General Info

[Catbird]

I used to visit Cuba semi regularly back in the late 1990's. The girls were off the hook and I always had a great time. I have followed the news over the years, and a bit more closely since Raul started to try to change a few things. I'd always thought if things changed enough maybe I could retire there (even though I'm a citizen of the USA). Well, I'm retired now, but my guess is that despite all the talk things haven't changed all that much. Particularly from the perspective of living there. Somebody tell me if I'm wrong. I'd love to hear that I'm mistaken. But, still shitty infrastructure, internet access is extremely poor and all the rest. Still tough, as I understand it, for an American to wrangle a way to live there legally.

Thanks for any info!

[BrasilSoccer0]

Cubans no longer need Exit visa. I. E: letter of invitation!

That would be great if you want to take one back to your country to marry. But seriously, which countries especially in this global economic recession would eagerly give work visas to Cubans! Can anyone think of any country handing out visas to Cubans?

http://youtu.be/e3kDZpzyUOU

BS.

[Freckly]

1. $20 dollars a day. Assuming a 30 day month- is $600 per month, that's far more than the average Cuban makes per month, . Let's assume they make $20 per month, and that is generous.

2. It does not matter if your Spanish is good or bad, you can still get what you want in Cuba without a full command of the language, it does not matter if you are in La Habana or elsewhere.

3. I love Cubans, I love the Culture and their politics and their socialism, but. In general- they will always get more out of you when they can. I rented a luxury casa a few weeks ago, had a great time and it was lovely. I am going back soon and sent an email for a booking but wanted a less expensive casa, especially given the low season. Now when I rented this casa a few weeks ago, the agency said then, . It was low season. Now, when I say I want a good price, given the fact that it is still low season, the response I get is this: They first say it is high season (October 27. Nov 1). Then when I challenge them, they say, . Well, . Yes its low season for the hotels, but no for private casas. Bullshit. Low season is low season, right?

Point is this, their business skills suck. They would rather insult and make up facts and lose a client than to preserve a good relationship and future business. Short-sighted approach. They think we are all rich and can pay whatever price they throw at us.

I have the money to rent the place at the higher cost, but will not.

You do not need a guide in Cuba.

I totally agree with Kalifornication. $20 CUC is not a huge number but a lot of money in Cuba. I have seen guys travelling to Cuba for 35 years. Not a single spanish word but stilll doing fine.

[MrSoulo]

Here's a bit of information that might be of interest to some of you guys. I personally find it very interesting as I would really like to get my own place there.

In June 2010, the Cuban government introduced new regulations changing the real state policy and opening this market to foreign investment. The project foresees the construction of 16 new golf resorts spread all over the island and the long term leasing to foreigners of apartments (up to 99 years) in these facilities. The four initial projects approved by the Cuban government in April 2011 total more than $USD1. 5 billion and it was reported that foreign investors from Canada, UK and Spain will take part in them. The Cuban business partner for these negotiations is Grupo Empresial Extrahotelero Palmares of the Ministry of Tourism.

[Exoticspirit]

I wonder if the lifted travel restrictions on Cuban citizens to travel abroad will have an increase on 'mail-order' brides? Might get messy out there!

[Kalifornication]

My point,

You do not need a guide, . Period. Agreed, if you can communicate with a chica in their native language and "you've-got-game" you most certainly will get much further and more affection, no doubt. However, I hope you are not suggesting that having some Cuban native guide speak to a chica on one's behalf is going to bring you to that same paradise. I think not. We are all Yuma, however, having some Cuban fella (who, by-the-way, hates that some Yuma is fucking Cuban women) speak to your potential chica for the night / day / week is the wrong approach. Those jockeys will ride you all night, all day and all week so long as you let them. You are essentially handing over the reigns to them. This is my point.

Remember this too, take notes, ... Cuban women love and respect MEN. It does not matter that you are Yuma, just behave like a MAN damn it! (smile). Never let another man -especially a Cuban Man that hates you- tell the woman you want this, "... mami, you see that Yuma over there, ... he would really like to know you ..." [I'll leave out their other conversation about how they will ride you]. You communicate yourself, even if its in your fucked up broken Spanish. And stop being such a gentleman (western standard). Don't ask for shit, take it. The first month I was with my Cuban girl she told me this, ... "stop asking me for things, ... take what you want." That is what the Cuban women respect. If you approach them differently, they will think you a pussy. Having them think you a pussy = less love/passion. You/we don't want that right?

As for the average Cuban, . Well, the average Cuban does not work in the hotels. They do not have access to the CUC you speak of. The average Cuban does make between $12-$15 CUC per month. The average Cuban either has family abroad that assists or they do not. The average Cuban does "invent" to get by in some form or another. Perhaps they engage in the black market or they date Yuma. But I suppose the average Yuma seeking chicas in Cuba places himself in locations where he is not confronted with the average Cuban, to wit, hotels, Solon Rojo, Prado, Daiablo Tun Tun, Dos Gardianas, bla bla bla.

Point: The non-average Yuma seeking chicas goes where he can find the average Cuban, and the millage he gains in this respect is limitless.

I love this board!

It is true, the "average" salary for a Cuban employed by the state in an occupation dealing only with Cubans with no other sources of income is $15-$20 CUC. However, as you very well must know, anyone and everyone working in any occupation connected to tourism makes far, far more than $15-$20 CUC per month. These occupations include bartenders, waiters, parking attendants, hotel front desk / concierge / security staff, chambermaids, tour guides, staff at private houses rented to tourists (gardeners, security guards, cooks, cleaning personnel) , chauffeurs, taxi drivers, beach attendants, cooks in private restaurants, cigar hustlers, and of course prostitutes. I would estimate that these tourism related occupations earn anywhere from $100 CUC on the low end up to $1000 CUC or more on the high end.

I totally disagree with your assessment of the need to speak usable Spanish. One's experience in Cuba will be FAR more interesting, informative, rewarding, and fulfilling if you can properly communicate with the Cubans (male and female) in their native tongue. Yes, you will get laid with little or no Spanish but you will have trouble sweet talking your way into specific things you prefer (BBFS, BBBJ, etc) and you will get a more personal and less expensive experience if you are able to communicate.

[Rock Harders]

1. $20 dollars a day. Assuming a 30 day month- is $600 per month, that's far more than the average Cuban makes per month, . Let's assume they make $20 per month, and that is generous.

2. It does not matter if your Spanish is good or bad, you can still get what you want in Cuba without a full command of the language, it does not matter if you are in La Habana or elsewhere.

It is true, the "average" salary for a Cuban employed by the state in an occupation dealing only with Cubans with no other sources of income is $15-$20 CUC. However, as you very well must know, anyone and everyone working in any occupation connected to tourism makes far, far more than $15-$20 CUC per month. These occupations include bartenders, waiters, parking attendants, hotel front desk / concierge / security staff, chambermaids, tour guides, staff at private houses rented to tourists (gardeners, security guards, cooks, cleaning personnel) , chauffeurs, taxi drivers, beach attendants, cooks in private restaurants, cigar hustlers, and of course prostitutes. I would estimate that these tourism related occupations earn anywhere from $100 CUC on the low end up to $1000 CUC or more on the high end.

I totally disagree with your assessment of the need to speak usable Spanish. One's experience in Cuba will be FAR more interesting, informative, rewarding, and fulfilling if you can properly communicate with the Cubans (male and female) in their native tongue. Yes, you will get laid with little or no Spanish but you will have trouble sweet talking your way into specific things you prefer (BBFS, BBBJ, etc) and you will get a more personal and less expensive experience if you are able to communicate.

[Billy8630]

I disagree with most of your statements. I have gone it alone and I have had other guides and drivers to compare Luis to. The $20 I pay him I easily save everyday in cost alone not to mention things are getting done to complete my comfort while I am on the veranda with a good stogie, a drink and a lady. With Luis things happen faster, for less and with a more exceptional outcome.

I do not know anything about you but if you are anything like me a guide is a necessity to make the most of your Cuban vacation when you roll like I do.

1. $20 dollars a day. Assuming a 30 day month- is $600 per month, that's far more than the average Cuban makes per month, . Let's assume they make $20 per month, and that is generous.

2. It does not matter if your Spanish is good or bad, you can still get what you want in Cuba without a full command of the language, it does not matter if you are in La Habana or elsewhere.

3. I love Cubans, I love the Culture and their politics and their socialism, but. In general- they will always get more out of you when they can. I rented a luxury casa a few weeks ago, had a great time and it was lovely. I am going back soon and sent an email for a booking but wanted a less expensive casa, especially given the low season. Now when I rented this casa a few weeks ago, the agency said then, . It was low season. Now, when I say I want a good price, given the fact that it is still low season, the response I get is this: They first say it is high season (October 27. Nov 1). Then when I challenge them, they say, . Well, . Yes its low season for the hotels, but no for private casas. Bullshit. Low season is low season, right?

Point is this, their business skills suck. They would rather insult and make up facts and lose a client than to preserve a good relationship and future business. Short-sighted approach. They think we are all rich and can pay whatever price they throw at us.

I have the money to rent the place at the higher cost, but will not.

You do not need a guide in Cuba.

[Kalifornication]

1. $20 dollars a day.assuming a 30 day month- is $600 per month, that's far more than the average Cuban makes per month, . Let's assume they make $20 per month, and that is generous.

2. It does not matter if your Spanish is good or bad, you can still get what you want in Cuba without a full command of the language, it does not matter if you are in La Habana or elsewhere.

3. I love Cubans, I love the Culture and their politics and their socialism, but,.in general- they will always get more out of you when they can. I rented a luxury casa a few weeks ago, had a great time and it was lovely. I am going back soon and sent an email for a booking but wanted a less expensive casa, especially given the low season. Now when I rented this casa a few weeks ago, the agency said then, . It was low season. Now, when I say I want a good price, given the fact that it is still low season, the response I get is this: They first say it is high season (October 27. Nov 1). Then when I challenge them, they say, . Well, . Yes its low season for the hotels, but no for private casas. Bullshit. Low season is low season, right?

Point is this, their business skills suck. They would rather insult and make up facts and lose a client than to preserve a good relationship and future business. Short-sighted approach. They think we are all rich and can pay whatever price they throw at us.

I have the money to rent the place at the higher cost, but will not.

You do not need a guide in Cuba.

I paid him $20 per day and his expenses if we left Havana. That is for 12 hours of work including driving, getting things, making arrangements, running around while I relaxed, saving me money, finding me somewhere to stay, meeting people, etc. He can find you anything you want and he is good at it. He made my trips (2) stellar leaving me with memories that would make most people look away in shame. Figure out what you want or want to do and he will make it happen.

The guy is very sharp and innovative and will work quite hard for you. I made sure he understood our agreement, the rate and I made payment at the end of every day to ensure we were always square. I made sure everything was clear and there were no special expectations.

For 20 CUC for one day you cannot go wrong. If you cannot speak Spanish you are screwed unless you have a dictionary or the Jibbigo app. When I arrived I did not speak anything but the app helped me learn and allowed me to communicate almost fluently. You have to be patient while translating in this fashion. There are no obligations. Pay for one day and if it is not going to work out cut him loose. If he does work out please post your success for all to hear as he deserves the work and his rolodex will be a little fatter for when I return. I met him through a regular to Cuba who has utilized his services more than 15 times.

When I arrive in Cuba he meets me in the airport and he is constantly with me until I check-in my luggage on my way out. Try one day and you will see. Be fair with him and he will be more than fair with you.

All info was posted with consent.

[Billy8630]

I paid him $20 per day and his expenses if we left Havana. That is for 12 hours of work including driving, getting things, making arrangements, running around while I relaxed, saving me money, finding me somewhere to stay, meeting people, etc. He can find you anything you want and he is good at it. He made my trips (2) stellar leaving me with memories that would make most people look away in shame. Figure out what you want or want to do and he will make it happen.

The guy is very sharp and innovative and will work quite hard for you. I made sure he understood our agreement, the rate and I made payment at the end of every day to ensure we were always square. I made sure everything was clear and there were no special expectations.

For 20 CUC for one day you cannot go wrong. If you cannot speak Spanish you are screwed unless you have a dictionary or the Jibbigo app. When I arrived I did not speak anything but the app helped me learn and allowed me to communicate almost fluently. You have to be patient while translating in this fashion. There are no obligations. Pay for one day and if it is not going to work out cut him loose. If he does work out please post your success for all to hear as he deserves the work and his rolodex will be a little fatter for when I return. I met him through a regular to Cuba who has utilized his services more than 15 times.

When I arrive in Cuba he meets me in the airport and he is constantly with me until I check-in my luggage on my way out. Try one day and you will see. Be fair with him and he will be more than fair with you.

All info was posted with consent.

Billy,

Where does "Luis" operate? What cities, campos, beaches. Etc? Also, what did you pay him for his time and what services he did for you?

I had a great bici-taxi guy in Camaguey. I usually paid him around 5-9cuc per half a day. And paid for his lunch. He would take me on hunting cruises for chicas and will bring me women he knew personally.

BS

[Sabalo]

I have a Cuban contact that I want to share as the guy is very reliable and I hope to help him find more work. He is a competent driver and can find anything you are looking for. He has constantly saved me money and helped me to find some very interesting adventures. He is completely trustworthy and I have seen him retrieve items that are lost when he could have taken them. You must be clear on what you need and want. It is also a requirement that you make sure an employer / employee relationship is created with payment and expectations clearly laid out.

He can be contacted at:

Luis Iznaga: 53-52914827.

Email: Against the rules to post.

Rumbo Jaimanitas, Cuidad de La Habana, Cuba.

He only speaks Spanish but I have a really good app on my Galaxy Nexus phone that allowed me to communicate everything I need so I did not have any problems with my limited Spanish. Please feel free to contact me for further references and questions.

Amigo. I realize that your trying to help your friend and its very kind of you, but please be aware that posting his name and number could wind him up in jail for a very long time. Remember that this is a sex forum and what he is doing is illegal in Cuba. This info should be only shared through PM messages. You should call him and give him a "heads up" on what you have done. I'm not sure if this posting can be removed but please do so if possible. Chalk it up to a rookie mistake but this guy is now a "sitting duck".

[BrasilSoccer0]

Billy,

Where does "Luis" operate? What cities, campos, beaches. Etc? Also, what did you pay him for his time and what services he did for you?

I had a great bici-taxi guy in Camaguey. I usually paid him around 5-9cuc per half a day. And paid for his lunch. He would take me on hunting cruises for chicas and will bring me women he knew personally.

BS

I have a Cuban contact that I want to share as the guy is very reliable and I hope to help him find more work. He is a competent driver and can find anything you are looking for. He has constantly saved me money and helped me to find some very interesting adventures. He is completely trustworthy and I have seen him retrieve items that are lost when he could have taken them. You must be clear on what you need and want. It is also a requirement that you make sure an employer / employee relationship is created with payment and expectations clearly laid out.

He can be contacted at:

Luis Iznaga: 53-52914827.

Email: Against the rules to post.

Rumbo Jaimanitas, Cuidad de La Habana, Cuba.

He only speaks Spanish but I have a really good app on my Galaxy Nexus phone that allowed me to communicate everything I need so I did not have any problems with my limited Spanish. Please feel free to contact me for further references and questions.

[Billy8630]

I have a Cuban contact that I want to share as the guy is very reliable and I hope to help him find more work. He is a competent driver and can find anything you are looking for. He has constantly saved me money and helped me to find some very interesting adventures. He is completely trustworthy and I have seen him retrieve items that are lost when he could have taken them. You must be clear on what you need and want. It is also a requirement that you make sure an employer / employee relationship is created with payment and expectations clearly laid out.

He can be contacted at:

Luis Iznaga: 53-52914827.

Email: Against the rules to post.

Rumbo Jaimanitas, Cuidad de La Habana, Cuba.

He only speaks Spanish but I have a really good app on my Galaxy Nexus phone that allowed me to communicate everything I need so I did not have any problems with my limited Spanish. Please feel free to contact me for further references and questions.

[Questner]

Like the title says, the CUC price went higher than May. It was. 96 to 1 CDN when I was there last month. Now it is hotter and I would think less tourists but it went to. 94/1 CDN.

Why is that? Oh by the way this site shows that 1CDN is. 97 CUCs:

http://www.xe.com/ucc/convert/?Amount=1&From=CAD&To=CUC

Last July when I was there the CDN was stronger than CUC. I hope it happens again this July

Basically the exchange is pegged to USD. Take a look at charts at XE for CAD / USD and CAD / CUC and see them being identical. Nothing to do with tourists. CUC falls with Spain's bailout and will get stronger to June 17 Greek elections. If you want to protect yourself against strengthening of CUC and you travel a lot to Cuba then make savings in USD and find an economical way to save on conversions CAD to USD to CAD to CUC.

[Sammytheman]

Like the title says, the CUC price went higher than May. It was. 96 to 1 CDN when I was there last month. Now it is hotter and I would think less tourists but it went to. 94/1 CDN.

Why is that? Oh by the way this site shows that 1CDN is. 97 CUCs:

http://www.xe.com/ucc/convert/?Amount=1&From=CAD&To=CUC

Last July when I was there the CDN was stronger than CUC. I hope it happens again this July