/destinations/cuba

It reads:

Health insurance.

You must show proof of valid health insurance to enter Cuba.

All health insurance policies are recognized in Cuba, except those issued by USA Insurance companies. However, the Cuban immigration authorities will decide which proof of health insurance is acceptable.

Proof of health insurance may be:

An insurance policy.

An insurance certificate.

A Canadian provincial health insurance card.

If you don't have proof of health insurance or if the proof you present doesn't satisfy the Cuban immigration authorities, YOU MAY HAVE TO OBTAIN HEALTH INSURANCE FORM A CUBAN INSURANCE COMPANY UPON ARRIVAL. This insurance may have limited coverage. Local authorities may refuse your entry to the country.

Canadian provincial health care coverage provides very limited coverage outside Canada. It won't pay for medical bills up-front. It does not include air evacuation, and neither does Cuban health insurance.

Cuban authorities won't let you leave the country with outstanding medical bills, which are payable by credit card only. You will need to remain in Cuba until all debts are paid.

Make sure you purchase the best health insurance you can afford.

Ensure the insurance includes medical evacuation and hospital stays.

Yep, exactly. I am from Canada and I fly from Canada and have had my proof of insurance with me when I travelled and have never had an issue. My healthcare card might satisfy the Cuban authority, but it is not sufficient as there is virtually no coverage outside of Canada, so having additional coverage is very important. But the airline has no part in monitoring it or ensuring that you have it, at least the last times I have been to Cuba (all pre pandemic).

[WanderingMan]

How does your airline ticket include health insurance?

OK. Only from US I guess. Certainly not flying from Canada, and I suspect not from Mexico or other places that you can fly from. You have to have your own insurance and some proof. Nothing to do with the airline or your ticket. So I guess that's a heads up for anyone flying from other places into Cuba.

You may or may not be correct, depending upon the country of origin. You need to look into the laws of the country from which you enter Cuba to make an entirely correct statement. You could also contact Cuban authorities to determine how to purchase the insurance one gets when purchasing an American ticket into Cuba. Or you could fly through the US into Cuba.

Certainly flying into Cuba from a USA location, your ticket has everything do do with proof of insurance. From other countries will be based upon that country of origin and the arrangement with the Cuban government.

The following information is from the US State Department here: https://cu.usembassy.gov/u-s-citizen...izens/doctors/.

It indicates foreign visitors seeing medical care are generally referred to the Clinica Central Cira Garcia Hospital, (which provides medical services for foreign residents in Cuba) and indicates one can purchase the Cuban Health Insurance upon arrival in Cuba:

https://cu.usembassy.gov/u-s-citizen...izens/doctors/

Cuba requires visitors to have non-USA Medical insurance, which is usually included in airline ticket prices on flights originating in the United States or CAN BE PURCHASED AT THE AIRPORT UPON ARRIVAL TO CUBA. Ensure you have the necessary insurance coverage prior to arrival and keep your boarding pass. You will need it to obtain medical care.

Travelers to the Havana area should be aware that USA And other foreign visitors seeking medical care are generally referred to the Clinica Central Cira Garcia Hospital, which provides medical services for foreign residents in Havana. The hospital is in the Miramar neighborhood of Havana. Medical consultations and treatment at Cuban hospitals generally require payment by a Visa or Mastercard credit card.

The site in Canada is here and also states you purchase the insurance UPON ARRIVAL:

https://travel.gc.ca/destinations/cuba

It reads:

Health insurance.

You must show proof of valid health insurance to enter Cuba.

All health insurance policies are recognized in Cuba, except those issued by USA Insurance companies. However, the Cuban immigration authorities will decide which proof of health insurance is acceptable.

Proof of health insurance may be:

An insurance policy.

An insurance certificate.

A Canadian provincial health insurance card.

If you don't have proof of health insurance or if the proof you present doesn't satisfy the Cuban immigration authorities, YOU MAY HAVE TO OBTAIN HEALTH INSURANCE FORM A CUBAN INSURANCE COMPANY UPON ARRIVAL. This insurance may have limited coverage. Local authorities may refuse your entry to the country.

Canadian provincial health care coverage provides very limited coverage outside Canada. It won't pay for medical bills up-front. It does not include air evacuation, and neither does Cuban health insurance.

Cuban authorities won't let you leave the country with outstanding medical bills, which are payable by credit card only. You will need to remain in Cuba until all debts are paid.

Make sure you purchase the best health insurance you can afford.

Ensure the insurance includes medical evacuation and hospital stays.

[Zeos1]

I lack skills linking other posts but am able to take screen shots. Under "General Information" in Cuba, look at post 1746 which is included below. Read the second and third paragraphs. Also, American Airlines broke down the cost of my ticket and shows the mandated Cuban "Government Health Insurance" charge.

Secondly, the United States Department of State website addresses this on their official website:

https://travel.state.gov/content/tra...ages/Cuba.html

On the State Department website go down to "Health" and expand that by clicking the "+" on the gray bar at the far right. You will then see that Cuba requires airlines to supply people embarking from the United States with health insurance. That is why it's important to keep your flight information and boarding pass as proof of insurance as the member in post 1746 stated.

I read reports dating back a year before scheduling the upcoming trip. Some of the reports proved quite useful. I apologize for the small font on the links, but the information to find the original information from original sources is provided if you need larger font.

OK. Only from US I guess. Certainly not flying from Canada, and I suspect not from Mexico or other places that you can fly from. You have to have your own insurance and some proof. Nothing to do with the airline or your ticket. So I guess that's a heads up for anyone flying from other places into Cuba.

[WanderingMan]

How does your airline ticket include health insurance?

I lack skills linking other posts but am able to take screen shots. Under "General Information" in Cuba, look at post 1746 which is included below. Read the second and third paragraphs. Also, American Airlines broke down the cost of my ticket and shows the mandated Cuban "Government Health Insurance" charge.

Secondly, the United States Department of State website addresses this on their official website:

https://travel.state.gov/content/tra...ages/Cuba.html

On the State Department website go down to "Health" and expand that by clicking the "+" on the gray bar at the far right. You will then see that Cuba requires airlines to supply people embarking from the United States with health insurance. That is why it's important to keep your flight information and boarding pass as proof of insurance as the member in post 1746 stated.

I read reports dating back a year before scheduling the upcoming trip. Some of the reports proved quite useful. I apologize for the small font on the links, but the information to find the original information from original sources is provided if you need larger font.

[Zeos1]

Do you mean travel insurance or health insurance? Your boarding pass serves as proof of health insurance if you were ticketed from the USA. Travel insurance covers your trip, luggage, etc. Most things during a trip to Cuba are not prepaid, so there is little / no risk in losing money for prepaid events.

How does your airline ticket include health insurance?

[WanderingMan]

Nowadays in la Habana and most of the island you have random blackouts, although I have to say they been fewer lately, nonetheless, I would take a high quality flashlight. Especially if you stay around the Capitolio area, lots of pitch dark streets in that area if lights go out.

I just bought a couple from Amazon. What I like about these are the option to have the battery recharge via USB cable (they come with a rechargeable battery) and also they can use regular AAA batteries.
I also like my cup of joe when I get up, cafe con leche (latte) so I take espresso coffee along with dry milk (milk was very hard to find when I was there this past January) I also take brown sugar. All rental apartments have an espresso coffee maker, the screw on type cubanos use. Make sure to buy something like La Llave espresso which is not too fine. 10 oz brick pack will last you for a whole month.

Mondo.

Thank you for the recommendations. According to the rental AirBnB, "No power outages or outages in this area of the city!" That said, several reports in ISG indicate the streets are extremely dark at night. Based upon your recommendation and those reports, flashlights like the ones you recommended and will be packed for the trip. A fellow travel partner drinks coffee, so those recommendations prove helpful. Dry milk, brown sugar, and espresso coffee will be added to the list. What is the purpose of the brown sugar? My travel friend loves cigars, so part of the trip will undoubtedly revolve around finding good Cuban cigars to enjoy in Cuba.

[WanderingMan]

Do I need to buy separate travel insurance for entering Cuba? Or is it included when I pay for the visa tourist card.

Do you mean travel insurance or health insurance? Your boarding pass serves as proof of health insurance if you were ticketed from the USA. Travel insurance covers your trip, luggage, etc. Most things during a trip to Cuba are not prepaid, so there is little / no risk in losing money for prepaid events.

[Mondo707]

I planned a trip to Havana in early February for three days after reading the posts over the last 12 months. Several potential countries were considered, and thanks to ISG members, Cuba emerged at the top of the list due to things such as easy access, quick flights, and relative safety.

Based upon ISG postings and recommendations, planning included:

1. Renting an AirBnB in Old Havana where the landlord offers "the entire space" instead of living in the home. The owner does NOT live in the same building and there are only a couple of units in the rental building. I realize the AirBnB route costs more, but fortunately I am not on a super-tight budget where $80-$100 a night seems overly expensive.

2. Finding a landlord who will exchange money, provide transport to and from the airport, and provide a local phone and WiFi.

3. Finding a location not too far but not in the middle of the attractions and evening festivities. It's near Habana and Pena Pobre, a bit north but walkable.

4. Registering with Badoo via the computer and said I am in Old Habana, and will have to wait to see how that goes. Right now, Badoo only matched with older women. Apparently there is a skill involved in finding younger pros on the program. That said, I am selective and chose not to "like" the majority of younger women who have huge tattoos. I simply don't find huge tattoos attractive.

5. Installed Badoo on the cellular phone.

6. Have made a list of things to bring such as toiletries, over-the-counter medications, protection, snacks, etc.

7. Will bring smaller bills in US currency. This is different from other destinations such as Thailand and the Dominican Republic.

Thanks again, and if you see anything missed in preparation, please offer your recommendations.

Nowadays in la Habana and most of the island you have random blackouts, although I have to say they been fewer lately, nonetheless, I would take a high quality flashlight. Especially if you stay around the Capitolio area, lots of pitch dark streets in that area if lights go out.

I just bought a couple from Amazon. What I like about these are the option to have the battery recharge via USB cable (they come with a rechargeable battery) and also they can use regular AAA batteries. Link below.

BTW, if you click with a honey before coming back gift it to her and I'm sure she'll "love you long time" haha.

Link below

I also like my cup of joe when I get up, cafe con leche (latte) so I take espresso coffee along with dry milk (milk was very hard to find when I was there this past January) I also take brown sugar. All rental apartments have an espresso coffee maker, the screw on type cubanos use. Make sure to buy something like La Llave espresso which is not too fine. 10 oz brick pack will last you for a whole month.

Mondo.

https://www.amazon.com/LICHPZY-Recha...2&sr=8-28&th=1

[Sangnyc21]

Do I need to buy separate travel insurance for entering Cuba? Or is it included when I pay for the visa tourist card.

[JinaWrangler]

Interesting, you have no fear of being mugged walking around at night? Even some of the Cubanas I talk to say they fear Havana at night. I'm not a generally fearful person, but I do believe in situational awareness. In the US I (legally) carry a gun, but I still avoid bad areas at night. One can legally carry a knife in Cuba BTW, but best case scenario, "I won a knife fight with a mugger in Cuba? Yikes. Fortunately, I am going in January (was going to PM you but I am out of anon BTC to get a membership), so it will be much cooler (than my August trip) and I can explore more during the day. As for evenings, that's what cabs are for IMO, but YMMV.

But never apologize for having fun. My first trip 20 years ago I went to Floridita (good place for a daiquiri) and Bodeguita del Medio (I bought a souvenir lighter there that still works!) But I am not looking to hang with tourists, and there are so many other bars that aren't tourist traps. I really hope the Art Factory is open, because I didn't make it last trip.

One thing I have noticed, people are fleeing Cuba in droves, and it is a lot easier now as they can go via Central America. Like 5% of the population has fled recently due to the atrocious economic conditions (even by communist standards). Several of the ladies I have chatted with (and are contacts in my WhatsApp) have left to other counties, or are talking about doing so. So yeah while the current US admin might be great for us to travel to Cuba, it's also great for Cubans to travel here due to essentially wide open borders and zero enforcement or repatriation. You've heard of a brain drain? Well there seems to be a hottie drain.

One more point. There's always the guy on these forums who tells us how to spend our money ("don't overpay like some Spaniard!) Sorry / not sorry to the poors, but you get what you pay for, and I can afford it. As if you get respect for yourself by being cheap as hell with people desperate for money? Get real! I live like a boss there and pay and tip well, so I have girls desperate for me to return.

Anyone else going in January?

I just got back from a four-night trip to Havana on Monday. I was my first time in Cuba and I traveled solo direct through Miami. I do speak (adult learned and not perfect but good) Spanish.

I had a great time. I didn't find it that much more primitive third world than say Colombia. There were no lights on the streets and lots of huge potholes, smog and noise but there lots of great bars and restaurants. I've seen people here disparage the "tourist traps" like the Floridita and Bodeguita del Medio but I had a great time at those places. The drinks are excellent and great Cuban music. Both were Hemingway hangouts and are full of international tourists. Being an American myself I can say this tourist places where there are not many Americans are a lot less obnoxious LOL.

A quick comment to the question as to whether it would be easier to fly through a third country vs. Using the "support of the Cuban people" exemption and flying direct. The entire extent of the inquiry into my using that category of exemption was the American Airlines counter person asking which exemption I was flying under. It never came up again at any point in the traveling. I put together a minimal journal and had it with me, but no one ever asked. The only thing the US immigration person asked was whether I had any alcohol or tobacco products. On the Cuban side they looked at my passport, visa and health print out, didn't stamp anything and said welcome to Cuba. I think it's safe to say at least in my experience no one on either side gives a $hit that you are going to Cuba.

Another thing that comes up all the time is whether the casa Airbnb will allow visitors. I got one that was listed as "entire apartment for your use" and in the rules only said one guest at a time. I had no problem at all. The owner and the host person wasn't around and the neighbors didn't care. On Sunday night a girl had to step over some neighbors on the front step to come up and no one cared or was surprised at all.

The host set me up with a SIM card and took me to someone's house to change dollars at 255. I changed $600 and honestly it was too much. I couldn't find ways to spend that much in four days even including the girls.

Yea so the girls. Absolutely super high quality. Walking through parque central or san Rafael anytime after dark there are tons of super beautiful girls of all types. I did not see even one police person. I'm sure they are there but I didn't see them. The fact that it's so dark everywhere makes it easier. My experience was you can talk to them without a problem. On my second night a totally sweet little 18 yo approached me in parque central before I even got rolling. She already had her identification out LOL. She had a big unattractive friend who stayed back. Without me even asking she said $20 US. We sealed that with a DFK right there and just gave her my address and said stop by in an hour. Pretty much wifed up after that. Once I had her in the light she was almost flawless with only a couple of small tattoos and tiny bit of smoker's breath. She was my perfect right off the farm type. She didn't know how to handle herself so just treated me like any boyfriend. I have had black girls before but always sort of quickies never really got to luxuriate over one. Wow that skin was something I will remember. I brought some Victoria secrets things and that sent her into another level. Suddenly wanted photos and videos. She actually wanted to wear one of the cute little things home and I had to tell her she couldn't wear that on the street LOL. Needless to say I was a lot more generous than $20.

Yea it was a great trip.

[WanderingMan]

I planned a trip to Havana in early February for three days after reading the posts over the last 12 months. Several potential countries were considered, and thanks to ISG members, Cuba emerged at the top of the list due to things such as easy access, quick flights, and relative safety.

Based upon ISG postings and recommendations, planning included:

1. Renting an AirBnB in Old Havana where the landlord offers "the entire space" instead of living in the home. The owner does NOT live in the same building and there are only a couple of units in the rental building. I realize the AirBnB route costs more, but fortunately I am not on a super-tight budget where $80-$100 a night seems overly expensive.

2. Finding a landlord who will exchange money, provide transport to and from the airport, and provide a local phone and WiFi.

3. Finding a location not too far but not in the middle of the attractions and evening festivities. It's near Habana and Pena Pobre, a bit north but walkable.

4. Registering with Badoo via the computer and said I am in Old Habana, and will have to wait to see how that goes. Right now, Badoo only matched with older women. Apparently there is a skill involved in finding younger pros on the program. That said, I am selective and chose not to "like" the majority of younger women who have huge tattoos. I simply don't find huge tattoos attractive.

5. Installed Badoo on the cellular phone.

6. Have made a list of things to bring such as toiletries, over-the-counter medications, protection, snacks, etc.

7. Will bring smaller bills in US currency. This is different from other destinations such as Thailand and the Dominican Republic.

Thanks again, and if you see anything missed in preparation, please offer your recommendations.

[TravelerXX]

Tremendous report! I know Havana pretty well but do not know V&S bar, It sounds like a haven.

Can you say more? Are akk nights lively? Hopppin by 1 amm you say? Can you negotiate with the ladies across the street? REALLY point and click? I love Cuba bur have not seen pt. And clock since the early 2000's.

Just want to know more as you ave me prettye excited to check it out!

San Rafael Blvd (from Parque Central to Parque Fe de Valle) is the most obvious place to start. You will see hookers dressed up like sluts, but usually not soliciting at any time of day and until at least 2 am. The girls are young and good looking. Mostly black with banging bodies, but there are some lighter skinned Latinas too. I saw one that I liked at about 8 pm on a Saturday. She was light-skinned and a tough negotiator. I paid $60 for an hour and the privilege of shooting my jizz on her face. She was really hot and she knew it. She initially offered $100, I countered with $50. She said $60, and I said only if I get to cum on your face. She agreed and told me she would follow me from a distance to my place. Service was awesome. Got to fuck her in lots of positions before unloading on her face. Worth we'll over $60 to me.

V&S Club: it's on Galliano in between Concordia and Virtudes. The location on google is incorrect. This place is point and click. No rooms on-site. Probably 3 or 4 times as many girls as guys. On a crowded night there were probably 40 chicas. On a slow night there were 20. At 10 pm the club is dead. It is rocking at 1 am. The street girls congregate here and at a restaurant across the street. You won't miss them. I found a light Latina that I thought was sexy and began negotiations. I told her I wanted her the whole night, and she offered $70. I asked in pesos, and she said 20 k ($74 at 270:1). I countered with 12 k, and we agreed to 15 k ($55 for the whole night). We taxi'the back to my place and she blew my fucking mind. Right up there with the best sex I've ever had with a hooker. The Lloyd lyric "but she fuck me like she Cuban" was all starting to make sense. And she was so sweet. It's a good thing I don't speak Spanish, because this girl would have convinced me to marry her on my vacation to Cuba. I have mongered in lots of places and know that hookers are excellent manipulators, but the girls in Cuba are on a different level, and it feels good not going to lie. I fucked her a few more times in the morning and then got breakfast with her.

Cuban Art Factory: Saw lots of good looking girls, but wasn't sure who was a pro or who was a tourist. If someone could provide a guide for this place, it'the be helpful.

Malecon: was dead. Was told it's always dead in the winter.

Overall thoughts: Cuba is not the best place I have mongered, but it's not bad. I didn't think the chicas were as hot as in Brazil or Colombia, but I do think Cuban girls have the prettiest faces in the entire world. Cubana eyes do it for me. And there are plenty of thin young girls with Cuban eyes in Cuba. And it's affordable. The country itself sucks to visit right now hard to find good food, American cards don't work, and generally everything is harder in Cuba than in other, better known countries for mongering. But the mongering is still good, bordering on great, depending on what you're looking for.

[MadMax9336]

I don't want to post publicly because I don't want to get her in any trouble. Send a PM and I'm happy to share. Yeah agreed that Spanish would be helpful in negotiating. I'm still curious when the last time you paid 3-5 k was? Based on reading the forum it sounds like $50 for an overnight is pretty standard. I paid $55 with no extras, just BBBJ which is maybe standard anyway? And I paid $60 for ST with a facial. Too much? Yeah probably for a local, but I doubt it was way too much as you're implying. 3 k is less than $12. You can find a super ugly hooker for that I'm sure, but not a stunner.

I visited to Cuba 5 times so far. The first time is back in 2013 where I used to pay $20 for whole night and most of the time bareback depends on the chics I get (mostly in small towns near holguin).

The last visit is 2 months back and ended up paying $50 whole night again. Repeated two nights straight because of the service and decent looking and good body.

If I would spoken spanish, I would have scored much better locals (restaurent waitresses and shop keepers).

Send me PM and will share the pics which you can compare if we both paid similar prices and similar quality chics.

BTW. The chica I repeated twice stays outside of havana and not a regular ST. Hence I felt its worth $50 for each day and night.

[Ballin69]

Like you said you don't speak Spanish and I m fluent. It means I can pick up girls at daytime and you can't. The same girls you see in the club at night. You can meet them at daytime if you know where to look. Of course in the club they will always ask for more but they are the same girls so it s not because you can't get them at this price that other people can't.

But you said you paid 60 $ for a street girl for ST.

Just show us how she looks like I m curious.

I don't want to post publicly because I don't want to get her in any trouble. Send a PM and I'm happy to share. Yeah agreed that Spanish would be helpful in negotiating. I'm still curious when the last time you paid 3-5 k was? Based on reading the forum it sounds like $50 for an overnight is pretty standard. I paid $55 with no extras, just BBBJ which is maybe standard anyway? And I paid $60 for ST with a facial. Too much? Yeah probably for a local, but I doubt it was way too much as you're implying. 3 k is less than $12. You can find a super ugly hooker for that I'm sure, but not a stunner.