Havana

[Chris H]

I just got back from a four-night trip to Havana on Monday. I was my first time in Cuba and I traveled solo direct through Miami. I do speak (adult learned and not perfect but good) Spanish.

I had a great time. I didn't find it that much more primitive third world than say Colombia. There were no lights on the streets and lots of huge potholes, smog and noise but there lots of great bars and restaurants. I've seen people here disparage the "tourist traps" like the Floridita and Bodeguita del Medio but I had a great time at those places. The drinks are excellent and great Cuban music. Both were Hemingway hangouts and are full of international tourists. Being an American myself I can say this tourist places where there are not many Americans are a lot less obnoxious LOL.

A quick comment to the question as to whether it would be easier to fly through a third country vs. Using the "support of the Cuban people" exemption and flying direct. The entire extent of the inquiry into my using that category of exemption was the American Airlines counter person asking which exemption I was flying under. It never came up again at any point in the traveling. I put together a minimal journal and had it with me, but no one ever asked. The only thing the US immigration person asked was whether I had any alcohol or tobacco products. On the Cuban side they looked at my passport, visa and health print out, didn't stamp anything and said welcome to Cuba. I think it's safe to say at least in my experience no one on either side gives a $hit that you are going to Cuba.

Another thing that comes up all the time is whether the casa Airbnb will allow visitors. I got one that was listed as "entire apartment for your use" and in the rules only said one guest at a time. I had no problem at all. The owner and the host person wasn't around and the neighbors didn't care. On Sunday night a girl had to step over some neighbors on the front step to come up and no one cared or was surprised at all.

The host set me up with a SIM card and took me to someone's house to change dollars at 255. I changed $600 and honestly it was too much. I couldn't find ways to spend that much in four days even including the girls.

Yea so the girls. Absolutely super high quality. Walking through parque central or san Rafael anytime after dark there are tons of super beautiful girls of all types. I did not see even one police person. I'm sure they are there but I didn't see them. The fact that it's so dark everywhere makes it easier. My experience was you can talk to them without a problem. On my second night a totally sweet little 18 yo approached me in parque central before I even got rolling. She already had her identification out LOL. She had a big unattractive friend who stayed back. Without me even asking she said $20 US. We sealed that with a DFK right there and just gave her my address and said stop by in an hour. Pretty much wifed up after that. Once I had her in the light she was almost flawless with only a couple of small tattoos and tiny bit of smoker's breath. She was my perfect right off the farm type. She didn't know how to handle herself so just treated me like any boyfriend. I have had black girls before but always sort of quickies never really got to luxuriate over one. Wow that skin was something I will remember. I brought some Victoria secrets things and that sent her into another level. Suddenly wanted photos and videos. She actually wanted to wear one of the cute little things home and I had to tell her she couldn't wear that on the street LOL. Needless to say I was a lot more generous than $20.

Yea it was a great trip.

Great report, and you solidified everything I have been saying about Havana. You can get top of the line girls very easily for $20 -$30. Police aren't bothering people, and there's plenty of resources through out the city. I can't wait to return in March!

[MoogieBar]

Hey gents,

Headed to Isla de Juventud for some fishing in a couple months. Have 1 night in Havana and would love to experience the local offerings. Staying at the Parque Central Hotel. Can you bring ladies back to the hotel? I read somewhere that is frowned upon.

Any suggestions to make my trip memorable are appreciated!

Thanks.

Moog.

[TravelerXX]

Good to know. My Spanish is quite strong. I've been trying to lock up dates beforehand via the Internet but maybe I should just plan on going there and having the balls to walk up to girls.

Nothing wrong with getting ahead of the game and I wouldn't dissuade you from checking out Badoo. But you're on the right track. Be spontaneous and direct. Once you have a number and commitment to go out, it's touch to screw up from there.

[The Tall Man]

You heard this right, I spent 10 days in and around Havana in August of 2015, can hardly believe it myself.

I have been living full time in Medellin, Colombia for some years now and thinking of a visit this year 2024 to Cuba, generally how is the situation? The chicas? The pricing? Availability?

Thanks for your reply's and suggestions.

The Tall Man.

Here is my original trip review of my 10 day Cuba visit on Post #4193 dated 9-8-15 on these forums:

Havana Cuba trip report - 10 days in August 2015.

Trip report 10 days in Havana August 2015.

Preface Throughout my 10 days in and around Havana I could not help but wonder how different my experience and perhaps disappointment would have been because of the changes in Cuba and P4 P challenges if I had chosen to travel to Cuba instead of Brazil back in 2000 and 2001. But at a simple "flip of a coin" decision and Brazil and European destinations won out and I enjoyed my multiple trips to San Paulo and Rio back in the day.

I do know for an absolute certainty that if I did not have my fellow veteran travel partner Americano573, whom was so gracious to take me under his wing, if not for him my experience in Cuba would have been completely different, so I owe a big debt of gratitude to Americano573. His command of Spanish (this cannot be overstated in its importance in Cuba) his story's & experiences from his 14 plus years of travel throughout all of Cuba, the relationships that he has formed, the way he has adapted to the changes and the manner in which he has mastered his "game" is not only fascinating to watch first hand in action but best of all he unselfishly shares this information (women too) with a Cuban travel newbie as myself. There are others who have sent me suggestions via PM on this board who I wish to thank.

Much has already been written about Havana regards the girls, the police, the bars, the SW scene, the beaches, the pros, the pimps, the hassles, the hustle, the food, the casa particulars, the scams, the heat as yes August 2015 was very hot, and know that it is all spot on so not much to add to this that has not already been discussed in detail.

By design, this being my first trip to Cuba, I decided to stay in the Vedado area for the whole stay. We were roomies together in the same casa which was a god send. This proved very useful as its location is good central spot. You can very quickly spend a sizable amount of money on all the taxi fares for you and carting around your girls. The casa accommodations are relatively reasonable at 25 CUC a day but you can easily spend 20 to 60 CUC a day when you want to go and play.

The best advice I can give others is to learn some Spanish and if not you, like myself, will be a distant last place when it comes to the P4 P scene and your enjoyment factor. Fortunately my partner Americano573 speaks great Spanish and he took concern for me for the best possible enjoyment that I had with the girls.

The second best advice is do not trust anyone in Cuba as they ALL are out to get something from you. There are scams in every crevice of Havana's P4 P scene especially when it comes to taxi and restaurant meals and girls. I have been in many places in the world and I saw first hand how well they play the scam games. I saw first hand all the BS that goes on at the music / dance clubs. After one visit I will never step foot in these places ever again. The girl prices are absurd and frankly beyond ruin.

In my stay I enjoyed the company of about 5 girls a with a few hand picked by my friend. These were from other areas of Cuba so they were low volume provincial girls. I would argue that the vast majority of girls from Havana are spoiled and ruined because of the way some guys throw money at them. So yes IMHO you must get out of Havana to have any real enjoyment other than just a quick short term experience.

So would I recommend Cuba? Will I return? I could only recommend outside Havana and only if you speak some Spanish and are clever and have some "game" to you. This is not a Tijuana experience where you walk into Hong Kong bar and see a hundred very willing and doable Latin girls for $60-$80 no you have to work at your Cuban experience. I would only return if I would spend my time outside of Havana and if I spoke Spanish or had a great wingman as I did.

In summary I am glad I had the experience and adventure of seeing a new place. Cuba is a place that you must see at least once in your life if not for the P4 P scene but also for the country and friendly people. Not once did I feel threatened, hassled yes but in danger no! BTW I was never hassled like we get hassled in Tijuana at the bars, at most one tenth of what we endure in Tijuana.

Without the consent of my friend Americano573 I will not disclose his program but I can say what a program it is, it has taken him years to perfect and he reaps the rewards each day of his time in Cuba. It actually is incredible how much fun and different girls he has all throughout the island. The difference is that he puts in a great deal of effort and I saw first hand the benefits and even enjoyed a few side benefits myself. Thanks again my brother from another mother.

Know that these are my observations and experiences and yours may be different. That is OK. There are many details left out of this report but suffice to say that these are highlights only meant to provide information to others interested in visiting Cuba.

The Tall Man.

END REPORT.

[El Griego]

Hello everybody,

First time I post in ISG.

I have been reading the Havana thread all the way back, but I just took out a membership.

My story: I've been travelling to Cuba since 2010, been there round 20 times.

I'll be there again from the 13th of January till the 5th of February.

I have been staying at the same casa for years, in Vedado near the hotel Habana Libre.

Problem is, they had some major damage with their plumbing in the bathroom and cannot rent it for awhile.

I asked the owner to find me another casa in the same building as the neighborhood really suits me.

He did but the new owner is adamant they do not accept "guests".

I went on and reserved it anyway and I figured I can search for a more suitable place once I'm there.

Could anybody suggest a suitable place?

Ideally in the same neighborhood, say between 21-J-27-M.

I looked around in Airbnb and found some promising ones, but I'd rather commit after I see them from up close.

Budget is between say 30 and 45 euros (or dollars they have almost the same value nowadays).

I paid for a membership, so I can receive pm.

I realize I may be asking too much as a new user, but I promise I'll send frequent reports from the ground and share info and tips.

Thanks.

El Griego.

[AmericanPi]

Cuban women are direct and like to fuck. It's that simple. If you're straight forward with them, they will usually give you their number. Do they expect you to pay for a date. Food, drinms etc? Yes, of course. But that's the norm most everywhere. Do they all ask for straight cash fro fuck? Nope. Plenty of non-jineteras are happy enough to hang out with you and enjoy what comes with that. Maybe they ask you to bring them some medicine next time you visit, but no harm in that.

This is not about one place in particular. Just be straight whenever you come across a woman you like. Get their digits and make it happen.

Some Spanish is necessary.

Good to know. My Spanish is quite strong. I've been trying to lock up dates beforehand via the Internet but maybe I should just plan on going there and having the balls to walk up to girls.

[TravelerXX]

Please do share. How did you pull this off? Specific spots you went hunting?

Cuban women are direct and like to fuck. It's that simple. If you're straight forward with them, they will usually give you their number. Do they expect you to pay for a date. Food, drinms etc? Yes, of course. But that's the norm most everywhere. Do they all ask for straight cash fro fuck? Nope. Plenty of non-jineteras are happy enough to hang out with you and enjoy what comes with that. Maybe they ask you to bring them some medicine next time you visit, but no harm in that.

This is not about one place in particular. Just be straight whenever you come across a woman you like. Get their digits and make it happen.

Some Spanish is necessary.

[JinaWrangler]

Pretty sure I just sent in a 100 dollar bill in an envelope.

I will join this way at some point, but I just didn't have time before my trip. I'll see you guys at the Parque Central Hotel. Look for my report in a couple of weeks.

[AmericanPi]

Nice thing about Havana is that it's easy to get laid for free. Maybe there is extremely little 'point and click' such as the amazing scenes in Brazil, Colombia, etc. It's true.

But in Havana, unlike those countries, it's easy to get laid for free. Sometimes by a purely honest woman. Sometimes but one that wants (NEEDS) somebody to take them out or hang at the house to drink, eat, fuck. Yes, you are paying for the time in a sense, but no differently than in most countries where dating norms make it costly ti take a beautiful woman out..

Please do share. How did you pull this off? Specific spots you went hunting?

[AmericanPi]

I will be there through 1/22. Unfortunately this site only takes Bitcoin to enable PM's (eyeroll).

I'll post a report when I return, not that this pay site deserves my free content.

Pretty sure I just sent in a 100 dollar bill in an envelope.

[TravelerXX]

Nice thing about Havana is that it's easy to get laid for free. Maybe there is extremely little 'point and click' such as the amazing scenes in Brazil, Colombia, etc. It's true.

But in Havana, unlike those countries, it's easy to get laid for free. Sometimes by a purely honest woman. Sometimes but one that wants (NEEDS) somebody to take them out or hang at the house to drink, eat, fuck. Yes, you are paying for the time in a sense, but no differently than in most countries where dating norms make it costly ti take a beautiful woman out.

XX.

[Adinga]

You can always avoid this BS and fly thru a gateway country airport Mexico, Panama or the Bahamas -- IMHO alot less headaches.

The visa is given to you by airline at check in -Yes more expensive.

[JinaWrangler]

Here you go bro, this form is the one I filled online when I last visited Cuba this past January (2023) Make a copy of it before you leave in case something goes wrong.

The link below explains what you need to do and how to go about it.

In case you don't do this online when you get to customs you'll need to do it before being able to exit customs, so it's a good idea to fill it out beforehand, that way when you hand out your passport they have all your info and it goes without saying will save you a bunch of time.

BTW, I'm traveling on the 17th, so in case you are still there, let me know and maybe we can exchange info.

Mondo.

https://cubaniatravel.com/stories/ho...s-travel-form/

I will be there through 1/22. Unfortunately this site only takes Bitcoin to enable PM's (eyeroll).

I'll post a report when I return, not that this pay site deserves my free content.

[Mondo707]

Thank you for the information. For some reason, I had neglected this step. I am not researching getting a Visa for the trip in early February. It appears as though people pay different prices depending upon where they get the Visa. I fly American and it looks like they will sell one just before the flight.

Yep, if you travel American they have a desk before departing where you pay for your visa. First, you pick the one category (usually support for the Cuban people) pay for it and go on to board the plane. Prices vary according which airline you fly. I think the cheapest is JetBlue which was going for $50, last time I checked, that's if you are flying with them.
As far as I know the issuer is an authorized agency not the airliner itself.

Mondo.

[WanderingMan]

Here you go bro, this form is the one I filled online when I last visited Cuba this past January (2023) Make a copy of it before you leave in case something goes wrong.

The link below explains what you need to do and how to go about it.

Mondo.

https://cubaniatravel.com/stories/ho...s-travel-form/

Thank you for the information. For some reason, I had neglected this step. I am not researching getting a Visa for the trip in early February. It appears as though people pay different prices depending upon where they get the Visa. I fly American and it looks like they will sell one just before the flight.