Havana

[Mondo707]

Was wondering if you can help. I've got a week off unexpectedly and have decided to go to Havana before Trump closes the door again. Also I have been to DR many times and want something new rather than the rat race in Sosua or flying all the way to Asia to the Philippines or Thailand.

Anyway I don't even know where to start with Havana. I see I can fly there now from Miami no problem (I am American). But I am lost on what to do next. Specifically:

*Recommend a hotel / place to stay with wifi, close to the action (SW first / clubs second).

*Anyone have a recommended driver? I want to see some of the historical sights without trying to figure out public transport.

*Where are you exchanging money?



*STD's a problem in Havana in general? Although I always use a condom a BBBJ is something I would like.

*How are you getting back and forth from the airport.

Any other relevant info is appreciated.

I promise to write an excellent report when I return as I always do.

Thanks.

Showdown.

Hey Show,

I'll mention a couple of things and maybe by RTFF you can figure out the rest.

To exchange USD you go to a cadeca or a bank. You'll get the official rate which is for 100 USD you get 87 CUC. (CUC is the official currency visitors use).

If you have a connection you can get up to 97 CUC or sometimes 1 to 1 but you a need connection for that to happen. Also, you might take a chance on the streets but I wouldn't chance it if I were you.

As far as STD's the rate is low, but again, if you use a hat that wouldn't be an issue, and as far as BBBJ, in my case I wouldn't be worried about it, just my take.

The standard fare from the airport to downtown Habana is 20 CUC. There are lots of private and state cabs outside the airport terminal. You want to make sure to discuss the rate before you get in the cab. If it's a state cab it might be more expensive, I do not have knowledge on those, maybe someone can chime in on that.

Remember to exchange some currency in the terminal before catching a cab since other countries currencies won't help you to pay for the cab. There is a cadeca before you exit the terminal.

If you want to check historical sites or take a trip somewhere you can hire a cab to take you there or go by bus (pretty good buses) google "Viazul" and this way it's a lot cheaper than hiring a taxi, so it's up to you which way to go. Usually around La Rampa there are lots of taxis and inside the Habana Libre hotel they sell tours to different historical sites. Last time I went (February) I got a rate of between 60 to 70 CUC for 8 hours in la Habana, if outside the city it will be higher.

One more thing I only carry enough money to last me for the day and don't flash too much cash around, not that someone is going to hold you up or anything just a precaution I use anytime I travel anywhere.
BTW, before I leave for my trip from home I make a copy of my passport and once I arrive at the casa / hotel I stash my passport in the safe and only take it out when I need to exchange currency, that way there's no chance of it getting lost / misplaced. Also, when you exchange currency that's the time you need the passport with you otherwise you'll not be able to do the transaction. I only carry a copy of my passport, unless I'm exchanging money.

One more thing, 2 things to avoid when going to Cuba are porno and drugs. So, if you take any of those and get caught at the terminal when going thru security you prolly will be sent back to where you came from.

Hope this will help you out and like you promised make sure to write a report when you get back.

Mondo.

[Mondo707]

I'm currently arranging a trip, too. Have booked airfare last week of July. Haven't been there before but maybe someone can benefit from what I've learned so far.

I've booked an Airbnb apartment for a week. Have only seen lackluster reviews of hotels and Airbnb has many choices, all over the city. The renters often give indications in the descriptions of whether they are agreeable for "visitors" to come back to your place. Read a few and you'll see what I mean.

Another benefit of Airbnb is that they almost all offer to have you picked up at the airport.

According to the earlier posts, there is some question on the 10% penalty for changing US dollars. If you have time to wait, the problem might go away. That's what I'm hoping.

Hey C200,

I think you'll enjoy your trip, if this is your 1st time a couple of things: 1st, experience counts as far as Cuba (this applies to almost all places one visits for the 1st time) goes and it might be advisable to go Airbnb to make things easier. For more risk takers I'd suggest to google "casa particular" or Cuban Junky and you'll find lots of places to peruse and it'll be cheaper than Airbnb.

2nd, don't wait for the 10% gravamen to go away anytime soon. Not before your trip anyway. Cuba's government will not drop it until they can freely use USD, and that won't happen till the embargo is dropped.

Having said those 2 things, just enjoy your trip and report back your adventures both good and bad when you get back.

Mondo.

[SosaComb]

Just Recently got home from Cuba and it was the first time I've taken the plunge in international waters. Let me tell you it might seem like you'll have to go somewhere specific but it was way easier than I ever expected. Me and my friend were walking down Obispo (popular street with many bars) and I literally walked up to a random local who was giving bike carriage rides and I said "Donde esta las chicas. " immediately the guy knew exactly what I was talking about and he took me to this smaller bar two blocks off of Obispo. As I waited there he sent his friend to bring back two girls to see if we were interested in them. We were just looking for something easy so he brought back two 7/8 out 10 dark skin girls. After that he told us we had pay for a room which was 20 cuc. I only want a BJ so it cost me an additional 40 cuc. The girl was amazing took about 15 minutes and I was on my way.

The next day I went back out looking for some more fun on Obispo and I happened to run into the friend who brought the girls to us the night before. He took me to the same bar and this time he asked if I wanted a black, mulatto or white girl. Something the guy the night before didn't ask. I said I wanted to try either white or mulatto this time and a few minutes later the most beautiful girl I've seen in this line of work walked up to my table. We talked for a bit, I bought her a mojito and we went back to her building. She was amazing, a spinner with some be perky breasts and a nice round ass I wanted the full experience and it cost another 20 cuc for the room and 80 for the FS. I popped after 10 minutes and I begged her to go again, she let me have a second round after I gave her another 10 cuc.

All I have to say is WOW and I highly recommend spending time in Havana. If you are looking for fun just talk to the locals and you will find so many of the girls are in this line of work. A tip would be to specify what type of girls you are looking for (white, black or mulatto) and to determine the price before you go in. And bring your own protection. I was charged 20 cuc for a pack of 3 condoms. At first it will seem sketchy going into these dark small apartments with people around you speaking a different language but all the people there are just looking for some extra money and both of my experiences were really safe.

Go to Cuba while you can before the current administration fucks it all up.

===========================================

EDITOR's NOTE: This report was originally written in ALL CAPITAL LETTERING and thus was edited to normal case text. Writing in ALL CAPITAL LETTERING in the internet equivalent of shouting and is thus is prohibited on this forum.

In the future, please do not write reports in ALL CAPITAL LETTERING. Thanks!

[Centurion200]

Was wondering if you can help. I've got a week off unexpectedly and have decided to go to Havana before Trump closes the door again. Also I have been to DR many times and want something new rather than the rat race in Sosua or flying all the way to Asia to the Philippines or Thailand.

Anyway I don't even know where to start with Havana. I see I can fly there now from Miami no problem (I am American). But I am lost on what to do next. Specifically:

*Recommend a hotel / place to stay with wifi, close to the action (SW first / clubs second).

*Anyone have a recommended driver? I want to see some of the historical sights without trying to figure out public transport.

*Where are you exchanging money?.

I'm currently arranging a trip, too. Have booked airfare last week of July. Haven't been there before but maybe someone can benefit from what I've learned so far.

I've booked an Airbnb apartment for a week. Have only seen lackluster reviews of hotels and Airbnb has many choices, all over the city. The renters often give indications in the descriptions of whether they are agreeable for "visitors" to come back to your place. Read a few and you'll see what I mean.

Another benefit of Airbnb is that they almost all offer to have you picked up at the airport.

According to the earlier posts, there is some question on the 10% penalty for changing US dollars. If you have time to wait, the problem might go away. That's what I'm hoping.

[Showdown]

Was wondering if you can help. I've got a week off unexpectedly and have decided to go to Havana before Trump closes the door again. Also I have been to DR many times and want something new rather than the rat race in Sosua or flying all the way to Asia to the Philippines or Thailand.

Anyway I don't even know where to start with Havana. I see I can fly there now from Miami no problem (I am American). But I am lost on what to do next. Specifically:

*Recommend a hotel / place to stay with wifi, close to the action (SW first / clubs second).

*Anyone have a recommended driver? I want to see some of the historical sights without trying to figure out public transport.

*Where are you exchanging money?

*STD's a problem in Havana in general? Although I always use a condom a BBBJ is something I would like.

*How are you getting back and forth from the airport.

Any other relevant info is appreciated.

I promise to write an excellent report when I return as I always do.

Thanks.

Showdown.

[Mr Gogo]

'Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez said Thursday that Cuba had decided to do away with a 10 percent penalty Cuba charges on exchanges of USA Dollars but only if new USA Banking measures allow improved Cuban access to the international banking system.

The new rules make it clear USA Financial institutions will be able to process cash, travellers checks and other USA Dollar-denominated monetary instruments indirectly presented by Cuban financial institutions and that correspondent accounts at third-country financial institutions used for such Cuban transactions may be denominated in USA Dollars.

Rodriguez said in the next few days Cuba would try to make dollar transfers through third-party banking institutions and if they prove successful and don't result in sanctions against the banks, Cuba would eliminate the 10 percent surcharge."

Read more here: http://www.miamiherald.com/news/nati...e66775447.html#storylink=cpy.

Its the Cubans who are responsible for the ten percent tax.

[Mr Gogo]

Her Mr G.

I've explained this before, I'll do it one more time.

To eliminate the 13% gravamen on the USD the embargo has to be lifted.

BTW, it's not actually 13%, it's 10% since ANY currency you bring into the country gets a 3% exchange tacked on when when you do the transaction.

So, Just so you understand without the embargo being lifted there won't be a change to eliminate this 10% gravamen.

Yeah, I too would love to see this 10% eliminated and soon. It's not in anybody's best interest to have this go on.

BTW, when are you heading down?

Mondo.

Hey Mondo,

With airline prices so high for the DR (just returned from there yesterday) I will probably sneak in a Havana trip soon because prices are 250 usd.

I thought last April an agreement was reached that once Cuba completed a few international transactions that the ten percent penalty on American dollars would be lifted? They find ways around the embargo, just like they did for travel. I thought the penalty was Castros response to being alienated from international banking. So it's not really the embargo that prevents Castro from lifting the penalty. The embargo doesn't state that American dollars must be taxed ten percent.

I could be wrong but that was my understanding.

[Mondo707]

Her Mr G.

I've explained this before, I'll do it one more time.

To eliminate the 13% gravamen on the USD the embargo has to be lifted.

BTW, it's not actually 13%, it's 10% since ANY currency you bring into the country gets a 3% exchange tacked on when when you do the transaction.

So, Just so you understand without the embargo being lifted there won't be a change to eliminate this 10% gravamen.

Yeah, I too would love to see this 10% eliminated and soon. It's not in anybody's best interest to have this go on.

BTW, when are you heading down?

Mondo.

[Mr Gogo]

Hey Talion,

Thanks for posting. There are rumors that El Trompo might roll back a lot of the Obama rules starting maana! Let's hope not but wouldn't surprised me one bit.

BTW, in case you read this board before next Friday make sure and check La Esencia this coming Friday as it's supposed to be the best day of the week at this joint.

Keep having FUN and report back.

Mondo.

I'm hoping he goes at the 13 percent on the American dollar first. The airlines are heavily invested in Cuba so limiting travel won't be good, but then again he has the South Florida crew who voted heavily for him to please.

[Mr Gogo]

Had some good luck finding girls in November at a little hole in the wall club right next to the famous Jazz club Zorra why El Cuervo (sorry I forget the name.) It is just up the street and you have to go down a flight of stairs into a courtyard and then in the club. Is it still open?

That's Tikoa.

[Uncle Volodya]

Things are changing rapidly here. Staying in Vedado near la Rampa. Salon Rojo appears to be closed permanently now, but does open for special events. La Cecilia also appears to be closed, although this is less thn 100% verified. The taxistas just say they don't remember it being open lately. Definitely closed Saturday though. Dropped back from there to Casa de la Musica Miramar. Huge Amermrican presence, mostly from New York, guys and girls. So many that they drove the working girls out into the street, literally. Too many squares in the club for the girls to make a inside. They were clearly unhappy. Tikoa still has too many kids but Sofia's is good. Lots of street action, not so much on the Malecon. St, John's appears to have picked up the slack where Salon Rojo left off. 5 CUC entry also gets you a free drink. Drinks are small and cost too much, but 100% P4 P inside, and prices for girls much lower than they used to be at Rojo. No roblem getting girls out for 40 CUC. A few girls at Gato Tuerto but not really a mongering spot. Street price holding steady at 30 CUC.

Will report back with more as I go along.

Had some good luck finding girls in November at a little hole in the wall club right next to the famous Jazz club Zorra why El Cuervo (sorry I forget the name.) It is just up the street and you have to go down a flight of stairs into a courtyard and then in the club. Is it still open?

[Mondo707]

Things are changing rapidly here. Staying in Vedado near la Rampa. Salon Rojo appears to be closed permanently now, but does open for special events. La Cecilia also appears to be closed, although this is less thn 100% verified. The taxistas just say they don't remember it being open lately. Definitely closed Saturday though. Dropped back from there to Casa de la Musica Miramar. Huge Amermrican presence, mostly from New York, guys and girls. So many that they drove the working girls out into the street, literally. Too many squares in the club for the girls to make a inside. They were clearly unhappy. Tikoa still has too many kids but Sofia's is good. Lots of street action, not so much on the Malecon. St, John's appears to have picked up the slack where Salon Rojo left off. 5 CUC entry also gets you a free drink. Drinks are small and cost too much, but 100% P4 P inside, and prices for girls much lower than they used to be at Rojo. No roblem getting girls out for 40 CUC. A few girls at Gato Tuerto but not really a mongering spot. Street price holding steady at 30 CUC.

Will report back with more as I go along.

Hey Talion,

Thanks for posting. There are rumors that El Trompo might roll back a lot of the Obama rules starting mañana! Let's hope not but wouldn't surprised me one bit.

BTW, in case you read this board before next Friday make sure and check La Esencia this coming Friday as it's supposed to be the best day of the week at this joint.

Keep having FUN and report back.

Mondo.

[Talion]

Things are changing rapidly here. Staying in Vedado near la Rampa. Salon Rojo appears to be closed permanently now, but does open for special events. La Cecilia also appears to be closed, although this is less thn 100% verified. The taxistas just say they don't remember it being open lately. Definitely closed Saturday though. Dropped back from there to Casa de la Musica Miramar. Huge Amermrican presence, mostly from New York, guys and girls. So many that they drove the working girls out into the street, literally. Too many squares in the club for the girls to make a inside. They were clearly unhappy. Tikoa still has too many kids but Sofia's is good. Lots of street action, not so much on the Malecon. St, John's appears to have picked up the slack where Salon Rojo left off. 5 CUC entry also gets you a free drink. Drinks are small and cost too much, but 100% P4 P inside, and prices for girls much lower than they used to be at Rojo. No roblem getting girls out for 40 CUC. A few girls at Gato Tuerto but not really a mongering spot. Street price holding steady at 30 CUC.

Will report back with more as I go along.

[Dickhead]

Hey DH,

I've NEVER seen ANYONE asked for their ID before buying alcohol in Cuba. If you have the dough then you're good to go.

I'll summarize it with this quote;.

"the sale of rum is widespread in Cuba and I never heard that someone was asked his age. In practice the Cubans are flexible with this rules. Said one Cuban jokingly, the moment you can open a bottle in Cuba. You can drink. ".

Mondo.

Yes, that's true in a lot of parts of Latin America. Hence the use of the word "allegedly. ".

[Mondo707]

While it's true there is no legal drinking age in Cuba, you (theoretically) must be 16 to buy it.

Hey DH,

I've NEVER seen ANYONE asked for their ID before buying alcohol in Cuba. If you have the dough then you're good to go.

I'll summarize it with this quote;.

"the sale of rum is widespread in Cuba and I never heard that someone was asked his age. In practice the Cubans are flexible with this rules. Said one Cuban jokingly, the moment you can open a bottle in Cuba. You can drink. ".

Mondo.