Havana

[Mondo707]

Hey G.

Yes, I came back the exact same way and as many have mentioned, I had zero problems. Cuban customs will generally ask if you want your passport stamped. I prefer to collect Cuba stamps and have had mine stamped 3 times now. Can't wait to be back in Cuba in October!

One other point is that I use the Global Entry so I really don't talk to anyone on the US side. For you guys without Global entry, just track down a hotel name / address before you go so you have some info as to where you "stayed" while in Cancun. Oh and don't bring back cigars or anything silly.

Hey Tacoma,

Hey man maybe we can meet in la Habana in October. Don't know yet if I'll be able to make it but in case I do I'll PM you before that time.

BTW, I went to Cuba this last February / March, I stayed about a month all in la Habana and while there it's the time Obama visited Cuba. Since I stay at a casa particular a block and half from the now US embassy, one day I went there and asked if I could be invited when Obama came to the embassy, LOL I was told no.

But I had an interview with a lady which I thought was gringa (she's cubana!) and asked her if I could bring back any rum / cigars to which she told me US customs allow up to $100 worth of these items. When I went thru customs in Miami I did the ATM entry and I swear I could of brought back 5 boxes of Cohibas since when I handed over the printout to the customs agent he just took it and said "welcome home" nothing checked whatsoever other than my declaration that I filled on the ATM machine. So, yes one can bring cigars / rum back from Cuba, up to one Benji and if one feels lucky 4 or 5 boxes of Cohibas is doable. I got the vibe that they're not really going after us guys coming back like before the relations started getting back to normal.

I brought back a box of Cohibas (25) and one bottle of Havana Club 3 year old, 1. 5.

Mondo.

[Tacoma101]

Hey G.

Yes, I came back the exact same way and as many have mentioned, I had zero problems. Cuban customs will generally ask if you want your passport stamped. I prefer to collect Cuba stamps and have had mine stamped 3 times now. Can't wait to be back in Cuba in October!

One other point is that I use the Global Entry so I really don't talk to anyone on the US side. For you guys without Global entry, just track down a hotel name / address before you go so you have some info as to where you "stayed" while in Cancun. Oh and don't bring back cigars or anything silly.

Tacoma,

Thanks for the excellent reports on your Cuba trip. I would be curious to know what happened on your way back home. I assume you returned to the U.S. through Cancun? How did CBP treat you when you arrived in the good ol' U.S. Of A. ? Did they waive you through without a problem? Does Cuban customs stamp a visa in your passport?

[Guillermo]

Flew from US to Cancun and walked to Cancun terminal 2 that houses Cubana airlines (Shuttle takes too long). Paid for the visa ($25 USD in pesos only) and also the airport tax (350 MX pesos) and was on my way.

Tacoma,

Thanks for the excellent reports on your Cuba trip. I would be curious to know what happened on your way back home. I assume you returned to the U.S. through Cancun? How did CBP treat you when you arrived in the good ol' U.S. Of A. ? Did they waive you through without a problem? Does Cuban customs stamp a visa in your passport?

[BrohamaJohn]

I'll be in Havana next week to check out the city and scope out the nightlife.

I visited Colombia on the recommendation of ISG and had a blast so I bought a subscription. Feel free to message me.

I would love to know as much as I can and what the real deal is B4 hand.

[Tacoma101]

Sounds like Cuba can provide more GFE than other places in Latin America right now. Would you say that? I am travelling for 3 weeks in July and I am undecided about the destination. BBBJ is a must but too worried to try that in Sosua.

I think the GFE experience is more possible outside of Havana. Things have changed these days.

I just came back from Bali and there was so much GFE there to be had! LOL.

[Tacoma101]

That question has been asked 100 times. RTFF.

Hey guys,

I'm have a 1 to 2 week off in July and thinking about visiting Havana. I'm 30 years old and I want see and experience what Cuba has to offer before it becomes another Disneyland. I like to think I'm well traveled and can handle myself with the pros problem is that I speak no Spanish. My question is how important is the language aspect? Should I go somewhere else like DR or CR? Finally anyone of Vets possibly recommend me a fixer (I'm not demanding, just a guy / girl to show me right places for girl and food) appreciate the help!

[Benja85]

Hey guys,

I'm have a 1 to 2 week off in July and thinking about visiting Havana. I'm 30 years old and I want see and experience what Cuba has to offer before it becomes another Disneyland. I like to think I'm well traveled and can handle myself with the pros problem is that I speak no Spanish. My question is how important is the language aspect? Should I go somewhere else like DR or CR? Finally anyone of Vets possibly recommend me a fixer (I'm not demanding, just a guy / girl to show me right places for girl and food) appreciate the help!

[Mr Gogo]

Just heard on news we can fly to Cuba direct from Fll, says silver air? Checked but saying no flights? Any info.

Flights start September 1. Now the race starts which is good for us. I've cancelled all my summer trips to the DR for July and August because the airlines are charging 700 usd for trips. Once Cuba comes into play their will be an adjustment throughout the Caribbean. Prices from FLL to Cienfuegos are in the 300 usd range.

[RacShack]

Just heard on news we can fly to Cuba direct from Fll, says silver air? Checked but saying no flights? Any info.

[Cave Diver]

Well gents, the fourth Cuba trip is in the books. Here are the details.

Flew from US to Cancun and walked to Cancun terminal 2 that houses Cubana airlines (Shuttle takes too long). Paid for the visa ($25 USD in pesos only) and also the airport tax (350 MX pesos) and was on my way.

Upon arrival I had difficulty getting my phone line active as the office was out of service. But more on that in my Holguin report. I used my very dependable taxi buddy and off we went to my apt. $25. Need a reliable taxi guy, let me know.

Well they paved the roads in Vedado! Obama, the pope, and Mick Jagger must have inspired that LOL.

Saturday night-With no phone, I decided to roll solo and catch up with my local friends on Sunday. I headed over to Gato Tuerta in Vedado. Love that bar. Great sound system with their live music and always some candy floating around. Hung there and then went to Turquino at Habana Libre. Silly hot dancers performing there but not much else. Decided to cab it over to Casa De Musica in El Centro. Saw a stunner (Lia) outside and nodded to her to come in. Eventually she did and we started dancing and talking, good vibe. She was a 19 year old mulata and had a silly firm body. She wanted the usual $100 and to be paid up front. I countered with $50 plus a tip for good service and I would not pay up front. She couldn't wrap her hooker brain around that concept so we were at a stalemate. But I couldn't have cared less so I took her number and said those powerful words we all should use more often "yo me voy". Outside the club I was approached by another cutie. She wanted $40 and I was interested. We were discussing the details when Lia came up to throw a wrench into my plans. F word. I left them both in tears (LOL) and stumbled off to the malecon. I met Maria on the malecon where she had waved me down. Wow, she was super cool. Or I was toasted at this point. She offered up $30 plus $5 for use of her place. I though I could possibly go down to the rocks of the malecon and get an even better offer of $15. Haha..

Sounds like Cuba can provide more GFE than other places in Latin America right now. Would you say that? I am travelling for 3 weeks in July and I am undecided about the destination. BBBJ is a must but too worried to try that in Sosua.

[BeersTerry]

Sorry El Patron.

I just got off a plane from the Philippines and was mainly focused on the South America exodus and not all the Cubans crashing the gate in the USA.

I do understand that it had been higher than normal as the Cubans feared that with better relations, the USA Would revoke the special stautus afforded to Cuban refugees.

[Tacoma101]

Well gents, the fourth Cuba trip is in the books. Here are the details.

Flew from US to Cancun and walked to Cancun terminal 2 that houses Cubana airlines (Shuttle takes too long). Paid for the visa ($25 USD in pesos only) and also the airport tax (350 MX pesos) and was on my way.

Upon arrival I had difficulty getting my phone line active as the office was out of service. But more on that in my Holguin report. I used my very dependable taxi buddy and off we went to my apt. $25. Need a reliable taxi guy, let me know.

Well they paved the roads in Vedado! Obama, the pope, and Mick Jagger must have inspired that LOL.

Saturday night-With no phone, I decided to roll solo and catch up with my local friends on Sunday. I headed over to Gato Tuerta in Vedado. Love that bar. Great sound system with their live music and always some candy floating around. Hung there and then went to Turquino at Habana Libre. Silly hot dancers performing there but not much else. Decided to cab it over to Casa De Musica in El Centro. Saw a stunner (Lia) outside and nodded to her to come in. Eventually she did and we started dancing and talking, good vibe. She was a 19 year old mulata and had a silly firm body. She wanted the usual $100 and to be paid up front. I countered with $50 plus a tip for good service and I would not pay up front. She couldn't wrap her hooker brain around that concept so we were at a stalemate. But I couldn't have cared less so I took her number and said those powerful words we all should use more often "yo me voy". Outside the club I was approached by another cutie. She wanted $40 and I was interested. We were discussing the details when Lia came up to throw a wrench into my plans. F word. I left them both in tears (LOL) and stumbled off to the malecon. I met Maria on the malecon where she had waved me down. Wow, she was super cool. Or I was toasted at this point. She offered up $30 plus $5 for use of her place. I though I could possibly go down to the rocks of the malecon and get an even better offer of $15. Haha. Off Maria and I went to her place. We walked together and she didn't seem to care about police at all. But there generally aren't too many in that area. Service was good with her super soft skin. Someone must have given her a good razor as a regalo. Ha!

It was great to be back in Havana! Oh and that was my first service from the malecon. It definitely won't be my last.

Sunday night-Met up with local friends and we hit up a local place. I think it was called El Sauce. It was hopping for a Sunday night. Good Miramar crowd. A few cuties. The night went on but I ejected due to my flight to Holguin the following day.

Read my Holguin trip report on the other places section. That place is the lost promised land, IMHO.

Got back to Havana on Friday afternoon and called up Yeni. She was a cutie I met when I was in a bici taxi in October. I told the older bici taxi guy (despacio para las linda mujeres). Anyways, I hadn't hung out with Yeni until she came over this day. Rocking body, super sexy Cubana eyes. We had a few beers at my apartment around 6 pm and negotiated $60. Service was out of this world! She was what I call a trifecta. Down with any hole. She was even initiating the elusive back door. We had a great time together over two hours. I've always been a firm believer that you get better service in the afternoon and early evening vs 2 or 3 am. Anyways, gave her a nice tip and the only regalo I brought. She clearly won the trophy. LOL.

After time with her I headed out and my buddies and I ended up at The Up Down club. Top talent there but I noticed that almost all of them had the single mom thing going on. I think that might be one of the main differences in Havana these days. Those that could escape are the ones that don't have a Nino to take care of. Just my two cents. Anyways, Up Down was reminding me of a stuck up club in Vegas where nobody smiles. All the girls at Up Down just cling to their one beer all night and look like they are in pain.

After that place we headed to Terraza bar. It's more of a lounge, but still a cool place to have a drink. No working talent there though. I called it a night after that.

Saturday.

I had slept well so I hydrated and was up for some day drinking. I messaged Lia from my first night and she was up for meeting up for drinks and negotiating some plans. We met at Cafe Tilin on Italia. Close to Casa de Musica. We had three rounds of beers there and then walked down the Prado before stopping for sandwiches and another round. It was funny seeing the looks I was getting while we walked hand in hand. Haha. She mentioned the same thing. We eventually ended up at Sloppy Joes for a final round of drinks. She had a shot of tequila that I subsequently taught her how to down. Ha! After that we shared a bici taxi back toward her and my side of town. She was saying something I couldn't understand and she kept taking my ball cap. It dawned on me later that she wanted me to pay her for the time we had hung out. OK boys, let's hear your two cents on that! I called her out on it later that night on the phone and she confirmed that she was asking for that. I hung up on her after a few choice words and that was that. We can't let that crap creep into Havana, IMHO.

My buddy and I met up that night and went to Fabrica de Arte. Crowded and hot but plenty of eye candy (pro and non pro). We found the one place to sit under the air conditioner and relaxed for a bit. Be sure to get there before 9:30 or you will be waiting awhile to get in. After that we were at Up Down again. Don't ask me why. Same song and dance with the sad face crowd. I met a Cuba vet there. He had been coming to Havana since the early 90's. Needless to say, we hit it off immediately and began sharing stories. He and I decided to head over to las Piedras. I'm usually only a fan of that place on Fridays (heard Sunday's is good too). The place was hopping when we got there at 3! Service is terrible there though. I think the bartenders are missing a chromosome. Oh and the there is a nazi at the bathroom that insists you tip to use the one urinal that's functioning. The place is a mess but the girls there are very forward and that makes it a lot of fun. My new buddy and I were having a blast churning through the ladies and drinking. He found one he liked and offered $60 and she passed. We were shocked when she walked for that time of night. But we both knew she would be back and she eventually did. I wasn't in the mood as it was now 5 am and I couldn't see straight. LOL.

Sunday-Last full day for me. Slept most of the day as I was beat from the night before. Was supposed to meet up with Yeni again but she didn't text. Maybe her holes were still recovering LOL.

I cruised the Malecon around sunset after grabbing a bite and then made it down to El Centro and went further in. Was cruising through the "mall area" and saw Yazmin. Smoking body, and as most do, she asked what time it is. Of course 2. 5 seconds later she asked if I wanted company. LOL. We decided to go grab a beer. We went back into the labyrinth that makes up Havana and bought two beers from some guys room. After that we negotiated $20 for a BJ and $5 for the casa. I wasn't in the mood to put in the sex effort. Off we went into another labyrinth. It was a wild experience! She got naked and went to work. Great little worker and took everything like a champ. I was a happy customer. Bought her another beer and yo me voy.

I then met up with my buddy outside Floridita to say good bye and decided to walk the Malecon back. The talent on the malecon around 11 pm on Sunday was awesome! Definitely some good choices. I chatted with a few but I was on a budget now and was pretty tired from walking so much. It's amazing how little the Cubans sweat and the rest of us are dying LOL. I took a few numbers and then grabbed a bite and headed home. Hate being hungover on travel days.

On my last morning, the cleaning chica came in to clean my place. She arrived an hour early and let herself in. I thought that was a bit unusual. I went out to say Hello, and was eyes wide open when I saw how hot she was. I thought that this was surely a set up. I almost made an offer but didn't. Ugh. Lifes little regrets.

Other Havana notes.

-Day use of the Havana Libre hotel is $15 per person plus you have to spend $13 in food / drinks. Yeah that wouldn't be be hard to do. I think it would be a good day date thing to do in the future.

-The massage place mentioned in the forum is located on the second floor across from Havana Libre. Look for the neon sign. They have a sister office by Melia Cohiba. Price was $30. I didn't have the balls to ask if the massage chicas were hot so I passed. Oh and the guy told me that they also do out calls where they bring all their crap to your place. Price depends on how far they have to go. PM for email and phone info.

-I heard there is a great pool party at Hotel Chateau on Sunday's. Someone can check that out as I didn't have time.

-One chica told me that they aren't enforcing the Carnet policy anymore so girls from the outer cities are free to move to Havana. Just an FYI.

-With some great advice, I bought a permanent line for my cell phone and not a temporary one. Same price except now I can keep all my contacts in the phone and I can recharge online. Maybe I missed the memo on this subject but it's definitely the way to go.

-A part of me thinks that if I go again in the summer months that it's better to just stay at Havana Libre to enjoy the great AC, comfortable beds, pool, and Wifi. Plenty of dirt bag houses to use for short term fun. May also consider using Air be and be so I don't have to carry so much cash to pay for apartments.

-I should have brought more personal hand wipes. I'll bring razors and thongs for future regalos.

[Bart1]

From October 2015 to February 2016, more than 18,500 Cubans arrived at Texas' Laredo field office of USA Customs and Border Protection, which includes ports from Del Rio to Brownsville. This does not count other land border sectors, arrivals by sea, and those flying in on Visas (more than 20,000 issued every year legally) into US airports.

Since October 2015,3,500 Cubans have either landed by sea or have been apprehended by US authorities at sea.

Overall, 43,159 Cubans entered the USA Via ports of entry in fiscal year 2015 (NOTE- at ports of entry and fiscal year, not calendar year), according to USA Customs and Border Protection data obtained through a public records request. This represents a 78% increase over the previous year, when 24,278 Cubans entered.

(In summary, since the start of 2015, at least 61,659 Cubans entered the US by land without an authorized VISA, not counting the number at sea and the estimated 20,000 traveling on legal visas.).

US officials say that before the recent surge, more than 20,000 Cubans formally migrated to the US every year using visas (typically temporary tourist visas, where Cubans can simply fly into Miami and then simply do not return back to Cuba) issued by the US government. Adding in migrants who entered informally, US officials believe more than 50,000 Cubans were moving to the US every year (prior to the 2015-16 surge), leaving behind their homeland of 11 million people.

Many Cubans are also using an opportunity offered by Spain in 2008 when it allowed descendants of those exiled during the Spanish civil war to reclaim Spanish citizenship. A Spanish passport allows visa-free travel to the US, Europe and Latin America.

The number of Cubans holding a Spanish passport tripled between 2009 and 2011, when it hit 108,000. Many of those Cubans fly to Mexico or the US on their Spanish passports, then present their Cuban passports to US officials.

The flow has not stopped despite efforts from Central and South American nations. Now Cubans are having to pay human smugglers, instead of simply traveling freely as they were before.

Many of these Cubans are still in transit, as they have not reached the United States yet, or they simply are relocating to other Latin American nations. A large number are now flying to Guyana, in South America, as no Visa is required for travel.

If Cubans are able to reach Mexico they may be detained, but are almost always released and then able to reach the border and enter the USA freely.

Given the broader qualifications for repatriation spelled out in the Cuba-Mexico memorandum of 2016, the following question must be raised: why does the Mexican government release Cuban illegal aliens with a 20-day "safe passage permit," allowing them to then reach the USA Border, rather than return them to Cuba?

Mexican officials have explained that in most cases the Cuban authorities do not recognize their potential countrymen, or it takes too much time. Under Mexico's immigration law, Mexican authorities can only hold the Cuban aliens for 15 days, while they wait for Cuba to recognize their national.

This month Panama flew almost 4,000 Cubans to Ciudad Juarez so they could safely cross into the USA. Panama then ceased flights and said it will close its southern border with Colombia to Cubans. Despite the effort, the border initiative is enforced at legal ports near Colombia and by Panamanian immigration. Those traveling illegally are still moving north if they can travel undetected.

Central American nations are well known for having weak border security and it is possible to navigate all the way to Mexico undetected.

Looks like you done your homework, thanks for the info, very interesting.

[El Patron24]

This is old news. All those Cubans in South America found a loophole in Ecuadors entry policy not requiring Cubans to have entry visas. All they needed to do was to purchase a plane ticket to Ecuador. Once the flood of Cubans came, they quickly closed that loophole. I thought the numbers were more in the 20 - 25,000 area. 100,000 seems high.

Most of those Cubans are displaced persons now and cannot get to America. They can't even get to Mexico as any country that requires entry visas will not let them in. Add to that Nicaragua who is friend to Cuba and will not allow any Cubans to transit the country thus they are stuck in Costa Rica and below.

I like these guys posting facts that get pulled out of thin air and cannot be substantiated

From October 2015 to February 2016, more than 18,500 Cubans arrived at Texas' Laredo field office of USA Customs and Border Protection, which includes ports from Del Rio to Brownsville. This does not count other land border sectors, arrivals by sea, and those flying in on Visas (more than 20,000 issued every year legally) into US airports.

Since October 2015,3,500 Cubans have either landed by sea or have been apprehended by US authorities at sea.

Overall, 43,159 Cubans entered the USA Via ports of entry in fiscal year 2015 (NOTE- at ports of entry and fiscal year, not calendar year), according to USA Customs and Border Protection data obtained through a public records request. This represents a 78% increase over the previous year, when 24,278 Cubans entered.

(In summary, since the start of 2015, at least 61,659 Cubans entered the US by land without an authorized VISA, not counting the number at sea and the estimated 20,000 traveling on legal visas.).

US officials say that before the recent surge, more than 20,000 Cubans formally migrated to the US every year using visas (typically temporary tourist visas, where Cubans can simply fly into Miami and then simply do not return back to Cuba) issued by the US government. Adding in migrants who entered informally, US officials believe more than 50,000 Cubans were moving to the US every year (prior to the 2015-16 surge), leaving behind their homeland of 11 million people.

Many Cubans are also using an opportunity offered by Spain in 2008 when it allowed descendants of those exiled during the Spanish civil war to reclaim Spanish citizenship. A Spanish passport allows visa-free travel to the US, Europe and Latin America.

The number of Cubans holding a Spanish passport tripled between 2009 and 2011, when it hit 108,000. Many of those Cubans fly to Mexico or the US on their Spanish passports, then present their Cuban passports to US officials.

The flow has not stopped despite efforts from Central and South American nations. Now Cubans are having to pay human smugglers, instead of simply traveling freely as they were before.

Many of these Cubans are still in transit, as they have not reached the United States yet, or they simply are relocating to other Latin American nations. A large number are now flying to Guyana, in South America, as no Visa is required for travel.

If Cubans are able to reach Mexico they may be detained, but are almost always released and then able to reach the border and enter the USA freely.

Given the broader qualifications for repatriation spelled out in the Cuba-Mexico memorandum of 2016, the following question must be raised: why does the Mexican government release Cuban illegal aliens with a 20-day "safe passage permit," allowing them to then reach the USA Border, rather than return them to Cuba?

Mexican officials have explained that in most cases the Cuban authorities do not recognize their potential countrymen, or it takes too much time. Under Mexico's immigration law, Mexican authorities can only hold the Cuban aliens for 15 days, while they wait for Cuba to recognize their national.

This month Panama flew almost 4,000 Cubans to Ciudad Juarez so they could safely cross into the USA. Panama then ceased flights and said it will close its southern border with Colombia to Cubans. Despite the effort, the border initiative is enforced at legal ports near Colombia and by Panamanian immigration. Those traveling illegally are still moving north if they can travel undetected.

Central American nations are well known for having weak border security and it is possible to navigate all the way to Mexico undetected.

[BeersTerry]

This is old news. All those Cubans in South America found a loophole in Ecuadors entry policy not requiring Cubans to have entry visas. All they needed to do was to purchase a plane ticket to Ecuador. Once the flood of Cubans came, they quickly closed that loophole. I thought the numbers were more in the 20 - 25,000 area. 100,000 seems high.

Most of those Cubans are displaced persons now and cannot get to America. They can't even get to Mexico as any country that requires entry visas will not let them in. Add to that Nicaragua who is friend to Cuba and will not allow any Cubans to transit the country thus they are stuck in Costa Rica and below.

I like these guys posting facts that get pulled out of thin air and cannot be substantiated