Havana

[Ty Down]

Having said that, I have no plans to return to Cuba. Facts: The older I get, the less pussy I need, and I've developed an extreme low tolerance for bullshit. I know there are some diehard fans of Cuba out there and in many ways, I understand why. As long as you are enjoying life and you can make Cuba work in your favor; I salute you! As for me, I'll pass on a third trip. I still have some more cities / countries to check out.

As always, just my two pinche pesos.

Great report Tom! Thanks. I'll be in Havana in a couple days. How was the food situation? Can you find a descent steak these days in Havana?

[TomJackin]

Ever since my first trip last May, I kept wondering if I missed something and I have been curious enough to return. Thus, after more research, it was time to return and explore a tad more.

A lot of the logistic information in this TR is repeated from the previous TR for the benefit of others seeking to go there for the first time.

Logistics: Can people from the USA travel to Cuba? YES! But, you must declare one of the following reasons to travel to Cuba:

Here's the full list of categories:

Family visits.

Official business for the US government, foreign government and certain intergovernmental organizations.

Journalism.

Professional research.

Religious activities.

Public performances.

Support for the Cuban people.

Educational activities and people to people travel.

Humanitarian projects.

Activities of private foundations or research or educational institutes.

Exportation, importation or transmission of information or informational materials.

I choose the most common and broad reason; Support for the Cuban people.

What activities count toward Support for the Cuban People?

The category is fairly broad, so it really depends on your interests. In general, you'll need to:

Stay at a casa particular (these can be booked via Airbnb).

Support and engage with local businesses and independent entrepreneurs like artists, musicians, food vendors, filmmakers, etc.

Whatever your interests, you can find a way to support the Cuban people.

Eat at local restaurants or paladares.

Avoid transactions at military-owned businesses.

I know the "People to people" category was replaced with the "Support for the Cuban people" category some time ago. But, as far as I'm concerned, they both mean the same damn thing!

Visa: I bought my visa online at Easy Tourist Card. I bought the green card because I was arriving from Mexico. I paid 35 Euros, plus 35 for shipping. Did I pay too much, I think so. I was told by Aeromexico that I could purchase the visa in Mexico City, but I wanted it before I left. From the US, the visa is a different color.

Travel insurance: I paid $19 for the Med Evac plan from Travel Guard.

TIP: Download the free off / online app called MAPS. ME. Download the city of Havana and you will have the entire city map on your phone. It will also list restaurants, bars, clubs. Etc.

Getting there: I flew round trip from Tijuana to Mexico City, and on to Havana for less than $500.

My trip to Havana: I took the CBX bridge for $30 round trip to the Tijuana airport. I headed to the VIP lounge and paid around $22 for free flowing drinks and chow.

Immigration in Havana: The line was not very long, but I arrived at 10:45 in the evening. I was under the understanding that my passport would not be stamped, but it was (again) when I entered and when I left.

Logging: I stayed at an Airbnb in a great area for a good price. I was the only one in the apartment and the host was great. I will not go into details because I don't want to cause any trouble for the host.

Money: There are two currencies in Cuba; the CUP and CUC. Why, I have no fucking idea.

CUP (for Cubans) 1 US for 25 pesos.

CUC (for us fucking visitors) 1 to 1.

Weather: I was concerned about the heat, humidity, and those pesky fucking mosquitoes. But because Havana is next to the ocean, there was a decent breeze and the weather was pleasant, and without the flying pests!

Electric: The apartment had 110 and 220 outlets. Word of advice, bring a surge protector because there are power surges in Havana.

Internet / Wi-Fi: Have fun with this one! My host helped me out on this. But, the Cuban government does not want outside communication from Cuba. Thus, the internet is expensive for the Cuban people. You can buy ETECSA cards for 1 to 2 CUC. But then you have to find a Wi-Fi hotspot to use the internet, like in one of the parks or other places; it sucks!

Getting around Havana: The most expensive thing I experienced in Havana was the taxis. They all want 10-20 to go any damn where. From the airport or back is 25. Most will bargain, but the really nice classic cars won't. A lot of my money went straight to the taxis.

Warning: Almost all of the restrooms in the restaurants, bars, and clubs have no toilet seats, and even worse, no toilet paper. Thus, bring your own (paper, not seat) just in case.

Venues: I went to several venues and here are my thoughts:

Club Up and Down: This club is near the apartment and for whatever reason, I could not find the damn place this time. Maybe it is closed?

Piano Bar: I was there around 2:00 Thursday night. First off, the place has a butt-load of fucking stairs! But, many options for chicas inside. There were lots of women that were thirsty and hungry; what's one to do? Pulled two for 60 each for two hours. Both were a hoot in the rack!

Went back there on Saturday around 2:30. I partied with two different girls and could not chose between the both, so I took them both, 60 each for 2 hours. Did I mention the place has too many fucking stairs? Both of the chicas were entertaining during rack operations! BTW, show some love to the older woman bathroom attendant; she is a real sweetie.

On Friday night, which happened to be valentine's night, I had a date with the chica I was with last May. BTW, if saint valentine was alive today, I would punch that bastard in the face for starting all this cupid bullshit! Anyhow, we met up on the terrace of Hotel Presidente. This is also a good WiFi spot. Just buy the card, have a drink, and browse as needed.

SO, I asked Miss Erratic, "Did you make any reservations for tonight?" But of course not! Thus, we drove around and looked for some rooftop bar / club / hotel / fucking anything, but no such luck. Hell, in Vedado, there was no room on the Malecon to sit down! We ended up eating and drinking at the restaurant next to Tablazo; called 3 D. More on those places later.

OK, so I really liked this chica! And plus, I trusted her! That was until I caught her going through my belongings in the apartment. And that was the point when I threw her dumb ass out the door. I still don't see any rhyme or reason for what she did. Hopefully we both learned some sort of damn lesson.

On Saturday night, I headed for two clubs in Miramar; Saltzucar and Hola Habana. Both are close to each other. I started in Saltzucar around 12:30 and liked the place. But, unless you are paying the VIP prices, there is no seating to be had. Hola Habana is also a nice club, and I was at least able to score a barstool there. Both places had their share of available chicas. The few I chatted with all wanted a hundred for a couple of hours.

Sofia: I was there either too early or too late on a Saturday evening. Sat for a bit and listened to the band while sipping on a shitty Pina Coloda. Lots of people on the streets and the chicas that seemed available, smiled and made sure I was aware of their available status. Along with the chicas were the cops and cameras; oh fun!

Tablazo and 3 D: Tablazo seemed to be a lot busier than 3 D and I think it was because the food was better. But, when Tablazo is too busy, just move on to 3 D. 3 D has the same view and setup, so if you are just there for a drink and check out the street action, then 3 D is just fine and dandy! There was street action and I pulled one my last night in town.

Caf Bohemio is also a nice hang out in the same area and closer to the Malecon. I never went in the place, but it does seem to have potential!

Other chicas: Before I left, I was talking to three chicas on WhatsApp; all from Cupid. Two I thought were solid and the other was a complete flake. This takes a lot of time and effort, but it MIGHT pay off in the end.

The first one that I thought was solid, stood my dumb ass up. This was after I chatted with her for two weeks before I got there. AND, I chatted with her on the phone just 2 hours before we were suppose to meet. Later I asked her, "Que carajo?" Her reply, "Disculpa. ".

The second one that I thought was solid turned out to be an older chica that was pawning off younger photos. She sent me the updated pics after I arrived; YUCK! She hounded me on WhatsApp for four damn days and nights thereafter!

Street action: I walked down La Rampa twice during my stay. I did see many women available, but also many police and cameras; was not worth my time to play the "Cat and Mouse" game. It was the same on the Malecon. Others have had luck, but I had enough on my plate, so I didn't waste my time.

Overall thoughts on Havana: I loved the place and the people. The people are hurting, but they are resilient and proud! The cruise ships no longer exist and there appears to be a shortage of fuel. I urge everyone from every country to visit this country in order to support the people; enough said.

Having said that, I have no plans to return to Cuba. Facts: The older I get, the less pussy I need, and I've developed an extreme low tolerance for bullshit. I know there are some diehard fans of Cuba out there and in many ways, I understand why. As long as you are enjoying life and you can make Cuba work in your favor; I salute you! As for me, I'll pass on a third trip. I still have some more cities / countries to check out.

As always, just my two pinche pesos.

[Combo]

Yes indeed. I was just looking at the Havana weather forecast for next week, looks like it's going to be on the cool side, with the highs in the upper 60"s F to lower 70's F (20 C to 24 C), and rather cold at night. Never thought I would be packing flannel shirts for Cuba LOL.

I've been a few times in January and it can be pretty chilly. A jacket was definitely needed and shorts were out of the question. OTOH, great weather for going out dancing all night which I like to do.

IMO most people will like November, March, and April best for weather -- not too hot, not too cold.

[Ty Down]

Thr humidity will be there in any Caribbean place in the summer. If you want pleasant weather then go between November and March.

Yes indeed. I was just looking at the Havana weather forecast for next week, looks like it's going to be on the cool side, with the highs in the upper 60"s F to lower 70's F (20 C to 24 C), and rather cold at night. Never thought I would be packing flannel shirts for Cuba LOL.

[Ty Down]

They always look a lot nicer on Airbnb than they are. Cuba is a very poor country. I would spend more on an apartment or you will be sorry. Read all the rules and reviews. Look for a place with a private entrance and a manager that is not close by because if they are the will want you to sign in the chicas with ID and they don't want to do that.

You're are right!

Tucker B, I highly recommend the Vadado area, closer to the Malecon the better.

[AmorPorFavor]

Thank you for all the great tips in this thread! Will be in Havana soon (first time) and I already learned so much from this thread but quick question on Airbnb.

I have a place to stay already but it is with a family member. I need to rent a private place for a week that is open to the hobby. I am late 20's and have no issues with Women here in the states but Cuba is calling my name.

The private apartments on AirBnb seem like way too good of a deal. Some are $15 a night others $25 a night, in the verado and miramar, and around the university. They look nice. Is there a catch I am unaware of? How do I know if the place is friendly to our hobby? Will there be some hidden charge?

Thank you in advance appreciate your knowledge.

They always look a lot nicer on Airbnb than they are. Cuba is a very poor country. I would spend more on an apartment or you will be sorry. Read all the rules and reviews. Look for a place with a private entrance and a manager that is not close by because if they are the will want you to sign in the chicas with ID and they don't want to do that.

[Sammytheman]

My one and only monger trip to Cuba was about 4 years ago, maybe 3. 5 anyway spent 10 days in Havana and although had a fun time but the big big drawback for me was the heat and humidity all the time, like you get out of the shower and your sweating already, for a relaxing and enjoyable monger on the hunt well when your in almost complete sweat most of the time it just takes the fun out of it.

The Tall Man.

Thr humidity will be there in any Caribbean place in the summer. If you want pleasant weather then go between November and March.

[TuckerB]

Thank you for all the great tips in this thread! Will be in Havana soon (first time) and I already learned so much from this thread but quick question on Airbnb.

I have a place to stay already but it is with a family member. I need to rent a private place for a week that is open to the hobby. I am late 20's and have no issues with Women here in the states but Cuba is calling my name.

The private apartments on AirBnb seem like way too good of a deal. Some are $15 a night others $25 a night, in the verado and miramar, and around the university. They look nice. Is there a catch I am unaware of? How do I know if the place is friendly to our hobby? Will there be some hidden charge?

Thank you in advance appreciate your knowledge.

[The Tall Man]

He proved me right that it's a shithole.

My one and only monger trip to Cuba was about 4 years ago, maybe 3. 5 anyway spent 10 days in Havana and although had a fun time but the big big drawback for me was the heat and humidity all the time, like you get out of the shower and your sweating already, for a relaxing and enjoyable monger on the hunt well when your in almost complete sweat most of the time it just takes the fun out of it.

The Tall Man.

[Mondo707]

Will a Canadian card work also?

Yep, Canadian c/c are also good to go in Cuba along with Canadian $$s.

Mondo.

[KilledSoul]

There is not. You can use a Mexican credit or debit card though. M.

Will a Canadian card work also?

[Catire]

He proved me right that it's a shithole.

He is purposefully doing it like a cubano with no fula in his pocket.

With fula you can travel much better, eat better, etc etc etc.

Cuba is designed to suck a lot of money out of your pocket.

Yes, the infrastructure is severely underdeveloped in el campo, in el Oriente. But that's not why you're going to Cuba, right?

(oh and you better speak passable Spanish).

[Riina]

Good video released today. For those of you who want to travel outside of Havana, this guy is putting together a series about Cuba, it's well done.

He proved me right that it's a shithole.

[Kafka]

I mean is there anyway to get money if I run out of usd and CUC. Like is there a ATM that I can use to get cash or go to a Cuban bank and use my American debit card?

There is not. You can use a Mexican credit or debit card though. M.

[MidLifeUsa]

Will be there first week of March. I been to Havana few times but this time looking for a GFE scene and few days with same chica. Looking for advice on how to contact chica before travel, how much does it cost and any recommendation or contacts.