Havana

[Uncle Volodya]

Folks I have been all over Cuba. Some casas do not register girls if the owner is cool with you. Also girls who f $ck different guys in different casas obviously won't sign the book because then the lawman will come for them. If a girl does register her name then that means she's a good girl and probably didn't f#ck too many guys. BTW I'm heading to Holguin March 24 to 29. ViVa Cuba!

Sounds Great!

I have never flown to Cuba from the US. I've always got my Cuban visa from a Cuban consulate in Europe. I heard there are visa services to get a Cuban visa in the US without having to go to the consulate in DC. Can you guys recommend a reputable visa service?

[Chris H]

San Rafael and Parque Central are still going strong. It's like shooting fish in a barrel. I was able to pick chicas at will. So many to choose from. As for me I prefer the chicas that don't speak English and that are less aggressive. The chicas in this area services seem to be more pricey than other other areas in Havana. I also found out that paying in CUP saves money even though some chicas are asking for dollars or euros. One night I picked up a chica from that crowded pizza place one San Rafael. She was cool. It was kind of hectic in that place and the pizza was, well you know, it's Cuba. LOL. There were no power outages or bottled water shortages. I ate at the Prado restaurant near Paseo del Prado and it was ok. Then sat at the bar and chatted up the bartender David. Prices are pretty good there. I want to get a card so I can shop at the Cadenas de Tiendas stores. I had a Cuban friend get some things there for me but I need my own card. I want to explore Cienfuegos, Trinidad, Camaguey, Holguin and some other smaller non touristic parts of Cuba. Sometimes Havana can give you burnout.

Great update and you 2nd everything I have been saying!

[Sammytheman]

Folks I have been all over Cuba. Some casas do not register girls if the owner is cool with you. Also girls who f $ck different guys in different casas obviously won't sign the book because then the lawman will come for them. If a girl does register her name then that means she's a good girl and probably didn't f#ck too many guys. BTW I'm heading to Holguin March 24 to 29. ViVa Cuba!

[Incrociatore]

San Rafael and Parque Central are still going strong. It's like shooting fish in a barrel. I was able to pick chicas at will. So many to choose from. As for me I prefer the chicas that don't speak English and that are less aggressive. The chicas in this area services seem to be more pricey than other other areas in Havana. I also found out that paying in CUP saves money even though some chicas are asking for dollars or euros. One night I picked up a chica from that crowded pizza place one San Rafael. She was cool. It was kind of hectic in that place and the pizza was, well you know, it's Cuba. LOL. There were no power outages or bottled water shortages. I ate at the Prado restaurant near Paseo del Prado and it was ok. Then sat at the bar and chatted up the bartender David. Prices are pretty good there. I want to get a card so I can shop at the Cadenas de Tiendas stores. I had a Cuban friend get some things there for me but I need my own card. I want to explore Cienfuegos, Trinidad, Camaguey, Holguin and some other smaller non touristic parts of Cuba. Sometimes Havana can give you burnout.

I won't personally go anywhere. I can't stand the temperature of Viazul buses. I got sick once, going from the Havana to Holguin. Holguin sucks, and so Santiago. The only place is worth a visit is Vinales, but for no more than 3 days, if you like nature, hiking or riding a horse. And it won't be easy to fuck there, because Cubans there are all wealthy and you won't find a girl in Vinales. Cayo largo, cayo guillermo used to be amazing, but they ruined everything building up resort after resort. Anyway, you need to have a car if you stay in Moron. And a car in Cuba is too expensive to rent. For me the only decent place in Cuba is the Havana. If I will ever go back, I will just stay there, and use, when possible, the public transport, cause taxi drivers ask way too much money.

[Incrociatore]

A few years back I was in a casa particular (same idea as Airbnb but Cuban) and I just had a room in the 3 bedroom apartment. The owner spoke English very well. And explained that every visitor has to be recorded or he could end up in big trouble. He also had an experience where a guest had a couple of girls in his room, and they robbed him blind and police got involved. The guy almost lost his apartment over that.

So, the thing is, by law, the casa particular has to record the guests, otherwise they might lose the license. So, if you are renting a room, you might not be able to bring any girl, or the host will have to register the girl. If you do rent an apartment, and the apartment has its own independent entrance, then no one is going to bother you. Girls don't want to be recorded, especially the youngest. The reason is that once you are in the registry, you are marked as "jinetera", and you might lose the right to live the country, if, by any chance, meet a man who wants to marry you. That's why girls don't want to be recorded, and why the "casa particular" hosts want to record them instead. Also, if the police see a girl with a white man, they may call her out because they want some money. So, if the police is around, you better not to talk with girls. You won't personally have any problem, but they may try to bribe her.

Finding a totally independent accommodation is not so easy. But it's Cuba.

[RainmanSahut]

Hello!

I can only speak from my own experiences.

The girls in my apartment were not required to go speak to immigration in regards to guest log registration. Only Me.

I do not sense the police or any other officials are trying to police the true ventures of our group. I feel you are safe to play.

My only suggestion is to make sure you are registered for the location you are staying / renting as the inquiries by officials are to.

1. Regulate taxes reported by dwelling providers. Catch cheaters.

2. Cursory checks on your intentions for visiting Cuba, of which I told them I was there to visit a specific girl. Remember They are paranoid thinking many mongers are spies.

Remember, never admit guilt of anything if questioned.

If trouble does occur, do not argue, resist, it is cheaper to pay the money and bug out, IF you can. You are in a no win situation.

If you are in trouble, Call the US Embassy ASAP for advice / instructions. They are responsive even after hours.

+5378394100 or +5378394200.

Make sure You have a phone that works in Cuba and make sure you sanitize your phone and computer for naughty pictures.

Happy Hunting!

Rainman.

Oh Yes. Western Union just started service to Cuba, if You need money or want to send money, all in USD. Remember No US credit cards, debit cards, checks etc work Cuba.

The owner has to trot down and pay his "taxes" every day as I understand it. And the visitor log and his guest log all get reported, I am assuming to the police or whoever checks up on where everyone is and goes. It goes into some database, and I have been told if you ever get in trouble with something there they can pull up almost every place you've been or seen, including when you go on a walk by yourself.

[MongerHunger]

San Rafael and Parque Central are still going strong. It's like shooting fish in a barrel. I was able to pick chicas at will. So many to choose from. As for me I prefer the chicas that don't speak English and that are less aggressive. The chicas in this area services seem to be more pricey than other other areas in Havana. I also found out that paying in CUP saves money even though some chicas are asking for dollars or euros. One night I picked up a chica from that crowded pizza place one San Rafael. She was cool. It was kind of hectic in that place and the pizza was, well you know, it's Cuba. LOL. There were no power outages or bottled water shortages. I ate at the Prado restaurant near Paseo del Prado and it was ok. Then sat at the bar and chatted up the bartender David. Prices are pretty good there. I want to get a card so I can shop at the Cadenas de Tiendas stores. I had a Cuban friend get some things there for me but I need my own card. I want to explore Cienfuegos, Trinidad, Camaguey, Holguin and some other smaller non touristic parts of Cuba. Sometimes Havana can give you burnout.

[Zeos1]

Gents,

Reading the last two postings, now I am little confused about the process of "registering a girl" - of course, when I hear it involving policia and immigration. My timid self gets scared!

I am staying at Airbnb in Havana. I told my Abnb host that a friend might come visit me and he said its okay. But does that mean everytimes I bring a girl back, I need to "register" with him, airbnb or some other authority? And what does registering involves? Taking the name and ID number? Is it submitted somewhere?

What if I just pick up a girl off the street and want a quick shag? Then what?

Need your help experts!

U1.

The owner has to trot down and pay his "taxes" every day as I understand it. And the visitor log and his guest log all get reported, I am assuming to the police or whoever checks up on where everyone is and goes. It goes into some database, and I have been told if you ever get in trouble with something there they can pull up almost every place you've been or seen, including when you go on a walk by yourself.

[Zeos1]

Gents,

Reading the last two postings, now I am little confused about the process of "registering a girl" - of course, when I hear it involving policia and immigration. My timid self gets scared!

I am staying at Airbnb in Havana. I told my Abnb host that a friend might come visit me and he said its okay. But does that mean everytimes I bring a girl back, I need to "register" with him, airbnb or some other authority? And what does registering involves? Taking the name and ID number? Is it submitted somewhere?

What if I just pick up a girl off the street and want a quick shag? Then what?

Need your help experts!

U1.

A few years back I was in a casa particular (same idea as Airbnb but Cuban) and I just had a room in the 3 bedroom apartment. The owner spoke English very well. And explained that every visitor has to be recorded or he could end up in big trouble. He also had an experience where a guest had a couple of girls in his room, and they robbed him blind and police got involved. The guy almost lost his apartment over that.

[United1]

Gents,

Reading the last two postings, now I am little confused about the process of "registering a girl" - of course, when I hear it involving policia and immigration. My timid self gets scared!

I am staying at Airbnb in Havana. I told my Abnb host that a friend might come visit me and he said its okay. But does that mean everytimes I bring a girl back, I need to "register" with him, airbnb or some other authority? And what does registering involves? Taking the name and ID number? Is it submitted somewhere?

What if I just pick up a girl off the street and want a quick shag? Then what?

Need your help experts!

U1.

[FuckLife]

" .I had a girl every night and yes I registered them. There is No problem how you arrange accommodations for your stay, but you better make sure you and she are registered with immigration if the law comes knocking. ".

Thank you RainmanSahut, your report is very useful for me.

I have never been in Cuba, and I totally agree about your behavior in Havana, . But; do the girls you meet on the street, in the pub or in the clubs assent to be registered? . and does the apartment owner allow you to host a guest girl every day? What does it practically mean to register a girl, can I do it by myself or the apartment owner has to do it? . I can't figure out me with a girl knocking the door of the apartment owner in the middle of the night.

Thank you in advance. FuckLife.

I am not a young handsome Euro surfer boy, I guess Better to call me an ugly American, who tries to be good and nice to everyone.

I have many more weeks on the ground in Cuba than You cite, mostly in Havana and each time registered properly in an nice Airbnb apartment on the Malecon, not some flea bag room or hostel and each time I had permission for girl as guest. Yes, I had a girl every night and yes I registered them. There is No problem how you arrange accommodations for your stay, but you better make sure you and she are registered with immigration if the law comes knocking. The apartment owner is supposed to do this within 1 day of rental. Yes, I know first hand about police / immigration inspections and they do happen, more so to catch apartment owners renting OFF the books and not reporting income, than to catch you with some girl. Yes, You will be in trouble if they catch you unregistered to an apartment along with the owner.

I do not care what the money is called CUC or Cup but you are crazy if you think the banks or any other business comes close to giving You the black market exchange of 200 pesos to $1 usd presently, especially while the government ratio is 25 pesos to $1 usd. I would estimate I have exchanged over $20,000 usd on the streets and only got 1 counterfeit bill returned to my knowledge. Yes, the US Dollar is KING. The Euro and Canadian money is accepted, but, not as freely. Note, where are All the desperate Cubans trying to flee? Dang sure is not Canada or Europe, it is the Good ole USA, specifically Miami. Yes, read this article in Reuters? Is that an American news source? (https://www.reuters.com/article/cuba...-idUKL1N2UY27G). They must be misinformed also about the USD in Cuba, you need to enlighten them. I just left Havana last week. As an example, The 2 outside restaurants at the Havana T3 Airport terminal had a total of about 18 hamburgers at one location and a bag of juice being sold by the glass. No water, No beer, No soft drinks, NADA. The other location had Nothing. Yes the mall you cite takes the MLC card. I do not have such, but, it is in USD increments, not Euro or Canadian basically only the upper class of Cuba has such card. Remember US credit cards or Bank cards are not accepted on the island. Everywhere I did spend USD, I got USD in change basically. Basically there are no stores open for food; water or necessities, also cited in article above.

I guess we visited different planets Buddy?

Finally if cheap food is so easy to find, please help all the other Cuban people standing in the streets for hours on end to get a morsel for their families Buddy.

Forgive me, you must have been wearing some of those a Elton John Rose colored glasses.

Cuba is in a sad state of affairs.

God have pity and bless these people now.

Rainman.

Maybe you can afford a membership after your trip.

There seems to be a lot of people here writing and speculating how things work that don't have a clue so I (as a traveller who's now been here 4 weeks) thought I'd clear some things out. I'm euro, surfer, very experienced traveller all over the world to give you an idea of my preferences and how I think. I speak decent "street Spanish" from travelling, but faaar from fluent. If you're very different to me then you may look at things differently, but then that's you.

First off, CUC is no more, it's CUP now, Cuban Peso. You can exchange it with cash at the CADECA https://www.cadeca.cu/ around most towns, and the rate changes daily with exchange rates. They accept most larger currencies and give you different rates. Because the people want USD / CAD / EUR / GBP they will give you a higher rate on the street. You find these people everywhere offering, but you risk getting ripped off and getting "fake money", so if you want to do this, make sure you find someone reliable, maybe someone your landlord or similar recommends. USD is not "king", many want EUR too. You can pay most things with EUR / USD, even in restaurants (if you find them) and they will give you change back in peso according to whatever rate they tell you there, which sometimes is same as CADECA, but less than on the street (obviously). So bring lots of cash but also smaller notes if you want to "keep" your currency. You pay drinks or dinner for 5 USD with a 50 you get 45 USD x the CADECA rate or less at the bar, which you could have taken to a guy on the street for more CUP.

Food and everything is sometimes scarce, and even finding a restaurant can be difficult, unless you stick to Old Havana, but I'm a traveller and want to explore the city, by foot. There's a shopping street behind Capitolio, and also a mall 10 minute walk from Old Havana and they have "everything" there, so you can find what you need, if you just search. I rented a place near the Viazul bus station, main station in Havana and walked 40 minutes before I found an (open) restaurant at 8 pm a Wednesday night. Some were closed, some were open but without food, drinks, and very few to choose from. Old Havana is better, there are a few good ones but you will get harassed with cigars, hustlers and so on more frequently, constantly. Bottled water you can of course drink, I have not drunk tap water but don't see the point as there's always bottled water around somewhere. I haven't gotten sick or even had any stomach issues from any food in 4 weeks and I eat with my dirty hands sometimes, haha. The food, if you find it, is clean as far as I've experienced. I've eaten from local joints, restaurants, on the street. A meal is anywhere from 400-1000 CUP, you do the math with your rate Beer is 200-300, or found as low as 90. Cocktails 100-300.

Regarding chicas. I've spent a few nights in different "Airbnb's" which is a casa particular / hostal / hotel, they call it pretty different, but it's more or less the same. I book through Airbnb because I can pay with my credit card and hang on to my CUP, but with this comes a fee to airbnb of course and all that. I'll rather pay that, and also they give you some safety and guarantee. You can also choose online, depending on location, reviews and such. It's absolutely possible to figure out how to contact the hosts outside of Airbnb, it's not difficult to figure it out, just think and be smart when you send them a message. But this takes extra time and effort, something maybe I'd like to spend on other things. Use a VPN for most things here on your phone. Wifi is more or less non-existent everywhere, so get a Cubacell sim, and also this can be very slow. Most hosts reply very fast as first of all most Cubans have SIM-card with 4 g and can reply, secondly, it's not uncommon it's their children working in and running the account from Europe or US and the parents are at the house to receive you, hand out keys and such.

The first one was stern "no visitors" and I'm sure they would have kicked me out if I broke that rule. I booked this through hotels.com, but it was a room in a casa particular.

The second one was a room in a "hotel / hostal" but it was a casa particular. I wouldn't have brought a girl there as it was next to where the host lived.

Third was an apartment in a building, private, but the parents to the host lived in the apartment next door. I brought a girl there daytime, just a girl I got in touch with on Badoo, we had drinks, a snack, and fucked. She just wanted to fuck a hot Euro surfer I guess Not all girls are prostitutes or want money, some just want fun. I picked up a girl at a marina in Varadero where a band was playing, had sex the next day. No payment, just wanted to have fun. Both Cuban and did not speak English but as long as you speak little and try and you're not a dick it's all good. Rest of Varadera / Santa Marta / Matanzas / Cardenas there are probably very few chicas to buy, but many to contact on Badoo and either go on a regular date (something I prefer as I get to practice Spanish and I don't know if there will be sex or not, and that uncertainty is exciting), or some want money. Forget Tinder, it's rubbish. Badoo has plenty of users and easy to get in touch. I've picked up girls on the beach too, but obviously it helps I'm a "sexy kitesurfer" but it's definitely possible to just approach girls, and not having to pay for sex, just drinks and be a nice guy. They are people and want to be treated as such. Girls in Havana you can pick up for as little as 2000 peso, and they will contact you and offer, pretty much all over the city, but obviously depend on many factors. I'd rather pay a bit more for "quality", but no more than 5000 You can also pay them in Euro or USD, but then you comply with "their" exchange rate" and make sure you have change because they won't have it. Smartest is to exchange to CUP for a high rate on the street, then pay the chica in CUP which you've bought for a high rate. The girl wanting 2000 CUP may want 20 USD if you have that. At 150 USD / CUP you would have gotten it cheaper, now you're loosing money paying her in USD. Same goes for all transactions. Many girls don't want 5000 CUP because it could be 50 100 CUP bills or 250 20's which is a stack.

The fourth Airbnb was a private apartment, but having that said, the walls are paper thin and on the other side of the bathroom was the landladys bedroom. This is difficult to see and figure out booking on Airbnb. Surprisingly she didn't take my passport or asked for a signature when I checked in which all other places have been very thorough about. Nevertheless I would not have taken a girl and "made noise" in that house. Luckily I had my "friend" visiting me, travelling around (and fucking) so I didn't need to search for anyone, but none of us where registered checking in at this place. So even if you book a "private apartment" you can still be "connected" with the host, or very close. It also has to do with respect, I personally don't want to get anyone in trouble just cause I want to fuck a girl, but I'm well mannered Euro so maybe the yanks don't give a fuck and that's why people dislike them everywhere because they always want respect but never show any.

My last night in Cuba is on Friday and I'm renting in a new location, private apartment so we'll see how private it is and what I feel comfortable doing and what the host indicates.

Any questions feel free to ask and I'll answer when I can.

[Nrlmus]

I've stayed at the following 2 apartments.

The one on the Malecon has a beautiful view of the ocean. It's right on the Malecon, so it's very easy to step out and either find a cab or just start walking. Plenty to do and see around there. However, it is on the 4th floor and both times I was there, the elevator was down, and I do have to say that it is a very long hike up all those stairs.

The other one is right in Old Havana. Half a block from restaurants and 2 blocks from Plaza Central, so very close to everything. 2nd floor. The view is not even remotely close to as nice as the other one, but it's right in the middle of the action and a much easier climb (to the 2nd floor).

https://www.airbnb.ca/rooms/25880278...R0UrnDL1GH7EaC

https://www.airbnb.ca/rooms/5718611?...a6cCf0Tvfp3wkJ

Have a great time. I hope I get to read your report before I get there in mid April. 😁.

This is some great peace of info about two great places. I wish I could speak to you more, especially about the second apartment. I'm thinking about the trip to Cuba in April. The plan is to to stay a week in Havana and then see if I could travel the island. Could you DM me please if not here than on USASG? My handles are the same here and there.

[EMode]

Gents,

Thanks for all great advices on Havana. I will be in April and will make sure to report my findings.

I will be on a education tour, but have a few days before and after my trip in Havana. First few days I will spend in Old Havana. Then I go 14 days around Cuba. But for the last 2 days in Havana, should I check out the new neighborhood?? I will be by myself and hope to do some mongering. But prefer to be in a location where this is some activity, near to cafe, bars, action to keep myself busy. Because sounds I will not have a lot of access to fast wifi. That is why I am think of staying again in Old Havana again.

But if you have a suggestion of other neighborshood I should consider. I will appreciate it.

Monger on!

U1.

I've stayed at the following 2 apartments.

The one on the Malecon has a beautiful view of the ocean. It's right on the Malecon, so it's very easy to step out and either find a cab or just start walking. Plenty to do and see around there. However, it is on the 4th floor and both times I was there, the elevator was down, and I do have to say that it is a very long hike up all those stairs.

The other one is right in Old Havana. Half a block from restaurants and 2 blocks from Plaza Central, so very close to everything. 2nd floor. The view is not even remotely close to as nice as the other one, but it's right in the middle of the action and a much easier climb (to the 2nd floor).

https://www.airbnb.ca/rooms/25880278...R0UrnDL1GH7EaC

https://www.airbnb.ca/rooms/5718611?...a6cCf0Tvfp3wkJ

Have a great time. I hope I get to read your report before I get there in mid April. 😁.

[Zeos1]

Gents,

Thanks for all great advices on Havana. I will be in April and will make sure to report my findings.

I will be on a education tour, but have a few days before and after my trip in Havana. First few days I will spend in Old Havana. Then I go 14 days around Cuba. But for the last 2 days in Havana, should I check out the new neighborhood?? I will be by myself and hope to do some mongering. But prefer to be in a location where this is some activity, near to cafe, bars, action to keep myself busy. Because sounds I will not have a lot of access to fast wifi. That is why I am think of staying again in Old Havana again.

But if you have a suggestion of other neighborshood I should consider. I will appreciate it.

Monger on!

U1.

Vedado is a good area. But wanting to be near cafes, bars, action. Not really the Havana I am familiar with.

[EMode]

Hey EMode.

Our spot is a 5 bedroom, 3 on the 2nd floor, and 2 rooms off the 3rd level terrace. They all have their own bathrooms, AC, and refrigerator. Three 3 rooms on the 2nd floor, also have their own balconies. The accommodations is not private, because the family does live there, in separate quarters of the home. They have no issues with guest and having parties. I found it through my friend who is Cuban and lives in Havana. The location is great, with easy access to all the spots most people want to hit.

That sounds awesome. I wonder how uncomfortable it is to have company over with other people living in the house though. I've only ever rented complete apartments. The one I rented on the Malecon was nice because the lady across the hall came over to clean every 2 days and I also spent some time sitting at their table and talking with them, which was really nice to get a first hand account of actually living in Cuba. I like that you can actually talk to people and make some sort of actual connection with them and the city.

Anyways, I'm hoping to be out there for a week in mid April.