General Info

[El Rey De Pollo]

I have been in Cuba last month (August), and I had no problems at all going with a cuban girl to the hotel. The only thing is that she has to register at the counter and you can stay with her without any problem, but you cannot change the girl while you are on that hotel. I did myself in Havana, Varadero, Guadalavaca, Holguin city and santiago de Cuba. I think Cuba has changed a lot now, before you as a foreigner you are not allowed to go to the hotel with a cuban girl.

Sure, they changed the law in May 2008. But it doesn't change a lot in reality. Jineteras will seldom go because if they have registered three times with different foreigners, they are likely looking at prison time for being prostitutes. And regular girls usually won't register out of fear of being in the books.

You were lucky to meet so many who had no problems registering. Where those girls pros or regulars or somewhere in between? And were they totally fearless of going to a hotel with you and registering? Interesting...

[Pepe17]

I have been in Cuba last month (August), and I had no problems at all going with a cuban girl to the hotel. The only thing is that she has to register at the counter and you can stay with her without any problem, but you cannot change the girl while you are on that hotel. I did myself in Havana, Varadero, Guadalavaca, Holguin city and santiago de Cuba. I think Cuba has changed a lot now, before you as a foreigner you are not allowed to go to the hotel with a cuban girl.

[Jonesie]

Yes. This is because the U.S. (under Bush) threatened to legally go after banks (even overseas) which accepted U.S. dollars from Cuba.

But now that things are more polite between the US and Cuba, they'll be keeping that 10%, thank you.

Cuba sticks it to everybody. You just accept it going in knowing you'll be sticking it to their female population.

[Steven Smith]

I am confused. Is the 10% penalty ONLY when changing from USD to CUC?

Yes. This is because the U.S. (under Bush) threatened to legally go after banks (even overseas) which accepted U.S. dollars from Cuba.

[Misinformation]

Still confused. These retard governments like Mugabe, Chavez and Castro messing with currency confuses things. Anyone with current rates from Hotel Inglaterra or even the Havana Airport something

1 EUR = xx CUC
1CDN = xx CUC
1 USD = xx CUC

I am confused. Is the 10% penalty ONLY when changing from USD to CUC?

Thanks!

If you can change it to another currency other than the dollar for a small fee, then it makes sense to bring down euros or canadian dollars. You will get hit with a 19% fee when converting form dollars and I believe it's 12% with the euro. Lately I've found guys, people working in the rental car booths, to convert the dollar into cuc's for 15% or less. I've heard this business is becoming more and more popular. It's off course illegal.

[Deep Dive]

If you can change it to another currency other than the dollar for a small fee, then it makes sense to bring down euros or canadian dollars. You will get hit with a 19% fee when converting form dollars and I believe it's 12% with the euro. Lately I've found guys, people working in the rental car booths, to convert the dollar into cuc's for 15% or less. I've heard this business is becoming more and more popular. It's off course illegal.

[Vedado Fun]

Worth the hassle? Any CURRENT exchange info in Havana would be appreciated from myself and other fellow mongerers in the land of the free.

I would change to Euros or Cdn dollars. Change a little bit of money at the airport when you arrive. Then when you need more money use a bank to do the exchange. The hotels never give the best rate. Always count your money when you do the exchange.
Current exchange rates in Cuba are usually posted here: http://www.bc.gov.cu/English/exchange_rate.asp

[Misinformation]

Travelling to Cuba soon. I am coming from NYC. Last time I was there (2002) they used USD. I am aware of the changes in that respect. Nowadays is it better to bring Euros or USD?

I can buy Euros in NYC within 1% of the rate posted in the newspaper.

From what I know the 10% only applies to USD==>CUC. This would imply with $3000 spending money I can gain $250 or so if I do USD==>EUR here and EUR==>CUC in Havana.

Worth the hassle? Any CURRENT exchange info in Havana would be appreciated from myself and other fellow mongerers in the land of the free.

[BeersTerry]

A heart surgeon makes about $35 per month. How much do you think an appointment with a specialist would cost ? Make sure you get the Cuban rate and not the Gringo rate.

[La Isla]

I was wondering if anyone knows of Dr's that will work for $ on the sly.


Every single one of them......
What diagnostics does she need...exactly? El Chico is right that almost all diagnostics are available to them for free. I am sure you are saying "mine is different" but I would be very wary of what she is telling you.

[El Chico]

I am in need of help for my Amiga; she needs quality diagnostics for some increasing health concerns; does anyone know of where to go in Havana, that will accept a Cuban! : I am willing to pay in US or Canadian dollars (or CUC).
Any help from the members will be appreciated: I was wondering if anyone knows of Dr's that will work for $ on the sly.
Thanks for this urgent help needed.

Your Amiga's request appears very suspicious to me. I have lived in Cuba for 8 years and lived with a Cubana for 5 and I know from experiences with her and her family that Cuban's already receive FREE quality health care. Whenever she had stomach issues they would do a Ultrasound that day and a barrage of other tests, so I don't believe she is not getting proper "diagnostics". That being said, the best medications are not always available in the peso pharmacy, but you will find just about anything in the Dollar pharmacies.

I don't know how well you know this girl, but Cubans are well known for taking advantage of foreigners that come visit and then keep in contact. Could be a clever deception to get some cash.

[El Cubanito]

I am in need of help for my Amiga; she needs quality diagnostics for some increasing health concerns; does anyone know of where to go in Havana, that will accept a Cuban! : I am willing to pay in US or Canadian dollars (or CUC).

Any help from the members will be appreciated: I was wondering if anyone knows of Dr's that will work for $ on the sly.

Thanks for this urgent help needed.

Look at your PM.

[Bonker04]

You could try one of the international clinics. They certainly have them in the resorts like Varadero. Don't know about Havana but I am certain that there would be at least one. They will look at locals but MAY charge in CUC's. Have used them in the past for amiga's.

B04

[Tattle]

I am in need of help for my Amiga; she needs quality diagnostics for some increasing health concerns; does anyone know of where to go in Havana, that will accept a Cuban! : I am willing to pay in US or Canadian dollars (or CUC).

Any help from the members will be appreciated: I was wondering if anyone knows of Dr's that will work for $ on the sly.

Thanks for this urgent help needed.

[MrSoulo]

Can anyone tel me is cubacel covers all of Cuba? For example, I assume there coverage is broad, but, are there dead zones?

Canadian cell phones from Rogers and Fido work quite well all over Cuba. However, Telus phones does not work there at all...even if u have a "world edition" cell phone from Telus it still will not work. Reason being, Telus does not have an "agreement" with the Cuban cell phone providers. Not sure about Bell cell phones, but since this company uses CDMA technology i very much doubt that it will work there as Cuba uses GSM technology. Hope this info helps someone.

mrsoulo