Havana

[Rebel Monger]

What is MN?

Moneda Nacional (National Currency), in this case CUP (Cuban Pesos).

[AmorPorFavor]

As of today or at least for the past couple of weeks, USD is back taking the throne in Cuba. Bring your USD if you have them. The street value is higher than euro or any other currencies. To give an example, in December 2021, USD100 is around 7000 MN and Euro100 is around 8500 MN. As of now, USD100 is around 10500 MN and Euro100 is around 10700 MN. Notice the big jump? Do the math and tell me which currency is better.

What is MN?

[AmorPorFavor]

Reading at your comments, thing doesn't look very bright. We'll see. I have some experience traveling around the world but I rely a lot on internet contacts and Cuba is different. So far I made few contacts on Instagram but we'll see how "productive" they will be.

So a square near Persevencia and the Malecon. Any other place where I can look around?

I have found girls just walking around old town at night after say 10. They will be hanging out in the doorways sitting on steps and other places. Just say hola. They may even approach you if you look OK. Don't worry its safe to walk around at night. Also take a ride with some pedicabs and ask the guy. Some of them know a lot of girls.

[CohibaMonster1]

Long time listener and first time caller LOL. I have been RTFF, but a lot has changed since the pandemic and currency situation in Cuba, So I was hoping to ask some questions for those with boots on the ground.

I will be going to Havana in a few months and would really like to purchase some cigars. I will be touring a few of the cigar factories as well.

1. Can I purchase cigars directly from the factory gift shop or are those types of purchases only done at LCDH (la casa del habano) stores?

2. can a mlc card be purchased in the United States (where I live) or will only be able to purchase one when I get to Cuba?

3. Can I use US dollars in the country at restaurants and other non government owned places or should I get my currency exchanged on the black market for cup or should I take euros or Canadian dollars?

4. I have heard recently that LCDH shops are only accepting non US credit cards, is this the only option currently?

5. how can purchases be made at the "duty free" store at the departure area after the x ray (also heard only non US credit cards may be used)?

In regards to the currency, a lot has changed over the last year and I would genuinely appreciate anyone that can help out.

[DiavelLoco]

Good luck! Be sure to take enough CASH. . and not USD, since USD are not used or accepted now. I think EURO's are the currency used by most travelers now.

As of today or at least for the past couple of weeks, USD is back taking the throne in Cuba. Bring your USD if you have them. The street value is higher than euro or any other currencies. To give an example, in December 2021, USD100 is around 7000 MN and Euro100 is around 8500 MN. As of now, USD100 is around 10500 MN and Euro100 is around 10700 MN. Notice the big jump? Do the math and tell me which currency is better.

[HarryDubois]

I rely a lot on internet contacts and Cuba is different. So far I made few contacts on Instagram but we'll see how "productive" they will be.

A few weeks ago I posted here a lot of links to Facebook profiles of people in Cuba. I think I have two or three posts. Send them friend requests, then send their friends friend requests, etc.

I have no idea how many are actually female or are posting authentic photos. All will request phone recharges however obviously don't give money to anyone you have not physically met.

Also, this youtube video regarding prostitution in Havana is only 10 days old. In the comments the creator told me that it's still $30 a night.

https://youtu.be/QIciYMu6OqQ

[Onojdi]

Reading at your comments, thing doesn't look very bright. We'll see. I have some experience traveling around the world but I rely a lot on internet contacts and Cuba is different. So far I made few contacts on Instagram but we'll see how "productive" they will be.

So a square near Persevencia and the Malecon. Any other place where I can look around?

[Rebel Monger]

Their is no more exchange rate for US dollars? And if reading wrong what is it? Thanks, hard to believe they turn down us money as that's all that is sent over their from all the Florida strippers!!

They don't want the money sent directly to our relatives but to a type of card that our relatives can only use to shop in their stores where they sell everything way over priced. Let's put it this way, we Cubans living in USA wouldn't pay those prices here in this country, but we have too many Cubans allowing them to take advantage of us. As for me, I haven't sent any money since Western Union stopped to operate there.

Even if you take Euros with you, the exchange rate with the government sucks and they're beginning to criminalize the "black market" exchange which right now is over 100 CUP to the dollar and Euro while the "government" gives you 20 something CUP to the Euro.

[RacShack]

Good luck! Be sure to take enough CASH. . and not USD, since USD are not used or accepted now. I think EURO's are the currency used by most travelers now.

Their is no more exchange rate for US dollars? And if reading wrong what is it? Thanks, hard to believe they turn down us money as that's all that is sent over their from all the Florida strippers!!

[Ty Down]

Expect full report with the actual places and prices when I come back.

Good luck! Be sure to take enough CASH. . and not USD, since USD are not used or accepted now. I think EURO's are the currency used by most travelers now.

[NeilGeorge]

it is a cat and mouse game on the streets. Gals won't even look at you if there are police around. And they won't walk with you, generally don't want to talk very long. And they will not be obvious in any way.

Rates I have no idea.

In Cuba the girls respond to a whistle. Like whistling for a dog. Not offensive like in other feminist countries. And they will follow you to your casa particular (private residence or room) walking about 30 feet behind. If you get a cab you may have to tip the driver $10 because they know what is going on and could report the girls. $20-$40 is reasonable for all night. No BB, strictly with condoms. Their government puts out TV ads on their local govt channel. First offense, the girls get a ticket and no jail. Second time they get 30 days in detention, like a jail.

[Kafka]

If your street instincts are good you are going to find the location on the Malecon pretty fast there is a square near Persevencia and the Malecon with benches, and if the police are not cracking down the girls will be walking up and down anyway. Don't forget they want to meet you too. Just make eye contact and if they avoid you, then they're probably not working. If you suspect they might be don't approach them directly but hang around the area, they are really good at it and will probably make their way over to you. I've heard through a friend who lives there that things are pretty much wide open again but you're about to find out.

Not sure what you are expecting. But it is a cat and mouse game on the streets. Gals won't even look at you if there are police around. And they won't walk with you, generally don't want to talk very long. And they will not be obvious in any way.

Don't know if any of the music clubs are open, but other than that there are no places you can go to check local talent.

Rates I have no idea. I have not been there since before pandemic, and rates were in CUC which don't exist any more.

Are you fluent in Spanish? You will not find gals that speak English normally.

Cell service may be spotty or non existent. Same with wifi. Sometimes hard to find although if you stay at a hotel you can usually buy some time.

A local cab driver or tout of some kind may be able to hook you up, but you will pay. Anyone that talks to you wants something, usually involving money.

Sorry, but it's a tough place to work this game. But once you know your way around and can communicate well enough it can be rewarding.

[Zeos1]

Today I just got the visa, the flight is on 9 Feb! Can you please help me with some info? I check the forum and read that one of the most popular place to meet girls is Malecon. I guess our kind of girls are easily recognisable. But can you tell me any other popular places where I can check the local talent? And what are the usual rates for ST or whole night? I tried to find such an info bud sadly did not find any.

Expect full report with the actual places and prices when I come back.

Not sure what you are expecting. But it is a cat and mouse game on the streets. Gals won't even look at you if there are police around. And they won't walk with you, generally don't want to talk very long. And they will not be obvious in any way.

Don't know if any of the music clubs are open, but other than that there are no places you can go to check local talent.

Rates I have no idea. I have not been there since before pandemic, and rates were in CUC which don't exist any more.

Are you fluent in Spanish? You will not find gals that speak English normally.

Cell service may be spotty or non existent. Same with wifi. Sometimes hard to find although if you stay at a hotel you can usually buy some time.

A local cab driver or tout of some kind may be able to hook you up, but you will pay. Anyone that talks to you wants something, usually involving money.

Sorry, but it's a tough place to work this game. But once you know your way around and can communicate well enough it can be rewarding.

[Onojdi]

Today I just got the visa, the flight is on 9 Feb! Can you please help me with some info? I check the forum and read that one of the most popular place to meet girls is Malecon. I guess our kind of girls are easily recognisable. But can you tell me any other popular places where I can check the local talent? And what are the usual rates for ST or whole night? I tried to find such an info bud sadly did not find any.

Expect full report with the actual places and prices when I come back.

[MidLifeUsa]

Can you please share any good pickup spots in Camaguey & Holguin city?