Havana

[Artvand1]

Hey folks,

Is approaching woman as a brown dude frowned upon in Cuba? Say if I ask out a woman in a hotel or a restaurant for a drink, is there a risk of being charged with harassment, etc? I would not do this in the West for obvious reasons. I'd greatly appreciate any input.

[United1]

Thanks for this great post. Very helpful.

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.

[Chris H]

Uncle V, your inbox is full, so am going to paste my message to you here.

Hey Dre,

Cubs was GREAT! Might has actually gotten better. Wifi is available in more places, including our casa. Females are plentiful and ready for some fun.

Sosua is fun and plenty of pussy, but there's no challenge, way too easy and the girls are mechanical. A lot of guys like going there because its so simple. My favorite place in the DR is the capital, Santo Domingo. Lots of women and less mechanical.

Don't believe that crap about nothing being available in Havana, including women, food, drinks, wifi, and things to do. Matter of fact, the police wasn't even sweating the girls for walking with us. The people are happy and make the best out of life, real folks can't just be sitting around, all depressed and miserable. We had plenty of different ladies at the casa, NO issues.

I can't wait to get back, hopefully it will be around a time that you are there.

[Cool]

Any daytime bars or erotic massage places? The sweet spot for VS bar is midnight to 1:30 AM. Most of the hotties have moved on by 2 AM.

[Turgid]

That's a joke right? Malls?

Questions whether he went to Cuba at all.

[Zeos1]

Any advice on top malls in Havana? I will post more later this week.

That's a joke right? Malls?

[Cool]

LM FAC Miyo Tuyo 2. 45 are good weekend bars with eye candy even though picking up a hottie not guaranteed. LM was too crowded on Sat. But I did see girls that rate 8/10 at those bars on weekends. Daytime tourist attractions care burn a middle age punter out so leave energy for the nightlife. I like the Cuban nightlife more than Barcelona. Drinks are cheap. V&S and 212 in Galino are good pickup bars. Girls may start as low as $50 for a shag. Counter and negotiate. Average looking Black chicks can quote ridiculous prices. There are plenty of average looking Black Women in the US. So I don't see the novelty or worth when you factor in airfare a the jetlag. Most Cuban women under 40 are fit. Staying near Vedado and Malecon is a good bet for newbies. There are tons of hustlers and beggars. 5 x as many vs E Africa. The bigger your party the more you will save on taxis and accommodations. The taxis will overcharge you if you don't figure out the bus etc. I try not to pay more than $6 if it is a 3 mile. Ride. V&S was dead 3 am Tues morning. Midnight is the sweet spot for nightlife. Friday is the best night for FAC. If you see a girl you like get her whatsapp not guaranteed you see her the next night like other Latin America cities. With all the scamming I've become suspicious of W Indian women. In my voyeurs half of Dominican women gave bad service. I suspect the same with Cuban women. Cuba is great of you like 7/8's but DR has some 9/10's and I'm not the biggest DR fan. The Malecon would be hit and miss to meetup during winter time. Girls in the parks were quoting $100 that were barely 6's. The 2 ladies at V&S wanted 10 k and they were worn 6's. Do not let a Cuban man negotiate for you. He is not going to angle for a discount for you. Plus it can kill the deal cause the girl will scoff at his 20% commission demand. Once you understand the layout of the city and complete your tourist attraction your taxi bill will go down with efficiency. Havana can be done in 5 days. It is hard to game plan since on social media since Internet is weak. I had no success on bumble or tinder. I paid less than $400 for my ticket. It is possible to burn a $100 a day and not get laid which makes it less enticing than DR for newbies. Cuba is fun but procuring talent with a finite amount of time without a stable is challenging. I like the winter weather. A knowledgeable wingman. Would help in finding talent. If I was here the whole spring I would make a quick judgment call weather I want to decline all black providers. I didn't see too many mulatas. Any advice on top malls in Havana? I will post more later this week.

[Sammytheman]

Hello.

I just got back from my 4th trip to Cuba over the past year.

This time I flew to Holguin, rented a car, ordeal and visited a smaller town Levisa.

Car rental is $100 +/ day. Fuel, very few gas stations open, plan accordingly, you are limited to 10 lites each purchase and Must pay with a Credit Card or MLC Card. Meaning You are screwed if from USA. Lucky GF mother has MLC card which I funded, I had no idea this process as she had paid when I-needed fuel each time as it helped communication, but on return trip home alone, I could NOT buy gasoline. Finally I found a nice Cuban man who let me pay cash to him for my 10 liters to get me to the airport.

Airport. Nothing available to eat or drink.

Food, OMG it is desperate. We had to drive 3 different cities looking for a restaurant near Levisa to eat. Basically 1 hours drive. The 1 restaurant we found had a very limited menu. Chicken or Pork. Pork is the basically the main course along with rice and beans. Believe me looked for open restaurants traveling dirt roads the pigs had forgotten. Yes, Havana has a Few nice restaurants. Some expensive. Basically the locals scavenge each day for their meals. Everywhere.

Girls, I was with a GF, but YES. Plenty plenty girls available. Many Free looking for Husband, Go to USA. As for Me, Someone shared my WhatsApp with multiple Cuban girls. So, Basically everyday new girls write wanting a boyfriend. All pretty and young.

My previous trip Havana November, I was contacted and told report to immigration. I had to go 2 different days' 2 locations, I had to explain Why I visited Cuba. Little scary. Each girl I've gone with I make them contact their mother and have her say it is OK their daughter go with me. Anyways I could prove seeing same girl and family several times to authorities. There are presently 116 guys detained Havana from these inquiries, they may have done other things. If you are contacted call US Embassy +5378394200 and report before attending interview. I was most uncomfortable with questioning. Remember, Sanitize your phone. No naughty pictures going into Cuba or Out. Best have phone with SD slot. Save pictures to SD and remove. I carry a spare phone exact to my personal. That IS my regular Cuba phone with blah blah blah on it Only. Yes. They went thru my phone. Remember. You have 1 day to report your location to immigration once you locate to an apartment or family house. Most of the time apartment owner does this for you in Havana. In Levisa I had to drive another city and it took more than 1/2 day interview paperwork with immigration. Mother took care of me.

As for ChrisH, I am glad everything was happy and good. He is much better at finding shops than Me as I have Yet to see such a shop in Havana selling water, candy and things. Maybe National Hotel or other nice hotels offer? I call myself traveling a lot. But never see such. I do know the main grocery store near embassy area is Empty. I would ask apartment owner to get me water as I have yet to see it for sale. Many apartments offer meals with rental. Works out pretty good.

Yes, I have seen girls ChrisH describes, Yes good hunting. Again somewhat sad as economy is So Bad. Many have boy friends and husbands, so really bad.

Anyways, there are lots of things to see, many pretty girls. Be careful on food. I've had food poisoning twice. Second time barely made it home USA straight to emergency room, salmonella, 6 days ICU, not so good.

Yes. I go back.

Rainman.

So, people are happy in Cuba!? You don't seem like a real monger but the Cuban government trying to trick people into visiting the island to spend money there, you remind me of when the Covid started and the Cuban dictatorship was promoting the island as a "safe heaven" against Covid. You are the one promoting FAKE NEWS. I never liked you, now I know why. And by the way, I'm Cuban and I'm in touch with Cubans (family and friends) and what they tell me is the opposite of what you're saying here. Do you know that in two years around 300,000 Cubans walked from Nicaragua to the Mexican-USA border. Do happy people embark in such a journey?

To those visiting Cuba just be careful there, the crime is getting out of hand, specially, but not only, in Havana.

Thanks for the report. Much appreciated. I was pulled out of the line I Holguin airport to go see a manager in this room in 2012 I believe and they questioned me for almost 30 minutes asking me why I go there and if I have a wife or a girlfriend and so many personal questions. I answered them politely at 1st but eventually I got pissed off and told them if they won't let me through, I'll take the next flight to Mexico, DR or Jamaica. They told me because it was my 8th time that year, they were suspicious. Since then I have went another 5 times and no more hassles. By the way, you don't need the girl's parent's approval to date a girl unless she is a minor. This old Canadian dude I met a few years back was dating a 16 year old and told me how he did it legally. Fkin creep. Anyhow, did you explore Holguin? How was the nightlife and chica scene? Holguin has one of the most beautiful women in Cuba. I've been there many times.

[Rebel Monger]

Sir, thank you for your truthful and helpful message!

Hello.

I just got back from my 4th trip to Cuba over the past year.

This time I flew to Holguin, rented a car, ordeal and visited a smaller town Levisa.

Car rental is $100 +/ day. Fuel, very few gas stations open, plan accordingly, you are limited to 10 lites each purchase and Must pay with a Credit Card or MLC Card. Meaning You are screwed if from USA. Lucky GF mother has MLC card which I funded, I had no idea this process as she had paid when I-needed fuel each time as it helped communication, but on return trip home alone, I could NOT buy gasoline. Finally I found a nice Cuban man who let me pay cash to him for my 10 liters to get me to the airport.

Airport. Nothing available to eat or drink.

Food, OMG it is desperate. We had to drive 3 different cities looking for a restaurant near Levisa to eat. Basically 1 hours drive. The 1 restaurant we found had a very limited menu. Chicken or Pork. Pork is the basically the main course along with rice and beans. Believe me looked for open restaurants traveling dirt roads the pigs had forgotten. Yes, Havana has a Few nice restaurants. Some expensive. Basically the locals scavenge each day for their meals. Everywhere.

Girls, I was with a GF, but YES. Plenty plenty girls available. Many Free looking for Husband, Go to USA. As for Me, Someone shared my WhatsApp with multiple Cuban girls. So, Basically everyday new girls write wanting a boyfriend. All pretty and young.

My previous trip Havana November, I was contacted and told report to immigration. I had to go 2 different days' 2 locations, I had to explain Why I visited Cuba. Little scary. Each girl I've gone with I make them contact their mother and have her say it is OK their daughter go with me. Anyways I could prove seeing same girl and family several times to authorities. There are presently 116 guys detained Havana from these inquiries, they may have done other things. If you are contacted call US Embassy +5378394200 and report before attending interview. I was most uncomfortable with questioning. Remember, Sanitize your phone. No naughty pictures going into Cuba or Out. Best have phone with SD slot. Save pictures to SD and remove. I carry a spare phone exact to my personal. That IS my regular Cuba phone with blah blah blah on it Only. Yes. They went thru my phone. Remember. You have 1 day to report your location to immigration once you locate to an apartment or family house. Most of the time apartment owner does this for you in Havana. In Levisa I had to drive another city and it took more than 1/2 day interview paperwork with immigration. Mother took care of me.

As for ChrisH, I am glad everything was happy and good. He is much better at finding shops than Me as I have Yet to see such a shop in Havana selling water, candy and things. Maybe National Hotel or other nice hotels offer? I call myself traveling a lot. But never see such. I do know the main grocery store near embassy area is Empty. I would ask apartment owner to get me water as I have yet to see it for sale. Many apartments offer meals with rental. Works out pretty good.

Yes, I have seen girls ChrisH describes, Yes good hunting. Again somewhat sad as economy is So Bad. Many have boy friends and husbands, so really bad.

Anyways, there are lots of things to see, many pretty girls. Be careful on food. I've had food poisoning twice. Second time barely made it home USA straight to emergency room, salmonella, 6 days ICU, not so good.

Yes. I go back.

Rainman.

So, people are happy in Cuba!? You don't seem like a real monger but the Cuban government trying to trick people into visiting the island to spend money there, you remind me of when the Covid started and the Cuban dictatorship was promoting the island as a "safe heaven" against Covid. You are the one promoting FAKE NEWS. I never liked you, now I know why. And by the way, I'm Cuban and I'm in touch with Cubans (family and friends) and what they tell me is the opposite of what you're saying here. Do you know that in two years around 300,000 Cubans walked from Nicaragua to the Mexican-USA border. Do happy people embark in such a journey?

To those visiting Cuba just be careful there, the crime is getting out of hand, specially, but not only, in Havana.

[Adinga]

Quick tips for people contemplating Cuba vacation:

* Get your Covid vaccination and bring the physical card not a photo on your phone.

* Never speak politics especially with your casa proprietor, most of whom are professor's, doctors and politicians.

* Never take photos of police or military.

* The heat and humidity are overbearing.

* Wifi is terrible and not all casas have it.

* Avoid flying Cubana Airlines if possible -its probably the worlds worst airline.

* Terrible restaurants -- Most casa proprietors serve meals and usually charge appx $7 a meal.

* Make sure your casa has a safe deposit box in your room.

* Frequent commodity shortages. Gas, coffee, meats ect.

* Occasional power outages.

* Always count your change.

* don't draw attention to yourself.

* You need a Travelers mentality when you go to Cuba not a tourist mentality. Expect nothing.

* Credit cards can be a major problem. Research currency situation.

* The chica situation changes daily based on police crackdowns -- its feast or famine.

* Great doctors and dentists if necessary.

* The gangsta mentality doesn't fly -- stay off the radar. Theres no Henny, buffalo wings, Sportsbars and don't throw handfull of pesos into the street trying chaos.

Cuba is not for everybody and nothing is guaranteed -- enjoy your vacation.

[Uncle Volodya]

Havana is definitely still popping. It's actually even better now, especially with more access to wifi, throughout the city, as long as you go to the right spots.

Thanks for taking the time to post. This is really interesting info. I look forward to getting back to Cuba soon. Though I am not sure it will be in March.

I'm sorry you are catching flack for some reason. Having met up with Chris a couple of times in Havanna I can assure you the guy is as real as can be. I am sure he is just giving his honest impressions in his report.

It sounds like fun can still be had aplenty in Havanna.

[Chris H]

Hey Chris, you American? If so, Is it a pain in the ass for an American to get into Cuba?

No problems at all. Just as easy as getting into the DR, Brazil, Colombia, or any other country. Actually the process may be easier than other countries, because its very quick, no standing in lines for an hour or more. In to the airport and out to Good Times!

[RamDavidson84]

Hey Rainman,

I have never in my 17 trips to Havana been questioned by any type of authority, outside of the airport, only once for 15 minutes. I will definitely keep that in mind, to warn others of that possibility. I have not been to any other cities in Cuba or driven in the country, so I can't speak of the gas issues and limitations. I have so much fun and LOVE in Havana, that I haven't had the motivation to go anywhere else, yet. As for water, it was at every store or little shop that we stopped at and looked for it. Definitely no issues finding that and also no power outages while we was there for 5 days this time around.

Like you said Hunting was plentiful, and yes they may be poor, but there's plenty of poor women in all countries, especially the USA, the difference is the Cuban women have great personalities and aren't out to rob or kill you, like the USA.

Hey Chris, you American? If so, Is it a pain in the ass for an American to get into Cuba?

[Chris H]

Hello.

I just got back from my 4th trip to Cuba over the past year.

This time I flew to Holguin, rented a car, ordeal and visited a smaller town Levisa.

Car rental is $100 +/ day. Fuel, very few gas stations open, plan accordingly, you are limited to 10 lites each purchase and Must pay with a Credit Card or MLC Card. Meaning You are screwed if from USA. Lucky GF mother has MLC card which I funded, I had no idea this process as she had paid when I-needed fuel each time as it helped communication, but on return trip home alone, I could NOT buy gasoline. Finally I found a nice Cuban man who let me pay cash to him for my 10 liters to get me to the airport.

Airport. Nothing available to eat or drink.

Food, OMG it is desperate. We had to drive 3 different cities looking for a restaurant near Levisa to eat. Basically 1 hours drive. The 1 restaurant we found had a very limited menu. Chicken or Pork. Pork is the basically the main course along with rice and beans. Believe me looked for open restaurants traveling dirt roads the pigs had forgotten. Yes, Havana has a Few nice restaurants. Some expensive. Basically the locals scavenge each day for their meals. Everywhere.

Girls, I was with a GF, but YES. Plenty plenty girls available. Many Free looking for Husband, Go to USA. As for Me, Someone shared my WhatsApp with multiple Cuban girls. So, Basically everyday new girls write wanting a boyfriend. All pretty and young.

My previous trip Havana November, I was contacted and told report to immigration. I had to go 2 different days' 2 locations, I had to explain Why I visited Cuba. Little scary. Each girl I've gone with I make them contact their mother and have her say it is OK their daughter go with me. Anyways I could prove seeing same girl and family several times to authorities. There are presently 116 guys detained Havana from these inquiries, they may have done other things. If you are contacted call US Embassy +5378394200 and report before attending interview. I was most uncomfortable with questioning. Remember, Sanitize your phone. No naughty pictures going into Cuba or Out. Best have phone with SD slot. Save pictures to SD and remove. I carry a spare phone exact to my personal. That IS my regular Cuba phone with blah blah blah on it Only. Yes. They went thru my phone. Remember. You have 1 day to report your location to immigration once you locate to an apartment or family house. Most of the time apartment owner does this for you in Havana. In Levisa I had to drive another city and it took more than 1/2 day interview paperwork with immigration. Mother took care of me.

As for ChrisH, I am glad everything was happy and good. He is much better at finding shops than Me as I have Yet to see such a shop in Havana selling water, candy and things. Maybe National Hotel or other nice hotels offer? I call myself traveling a lot. But never see such. I do know the main grocery store near embassy area is Empty. I would ask apartment owner to get me water as I have yet to see it for sale. Many apartments offer meals with rental. Works out pretty good.

Yes, I have seen girls ChrisH describes, Yes good hunting. Again somewhat sad as economy is So Bad. Many have boy friends and husbands, so really bad.

Anyways, there are lots of things to see, many pretty girls. Be careful on food. I've had food poisoning twice. Second time barely made it home USA straight to emergency room, salmonella, 6 days ICU, not so good.

Yes. I go back.

Rainman.

Hey Rainman,

I have never in my 17 trips to Havana been questioned by any type of authority, outside of the airport, only once for 15 minutes. I will definitely keep that in mind, to warn others of that possibility. I have not been to any other cities in Cuba or driven in the country, so I can't speak of the gas issues and limitations. I have so much fun and LOVE in Havana, that I haven't had the motivation to go anywhere else, yet. As for water, it was at every store or little shop that we stopped at and looked for it. Definitely no issues finding that and also no power outages while we was there for 5 days this time around.

Like you said Hunting was plentiful, and yes they may be poor, but there's plenty of poor women in all countries, especially the USA, the difference is the Cuban women have great personalities and aren't out to rob or kill you, like the USA.

[Chris H]

So, people are happy in Cuba!? You don't seem like a real monger but the Cuban government trying to trick people into visiting the island to spend money there, you remind me of when the Covid started and the Cuban dictatorship was promoting the island as a "safe heaven" against Covid. You are the one promoting FAKE NEWS. I never liked you, now I know why. And by the way, I'm Cuban and I'm in touch with Cubans (family and friends) and what they tell me is the opposite of what you're saying here. Do you know that in two years around 300,000 Cubans walked from Nicaragua to the Mexican-USA border. Do happy people embark in such a journey?

To those visiting Cuba just be careful there, the crime is getting out of hand, specially, but not only, in Havana.

You think I care if you like me? Not at all! I come with facts. Not my fault your family is running around all sad and depressed.

Like I said before, Havana is popping, the people are living life the best they can, it's still VERY SAFE down there, no worries of stupid, mass shootings, drive bys, unwanted murders, etc like the USA. Don't listen to this dude's weak ass nonsense. I have been down there MANY times and am ALWAYS welcomed with open arms!

As far as BBFS, they females do offer that, but I personally do not engage, but the dudes that rolled with me was getting it like that, so they said.

We have a money exchange dude, that comes to the casa, and gives us the best rate available for exchange at the time.

Once again, go down to Havana, don't listen to the GARBAGE this dude preaches, and have a GREAT TIME! We will be back in May, for another EXCELLENT, SAFE, SEXUAL, and NONSTOP FUN time!