Havana

[Sangnyc21]

I'm doing a little scouring on tinder, trying to set up dates for when I arrive. A couple of observations to share so we all have some intel.

Most of the girls are open to my suggesting pay for play. Even on a normal dating site.

I am offering 10,000 pesos. This seems so cheap of me since the market exchange rate seems to be 200 pesos per dollar. So 50 US dollars. They are snapping it up. I feel kind of bad about that. 50 bucks? I am considering just giving big bonus for extra good time so my guilt is assuaged.

I have not yet broached sleepovers. Specifically if girls can sleep over. In Mexico it's tough sometimes because girls live with their parents till they get married. Not always but often. I'm realizing I should have made clear that's what I want when I made my offers.

Are you sure tinder has a lot of girls. I literally swiped 5 girls and ran out of girls in my area. What area are you looking. I put 20 mile radius of Havana.

[AmericanPi]

First let me tell it's not $50 USD for 10000 CP, it's morel like $40 USD. Today's exchange rate on the streets is like 265 to 270 CP to 1 USD.

As far as extra $'s for good time, that's up to you but a suggestion on my part, taking some sexy underwear to gift 'them is a good idea. Also, chocolate bars are big. Last thing in case you want to win her big time take a espresso coffee brick pack (I usually bring La Llave 10 oz) available at most Spanish grocery stores here in USA.

Hoping for good times and report when you come back.

Mondo.

Thanks for that and I would definitely will be doing a trip report when I get back.

Let me ask you a few things.

Where did you change money? I have been given advice that I should ask my Airbnb host. Which I will. But just in case they don't give me a good rate. Like if they're taking a cut. So I have a backup.

Bring what kind of chocolate? Nice stuff like Godiva or Sees, or just stuff like snickers and KitKat.

[Mondo707]

I'm doing a little scouring on tinder, trying to set up dates for when I arrive. A couple of observations to share so we all have some intel.

Most of the girls are open to my suggesting pay for play. Even on a normal dating site.

I am offering 10,000 pesos. This seems so cheap of me since the market exchange rate seems to be 200 pesos per dollar. So 50 US dollars. They are snapping it up. I feel kind of bad about that. 50 bucks? I am considering just giving big bonus for extra good time so my guilt is assuaged.

I have not yet broached sleepovers. Specifically if girls can sleep over. In Mexico it's tough sometimes because girls live with their parents till they get married. Not always but often. I'm realizing I should have made clear that's what I want when I made my offers.

First let me tell it's not $50 USD for 10000 CP, it's morel like $40 USD. Today's exchange rate on the streets is like 265 to 270 CP to 1 USD.

As far as extra $'s for good time, that's up to you but a suggestion on my part, taking some sexy underwear to gift 'them is a good idea. Also, chocolate bars are big. Last thing in case you want to win her big time take a espresso coffee brick pack (I usually bring La Llave 10 oz) available at most Spanish grocery stores here in USA.

Hoping for good times and report when you come back.

Mondo.

[AmericanPi]

I'm doing a little scouring on tinder, trying to set up dates for when I arrive. A couple of observations to share so we all have some intel.

Most of the girls are open to my suggesting pay for play. Even on a normal dating site.

I am offering 10,000 pesos. This seems so cheap of me since the market exchange rate seems to be 200 pesos per dollar. So 50 US dollars. They are snapping it up. I feel kind of bad about that. 50 bucks? I am considering just giving big bonus for extra good time so my guilt is assuaged.

I have not yet broached sleepovers. Specifically if girls can sleep over. In Mexico it's tough sometimes because girls live with their parents till they get married. Not always but often. I'm realizing I should have made clear that's what I want when I made my offers.

[Zeos1]

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

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

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

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

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

Mondo.

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



Method of payment: Visa ending in 5101.

Date of purchase: Fri, Jun 09,2023.

Airfare: 142.00.

USA Transportation Tax: 42.20.

September 11th Security Fee: 11.20.

Cuba Government Health Insurance Charge: 25.00.

Cuba Sanitary Tax: 30.00.

Cuba Passenger Services Airport Tax: 26.00.

USA Immigration User Fee: 7. 00.

USA Customs User Fee: 6. 52.

USA APHIS User Fee: 3. 83.

USA Passenger Facility Charge: 13.50.

Total Per Passenger: 307.25 USD.

Total:

I'm not disputing that is what your ticket from the USA has included. But that only applies to tickets from the USA, not from Canada or other places. So we have to take care of the insurance requirements in other ways. That was / is my only point. Don't assume it is included if you fly from Canada, Europe, Mexico, Costa Rica, Colombia, etc. Etc. Now if you are flying to a Cuban resort on a Canadian charter I expect there may be some insurance as part of your cost. But not for just regular flights.

[Mondo707]

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

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

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

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

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

Mondo.

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



Method of payment: Visa ending in 5101.

Date of purchase: Fri, Jun 09,2023.

Airfare: 142.00.

USA Transportation Tax: 42.20.

September 11th Security Fee: 11.20.

Cuba Government Health Insurance Charge: 25.00.

Cuba Sanitary Tax: 30.00.

Cuba Passenger Services Airport Tax: 26.00.

USA Immigration User Fee: 7. 00.

USA Customs User Fee: 6. 52.

USA APHIS User Fee: 3. 83.

USA Passenger Facility Charge: 13.50.

Total Per Passenger: 307.25 USD.

Total:

[Zeos1]

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

It reads:

Health insurance.

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

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

Proof of health insurance may be:

An insurance policy.

An insurance certificate.

A Canadian provincial health insurance card.

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

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

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

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

Ensure the insurance includes medical evacuation and hospital stays.

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

[WanderingMan]

How does your airline ticket include health insurance?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

It reads:

Health insurance.

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

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

Proof of health insurance may be:

An insurance policy.

An insurance certificate.

A Canadian provincial health insurance card.

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

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

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

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

Ensure the insurance includes medical evacuation and hospital stays.

[Zeos1]

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

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

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

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

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

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

[WanderingMan]

How does your airline ticket include health insurance?

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

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

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

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

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

[Zeos1]

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

How does your airline ticket include health insurance?

[WanderingMan]

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

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

Mondo.

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

[WanderingMan]

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

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

[Mondo707]

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

Based upon ISG postings and recommendations, planning included:

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

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

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

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

5. Installed Badoo on the cellular phone.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Link below

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

Mondo.

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

[Sangnyc21]

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