Havana

[Mondo707]

Hey Mondo,

I always book my cars through the Cuba Travel Network via Cuba Junky:

http://www.cuba-junky.com/cuba/car_rental_engine.html

I get to the airport, grab my luggage, exchange my money outside and then walk over to the rental office (literally a 30 second walk from outside the airport). All of the car "companies" have an office there, Transtur, Havana Auto, Rex, etc.

Hey Hyrul,

Thanks for the link, seems like the rental price for the car I usually rent runs over $105 daily (Kia Picante) I think maybe it's because of my travel dates which are in the middle of January. My last rental a couple of years back at the end of February, this same car rented for around $78 daily.

I think the upside of renting thru your link might be the rental price quoted is in USD, correct me in case I'm wrong.

Mondo.

[Bleble]

Here's my theory, shit is about to get real in Cuba.

Please elaborate. I'm about to head to Havana soon.

[Newport]

Here's my theory, shit is about to get real in Cuba.

LOL What do you mean?

I heard cigar prices went up about 15%, can anyone confirm?

[Ty Down]

Here's my theory, shit is about to get real in Cuba.

[Hyrul]

Hey Hyrul,

Have to agree with you about the car rentals in Cuba, I've posted before about it, and have the same take as you.

BTW, would you mind sharing how you go about renting cars, do you rent once you arrive or do it before getting to Cuba? Lately I'm trying to do it thru an outfit out of SoFla but so far they tell me I have to wait since I'm going next January and they don't know prices!

I've had luck a couple times at the airport but the last time I struck out.

Mondo.

Hey Mondo,

I always book my cars through the Cuba Travel Network via Cuba Junky:

http://www.cuba-junky.com/cuba/car_rental_engine.html

I get to the airport, grab my luggage, exchange my money outside and then walk over to the rental office (literally a 30 second walk from outside the airport). All of the car "companies" have an office there, Transtur, Havana Auto, Rex, etc.

[Mondo707]

Interesting how we all have different experiences to such extreme degrees.

I've been to Havana nearly 15 times. On average I stay about 10 days (sometimes a month). I have rented a car every time except the 1st time I was there I simply cannot be bothered with a personal driver. The first time I was there, we didn't have a car and we constantly were waiting for our driver to show up. I promised myself I'the get a car from now on and that's what I've done. Plus, there's something about driving in Havana on your own (or with your friends) which gets eliminated when you're being driven around. The cost of a driver is pretty much the same as renting a car. I'the much rather have the car whenever I want it and not be at the mercy of anyone. If you need suggestions on places to see and go, you can always ask anyone else. I've never had an issue finding things to do.

The rules of driving in Havana are simple. Don't speed, don't drink and drive, and always carry your papers and license on you. Apart from that, you'll be fine unless you heavily injure someone which is the case in practically every country. Fender benders aren't a big deal and can be dealt with easily.

As for girls in Havana. I agree with those who have said it couldn't be any easier. Smile, say Hello, some basic chit chat and you're usually good to go.

Hey Hyrul,

Have to agree with you about the car rentals in Cuba, I've posted before about it, and have the same take as you.

BTW, would you mind sharing how you go about renting cars, do you rent once you arrive or do it before getting to Cuba? Lately I'm trying to do it thru an outfit out of SoFla but so far they tell me I have to wait since I'm going next January and they don't know prices!

I've had luck a couple times at the airport but the last time I struck out.

Mondo.

[Mondo707]

Interesting how we all have different experiences to such extreme degrees.

I've been to Havana nearly 15 times. On average I stay about 10 days (sometimes a month). I have rented a car every time except the 1st time I was there I simply cannot be bothered with a personal driver. The first time I was there, we didn't have a car and we constantly were waiting for our driver to show up. I promised myself I'the get a car from now on and that's what I've done. Plus, there's something about driving in Havana on your own (or with your friends) which gets eliminated when you're being driven around. The cost of a driver is pretty much the same as renting a car. I'the much rather have the car whenever I want it and not be at the mercy of anyone. If you need suggestions on places to see and go, you can always ask anyone else. I've never had an issue finding things to do.

The rules of driving in Havana are simple. Don't speed, don't drink and drive, and always carry your papers and license on you. Apart from that, you'll be fine unless you heavily injure someone which is the case in practically every country. Fender benders aren't a big deal and can be dealt with easily.

As for girls in Havana. I agree with those who have said it couldn't be any easier. Smile, say Hello, some basic chit chat and you're usually good to go.

Hey Hyrul,

Have to agree with you about the car rentals in Cuba, I've posted before about it, and have the same take as you.

BTW, would you mind sharing about how you go about renting cars, do you rent once you arrive or do it before getting to Cuba? Lately I'm trying to do it thru and outfit out of SoFla but so far they tell me I have to wait since I'm going next January and they don't know prices!

I've had luck a couple times at the airport but the last time I struck out.

Mondo.

[TxSnake]

A casa owner in Santa Clara strongly suggested I find one chica for my whole trip. Casa owners in Santa Clara were "read the riot act" in a special meeting about noncompliance about two years ago. They were told that among other things that tourists would be fined 3000 CUC for seeing a steady stream of women. Apparently, having one is considered legal, especially if you can demonstrate ongoing contact with her. Do you know any instance where this new law has been enforced? Obviously passing a law is one thing, enforcing it is another.

[Ty Down]

Just in from Havana, uploaded today. (not my video), I'll be there next month. Once again. Sofia's at about 10:30 minutes in. Enjoy.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9PyArzQhm0k

[Hyrul]

Interesting how we all have different experiences to such extreme degrees.

I've been to Havana nearly 15 times. On average I stay about 10 days (sometimes a month). I have rented a car every time except the 1st time I was there I simply cannot be bothered with a personal driver. The first time I was there, we didn't have a car and we constantly were waiting for our driver to show up. I promised myself I'the get a car from now on and that's what I've done. Plus, there's something about driving in Havana on your own (or with your friends) which gets eliminated when you're being driven around. The cost of a driver is pretty much the same as renting a car. I'the much rather have the car whenever I want it and not be at the mercy of anyone. If you need suggestions on places to see and go, you can always ask anyone else. I've never had an issue finding things to do.

The rules of driving in Havana are simple. Don't speed, don't drink and drive, and always carry your papers and license on you. Apart from that, you'll be fine unless you heavily injure someone — which is the case in practically every country. Fender benders aren't a big deal and can be dealt with easily.

As for girls in Havana. I agree with those who have said it couldn't be any easier. Smile, say Hello, some basic chit chat and you're usually good to go.

[Steve 99]

In regards to a car rental, I would say that if you can find a driver (which are everywhere in Cuba), then do so. I won't go into my long story but I rented a car in Camaguey, drove to Las Tunas with friends and got a flat tire. I went to the rental company in Las Tunas to get the tire changed and all hell broke loose. I was incredibly close in going to jail. The rental company gave me a lawyer (a beauty, who gave me her number to call her and of course, I lost it), I had to go to the hospital for a breathalyzer with a cop in the room, along with a doctor, nurse and my lawyer (no machine to blow into. I just had to breath into the doctor's nose) and walk the proverbial line with my eyes closed. At this point, I stopped joking around, as I realized they were all taking this very seriously. I was almost a statistic of Cuban justice!

Good info. If we rent a car. Its on my wingman. I am passsenger. He is going to jail. LOL.

Got our euros from bank of america so getting ready. Going to have my casa guy pick us up at airport.

Ballpark USD driver for a day? That could be way to go for a day cruisng around playa de este. Etc.

[MjTravelLove]

MJT,

We always stay in the Industrial and Prado area. It's rare for us not to run into chicas, just walking to the corner store, Prado, Central Park, wifi park, or Malecon. There are times, when we just sit on the balcony, and they are waking by, and we just tell them to come up to the casa. I love the randomness of pulling females in Havana. It can happen at any moment, very unexpectedly.

Good to know. I am usually in Vedado, but like to move around. Next time I'll move over the way you suggest.

Completely agree on the randomness of when good things arise in Cuba!

[Mr Gogo]

MJT,

We always stay in the Industrial and Prado area. It's rare for us not to run into chicas, just walking to the corner store, Prado, Central Park, wifi park, or Malecon. There are times, when we just sit on the balcony, and they are waking by, and we just tell them to come up to the casa. I love the randomness of pulling females in Havana. It can happen at any moment, very unexpectedly.

I'm with you on that. That's why I prefer Cuba and the DR over Medellin, the ability to meet random girls out looking for instant fun. Medellin is great living and the girls are gorgeous but take work.

[Chris H]

What are your favorite areas and establishments around Havana to search for chicas to whom we can say hola?

Thanks.

MJT,

We always stay in the Industrial and Prado area. It's rare for us not to run into chicas, just walking to the corner store, Prado, Central Park, wifi park, or Malecon. There are times, when we just sit on the balcony, and they are waking by, and we just tell them to come up to the casa. I love the randomness of pulling females in Havana. It can happen at any moment, very unexpectedly.

[MjTravelLove]

Read my post, all it takes to get things started is saying "Hola". Don't be shy, they won't bite, unless you want them to. Cuban women are awesome, friendly, and very accommodating. Getting pussy there is beyond simple.

What are your favorite areas and establishments around Havana to search for chicas to whom we can say hola?

Thanks.